Design to Sell

By OC Real Estate 411

It’s a brave new world of real estate. While staging a home for sale has become increasingly common, OC Real Estate 411 has taken it to the next level. Their Design to Sell model is giving home sellers astounding returns, setting home sale price records and making traditional real estate marketing an antiquated concept.

“Everyone needs Design to Sell,” states Robyn Webb, Owner and Broker of OC Real Estate 411. “The way we design our home to live is far different than how a home should be designed to sell.” Webb has an MBA from USC and is also a certified interior designer. “In traditional real estate, the agent encourages the homeowner to de-clutter and move some items into the garage. Then, the agent brings in a photographer and puts the photos on the Internet. In order to grab a buyer’s attention, the photos have to be stunning, and that must start with the design of the house itself.”

Steve and Carolyn Fowle, of San Juan Capistrano, were blown away by the results. “After listing our home for 5 months with another broker, we decided to take the Design to Sell plunge and we called OC Real Estate 411. After a $31,000 investment, we sold our home for $400,000 higher than the best offer we received with the previous agent. What’s more incredible, Robyn sold our home in less than a week! We now know that what Robyn is doing with Design to Sell is truly a game changer and the only way a home should be sold.”

The Design to Sell concept is a value-added service that works for a wide range of homeowners, with varying goals, that may have a budget as low as $500 or as high as $50,000. This mini-makeover starts with an unbiased, third-party valuation of the home’s market value. The OC Real Estate 411 team then assesses the home and recommends changes that will have the greatest buyer emotional impact on the home’s sale value. From there, Robyn and her team execute the new design. The results are impressive. The majority of homeowners have sold their homes in 30 days or less, and for prices that well exceeded expectations. “Most of our clients get at least 3 times their return on investment,” Webb states. “We don’t take lightly that we are asking homeowners to make a big investment and permanently change their home — they need to be serious about selling and they need to trust the process.”

HGTV shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers have changed homebuyers’ expectations. For those buyers that don’t have the time or funds to take on these transformations, Design to Sell meets an unmet need, and makes the property stand out against the competition. For those that do want to try a fixer upper, OC Real Estate 411 does the reverse business model as well. Referred to as “Orange County’s Joanna Gaines” by her clients, Webb enjoys helping homebuyers purchase a fixer upper and transform it afterward into their dream home. “Our home appraised for $265,000 more than the purchase price after we invested a fraction of that with Robyn’s fixer upper program. We now have our dream home and are sitting on a pile of equity,” states Darlene Jones of Laguna Niguel.

Webb’s business is rooted in ethics and integrity, as evidenced by her Champion of Home Award, presented by the California Association of Realtors. Of approximately 500,000 real estate agents in California, only 1-3 are designated with this prestigious award each year, which recognizes ethics, professionalism and overall exemplary conduct of a Realtor^®. With over $200 million sold, Webb strives for every client experience to become a client for life. “This isn’t a job for me”, she says, “It’s a labor of true love.”

OC Real Estate 411
949.359.6572 | OCRealEstate411.com

Ross Legacy Medical Group

Modern Medicine. Traditional Care.

When Dr. Karl Gebhard, the founder of Ross Legacy Medical Group, was a young boy, Little House on the Prairie was filmed on a horse property near his house in the L.A. area. “It was fascinating to watch famous actors play their roles, but what struck me most was Doc Baker and his vintage doctor’s bag. I wondered if actual physicians still used those doctor’s bags and if they were as much a part of their town and families as the Doc Baker character was on the show,” says Dr. Gebhard.

Many years later, Gebhard was talking to an older physician and noticed he carried a black bag almost identical to Doc Baker’s. He pondered if he had finally met a real life “Doc Baker.” It turned out that he had, and that man was Dr. Ross.

After graduating from medical school and working in several corporate-owned clinics, Dr. Gebhard formed a partnership with Dr. Ross. He wanted to practice family medicine that cares for an entire community, focusing on traditional ideals and a strong work ethic while being innovative and technologically current. When Dr. Ross passed in 2008, Dr. Gebhard promised himself that he would continue that same mission.

