San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival

“OPA!” The 5th Annual Greek Festival, sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, returns to San Juan Capistrano on Saturday and Sunday, September 16th and 17th. Guests will enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, live Greek music, traditional Greek dancing, specialty shopping at the Greek Market and Bazaar, and a fully-loaded Kids Zone.

Experience a delicious and authentic Greek menu with delectable favorites including Gyros, Mediterranean-seasoned Lamb Chops, Souvlaki, Spanakopita, Tiropita, Pastitsio and Greek Salad. You’ll enjoy handmade Greek pastries from traditional family recipes, like mouth-watering Baklava, powdered sugar Kourambiethes and honey-dipped Loukoumathes (Greek donut holes) along with traditional Greek coffee and refreshing iced coffee Frappés.

You won’t want to miss making your way to the “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 Marketplace where you’ll find an assortment of unique ingredients (including Greek olive oil, honey, teas and spices) along with an array of 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 are 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, dancing and 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.

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free all weekend long. The San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival will be held at the Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church grounds located in the Capistrano Business Center at 27129 Calle Arroyo in San Juan Capistrano, near Interstate 5 Freeway and Ortega Highway / CA-74 exit, and next to 24-Hour Fitness.

For more information on the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, please visit SJCGreekfest.org or the event’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

Tall Ships Festival

Dana Point Harbor September 8-10

Enjoy a weekend of festivities including mock cannon battles, tall ships tours, mermaid breakfasts, pirate adventures, historical reenactments, live music and more!

The County of Orange and OC Parks in partnership with Ocean Institute, invite the community to celebrate California’s rich maritime history during the Ocean Institute’s Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point Harbor. Gather friends and family for three days of events Friday, September 8 – Sunday, September 10 and experience the ultimate seaside adventure!

“The Tall Ships Festival is a truly unique combination of events that welcomes ocean lovers of all ages to watch history come alive,” commented Ocean Institute CEO, Dan Pingaro. “Dating back to the days of Henry Dana and beyond, visitors and locals can experience the history of Dana Point Harbor. From mock cannon battles to educational activities to live music and food, there’s something for everyone at the Tall Ships festival.”

The Tall Ships Festival at Dana Point Harbor includes three days of events and entertainment for festival-goers of every age, prices vary per event. Festivities and the Tall Ships parade kicks off on Friday, September 8 and Tall Ships tours, pirate adventures, mermaid encounters and several other activities await guests on Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10.

“The Tall Ships Festival is a longstanding important tradition for our community, celebrating the origins of this vibrant port city,” said Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, “I’m excited that the County of Orange can support this wonderful event.”

The Parade of Sails on Friday, September 8 from 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. kicks off the festival and invites guests to join the armada as they adventure aboard a historic tall ship to work with the crew hailing up sail or to sit back to enjoy the ride.

The fun continues with Sails ‘n Ales on Friday from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. with a craft beer tastings from Sierra Nevada, Mother Earth, Bottle Logic, Lost Winds, and Laguna Beach Beer Company. Guests can sip craft beer, feast on delicious eats from local food trucks, enjoy live music from dance-fusion band Afrolicious, and watch 6 majestic tall ships over 130 feet in size sail in from the coast as the sun sets.

Mermaid lovers of all ages can enjoy the Breakfast with a Mermaid  Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Guests will enjoy brunch, story time, and crafts and then watch our mermaids swim underwater in a nearby tank.

Experience the Tall Ships Festival on board a historical tall ship during Cannon Battle Sails! Guests ages 4 and older are invited to participate in a dramatic mock cannon battle on Saturday and Sunday from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. with blasting cannons, towering rigging, and bustling decks.

The Tall Ships Festival Adventure Pass grants guests all day admission into the Festival and includes tours of the Brig Pilgrim, the Spirit of Dana Point, and all visiting vessels in addition to access to pirate encampments, exhibits, crafts, the craft beer garden and much more.

Prices vary per event and can be found at www.ocean-institute.org. Free parking is available at the designated shuttle lots located at Strand Vista Park and Dana Hills High School with free shuttle rides to the festival. Shuttles will run from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from all lots.

