Battle 4 Betsy

Fight Against Brain Cancer

Sadly, Betsy was diagnosed with brain cancer and has been told by her doctors that her options locally have been exhausted. She has found new hope though Stanford Medical and they have agreed to take her as a patient and perform the life saving surgery needed. Unfortunately, these doctors are out-of-network and not covered. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.

Fundraiser September 4, 2022

12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Elks Lodge, San Clemente
1505 N. El Camino Real

Food, Live Music, Silent Auction, Raffle Prizes and Full Bar

Tickets available now or purchase at the door
$50 per person
$20 per child (12 and under)

All proceeds will go directly towards Betsy’s medical expenses

For information call 949.498.8566 or email gennieneidermayer@gmail.com

Royal Gold Group

Rare Coins • Precious Metals • New & Estate Jewelry

As Summer arrived in June, Ali Soltani proudly opened up his newest store in Capo Beach on Doheny Park Road. Taking his passion for collecting coins, which started when he was a six-year-old boy, Ali opened his first store in Tustin several years ago. Following in his father’s footsteps, when the opportunity arose for Royal Gold Group to relocate to our coastal community, Ali jumped at the chance. “I was looking for a larger space and I love the beach,’’ says Ali. 

Word of mouth is spreading quickly. He has been so grateful to his new clientele who are sharing their positive experiences working with Ali. Royal Gold Group appraises not only coins, but precious metals, estate jewelry and offers a selection of beautiful new jewelry to their customers. 

Ali shared a recent story when a 92-year-old gentleman walked in with a box of coins. The customer asked Ali what he would give him for his junk silver. As the senior tossed the coins down on the table, Ali politely suggested he may want to be careful with his collection. Ali inspected the coins, and explained that each piece was worth $1,000, and they definitely weren’t junk silver. The customer stated he had shown the coins to three other shops who offered him $20 per coin. Ali discovered that this savvy gentleman was evaluating the integrity of the other coin store owners. He knew the value of his silver and was testing Ali, who he proceeded to do business with that day. 

Ali said unfortunately some of his competitors try to take advantage of the elderly. “I didn’t open my store here in Capo Beach to be dishonest with my clientele. I really do care. My dad is 92. These seniors worked hard to earn and invest in their coins. They deserve to be honestly compensated for their collections,” he added. 

Whether you’d like to start your child with collecting Disneyland and kid-focused coins, or you’d like a private appointment to have your family’s estate jewelry or coin collection appraised, the professionals at Royal Gold Group can assist. Ali summed up our conversation, “We are here to stay. That’s our goal and business model!” 

Royal Gold Group
34291 Doheny Park Rd
Capo Beach (next to post office)
949.426.0901
RoyalGoldGroup.com

Sendero Dental Studio

Something To Smile About

by Victoria Kertz

Imagine a dentist office with cozy, spa-like interiors, soft lighting, and a staff so warm and friendly that upon entering, you gain an instant sense of calm. Sendero Dental Studio offers this and more — a tranquil setting for your next dental appointment at one of the best-reviewed practices in South Orange County. 

Dr. Jeffrey Barrera launched Sendero Dental Studio in Rancho Mission Viejo as an intimate alternative to his existing Rancho Santa Margarita office, a large and very busy location that’s tidied up the teeth of hundreds of local families for decades. While both sites boast state-of-the-art dental equipment, the latest treatments and a knowledgeable staff, the new studio was designed for maximum relaxation and comfort. Sendero’s minimalist décor, in neutral shades of white and grey, feels less like a scene for a root canal and more like the lobby of a luxury retreat. 

Dr. Barrera’s friendly and convenient practice values a patient’s time and his team ensures you’re in and out as efficiently as possible…with a smile. Dozens of 5-star Yelp and Google reviews offer testament to the exceptional level of care. One reviewer wrote, “Dr. Barrera and his staff at Sendero Dental are awesome. It had been a little too long since my last dentist visit and they made me feel super comfortable and explained everything clearly.” 

