FTC Kitchen

Healthcare Catering Service

Nourishment for Recovery

by Victoria Kertz

“We need a vegan! And we need a gluten-free meal!” Mary Carter’s voice carries to every corner of her bustling San Juan Capistrano kitchen. A flurry of cooks move through the space in quick, but graceful movements, while the most delightful aromas waft outside. Another team swiftly scoops hot food into takeout-style containers, snapped shut, stacked, and loaded into waiting vans with mesmerizing speed. No, this isn’t a new cooking show; it’s your average weekday morning at FTC Kitchen, a top supplier of delicious, healthy meals to over 900 group home residents from Los Angeles to San Diego. 

For Mary, cooking for people in recovery isn’t just a job; it’s a passion. Before founding FTC Kitchen with her husband Bruce in 2008, she was an educator in the food packaging industry. When a friend in the rehab/treatment business needed assistance with meals to a group home client, she saw firsthand how the residents were eating. Locations were serving pizzas and fast food, day after day. Mary immediately realized the need for a nutritional, cost-effective, and convenient meal service provider that would benefit both clients and staff. “These residents really need something healthy, cooked, and fresh,” she shares. “Clients are trying to change their lives and you can’t do that on Pop-Tarts and fast food.” 

Inspired to fill the obvious void, Mary began preparing and delivering healthy meals, while learning to accommodate the unique needs of group homes in Southern California. Her work ethic, integrity, and desire to give back to the local community have allowed her to expand business rapidly. Today, her service provides nourishment to dozens of facilities and allows operators to focus more on the treatment and recovery process. “We make it easy, and we make it affordable. And every meal comes from the heart,” she says. 

FTC Kitchen creates delicious meals that make you feel good and comfort your soul. Each meal is prepared fresh, nutritionally balanced, and tailored to individual needs. They offer a variety of cost-effective menus designed to fit a range of dietary needs within this industry, plus festive food for group home holidays and special in-house events. 

Mary adds that FTC Kitchen also offers ordering flexibility as occupancy may vary dramatically from day to day. “We’re here for the clients,” Mary says, “and we understand what a group home needs.” 

If you operate or manage a group home and would like to sample FTC Kitchen’s menu offerings, Mary and her team welcome the opportunity to schedule a consultation and complimentary tasting. They are proud to deliver fresh meals throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. 

Bruce and Mary’s understanding and knowledge, established over 14 years of hands-on experience, has inspired FTC Kitchen to launch franchise opportunities in 2022. With a trusted brand and the resources to train new franchise owners across the country, the business model can be easily scaled to reach residents nationwide. “As of today, there are over 23 million people in recovery,” Mary says. “Our one kitchen can only serve a fraction of them. Food is the one thing that keeps us together.” The first franchises will open soon in Georgia, Massachusetts, Texas, Arizona, and Orange County. 

Mary’s mission is to replicate the efforts of her San Juan Capistrano team from coast to coast. She wants prospective franchisees to understand that it’s not only a highly profitable business, but one that’s also gratifying. “We started with very little and built our company month by month and year by year, and it has truly flourished. We love what we do!” 

FTC Kitchen
31214 Paseo Adelanto #6
San Juan Capistrano
949.374.6190
FTCKitchen.com

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MemorialCare

From Past to Present

MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano Focused on Family, Community and Wellness 

An Enriched Past — Investing in the Community
MemorialCare is rich in the modern-day history of San Juan Capistrano. In fact, MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano has served this community for more than 20 years. Dr. Craig Albert and Dr. George Karapetian – who worked out of the first, much smaller MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano site — are retiring after serving this community for more than 20+ years. 

These same physicians and their staff, along with MemorialCare leadership, knew the residents of San Juan Capistrano needed expanded access to health care. In 2015, the team at MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano moved into a 2-story, 25,000 square-foot space, nestled between the 5 Freeway and Marbella Country Club. 

