4th Annual San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival

“OPA!” The three-day festival, sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, returns to San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 23rd and runs through Sunday, September 25th. 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. 

For those interested in art and history, this year’s exhibits will include a presentation by Iconographer, Father Michael Courey. He will unveil and discuss two Byzantine icons to be used for Saint Basil’s Church. These icons were recently featured at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles as part of his lecture and demonstration.

Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 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.

Ohana Festival Rocks Doheny State Beach

August 27 & 28, 2016: Eddie Vedder headlined the inaugural Ohana Festival this past weekend at Doheny State Beach. The event benefited the Orange County State Beaches, California State Parks and the San Onofre Parks Foundation.

Saturday’s performances included a spirited set from Alt rock veterans Mudhoney and 80’s LA stars X. Elvis Costello also took the stage at dusk for an incredible solo performance showcasing his guitar and piano solos throughout the set. Vedder joined Costello on stage at the end of his session for a spirited version of “Peace, Love and Understanding.”

Vedder started off his set with a parade of ukulele hits which thrilled the crowd. He wrapped up the night with an amazing duet with pro surfer Kelly Slater, who’s singing prowess deserves much praise.

Sunday’s crowd was entertained by another solid lineup of bands, including City and Colour and headlined by Lana Del Rey. Vedder also returned Sunday evening to join Del Rey on stage to put the finishing touch on an amazing weekend of music. Naturally, we can’t wait for next year’s show!

Check out some of the photos The Local Dish Magazine took of the awesome weekend music event!

For future Ohana Festival events, go to TheOhanaFest.com

Come join the fun at the 2016 Dana Point Lobster Fest at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, August 20th, 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, DJ, dancing and a Casino (new this year).

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.

The Ohana Festival

EDDIE VEDDER & KELLY SLATER ANNOUNCE:

An extremely limited number of seats remain for The Ohana Luau Charity Gala on August 26th in Dana Point, CA hosted by Comedian Jeff Ross with special guests John Doe of X & a few special songs from Eddie Vedder on August 27th & 28th at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA Ohana Luau to benefit the San Onofre Parks Foundation

This year marks the debut of Ohana — a two-day music festival at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA — featuring performances by Eddie Vedder, Lana Del Rey, Elvis Costello, Band Of Horses and tons more. Produced by Live Nation and SGE, the festival will take place on Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28.

The night prior to the event, Friday, August 26th, Eddie Vedder and Kelly Slater will be throwing The Ohana Luau — a kick-off celebration at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, CA. A night of inspiration and entertainment, the event will be hosted by ‘The Roast Master’ himself Jeff Ross, alongside Eddie Vedder, Kelly Slater and friends. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The San Onofre Parks Foundation, a California non-profit that cooperatively works with California State Parks to develop, preserve and enhance the recreation and experience of California’s unique and beautiful coastal parks. California State Parks-Orange Coast District and the San Onofre Parks Foundation are excited about this opportunity for a fundraising event, specifically focused on the protection and enhancement of public recreational resources along the California coast. It is their mutual mission to preserve these world treasures for the citizens of California.

The Ohana Luau will include dinner, drinks, live entertainment and laughs. A hilarious live auction hosted by Jeff Ross will feature various limited edition and one-of-a-kind items, memorabilia, gift packages, and more to benefit The San Onofre Parks Foundation, and world acclaimed big wave surfer Greg Long will be speaking on behalf of the foundation. Live entertainment will be provided by John Doe of X, and the luau will feature a few special songs from Eddie Vedder. Dinner will be prepared by chef Brian Sundeen at The Ritz-Carlton, and guests will dine on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the hotel pool courtyard, as well as in the Grand Ballroom. The Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center has also lent various priceless surfboards from their collection to be displayed for the night.

A number of the items available at the auction have just been revealed, including Kelly Slater wrapped and autographed Braven wireless bluetooth speakers, an Eddie Vedder autographed guitar, a Lowers Pro t-shirt signed by over 14 professional surfers, a Katy Helen Art GlassD Mosaic Surfboard, and various other items from Volcom, GoPro, InCase, and many more.

An extremely limited number of packages including discounted rooms at the Ritz-Carlton for the weekend and Ohana music festival admission are available for The Ohana Luau charity gala at Luau.TheOhanaFest.com. The intimate event will be capped at 500 attendees.