That’s all part of the Dr. Barrera experience: a prompt, professional appointment with cheerful service and an honest assessment. If you’re in good oral health and no extra work is needed, that’s what you’ll hear. Or, as Dr. Barrera says, “We call it like it is!” 

Dr. Barrera approaches every patient as a member of the family, as does Dr. Tyler Kisling, who recently joined the Sendero Dental Studio. Hailing from Fresno, Dr. Kisling brings eight years of experience and a fresh perspective. After particularly work-intensive treatments, he’s known for calling patients at the end of the day to check in. “Dr. Kisling and I are on the same page,” Dr. Barrera says. 

For some, visiting a dentist, no matter how serene the atmosphere, generates feelings of apprehension. That’s why both offices are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to deliver the best possible outcomes with the least amount of discomfort. Remember “impressions” created with unpalatable trays of green, goopy material? Well, you won’t find those at Dr. Barrera’s offices.

He uses iTero, a laser scanner that creates a virtual model of your teeth in just five minutes, expediting the treatment process. If a crown is required, the fabrication time is reduced from more than two weeks to a mere three to five days. 

With iTero, Dr. Barrera has the capability to show you the interior of your mouth and the positioning of teeth, essentially in real time. The technology allows practitioners to treat patients more precisely and provides before-and-after video simulation of how corrective measures would improve the health of your teeth. 

Patients love the scan because it saves them time, but dentists love iTero’s ability to detect decay, minute chips in teeth, and gum recession. It also enables the office to maintain a chronological record of your oral health as a companion view to traditional x-rays. 

Technology aside, Dr. Barrera knows that superior care and personal interactions make a dentist visit successful, not the equipment. “If we build trusting relationships that last a lifetime, that’s what’s most rewarding to me,” he says. 

If you’re looking for a new dentist to care for your entire family, a second opinion, or referral, schedule a consultation at 949.371.8533. 

Sendero Dental Studio
30901 Gateway Place, Suite F5
Rancho Mission Viejo
949.371.8533
SenderoDental.com

San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival

A highly anticipated, fun-filled weekend is right around the corner! The San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, returns to San Juan Capistrano for its 9th annual celebration of Greek culture on Saturday and Sunday, September 24th and 25th. The event is chock-full of authentic Greek food and drink, live music, traditional Greek dancing, souvenir shopping at the Greek Bazaar, and a fully-loaded Kids Zone. There will be a raffle drawing for a grand prize vacation for two to Greece! 

Authentic and delicious Greek fare, including favorites such as Gyros, Mediterranean-seasoned Lamb Chops, Souvlaki (kebabs), Spanakopita (savory spinach pastry), Tiropita (layered cheese pastry), Pastitsio (Greek lasagna) and Greek Salads will tempt and tantalize festival attendees. You’ll enjoy handmade Greek delicacies from traditional family recipes, including mouth-watering Baklava, powdered sugar Kourambiethes and honey-dipped Loukoumades (Greek donut holes) along with traditional Greek coffee and refreshing iced coffee Frappés. Debuting this year at Greek Fest, Feta Bites — a lightly breaded and deep fried feta cheese with a marinara dipping sauce. 

Don’t miss the popular “Taverna” with a sports bar twist – equipped with big-screen satellite TVs where guests can enjoy domestic favorites, as well as Greek beer, wine and Ouzo. Stroll through the Festival’s Greek Vendor Marketplace where you’ll find an assortment of unique ingredients (including Greek olive oil, honey, teas, and spices) along with an array of themed souvenirs, gifts, jewelry and books to tempt shoppers of all ages. 

The Greek word “Kefi” means the spirit of joy, fun and a passion for life. You’re sure to feel Kefi as you’re transported to the enchanting country of Greece by the sights, sounds and culinary delights of this fun-packed Festival weekend. Within seconds, the live music and Greek dancing will have you on your feet, expressing your inner-Kefi with shouts of “Opa!” and an unusual desire to break plates (don’t worry… easy-to-follow lessons are provided). The Saint Basil award-winning dance troupes will also perform traditional dances in authentic costumes representing different regions of Greece. 