“We knew we needed to do more for the health care needs of the community,” said George Karapetian, M.D., past medical director, MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano. “We were determined to give this community the ease of access to general care, along with specialized services.” 

This once small, but mighty practice turned into a one-stop shop for complete health care for the entire family – and opened with an on-site lab, digital imaging services and a Coumadin Clinic. It also offered access to care focused on improving health outcomes, including health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. 

A Bright Future – Healthcare Advances Woven into Primary Care
Although it was just seven years ago since the re-investment in healthcare for the community of San Juan Capistrano, MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano is at it again. Even before the growth of the need for mental health services due to the pandemic, the team at MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano saw the need and brought on behavioral health as a service to the community. 

Not only is this Center complete with primary care physicians, but it includes specialists in pediatrics, podiatry and pulmonary medicine. Dr. Wong, a pediatrician at the Center, is a passionate advocate of pediatric healthcare – and strives to ensure a child’s needs are met first, specializing in understanding how to communicate and connect with children. In addition, an urgent care is available with the ability to check in online, provide virtual care visits and offer a virtual exam kit for the home. 

“What is truly remarkable about our Center is the ability for us to take care of the entire family,” says Mimi Trinh, M.D., current medical director, MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano. “From the working mom, who gets her primary care as well as her child’s well checks here, to someone in the sandwich generation, who has herself, her parent and her child’s care to coordinate — we have specialized care exclusive to each patient’s unique needs all under one roof.” 

Much like the City of San Juan Capistrano has adapted with changes through the years, so has MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano. New clinicians are joining to meet those growing needs of the community, including Dr. Sandy Serna, Dr. Vincent Zheng and nurse practitioner, Elizabeth Upson. 

More than 38 percent of the city of San Juan Capistrano’s population is Hispanic and Spanish speaking. Dr. Serna’s second language is Spanish, offering our community the comfort of knowing they can receive care in their family’s native language. Dr. Zheng is also passionate about healthcare equity and chose a career in medicine after experiencing his family’s difficult access to healthcare and health insurance. While he watched his father have to work through an injury, he wants to be the change for his patients. 

Finally, addressing the need for female care providers in the area, a new nurse practitioner is joining the group, giving women of South Orange County another female practitioner to turn to. 

Become a Part of the MCMG San Juan Capistrano Community
While MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano has an illuminating past, the future too is bright for this Center as well as those who call MemorialCare Medical Group their medical home. 

MemorialCare Medical Group accepts most major HMO, PPO, EPO, POS and some Covered California plans, as well as Medicare, Tricare, Medicare Advantage and Supplemental plans. Visit memorialcare.org/SJC or call (877) 696-3622 for more information. 

MemorialCare
31001 Rancho Viejo Rd., Suite 200
San Juan Capistrano
877.696.3622
MemorialCare.org/SJC

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

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

Dr. Mogavero

Truly Invisible Braces

by Veronica Badzey

Let’s get one thing straight, orthodontics has come a long way. Your journey to a gorgeous smile is now faster and can be achieved more discreetly than ever before. If you’ve resisted or procrastinated having your teeth straightened, it’s the perfect time to visit the office of Dr. Frank Mogavero to explore the option that’s right for you.

Dr. Mogavero Orthodontics in San Clemente is hosting a free Scan and Smile Design Day on July 28, 2022. Teens and adults will have the opportunity to receive all-digital, high-resolution intraoral scans of their teeth at no charge. With digital scans, gooey trays and uncomfortable experiences are a thing of the past. Each Scan Day patient will have their digital scans evaluated by Dr. Mogavero himself. No referrals are needed to attend, and you may simply sign up at syncyoursmile.com/contact-us/request-an-appointment or by phone.

Have you ever wondered if Invisalign or InBrace would work for you? Scan Day is the perfect time to ask questions and to learn about the various straightening methods available. Dr. Mogavero offers Invisalign, InBrace, and several other options, but in his 32 years of practice, none has dazzled him like InBrace. He was one of the first South County orthodontists to offer the “hidden” InBrace system, and he recently reached a new milestone with the Irvine-based company. “My team and I have treated over 125 cases with InBrace,” says Dr. Mogavero. “We’re so impressed with Gen 2.0 [the latest version] because it’s even better and more efficient than the original.”