OC Parks, Dana Point Harbor and Ocean Institute welcome guests to enjoy an unforgettable seaside adventure during the Tall Ships Festival September 8-10. For more information on activities, events, tickets, and parking visit https://www.ocean-institute.org/tall-ships-festival.

57^th Annual San Clement Art and Craft Fair

August 19-20 at 10am-5pm with Free Admission

www.scartassociation.com

Facebook: San Clemente Art Association Arts and Craft Fair

San Clemente Community Center Grounds
100 N. Seville; San Clemente, CA

The San Clemente Community Center will be alive with fine art and handmade artisan crafts the weekend of August 19 and 20.  This year brings the 57^th in a line of amazing art fairs hosted by the San Clemente Art Association.

Crafts will include fine arts, photography, wood working, textiles, hand-made jewelry, candles and many more irresistible items.  There will be hamburgers and all the trimmings served by the associations favorites.

The San Clemente Community Center is located at the corner of Avenida Del Mar and Calle Seville.

San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival

“OPA!” The three-day festival, sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, returns to San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, September 16th and runs through Sunday, September 17th. Guests will enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, live Greek music, traditional Greek dancing, specialty shopping at the bazaar and kid-friendly activities.

The authentic Greek menu will feature various Greek delicacies including gyros, souvlaki, lamb chops, spanakopita and Greek salad, as well as delicious pastries like mouth-watering baklava and kourambiethes (powdered sugar butter cookies) to accompany a delicious Greek coffee or iced coffee frappe. Make your way to the Taverna with a sports bar twist — equipped with big screen TVs where guests can enjoy domestic favorites as well as Greek beer, wine and ouzo.

The Greek word “Kefi” means the spirit of joy, fun and a passion for life. You will have the opportunity to experience this part of Greek culture at the festival as you dance to live Greek music. Don’t worry; lessons are provided and within seconds you will be expressing your Kefi with shouts of “Opa!” and an unusual desire to break plates. The Saint Basil dance troupe will also perform traditional dances in authentic costumes representing different regions of Greece. 

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Saint Basil’s Church is located at 27129 Calle Arroyo, near the 74 Ortega Highway exit in San Juan Capistrano next to 24 Hour Fitness.

For more information on the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, please visit SJCGreekfest.org or call 949.542.3445.

Come join the fun at the 2017 Dana Point Lobster Fest at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, August 19th, hosted by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club. Enjoy gourmet appetizers, no-host bar, fresh east coast lobster, smoked tri-tip steak, desserts, live music and dancing.

Proceeds go to Charities supported by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club including Make-A-Wish, Boys & Girls Club, Dana Point 5th Marine Support Group and more.

Last year’s Lobster Fest had over 500 patrons & volunteers in attendance and our goal this year is to make it bigger and better! Come join the fun and tell your friends!

Buy tickets today for a discounted rate. Save $15 from price at door!  TICKETS

For more information this fun event please visit DanaPointLobsterFest.org.

TANNINS Restaurant & Wine Bar

By Veronica Badzey

When Gabriel Sanchez opened his small Italian deli over ten years ago, he had no idea it would become one of the finest restaurants in San Juan Capistrano. Combining old world style with a modern flair, Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar has become more than an eatery specializing in delicious Mediterranean-Italian cuisine with exceptionally curated California wines. “We have evolved to take care of the customer’s needs,” says Gabe, “and the most important thing to me is our connection with the community.”

Guests walking into Tannins are often greeted by name, and the attentive and dedicated staff work diligently to create a welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere. With almost no employee turnover, Tannins’ staff has developed a tight family bond that enables them to deliver a more enjoyable experience to the customer. “I attribute our success to our amazing staff,” enthuses Gabe. Besides making an extra effort to get to know their clientele, the chefs and servers from Tannins can frequently be found volunteering for local charities and area schools, such as St. Margaret’s Episcopal School across the street, which provided Tannins with some of its first customers in its early days as a deli.