Dr. Gebhard feels fortunate to be back at the Mission Viejo location that Dr. Ross founded over forty years ago. He and the team at Ross Legacy Medical Group are proud to serve the families of south Orange County. To schedule an appointment, please call 949.305.0110 or visit RossLegacy.net. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Ross Legacy Medical Group
26922 Oso Parkway, Ste. 380, Mission Viejo
949.305.0110 | RossLegacy.net

U.S. Reclaimed

Vintage Lumber & Wood Works

by Veronica Badzey

Ben Bonin spent 15 years as a contractor before opening U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber and Wood Works in Laguna Niguel. Traveling throughout the U.S., from Mississippi to New York, Ben and his team repurpose pre-1900s barns, houses and old buildings, saving them from being demolished, burned down or winding up in landfills. Ben’s passion for reusing timeworn materials and artifacts in contemporary ways is expressed in the creative designs, quality products and one-of-a-kind treasures he creates.

Ben’s vision for starting his own company was inspired by his experiences with other reclaimed wood companies. “I wanted a store that was super customer friendly,” Ben says, “where people could walk in, find what they were looking for and talk with an expert without getting the run around.” Ben’s commitment to his customers is paramount and he often develops personal, lasting relationships with many of them.

Ben loves the process and outcomes of working with reclaimed wood because of its beauty, history, and superior quality. In the beginning, Ben and his wife, Bethany, hunted for wooden gems themselves; now they receive calls on a weekly basis from owners who have heard of U.S. Reclaimed and want to sell their old structures. These unique pieces of history are built using, as Ben says, “just about every kind of hardwood that grew in America.” As Ben explains, “The wood we retrieve is first generation lumber from some of the first trees cut down in America. It’s just solid, good wood. Today, everything is farmed, and the trees have lost the natural defenses that keep out bugs and diseases that cause rot.”

Recycled materials from deconstructed buildings provide a seemingly inexhaustible supply of high quality lumber. Newer lumber from farmed trees can’t compare to the beauty and quality of reclaimed wood. “It’s a joy to work with,” states Ben. “It’s more beautiful; you don’t get the same grains, density, and colors from farmed trees that have been cut down six or seven times since the country has started logging.”

U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber offers a design store, lumber yard, and woodworking shop all in one, providing clients with design services, construction, and raw materials for any DIY project. The company has created everything from furniture to flooring, wall paneling, ceiling beams, fireplace mantles and tabletops – even shelving, frames, and sliding barn doors. Ben’s expertise and the shop’s wide range of unique, raw materials ensure that every customer walks away with a truly one-of-a-kind piece no matter the scope of the project.

Many customers will even research the back-story behind their lumber, discovering details of American history from the time when the structure was originally built. “My favorite part of this business,” says Ben, “is traveling and meeting the characters from all these different towns in areas of the U.S. where people don’t normally want to go. Jumping into their way of life for a couple of days is fun and then I get to bring a piece of that back with me.”

Some of his more memorable projects include historical renovations, like the old grain mill tower on Alicia Parkway that was constructed in the early 1900s, or rebuilding the floors of a 19th century church in Santa Ana. Projects like these often require Ben to use the relationships he’s developed to source out reclaimed materials that match those used in the initial construction. He has also designed and outfitted many popular businesses around town. The Cellar restaurant in San Clemente, for example, commissioned Ben to build its bar from reclaimed wine barrels and to create custom wine racks. His newest project, Water Grill in Costa Mesa, features impressive wood beamed ceilings, pillars, and a stunning herringbone patterned floor.

To customize your own unique piece of history, stop by U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber &
Wood Works, located on Camino Capistrano in Laguna Niguel, just off Avery Parkway and the 5 Freeway. For a glimpse of U.S. Reclaimed’s extensive gallery of work, visit USreclaimed.com.