What is InBrace, exactly? Pictured on the cover with Dr. Mogavero, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer John Pham says their flagship InBrace solution is all about making up for lost time. “InBrace allows people who have always wanted teeth straightening, but never got it, to create a perfect smile without the look of traditional braces. InBrace can do a treatment 30 to 50 percent faster than traditional braces. No one wants to look worse before they look better. InBrace allows you to look better and enjoy your smile from day one,” says Pham.

Developed at the University of Southern California by Pham and his team, InBrace is proudly manufactured in the U.S.A. It’s a premium product that Orange County residents have ‘embraced’ and are willing to invest in because it works so quickly. “Especially when it’s being done by a great orthodontist like Dr. Mogavero,” Pham adds.

InBrace patients notice a difference in their smiles right away, and so do their siblings. Davis Vasconcellos, brother of pro skater Nora Vasconcellos, received InBrace in March. When Nora saw him last month, she was amazed, “I never expected him to have results so fast!”

Of course, orthodontics is important for the entire family, and now that school’s out, it’s the ideal time to schedule your child’s appointment. Dr. Mogavero advises that children should visit the orthodontist for their first exam when they are seven years old. Even if teeth positioning isn’t a concern, he can examine a child’s airway and treat them for breathing or snoring issues.

Kids of all ages love visiting Dr. Mogavero’s snow and skate-themed San Clemente office, where they can sit in one of three real ski lift chairs from Mammoth Mountain, and marvel at the autographed skateboards and snowboards from megastars in each sport. At Dr. Mogavero’s office, Olympic medalists are also patients, so you may be smiling next to one of the best athletes in the world!

Dr. Mogavero Orthodontics
1031 Ave. Pico, Ste. 101, San Clemente
949.373.3737
SyncYourSmile.com
InBrace.me

South County Restoration

Repipe Before You Remodel

by Victoria Kertz

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR THE 3 Rs: REPIPE, REMEDIATE AND REMODEL 

Facing a slab leak or plumbing disaster? Let South County Restoration in San Clemente come to your rescue. From the second you see water damage, call owner Casey McCants, before you contact your insurance provider. Casey’s team is your one-stop resource to stop the leak, repipe your home, repair the drywall, and perform the required remodel work. Many mitigation companies offer services to address only one component in the process, but South County Restoration offers a comprehensive solution, from the moment you notice a leak to the last repair detail. 

Since 2008, this dedicated team of professionals has been providing emergency water remediation and restoration throughout South Orange County. In addition to being a general contractor, Casey is also a trained homeowner advocate, so he is well-equipped to address insurance claim issues on your behalf. Casey has the knowledge and experience to answer insurance provider questions, file the claim, and recover the compensation you deserve. In some cases, insurance may even pay for a portion of your repipe. 

“He knows what to ask for,” Annmarie McCants explains. If it’s necessary for you to relocate to a hotel while the house is uninhabitable, Casey fights to make sure your living expenses are covered. “He spends hours on the phone. It takes legwork.” 

“Insurance companies want you to use their approved vendors and do the least amount of work to restore your home,” says Casey. That’s where South Country Restoration stands out. His team conducts a thorough investigation of the damage, suggests a long-term solution, and makes certain all work is done correctly. 

Water damage can quickly result in mold and other hazards that can wreak havoc on your health and home. The remediation and restoration process addresses the cause of the issue and stops mold from spreading in your walls and other spaces. Whether the job requires demolition, mold removal, or a basic dry-out, South County Restoration is committed to returning your family to a safe and healthy environment. 

How does the process work? First, call Casey at 949.536.8204. He and his dedicated team will initiate your claim, schedule the repipe, work with your insurance company to get the best settlement, and restore your property to its original condition. Casey’s team will arrive at your home at 8 a.m. on the day of repiping, cover everything in plastic, execute the repairs, and provide you with running water that very night. 