Hours for the festival are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is free all weekend long. 

For more information on the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, please call 949-542-3445, or visit SJCGreekfest.org or the event’s on Facebook and Instagram @SJCGreekFest. 

San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
San Juan Capistrano Community Center
25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano 

Trestles Chiropractic

The ULTIMATE Resource for Structural Correction

by Veronica Badzey

Since 2013, Trestles Chiropractic has provided the ultimate modern chiropractic care. Dr. Ryan Anderson and his team of professionals are focused on delivering pain relief, but they ultimately want to see you thrive. They believe the first step in the treatment process is listening to their patients in order to determine the origin of each ache and pain.

“No guesswork here,” Dr. Ryan says. “It’s all about the patient. We want to know what’s going on with you.” Life events, traumas, and past injuries can all wreak havoc on a body, so open communication helps to formulate the most impactful treatments and suggest realistic lifestyle changes to prevent further pain. After a complimentary consultation, patients can sign up for an initial examination, which includes a set of fully digital x-Rays, performed on-site. The practice saves patients time and money by eliminating the drive to an imaging center. Trestles Chiropractic has the ability to offer test results within just a few minutes. Once Dr. Ryan or Dr. Ashley, who joined the team in early 2022, have reviewed the x-Rays, their hands-on work can safely begin.

Treatments offered by the physicians at Trestles are as varied and unique as the conditions they address. When it comes to spinal adjustments, Trestles utilizes the diversified technique, which involves using manual pressure to restore proper movement. Traditional and state-ofthe- art chiropractic devices provide lower force techniques for patients with conditions like osteoporosis. Laser therapy is also available for those suffering from joint and soft tissue injuries.

Dr. Ryan says massage therapy is one of the most effective treatments for repetitive stress disorders, pelvic instability, and shoulder injuries resulting from vehicle collisions. He has a team of three massage therapists with 60 years of combined experience to specifically treat these patients. Dr. Ryan feels that true therapeutic massage with a doctor’s input lets two sets of hands diagnose or track an injury, even if that injury resulted from an incident that took place years ago.

“Pain is the last symptom to show up. If you just threw out your back, that didn’t just happen. That was the ‘last straw’ that resulted from something else,” he says. If you want to avoid future pain, consider chiropractic treatment as a preventative measure, before symptoms arise.

Do you have an action-packed vacation on the horizon? If your plans include backpacking, surfing, or skiing, the doctors can give you an exam, provide recommended adjustments or therapies, and help you dodge a vacation-spoiling injury. That’s better than trip insurance!

Athletes flock to Dr. Ryan’s office for pre-competition adjustments or post-injury healing. “We see a lot of golfers,” he says. They also treat many youth soccer and water polo players, as well as new pickle-ball enthusiasts suffering from sprains, strains, and shoulder impingement.

At Trestles, you’re never too old or too young to see a chiropractor. Infants who struggle with gastrointestinal or reflux issues can be treated with a delicate pediatric massage, and babies who have difficulty latching during breastfeeding may benefit from the tiny adjustments of an activator, a chiropractic device that gently shift spinal joints for better mobility. The physicians at Trestles also provide prenatal and postpartum treatments to help mom remain comfortable as her body changes before and after pregnancy.

Feeling pain when you walk or run? Allow Dr. Ryan to examine your feet and use his new digital scanner to create a 3D mold of each foot for orthotic shoes or inserts. This quick mold process makes it easy for a factory to customize shoes for a patient, they are more specific and effective than the ones you can get at CVS or a running store. Chiropractors may not be known for working on feet, but the Trestles team believes that overall wellness extends beyond the spine.