U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber & Wood Works
28052 Camino Capistrano Ste. 103, Laguna Niguel
(949) 364-1207 • USreclaimed.com

Dana Point Oktoberfest

Free Admission  |  October 15th  |  12 – 7 p.m. |  Sea Terrace Park

Dana Point’s 3rd annual Oktoberfest captures the true spirit of the season, combining German food, music and dancing with a bit of fun in the sun. This time-honored folk festival, which originated in Munich in 1810, delivers the Bavarian traditions you’d expect with a California-style twist!

“We’re here to celebrate!” enthuses Master of Ceremonies Peter Melton, or the “Pieter Meister,” as he is affectionately called throughout the event. “Plan to come early and stay late. We always have a rockin’ good time!” 

The free, family-friendly event is produced by Eventwerks in conjunction with the City of Dana Point, and has been growing in popularity since its inception three years ago. Last year, thousands attended the festival, partying until the end of the day and drinking up every last bit of tasty German beer. This year, the same tempting array of authentic German Bratwurst, Knockwurst, German potatoes, sauerkraut, sweet treats, pretzels (the Pieter Meister’s favorite), and of course, plenty of beer – including at least 15 varieties of premium German and American brew, plus wine and non-alcoholic beverages for the kids will be on hand. Munich’s famous Spaten beer takes center stage, along with favorites from Franziskaner, Beck’s and Hoegaarden. Enjoy your favorite brew in a 16.9 oz. commemorative Dana Point Oktoberfest mug  that comes with party beads and your first beer for only $20. Refills are only $8.

It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without festive music! The Bavarian BeerGarden Band will provide traditional and fun German music starting at noon and the Warsaw Poland Bros. will liven things up with their unique Oktoberfest Polka-Billy musical style starting at 4 p.m. Games include musical chairs for the kids, the hilarious and now-famous sausage toss, the ever-popular chicken dance, a sauerkraut eating contest, stein holding, and beer chugging. The festivities also feature sing-a-long songs and a dance party, lending this traditional German folk festival a distinctly American flavor.

“Part of what’s made our Oktoberfest event such a success,” shares Peter, “is how we’ve combined German tradition with good, old American fun. I’ve had people come up to me, even traditional people who’ve been to Oktoberfest celebrations for years, and tell me they prefer ours greatly.”

Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point provides a stunning venue, with gorgeous ocean views of Salt Creek Beach, fresh sea breezes, grassy park areas where the kids can run around and play, and an abundance of picnic tables. For a close-up view of the stage and the Pieter Meister’s crazy brand of German-American fun, arrive early to get the best table. Many attendees come dressed in costume, but if you happen to forget your lederhosen, vendors will be selling gear and souvenirs on-site. 

Most of all, come prepared to have a good time. Whether you’re German or American, have attended Oktoberfest every year or if this is your first one, you will find something to enjoy. Starting with the playful opening ceremony and tapping of the keg, the day promises a boisterous good time with family and friends, and hilarity as revelers dance, sing, and toast to the bounty of the harvest season. As the Pieter Meister says, “The dance party at the end, as it’s getting dark, is worth the trip alone!”

Dana Point’s Oktoberfest runs from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 15th. Free parking and a free shuttle to and from the event can be found at Dana Hills High School (33333 Golden Lantern Road). The first shuttle starts from Dana Hills High School at 11:30 a.m. and runs every half hour thereafter until 7:30 p.m. Additional parking is easily accessible on Niguel Road and Stonehill Drive, and entrances to the event can be found behind the Dana Point Library walking path and through the underground Pacific Coast Highway tunnel adjacent to the Salt Creek Beach parking lot. For more information on parking visit the website at DanaPointOktoberfest.com.

MemorialCare Medical Group & Urgent Care

By Veronica Bradzey

For 20 years, MemorialCare Medical Group and Urgent Care has been an integral part of San Juan Capistrano and its surrounding communities, providing outpatient services to thousands in Orange County and beyond. Marking the one-year anniversary in its new location on Rancho Viejo Road, local residents also have cause to celebrate their access to premier patient care — 365 days a year — at this beautiful, one-stop-shop health center.