South County Restoration utilizes cross-linked polyethylene, better known as PEX, to bypass or replace existing pipes. PEX tubing is flexible and can be directly routed to where it needs to go. The product’s flexibility reduces the need to make joints and turns, while improving water pressure. A PEX repipe prevents future leaks and is designed to last a lifetime. 

After the repipe is completed, a second team arrives to repair the drywall, typically two days later. They also perform mitigation services, thoroughly clean and abate the area, conduct mold and asbestos testing, and provide moving and storage, as required. Only South County Restoration can repipe your home and repair the walls in as little as three days. 

Big box providers typically don’t have the time or inclination to partner with clients down to the details, but South County Restoration has and always will be a customer-centric, community-based company. Helping neighbors recover from water damage, so they receive prompt compensation from their insurer, is what Casey’s team does best. 

Have you been in your home longer than 10 years? Or perhaps your neighbor just repiped? It may be time for you to do the same. 

With a 24/7 Rapid Response Team standing by, and a 49-minute arrival time, call on South County Restoration when trouble arises. Check out SouthCountyRestoration.com and remember to call Casey, before you call your insurance company. 

Call South County Restoration BEFORE you call your insurance company!

Since 2008, Casey McCants has been working with insurance adjusters to negotiate and reach fair settlements for clients all around South Orange County.

South County Restoration
1064 Calle Negocio, Suite B, San Clemente
949.536.8204
SouthCountyRestoration.com

The Right Guy Real Estate Group

by Simon Guy

by Victoria Kertz

Orange County real estate continues to command top dollar, despite recent economic shifts. With more than 30 million in 2021 sales, Simon Guy posted a record year and is one of Keller Williams OC Coastal Realty’s premier agents. Don’t be fooled by Simon’s youthful looks, he’s represented buyers and sellers for nearly 15 years. Simon primarily focuses on real estate in San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano and has sold more than 500 homes. In 2021, he achieved record-setting sales prices for his sellers in both Forster Ranch Estates and Careyes in Talega. 

Competition for single family homes remains fierce. In Orange County, there are typically 5,000 to 7,000 active listings in any given spring, however inventory levels in mid-April are approximately 1,700. With South Orange County’s desirable schools, charming beach towns, and safe neighborhoods, homes are being snatched up quickly. Simon has the experience to navigate the nuances of the current market. This Dana Hills High School graduate now lives in San Juan Capistrano, which provides him with firsthand knowledge about the local area. With low inventory levels and rapidly changing market conditions, the expertise of a dedicated and sophisticated broker are vital in securing and selling real property in today’s competitive environment. 

The first step, Simon says, is to hire a full-time professional. Selling property yourself, or listing it with an inexperienced friend, relative or part-time agent, may translate into unforeseen consequences. Simon warns that a lack of information regarding current legal requirements and best practices may result in long-term issues that might have been prevented. “Real estate has been my focus since I was 18,” says Simon. Since then, he’s become a top-selling, award-winning agent, and has built a customer-centric team who gets the job done right. Simon makes certain his clients receive superior customer service, regardless of property value. His all-inclusive, team approach to real estate provides sellers with concierge-level service, including a full-time marketing coordinator and digital media director. 

In 2021, Simon’s listings averaged 6.5 days on the market with 95% of seller’s receiving offers over the asking price. As mortgage rates have increased, the number of potential home buyers is likely to decrease, making it that much more critical to have an innovative realtor representing you throughout the process. 

The Right Guy team includes Simon’s wife Daisy, who in addition to developing gorgeous digital and print marketing for clients, also has the most important job — taking care of their two young sons, John and James. Simon’s signature marketing plan ensures that your property is featured in its best light and is seen by as many potential buyers as possible. His team photographs, creates videos and print collateral for your property, and markets it online. Simon typically expects offers within 7 days of an authorized listing agreement. 