Whether you want to improve your golf swing, seek help for an infant struggling to nurse, or just want relief from pain and discomfort, Trestles Chiropractic has a treatment solution for you. Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation at 949-284-6620 or visit TrestlesChiropractic.com.

MEET DR. ASHLEY!
Trestles Chiropractic said goodbye to Dr. Emery earlier this year, but the practice is delighted to welcome Dr. Ashley Davies, DC. Born and raised in Northern California, Dr. Ashley brings three years of professional chiropractic experience to Trestles and an undergrad degree in Clinical Nutrition from UC Davis. She loves dogs, paddle-boarding, and live music. Please stop by and say hello.

Trestles Chiropractic
653 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 100
San Clemente
949-284-6620
TrestlesChiropractic.com

At Stratford School, high expectations yield extraordinary results. The advanced yet intentionally balanced curriculum starts as early as Preschool to inspire and nurture the minds and hearts of every student. From the outset, Stratford simplifies challenging concepts, then accelerates learning to enable students to study ahead of grade level, develop a love of learning, and prepare for the future.

From Preschool through Grade 8, Stratford’s curriculum is infused with sequential instruction in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics — “STEAM” — to help students develop a diverse set of problem- solving skills and talents they’ll need in today’s world. The school accomplishes this through a unique cross-disciplinary approach that enhances critical thinking, integrates ideas from multiple subjects, and ultimately expands student learning.

Beginning in Preschool, Stratford’s curriculum is designed to develop the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical building blocks. Hands-on, multi-sensory activities, including Imaginative STEAM Play, encourage preschoolers to play and share with others, while developing their self-confidence, so each child discovers the joy and excitement of learning.

In Elementary, the accelerated core curriculum exceeds the National Standardized ERB Results and motivates students to become critical thinkers and proficient writers. This balanced approach imparts students with not only a well-rounded education; it fosters the development of strong friendships, effective study skills, and blossoming self-confidence.

Middle School continues the Stratford tradition of excellence. The faculty prepares and mentors students for placement in honors and advanced courses at top-tier private and public high schools. Stratford’s intentional approach to educating the whole child results in young adults who are gifted communicators, skilled, generous collaborators, creative problem-solvers, and confident, insightful leaders.

The caring and passionate teachers cultivate a fun and nurturing classroom environment, where high expectations encourage students to try new things with confidence and enthusiasm. They present a broad spectrum of learning opportunities. They engage students. They invite questions. They encourage students to collaborate. Consequently, students laugh a lot, and learn even more.

Learn more about Stratford’s Mission Viejo campus by visiting online or scheduling a tour at www.stratfordmissionviejo.com.

Stratford School
24741 Chrisanta Drive
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949.458.1776
stratfordschools.com

When you walk onto St. Anne School’s campus in Laguna Niguel, you will likely hear students practicing musical instruments, laughing on the playground, or singing at weekly Mass. You might witness Grade 8 students designing a website on their MacBooks, second graders dressed in period costumes as they explore their ancestry on Ellis Island Day, preschool students engrossed in hands-on learning at their outdoor classroom, or a bus filled with Grade 5 students ready to take off on a field study’s trip to Astro Camp.

St. Anne School is an independent Roman Catholic school celebrating 30 years of providing a supportive learning environment where each child is inspired to pursue their highest level of academic achievement, spiritual formation, and character development. The collaborative community of inspirational teachers, dedicated administrators, and committed parents ensures students are empowered to explore their Godgiven gifts, discover their passions, and envision their future as a positive influence on the world.

The devoted teachers at St. Anne School are trained in differentiated instruction, using strategies that stimulate deeper thinking and discussion with students. St. Anne School continues to develop much more than a student’s academic skills. With a strong Student Support Services department, all St. Anne students benefit from a team focused on physical, personal, and mental well-being. This 11-person department also encourages character development and offers academic support for students with mild to moderate learning differences.