With menu items like Grilled Rib-Eye, Seafood Linguini, and handmade pizzas, it’s easy to find something to suit your palate. The restaurant’s signature olive spread provides a mouth-watering start to any dish, and a full range of delectable desserts such as Crème Brulée and Verona Tiramisu round out a truly decadent dining experience. Stop by for Tail Tuesday, Tannins answer to the Taco Tuesday trend. Savor filet and lobster tail, shipped in every week from the East Coast, for a mere $25.

Featuring Northern Mediterranean and Southern Italian cuisine, Tannins’ fare tends to be lighter than typical Italian offerings, accentuating quality, freshness, and environmentally conscious products. “We’re almost 100% green,” says Gabe, “and we’re always looking for ways to decrease our environmental footprint. It’s very important to our staff, and many of our customers.”

The restaurant’s layout encourages lively conversation between guests and staff, with a warm Mediterranean theme adding to its casual vibe. An open kitchen layout allows customers to interact directly with chefs as they prepare dishes and the pizza window gives you a view of your pie being made in real time. Modifications are always accommodated, and special requests are common, especially by regulars.

As the restaurant’s name implies, there’s a big emphasis on wine, specifically procurement and pairings. The wine list focuses almost exclusively on premiere California labels, because, as  Wine Manager Jesse Clanton puts it, “We live in the cradle of some of the best wines in the world.” With a talent for discovering local brands destined to become great successes – like the now-famous La Crema Chardonnay – Tannins is a treat for the connoisseur and causal wine drinker alike. “My goal is to bring you something you can’t find in your neighborhood grocery store,” shares Jesse, who sources new varietals from wine vendors on a weekly basis. Whatever your taste, you’re sure to find a new and exciting glass or bottle of white, red or bubbles that you’ve never experienced. Don’t hesitate to ask the knowledgeable staff for food and wine pairing recommendations; they gladly welcome the opportunity to assist.

For your next gathering or special event, ask about the Levendi Cave, an intimate, elegantly decorated room that’s perfect for rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, or even your monthly book club. Tannins’ Wine Cellar offers an ideal venue for business meetings or corporate functions. When you need an event catered, Tannins will accommodate any size party. No order is too small or too large, and a manager is always on call to tailor a menu to a customer’s specific needs and budget.

Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar is open seven days a week, with Monday through Sunday lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wine Wednesdays offer half-priced bottles of wine, and Monday Happy Hour runs until 9 p.m., with reductions on even premium spirits. Visit TanninsRestaurant.com for more information and a glimpse of its private event spaces.

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Visit Anneliese Schools at one of its three enchanting campuses in Laguna Beach for the annual admissions open house. Learn why Anneliese Schools is highly sought–after with a 50–year history as a leader in globally minded, research–based education. The schools accept students 2–years–old through 6th grade. Anneliese welcomes you to schedule a private tour to learn more.

Discover what sets Anneliese Schools apart:

• Instructional methodologies supported by the latest research in neuroscience, social science, and education, delivered in inspiring indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Humanistic, academic curriculum emphasizing whole–brain and project–based learning that incorporates STEAM challenges designed to prepare students for 21st century opportunities.
• Early foreign language acquisition through a developmental, intensive foreign language program (Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Sign Language).
• Fostering strong emotional intelligence using multiple strategies and programs, including mindfulness, yoga, HeartMath, and Second Step.
• Lunch and snack program guided by research on child nutrition, sustainability, mindful eating, and eating a balanced diet. All meals are prepared in–house, fresh daily by a culinary team, from mostly organic and non–GMO ingredients.
• International, dedicated, experienced, and community–minded team of educators who are passionate about the School’s philosophy. Teachers understand and adopt the latest multi–sensory teaching methods to ensure maximal retention of information, consistent with Multiple Intelligence Theory.
• Carefully designed recess yards that enhance fine and gross motor skills, sensory integration, academic functioning, creativity, and social skills development.
• Fine arts program for all ages, taught by professional artists.
• Vocal and instrumental music program for all ages, including orchestra and band for 4th through 6th grades.
• Hands–on organic gardening curriculum taught in a spacious garden that includes mature fruit trees, herbs, vegetables, a grape arbor, and a full composting site.
• Comprehensive Athletics Program, including inter–mural sports teams for 4th through 6th Grades.
• Animal care program that includes the training and care of miniature horses, donkeys, and alpacas, as well as a “Mini Readers” program, which pairs young readers with 4–legged friends to “listen.”