With record-setting home prices, rising interest rates and low inventory, now may be the ideal time to sell your home. Simon believes that during this rapidly changing real estate market, identifying the right offer and advising a client through the negotiation phase into the final closing is best left to an experienced agent. 

If you’re looking to sell your home, call Simon Guy of Keller Williams OC Coastal Realty. Your time is now. 

The Right Guy Real Estate Group by Simon Guy
Simon and Daisy Guy
Call or Text Today: 949.844.6882
SellWithTheRightGuy.com

Acting Academy for Kids & Teens

Parents & Kids Rave That AA4K is The Best in The OC!

by Victoria Kertz

Summer is right around the corner, and after two pandemic-plagued years, the team at Acting Academy for Kids and Teens is ready to burst into song! If your kids are looking for that quintessential summer camp experience, a place where they can make new friends and sharpen their performing arts skills, then look no further than the Acting Academy for Kids summer camp. 

With two locations, and a dedicated and talented staff, AA4K encourages children ages 5 to 14 to sing, dance, and act their hearts out. At camp, students work together over five action-packed days to learn, practice, and perform a dazzling mini-musical for their friends and families by the end of the week. 

If it sounds like a fast-paced, fun, and unforgettable experience; you’re right! Most of the camp counselors and activity directors are former campers who are home from college, doing what they love as a summer job. Stephen Zygo, founder and creative director of AA4K, says that seeing alumni return for summer jobs is immensely gratifying. The best part, he says, is seeing the shyest kids sing their first notes, break out of their shells, and shine on stage. 

One camper, who was just five years old last year, loved it so much that he stayed with the theatre program all year long. The boy’s father told Stephen that AA4K camp was a life-changing experience. “He’s finally found his happy place,” says Stephen. 

Now in its 15th year, AA4K’s summer camp runs for ten weeks in two locations: Irvine and Mission Viejo, at the corner of Alicia and Muirlands in the Vista Paint Plaza. Mission Viejo’s Z Playhouse is AA4K’s flagship venue, with a 115-seat theatre and state-of-the-art facilities like an LED video wall for Broadway-like projections, plus additional rooms for dance and concessions. In Irvine, the Lyceum Village community building provides a convenient location for parents who work or live in the area. Both venues are air-conditioned and family-safe. 

Wondering what kind of music is performed? Students of the academic year full-scale musical vote on each theme, so the content is always familiar and kid-approved. This summer’s lineup includes popular movie and Broadway hits, plus two new shows inspired by blockbuster family movies that your kids will definitely know and love. 

All levels of performers are welcome! “Summer camp is a great way to ‘test-drive’ theatre,” Stephen says. Kids are trained in singing, acting, dancing, and fusion, which ties all three disciplines together. If your child has performed in the past, this camp is a great way to reinforce their skills, help them grow as an artist, and, of course, make new friends. 

Students who are unable to attend summer camp, but still want to immerse themselves in the performing arts, can participate in one of Acting Academy’s several academic year programs. Academic year students attend rehearsals and perform full-length musicals throughout the school year. The AA4K staff also offers private lessons for voice, piano, audition prep and TV/Film. 

There are lots of new offerings, too! As more teens are learning about AA4K, they have found a home and a welcoming venue with their new teen-focused production for teens ages 13 to 17. These thespians will learn and perform a show inspired by a major Broadway hit. This summer it’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! And for the jokesters in your family, the Mission Viejo location now hosts stand-up comedy classes for both kids and adults. Comedy has proved so popular that professional comedians have also started performing at the Playhouse. 

Whether your child shows interest in the performing arts or is already honing their musical skills, Acting Academy for Kids is a safe and inclusive place to learn, make new friends and create memories that will last a lifetime. Summer camp registration is now open for 2022 at ActingAcademyForKids.com. 