When MemorialCare Medical Group moved into its newly constructed, 25,000 square foot building last year, the doctors and staff were excited to offer the highest level of care, with the added convenience of an ultra-modern, well-equipped health center.

“One of the great things about working in this office,” says Ian Bare, MD, Medical Director of MemorialCare Medical Group Urgent Care, “is that we’re not some little office on an island. As a member of MemorialCare Health System, we are connected to a broad medical community, giving us the ability to provide comprehensive rather than episodic care.”

The office staff includes dedicated urgent care physicians, primary care physicians specializing in family practice, internal medicine and pediatrics; plus an onsite podiatrist, pulmonologist, palliative specialist, and a Coumadin Clinic.

“It comes down to giving people what they need, right then and there,” says Dr. Bare, “whether it’s a Kleenex and cough medicine, or it’s stabilizing them and calling an ambulance.” Being part of MemorialCare Health System makes this level of care possible, connecting patients, doctors, imaging centers, hospitals, and specialists through its Electronic Medical Records System (EMR).

The advantages and opportunities that are recognized from the EMR allow providers to deliver patient-centered coordinated care. The EMR enables doctors to instantly share patients’ medical history, hospital notes, imaging notes and specialist consultations so that all providers are on the same page. Whether a patient comes in with a dislocated finger or chest pains, any doctor they see will have immediate access to their full medical history within the MemorialCare Health System.

Along with an incredibly friendly team and caring, highly-qualified doctors and nurses, the office boasts a wide array of advanced equipment, allowing most procedures to be completed in-house. Accessibility to a full-time laboratory, ultrasound, an EKG machine, cardiac monitoring, dedicated procedure rooms with surgical equipment, point of care testing for glucose, hemoglobin and urine studies, and IVs for medications and fluids enhances treatment and delivery of optimal results.

“We try to be ready for anything that’s reasonable to do in an outpatient setting,” Dr. Bare says. And for anything they can’t handle in-house? “We’re backed by the entire MemorialCare Health System,” adds Bare.  If a patient comes in with a condition that requires a fully-equipped hospital, the health care team calls Saddleback Memorial ahead to make arrangements for the patient before their arrival, apprising the caregivers of the situation through the EMR.

Popular amenities offered at the health center include free Wi-Fi, a health education center, a private consultation room, and a drive-up outpatient drop-off area where patients can call for assistance when entering or leaving the facility.

MemorialCare Medical Group is active in the community, sponsoring events such as the Sports Physical Workshop at San Juan Hills High School, where Urgent Care doctors perform 600-700 sports physicals in one afternoon. Many of the Primary Care doctors present health-related seminars at businesses and community centers throughout Orange County. 

“Most of all, we want you to realize that we’re here for you,” Dr. Bare says. “Even if it’s just that you’re concerned and don’t know what to do, we’re happy to see you and get you on the right track.”

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

The 4th Annual Orange County Food, Wine & Music Festival

by Mac McDonald

The 4th annual Orange County Food, Wine & Music Festival brings much more to the table than you might expect. On June 25th at Dana Point’s Sea Terrace Park, a mouthful of eats and treats awaits from noon to 7 p.m.

Event Director Rich Goodwin says, “We’re similar to a lot of food festivals out there, but what we tend to do is bring in more. We have a little bit of everything!” The festival features 50 wine varietals from all over the world, food from dozens of Orange County restaurants, caterers and bakeries and 80 different craft beers. Continuous live music and circus-like strolling entertainers, from jugglers and stilt walkers to magicians and contortionists will keep the party going all day.

“We have everything, from high-end chocolates and bakers to local restaurants,” says Goodwin, “That’s why this event is so popular, because we address all types of people and we have a bead on what people want.”