Students are given the freedom to explore and discover their passions and gifts through various elective classes such as orchestra, studio art, digital media production, and creative writing. A St. Anne student might also discover they are passionate about spirituality and service to others. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, St. Anne School offers a vibrant Campus Ministry program where students are encouraged to participate in Christian service, class retreats, Masses, and spiritual leadership while growing a deeper connection to their faith. After-school programs such as the award-winning Harmon- Knights show choir, the school play, and a variety of sports teams also offer opportunities for students to continue to explore and grow.

St. Anne School looks forward to celebrating its 30th school year filled with opportunities for students to explore their gifts, discover their passions, and envision their future.

To schedule a private tour or learn more about St. Anne School, please contact the Office of Admissions at 949.371.9932.

St. Anne School
32451 Bear Brand Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
949.492.6165
st-anne.org

Conveniently located on the South end of San Clemente, Our Savior’s Lutheran School (OSLS) is a developmental, play-based, Reggio- inspired, Christian Preschool and Infant Center. Our Savior’s is a close-knit family that understands and values exceptional education, equipping children to be positive members of their community.

OSLS is committed to excellence through a creative and energizing curriculum, with a strong social, emotional, and Christ-centered foundation. Curriculum is modeled around Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. It’s highly qualified and inspirational staff provide a quality educational experience. All OSLS families receive constant communication regarding their child’s growth, supported by assessments and progress reports along with parent-teacher conferences. This partnership facilitates an extension of the child’s day into the home and bridges the learning opportunities both at school and beyond.

Our Savior’s Lutheran School provides a unique opportunity for children to be engaged in a developmentally appropriate environment with a childcentered approach. The preschool team designs their curriculum and lesson plans starting with the California Preschool Learning Foundations, customizing instruction based on the child’s individualized goals and needs. These developmentally appropriate practices and classroom experiences intentionally foster exposure to the world around the child and capture the many moments of curiosity. Throughout the day, OSLS teachers guide student learning individually and in groups to explain, educate, and empower the children, encouraging them to ask questions and explore their learning environment. They understand that every child develops at their own pace while being committed to continuous growth and excellence in all levels of early childhood education. With a long-term education in mind, OSLS’s most important goal is to foster and encourage a love of learning.

Infants 3 to 24 months are cared for by highly trained staff. They enjoy their own grassy space with a shade tree and ocean breeze. The teachers take them for walks around the campus in four-seat strollers.

To find out more about Our Savior’s Lutheran Preschool and Infant Center, please call the school at 949.492.6165 or email the Director, Amy Rivas, at (a.rivas@oursaviorsschool.net).

Our Savior’s Lutheran School
200 Avenida San Pablo
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.492.6165
oursaviorsschool.net

McNichols Learning is a tutoring service that is fundamentally different from any other service in the area. With years of educational experience, the staff understands how to help struggling students find success. Typically, many students begin to fall behind starting in the third or fourth grade when the public school teaching curriculum starts transitioning from concrete thinking to abstract thinking. However, many children are not ready for this shift, and the schools are not equipped to support the struggling students who have trouble learning by memorization. This creates challenges that quickly become too difficult to overcome in the classroom.

McNichols Learning uses researched teaching methods that have been proven, over decades, to cognitively benefit students. By meeting children where they academically are, the staff can engage with the students in a new and meaningful way. They help the kids learn to move beyond thinking concretely by using interactive, multisensory programs that neurologically develop the whole brain. With these techniques, children build upon their knowledge base to more gradually transition to abstract thinking which involves conceptual understanding—not just memorization. Interactive exploration replaces the inflexible drills that are too often found in the classroom. Kids are invigorated to participate, and they gain greater confidence.

After more than 30 years supporting all types of students in our community, McNichols Learning is expanding to include online tutoring—in addition to the face to face sessions in their center. The knowledgeable and inviting staff is available to help change the learning experience of your student. No matter what a student is struggling with, the methods used by McNichols Learning can help your child reach his or her full potential! To learn more about McNichols Learning Center, call 949.642.7303.

McNichols Learning
833 Dover Dr #27
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.642.7303