For the most up-to-date information on the Ohana Luau, please visit:
Luau.TheOhanaFest.com

For the most up-to-date information on the Ohana Music Festival, please visit:
TheOhanaFest.com
Facebook.com/TheOhanaFest
Twitter.com/TheOhanaFest
Instagram.com/TheOhanaFest
YouTube.com/channel/UC8vMcuooOQEdh16O4Boo9Sg
Snapchat: TheOhanaFest

About The San Onofre Parks Foundation: A California non-profit that cooperatively works with California State Parks to develop, preserve and enhance the recreation and experience of California’s unique and beautiful coastal parks. Funds will support maintaining coastal access at South Orange County state beaches. www.sanonofreparksfoundation.org

About The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel sits perched atop a seaside bluff with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and more than three miles of sandy beach. The resort continues to redefine the guest experience by creating distinctive, unforgettable, and #EpicMemories that are presented against an extraordinary backdrop. A re-imagined surfside retreat that awakens guests’ senses with its unique ocean-front setting and remarkable service heritage, the resort is the premiere destination for travelers who desire a playful approach to true Southern California luxury. The resort offers many extraordinary luxury experiences including Raya, 180blũ, The Market Place, enoSTEAK, Bar Raya, The Spa and the Eco-Adventure Center. For more information or reservations call 800-241-3333, the hotel directly at 949-240-2000, a travel professional or visit RitzCarlton.com/LagunaNiguel.

Ohana Publicity Contacts:
Ashton-Magnuson Media
Ashley Di Buduo
ashley@a12entertainment.com; (323) 379-9684

Kristine Ashton-Magnuson
kristine@am-media.net; (818) 996-2496

Team Nikos Basketball Academy

At The Ladera Sports Center

by Veronica Bradzey

Steve Williams moved from Wyoming to California to play Division I basketball at UC Riverside, then stayed to develop one of the most comprehensive youth basketball programs in the state. The ball is now in his court to elevate the sport he loves to a new level for student athletes in Orange County.

Steve’s passion for the game started as a young boy, “Growing up, basketball was a family thing,” says Williams, “Everyone played — cousins, uncles, my mom. I’ve always loved it.” It comes as no surprise then that his club team shares a name with his five-year-old son — Nikos, meaning “victory,” in Greek.

With six national youth Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships under its belt, Team Nikos Basketball Academy stands poised to achieve even greater success with the Grand Opening of the Ladera Sports Center on August 6th, which will serve as its new permanent home. Most teams are forced to travel from school to school to practice, competing for limited courts — often at the mercy of last minute schedule changes and school events. “No one else has this,” Williams states. “It makes a huge difference in our ability to offer quality programs in one single location, as well as the convenience and consistency we can provide to our players and their families.”

The architecturally stunning and state-of-the-art complex is an undeniable game-changer for Team Nikos and Orange County athletics. The 60,000 square foot gymnasium boasts 48,750 square feet of court space with noise decibel reduction systems, beautiful maple flooring, and ceiling-mounted basketball hoops and volleyball nets. The fully air conditioned facility offers ample spectator seats at all 8 courts, large screen TVs, and an all-star cafe, making it an ideal venue for hosting tournaments with 24 already scheduled in the first year. Among its most impressive amenities is the center’s ability to live stream high definition content so that parents can watch games and practices on their choice of devices without having to miss a moment. The Sports Center also features a study room where players can catch up on homework or watch game films in between practices.

Members of Team Nikos will benefit from a fantastic new home, as well as a top-notch program, including two dedicated coaches for every practice, two 90-minute practices per week, two tournaments per month, and travel to out-of-state tournaments three times a year. Skill levels among the 200, second grade to high school-aged players range from beginners to the most highly competitive, and all have access to two group training sessions per week at Team Nikos Basketball Academy. Academy sessions are Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., focusing on drills and fundamentals to increase agility, speed, and stamina.

Unlike similar programs, Team Nikos has adopted an inclusive policy that welcomes multi-sport athletes, and is flexible when it comes to accommodating conflicting schedules. The club believes in giving equal time to boys and girls, and is holding tryouts for its first all-girls club team on September 1. Open tryouts for the Academy take place on August 30 at 6 p.m.