In addition to this festival, EventWerks partners with the City of Dana Point to bring Dana Point Summer Concerts, Dana Point State BBQ Championships (October 8), Dana Point Oktoberfest (October 15), as well as concerts, food festivals, craft brew festivals and Oktoberfet celebrations in Santa Barbara, San Diego, Lake Arrowhead and beyond.

The festival began rather modestly in 2013 as a free, family-oriented event and it’s now blossomed into a community-wide experience serving up higher-end offerings for foodies and wine and beer aficionados.

The VIP Grand Tasting Package is your ticket to the festival’s most exclusive amenities. VIP ticket-holders will have access to the Grand Tasting Pavilion, a private tented area featuring unlimited sampling from over 20 food purveyors, 50 craft breweries and tastes of more than 50 wine varietals. VIP participants will also enjoy shaded seating areas, private restrooms, and choice entertainment. VIP tickets are $100 in advance and are limited to the first 500 sold at FoodWineandMusicFestival.com.

The Unlimited Drink Sampling Package allows ticket holders unlimited samplings from 40 craft breweries (80 varieties of beer), 50 varietals of wine, live entertainment, and a commemorative glass. Tickets run $40 in advance online and $50 at the gate on the day of the event.

If you’d prefer to just stroll the grounds and nosh and sip a la carte, the General Admission option is the right one for you. A mere $10 at the event’s main box office provides entry, $8 per drink for beer, wine and cocktails, and food for purchase from an array of restaurants. Once you’re inside the event and you like what you taste, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to the Unlimited Drink Sampling Package for just $40.

Live entertainment at the Orange County Food, Wine & Music Festival will be provided by L.A.-based band Nutty, which takes classic rock and mixes it with jazz, a mashup where “Hendrix, Ozzie, Neil Young and The Who are sittin’ in with jazz cats like Miles, Dizzie, Mancini and the Duke.” DJ Peter G will be on hand to add to the mix, playing everything from classic rock to contemporary hits. Last but not least, everyone’s favorite 80’s Nerd Band, the Spazmatics, will also keep guests pumped.

Parking is available at the Salt Creek Beach parking lot and on nearby streets. For your convenience, a round-trip shuttle service will run from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., to and from Dana Hills High School. You can also take the Laguna Beach and Dana Point free trolley to Salt Creek Beach where you may enter the event through the tunnel under PCH.

For more information about the event, go to FoodWineandMusicFestival.com.

Sea Terrace Park at 33401 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, CA 92629

San Clemente Christian School

Become one of the Family

San Clemente Christian School is nestled in the small beach community of Capistrano Beach, working enthusiastically to support the mission, vision, and heart of the school. SCCS continues to expand, serving grades TK through 10th (adding a new grade for high school each year) and is working diligently to secure a final home in San Clemente!

San Clemente Christian School’s philosophy brings the “boutique school” concept to life. Classes are intentionally designed to allow teachers to honor each child’s individual strengths and needs, offering only one class of students (20 maximum) per grade level and a student-to-staff ratio of 1:3. Becky Casey, a teacher of 30 years, shares that “Each child is valued and known for who God created them to be. We are truly a united family where students are taught to love, support and respect each other. It is not just about test taking or memorizing facts; it’s about challenging our students beyond what they believe they can accomplish! One of my favorite comments from a parent was that every student gets to be a star here—that’s exactly the point!” 

The staff is excited about the growth and development of SCCS’s preparatory Middle and High School Programs, offering a positive, safe, and challenging alternative to other educational options in the community. In a time when students are faced with enormous pressures and challenges, the school creates and environment where students can “develop his or her giftings, thrive, and truly be themselves through mentorship and hands on experiences.”