Anneliese Schools
20062 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.497.8310
www.annelieseschools.com

CVCS has been offering one of the best academic experiences in a spiritually rich environment for more than four decades. Now, with an exciting vision for the future, the school is developing innovative facilities, programs, and curriculum to become a leader amongst its peers. This summer CVCS is investing nearly one million dollars into facilities improvements to better serve the needs of their families. The improvements include the expansion of a state–of–the–art athletic field, a renovated gymnasium with the best new hardwood floor in Orange County, an athlete’s lounge and study center, and an exciting new kindergarten classroom to facilitate their new STEM–based curriculum.

CVCS’ goal is to be a leader in innovation, and to that end the school is developing programs in all grade levels JK–12 that will prepare students for job markets that do not yet even exist. Whether it is a new STEM–based Kindergarten Grow program, or an emerging high school Entrepreneurial Leadership Academy, every effort is being made to enrich their students’ experience and engage them in learning that truly prepares them for the future.

In the midst of these innovations, the great strength of CVCS lies in the development of authentic faith and character. As the leading non–denominational Christian school in Orange County, the school’s teachers, coaches, and staff weave their faith in Jesus Christ into every element of their programs, and the result is a student who learns to apply a real faith to all aspects of their humanity. Additionally, the CVCS Bible department is simply the finest collection of Christian educators in their field, and students emerge with a deep understanding of theology, life application, apologetics, and worldview to prepare them to think and live well in an increasingly secular world.

Above all, CVCS is passionate about building a culture unlike any other. The school’s culture is based on the development of key characteristics including relationships, authenticity, positivity, enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, excellence, service, humility, gentleness, patience, kindness, risk–taking, balance, and fun. When speaking to CVCS students, one will find that these are not just words or sentiments, they are true adjectives that embody a school experience that is significantly different than any other.

CVCS prepares students for life and leadership, to learn more, please schedule a visit today!

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
32032 Del Obispo Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.493.5683
www.cvcs.org

Halstrom Academy thinks outside the box when it comes to educating 6–12 grade students. The school’s one student, one teacher approach is the core principal behind its academic success, and an impressive college admissions record backs that up. An environment where customized schedules and a content mastery philosophy allows for each student to progress at their own pace is the norm at Halstrom, not the exception.

Most notable is Halstrom Academy’s hyper–focus on the individual needs of each and every student. Because students at Halstrom meet with their teachers one–on–one, there is no room for distractions, hiding in the back of class, or feeling inferior to other students in the classroom. Instruction at Halstrom Academy creates a pathway to success for many students who can benefit from customized teaching and flexible scheduling. This is particularly the case for students who have learning issues such as ADHD, Dyslexia, and social anxiety, as well as for students in search of a bully–free environment. By implementing a one size does not fit all environment – students, teachers, parents and staff partner to develop a tailored plan for individualized learning.

Halstrom Academy offers robust college preparatory and Advanced Placement programs, as well as college counseling and tutoring. When not in class, students have many opportunities to work and socialize together through activities such as field trips and student government, and a variety of student clubs. Technology is a large part of Halstrom’s commitment to enhancing student and teacher communication. Both students and teachers use devices loaded with eTextbooks and other educational applications. Use of technology aids teachers in providing students with real life examples to make material more relevant.

Halstrom is WASC Accredited, UC/CSU certified and NCAA approved. For more information, call (866) 590–8458 or visit www.Halstrom4U.com.

Halstrom Academy Mission Viejo
25201 Paseo De Alicia, Suite 250
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
866.590.8458
www.Halstrom4U.com