With a degree in Education and experience as a teacher and coach at Saddleback Valley Christian Schools and Saddleback College, Coach Steve is uniquely suited to run Team Nikos. He employs an individualized, hands-on approach, and hires coaches not just for their skills and experience, but also for their integrity, loyalty, and passion for teaching. “Kids learn about so much more than basketball,” says Steve. “That’s just the fun part. They also learn life-long lessons about commitment, teamwork, and the value of community.”

In addition to Team Nikos, Steve and his partner Jameel Mahmud run recreational National Junior Basketball (NJB) leagues that serve over 1,500 kids year-round in South OC and Long Beach. Both chapters are open to boys and girls from 2nd grade through high school, with an open draft process and volunteer coaches. Participants have the option to attend Monday sessions at the Basketball Academy as part of the league program.

For more information on team tryouts and season schedules, visit TeamNikos.com

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Fresh Brothers Pizza

Pizza | Wings | Salads

by Claire Cote

Since 2008, Fresh Brothers has provided Southern California with delicious food and family-style charm. Lucky for Orange County, this LA-based pizza joint has opened a new location in Laguna Niguel, at the corner of La Paz and Aliso Creek Road near Whole Foods. This latest addition to the Fresh Brothers family — the 15th in California — is now delivering its fresh take on dining out to those of us in south Orange County.

Fresh Brothers is a family business that’s deeply involved in the communities it serves. The soft opening of its Laguna Niguel location doubled as a fundraiser for area schools. Giving back is an important part of the company’s philosophy and it welcomes opportunities to partner with local schools and organizations to further charitable causes.

Guided through the menu by Scott Goldberg, one of the eponymous brothers, I sampled some of the most popular appetizers, including the butter-bursting and garlicky Fresh Knots and tangy baked Buffalo Wings. As my taste buds rejoiced, I moved on to the meatball sliders, served on Hawaiian sweet bread and topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese…so sinful, but worth every calorie.

Fresh Brothers diners can select from one of eight pre-built pizzas or may opt to build their own skinny, thin, deep dish or new MegaGrain crust pie, from an assortment of toppings. I enjoyed Da Works deep dish pizza that offered a perfectly chewy, Chicago-style crust. The lighter Fresh Momma’s Favorite spinach and mushroom thin crust is created with a blend of pizza and pesto sauces and was packed with fresh flavor. For only $8.99, you can personalize a tossed or chopped salad with your choice of veggies, cheese, and goodies like egg, egg whites, sesame seeds and fried onions. Try the cinnamon Sweet Knots drizzled with icing and served warm for a decadent finale to a delicious meal. With beer on tap and wine by the glass, there’s just about something for to enjoy.

Those with special dietary preferences or needs will also feel right at home at Fresh Brothers with an array of gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free options. Gluten-free crusts, cheese, and wings, as well as Vegan Tenders and vegan versions of the Wisconsin cheese and Italian sausage make ordering easy, without compromising taste. The Fresh Kids Special Sauce adds a mix of finely ground veggies to the secret signature sauce for a healthier alternative. Fresh Brothers promises that your kids won’t be able to tell the difference and that adults will dig it, too!

Dine-in, take-out or have Fresh Brothers deliver today!

Fresh Brothers Pizza
24002 Aliso Creek Road, Ste. #16, Laguna Niguel
657.999.0800   |  NiguelFreshBrothers.com

Nurture with care. Teach with creativity. Embrace life. Treasure faith. These are the guiding principles that shape St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel.

For 25 years, St. Anne School has stirred a passion for learning in students with stimulating, engaging and rigorous academics. The learning environment for Preschool through grade 8 students is intimate with ideal student/teacher ratios and a commitment to fully developing each child in mind, body and spirit. The school uses the latest, proven teaching methods, curricula and technology—combining techniques that make learning fun with a sweeping range of academic studies. St. Anne School students become curious, confident and well–prepared for a life of learning and leadership.

At St. Anne School, students develop their talents through a wealth of extracurricular and scholastic activities. They can play sports, learn new skills and travel to fascinating places. Imaginations are sparked through hands-on collaboration solving real-world problems. There’s something to engage every inquisitive mind both in and outside the classroom. St. Anne believes children who explore their interests are more comfortable with themselves and the world around them. Children who are well-rounded become adults who are well-informed. Ultimately, they are more successful in life. For St. Anne School, that’s the purpose of education.