San Clemente Christian School’s academic approach is described as Full S.T.E.A.M. ahead—science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Assistant Principal, Rebecca Romo shares, “We are firm believers in giving our students a competitive edge and provide every opportunity for them to be academically and practically prepared to succeed now and in the future—to encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, discovery, creativity, exploratory learning, and active engagement across all subjects.” SCCS promises a rich, balanced experience with weekly student-led chapel services, academic competitions, a surf club, field trips to Science Camp, Catalina Island and Washington, D.C. and mission trips for families and students alike. In addition, the entire student body is exposed to art, science labs, Greek, Latin and Spanish language classes. Dr. Magnuson asserts, “The potential of our students is boundless, and we want to support that amazing potential.” The school is equipped with state-of-the-art technology in every class; Smart Boards, laptops and iPads are used as powerful tools to support real world instructional experiences that ultimately enhance each student’s unique learning process.

It’s clear that teachers and staff firmly believe that students have the potential to be leaders in our world today, no matter the age! Leadership instruction at San Clemente Christian School is woven into daily instruction, across subject matter, and throughout all grade levels. This leadership program is based upon four cornerstone ideas which comprise a model called P.A.C.E—Prepare for the future, Acquire a servant’s heart, Connect to communities, organizations and global issues, Energize youth to make lasting change. Dr. Magnuson shares, “Many parents ask me why and how we are different from other schools. Of course our teachers are highly educated and credentialed, and we have amazing new curriculum and technology. But that is not why we are different. We choose to be here to impact our student’s character in a way that has lasting impact on their lives. We want every single student to know without a doubt that they are beautifully made, priceless, valued, and amazingly capable!”

Learn more about San Clemente Christian School’s mission, vision, academic curriculum and programs at SanClementeChristianSchool.com

Acting Academy for Kids

It’s time to watch your star shine!

When Stephen and Maggie Zygo opened Acting Academy for Kids in 2008 at the Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano, they wanted to create a fun, positive environment for kids where they felt like part of a family. For Stephen, acting has always been a family business. He performed in his first musical, Peter Pan, with his brother, J. Michael Zygo, in elementary school. As the Zygo family grows, with the birth of their 2nd child, Jesse, on March 19th, so has the success and expanded offerings at the Academy.

The Zygos both have Masters Degrees in education and use their substantial experience as educators to inform their teaching philosophy. Acting Academy for Kids (AA4K) only employs teachers who have spent significant time in a classroom setting, with professional credentials in the industry. According to Stephen, “Other schools will bring in high-profile performers from Broadway or West End musical theater gurus, but that does not necessarily translate into competency in the classroom.”

Acting Academy for Kids is a full-service, performing arts academy for kids ages 4 to 17, with classes in acting, voice, musical theater, and its newest addition, film. This year’s Spring Film Project, the restaurant-themed Family Style Dinner, introduces students to “the vernacular of being on set,” complete with auditions, callbacks, and time on camera. Young actors are supported by a Hollywood crew led by
writer/director Brian Stevens, and receive professional Internet Movie Database (IMDB) credits, along with their own acting reel. The movie premieres at a red-carpet extravaganza at San Juan Capistrano’s Regency Theater on the silver screen.

The film program extends into the summer with the launch of AA4K’s four-week Film Academy. Kids in each week-long camp will have a blast producing their own short film that will be showcased at a gala screening at the Regency Theater in front of family, friends and the SJC film community.

In addition to the new film camp, every summer the Academy hosts its popular ten-week Musical Theater Camp, featuring weekly themes such as Be a Star War, Jungle Book Adventure and Minions. Students ages 4 to 13 take multiple classes in music, acting, and dance, culminating in a Friday afternoon performance on the Playhouse mainstage.

The musical theater program continues throughout the school year and is currently  taking registrations for a family-friendly version of Alice in Wonderland. AA4K presents four Broadway musicals a year, allowing students to perform in an authentic playhouse equipped with professional sets, lighting, and sound.

Acting Academy for Kids is fast becoming a hub for the arts in South Orange County, while still remaining an integral part of the local scene. The Academy has even added a professional recording department, Academy Voice, where sound engineer Kevin Spiro assists students in creating professionally produced music.