Acting Academy for Kids & Teens
949.427.0072
ActingAcademyForKids.com 

Reata Glen

Planning For Your Next Chapter

MAKING STRIDES AS A YOUNG RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Since opening in 2019, the community has welcomed over 500 new residents who call Reata Glen home. From expansive penthouses with sweeping views of rolling hills and single story villas to perfectly quaint one bedroom homes, this 480 home development has something for every taste. Each home is tailor-made to fit the lives of empty nesting baby boomers who want to enjoy life without the burden of home maintenance. “I went to every senior community in South Orange County to compare when I was looking to make a move,” says resident Kathy Allen, who chose to call Reata Glen home in 2019. “I’m pretty athletic and outgoing, and I wanted socialization. Reata Glen is the future of how my generation acts – we aren’t sitting at home alone feeling sorry for ourselves – we want to be active, healthy and going places. I see Reata Glen as a hybrid between a university, cruise ship and country club.” 

Without the burdens of home maintenance and cooking every day, Kathy enjoys the multiple dining venues at Reata Glen; she now has the freedom and time to get involved in what she really cares about. 

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES, AMENITIES AND ACTIVITIES STAND OUT 
“You could be busier here than you’ve ever been in your life,” Kathy says with a smile. “More than I ever had been before.” With a fitness center, indoor pool, pickleball and tennis courts, woodshop, and activity rooms for educational, fine arts and fun classes, residents’ calendars are often full. “They go full bore for parties and events here, and there’s excellent food, too,” notes Katheryn. “I also walk a lot, go to the gym for a class called Crash Cardio and also write for the monthly newsletter.” It’s not just enjoying the activities and amenities on the Reata Glen campus, it’s the people you experience them with. “In the beginning, I didn’t know anyone,” Kathy says. “Now, it’s like being part of an extended family. I love being surrounded by people and friends and not having that alone feeling.” 

IMAGINE YOUR IDEAL RETIREMENT COMMUNITY… 
A gated neighborhood of single-story homes, condos, and apartments with a variety of convenient on-site amenities, services, and an adjacent health care center with long-term care services, should a future need arise. This is just how residents describe Reata Glen, Rancho Mission Viejo’s newest retirement community. Situated in a secluded, yet convenient Orange County location, beautiful rolling hills provide a stunning backdrop to each new day. It’s no wonder why readers of The Orange County Register voted Reata Glen the #1 retirement community in Orange County. 

INTANGIBLES AND CULTURE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE 
“As much as I love my coworkers, I love residents more,” says Karter Farris, who started as a dining server at Reata Glen, then transitioned to EMT safety officer after schooling. “To win Best in Orange County makes me very proud.” Karter’s team oversees security at the community, and she often wears many hats to serve residents’ needs. She’s a resident favorite, and some have labeled her as the happiest, bubbliest person they know. “The residents always make me smile,” Karter says. “Even if I come in and I’m not in the greatest mood, they say one thing and it brightens my day up, and I forget why I was bummed.” Recognized as a Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work® Institute, Karter says the variety of job opportunities and the bonds with residents make it a fabulous place to start or continue a career. “There’s a spirit here – we care for each other,” Kathy says. “It is a community, and you feel connected.” Residents say they also feel safe – even during the challenging times recently. “Over and over, we’ve said we can’t imagine being anywhere but here when the pandemic hit,” Katheryn adds. “Management did an excellent job, we had peace of mind, and they made it interesting and fun with little surprises and creativity.” 

THE REATA GLEN EXPERIENCE 
It’s no coincidence the word Reata translates to a lasso or loop of rope – a fitting representation of the bonds that connect those who live and work at Reata Glen to each other. “Don’t wait – make the jump if you’re considering senior living and Reata Glen,” Kathy says. “Enjoy the fun – it’s a way of life that’s amazing. People thrive here.” Receive an exclusive invitation to attend a lunch presentation and learn about the Reata Glen experience. You can even meet Katheryn, Kathy or Karter firsthand. Call 949-529-3134 to learn more. 

Reata Glen
2 Las Estrellas Loop
Rancho Mission Viejo
949.529.3134
ReataGlen.com