St. Anne School is a National Blue Ribbon School and is accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA), the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Launching a two-, three- and five-day two-year-old Preschool program this fall!

To schedule a private tour and learn more about St. Anne School, please contact:

Lil Ray Reed, Kindergarten – 8th Grade Office of Admission
949.276.6753, LRay@st-anne.org

LuAnn Wilson, Preschool Admission
949.276.6783, LWilson@st-anne.org

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

Forming Young Men and Women in Faith,
Intellect, and Character

JSerra is an independent Roman Catholic high school that encourages students to pursue personal and professional excellence in life. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, JSerra works in partnership with committed parents and inspirational teachers to form the faith, intellect, and character of its young men and women with a Christ-centered, sacrament-based learning environment.

CORE VALUES
JSerra strives to form students who are:

Academic Achievers demonstrating a higher order of thinking skills; solving problems creatively and analytically; utilizing the appropriate technology to support learning.

Lifelong Learners who manage and direct their own learning; value and pursue postsecondary education; establish personal priorities and achievable goals; develop an appreciation of varying world views.

Responsible Christian Citizens who demonstrate knowledge of the Catholic
Church;  perform Christian service in their community; practice respect of self, others, and community.

Collaborative Workers who use effective leadership and interpersonal skills to foster, develop, and maintain relationships within a diverse setting.

CAMPUS LIFE
Founded in 2003, JSerra has established itself within South Orange County as an exceptional academic institution. Each year at JSerra, new clubs are formed, athletic teams become stronger, and dedicated staff and faculty look for new ways to innovate the learning process.

JSerra also offers dynamic and highly successful magnet programs in arts, business, engineering, law, and medicine. These programs help prepare students for further study and professional careers in their respective areas of interest.

Through these programs and more, JSerra students are formed in faith, intellect, and character. Come learn more about joining the JSerra family at the November 17th Open House event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

JSerra Catholic High School
26351 Junipero Serra Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.493.9307 • www.JSerra.org

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School is a 21st Century learning community founded in 1965 that has educated students in South Orange County for over 50 years. Nestled among the rolling hills with a view of the Pacific, OLF is the only Catholic School in San Clemente. The school is fully accredited and staffed by an outstanding team of credentialed, nurturing, and dedicated faculty. The secured campus offers a welcoming learning environment for all students centered on the value of “family.” OLF is a dynamic, technology-driven learning institution that prides itself on spirituality, academic rigor and high student expectations amid small class sizes that “empower today’s children to promote tomorrow’s leaders.” The school’s robust Community Service Program ensures that OLF students value and live their faith-filled Catholic education.

OLF’s students are committed learners who demonstrate excellence in academic expectations, technology acquisition, and service to their community. With a cross-curricular and cross-cultural approach to instruction, OLF offers each student differentiated opportunities to explore, investigate, and demonstrate understanding by means of a hands-on approach to learning that integrates 1:1 technology opportunities. By complementing the academic rigor with the offerings of innovative electives, the OLF faith-filled student cultivates a zest for life-long learning, develops into an effective communicator and advances as a globally responsible citizen. Proudly, 100% of OLF graduates are accepted into local Catholic High Schools. Most of OLF’s graduates place into Honors/Advanced Placement courses and/or Magnet Programs. OLF students are recognized within the local and regional contests of various competitions including Chapman University’s Holocaust Art, Writing, Poetry and Film Contest, Orange County Science Fair, Jr. High Academic Decathlon, Knight’s of Columbus’ Writing Contest, and OC Catholic Charities Poster Contest.

OLF’s Early Education Center’s Transitional Kindergarten program is the first year of a two-year academic Kindergarten program that is specifically designed to give four-year-olds and young fives the “gift of time” to develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively. All students participate weekly in the enrichment classes of Spanish, Music, Piano, Art, and PE. K-2, 3-5, and Middle School Musical Productions are a highlight of the school year along with the annual all-school Christmas Program and 5th Grade Passion Play. The extended field studies programs for 4-8th graders include Sacramento day trip, The Pilgrim, Catalina Ecology Safari, ECOS Science Camp, Channel Islands, and Philadelphia/Gettysburg/Washington D.C. OLF School enthusiastically hosts upwards of 30 community-building events for students and parents throughout the school year.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH SCHOOL
105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente, CA 92672
949.492.7320 • www.olfschool.net