As AA4K is in the midst of exciting new developments and opportunities, Stephen reiterates that his focus will always be on the kids. “Most of the fourth graders who started with me back in 2008 are now graduating from high school,” says Stephen. “It’s so awesome to watch alumni graduate and come back to the Academy either as employees or volunteers. That’s incredibly fulfilling. This Academy is about the joy we bring into their lives. At the end of the day, it really needs to be fun.”

Whether kids have a passion for acting or are just testing the waters, Acting Academy for Kids creates a supportive, fun environment where students of all ages can gain confidence, build teamwork skills, and discover the joy of performing.

For more information on Acting Academy for Kids’ summer camps, film academy, classes, satellite programs, and participation in the musical Alice in Wonderland, visit ActingAcademyForKids.com.

Acting ACADEMY for Kids   |   Ages 4-17   |   ActingAcademyForKids.com   |   949.427.0072

Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness in San Clemente opened its doors less than a year ago, and already has become a community hub where people of all ages and backgrounds come to get healthy in a positive, high-energy environment.

Owners Dusty and Staci Dial, who live in San Clemente with their five-year-old daughter, were introduced to Orangetheory Fitness by their friend Marc Thomas, who owns studios in Newport Beach and Laguna Niguel. Dusty and Staci opened their first studio in Rancho Santa Margarita, followed by their San Clemente location in March 2015.

“We wanted to create a place where people would be able to come in and just forget about their problems for an hour,” says Dusty, “and after one of these workouts, with the energy you’ve used, and the endorphins you’ve created, you’re in a fantastic mood.”

Each 60-minute class provides “personal training in a group setting,” combining the benefits of a certified personal trainer with the fun, motivating atmosphere of a group class – an approach that’s unique in the fitness industry, and among the many reasons Men’s Journal rated Orangetheory Fitness the #1 workout on “The 20 Best Workouts in America” list.

Created by Ellen Latham in 2010, Orangetheory is a science-based, full body workout that utilizes the principles of high intensity interval training (HIIT), and excess post exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). HIIT incorporates short bursts of super-high intensity effort for 1-2 minutes at a time, ensuring that 12-20 minutes of an hour-long class are spent in the heart rate zones proven to achieve EPOC – a state of oxygen deficiency that forces the body to burn more calories to equalize the loss.

Orangetheory Fitness’s logo of a fat cell exploding says it all. A typical class burns an average of 500 to 1000 calories and creates a metabolic increase, through EPOC, that allows you to keep burning calories at a higher rate over the next 24 to 36 hours. In other words, you’re able to reap the rewards of afterburn from an Orangetheory Fitness workout long after you’ve left the studio.

Participants receive heart rate monitors that calculate their maximum heart rate based on age, weight, and sex. They then choose the workout intensity that is right for them according to their fitness level. “You could have a 90-year-old woman working out next to an NFL player and they’ll receive the same benefits of the workout because they’re working to their own fitness level,” says Dusty.

Orangetheory Fitness uses a multi-faceted attack, alternating between treadmill, indoor rower, and resistance training, including free weights, TRX straps, an ab dolly, and body weight. Classes emphasize endurance, strength, or power – and with over 550 exercises in Orangetheory Fitness’s library, there are thousands of combinations to choose from, guaranteeing that no two classes are exactly alike.

Each class is led by a certified personal trainer who has gone through a rigorous selection process. New members arrive 30 minutes early in order to receive their heart rate monitor, watch part of a workout, and spend time with their trainer getting acquainted with the equipment. From that moment on, their personal trainer is always on hand, making corrections to form or providing an alternate version of an exercise, if necessary.

Benefits include weight loss, greater muscle tone and strength, increased endurance, and a marked improvement in overall health. “The best part of this business,” Dusty says, “is seeing people’s lives change. We’ve had people come in with Type 2 diabetes, and after a couples of months their doctors are wondering how they are improving their conditions.”

People typically start to feel better within the first few weeks, and it takes about four to six weeks to start seeing visual changes. “Give it at least three days a week for six weeks,” says Dusty, “and you’ll never go back!”