Conejo Valley December 2016

Conejo Valley DECEMBER 2016

ConejoValleyLifestylePubs.com

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Celebrat e!

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Breathe, Sleep, Heal… and LIVE! HOURS Monday-Thursday, 8:30am – 5:30pm Please feel free to email us at: tmjofficemanager@gmail.com or visit: TMJConejo.com.

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Lifestyle Letter

Forward Focus: Celebrating our Blessings

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s I write this message just two weeks short of election day, I think we can all agree that this has been the most divisive and bitter election season any of us can remember. Being kind of a history wonk, I reviewed presidential election campaigns throughout our nation’s history—both those I have lived through and remember and the ones I can only read about.

The closest comparison I can make to this year’s election is the build-up of events leading to the Civil War. As you read this in December, it’s the holiday season and the election is over. I must assume, regardless of the outcome, that we’re still standing. If there ever was a time for “Peace on Earth and good will towards men,” it’s now… the perfect time to heal and come together as a family, a community and a country. There is so much good right here in our community and this is the perfect time to rediscover and celebrate it.

When Robin and I started Conejo Valley Lifestyle, our goal was to craft an editorial message that was truly about the community, which is why we focus on giving back, family, education and health rather than bling, glitz and materialism. With the election behind us, we can look forward to concentrating on what’s right in our world and coming together to fix what needs improvement.

Enjoy Christmas and especially its message of peace. Revel in the holiday of lights, Chanukah, and spend time with family and loved ones. Robin and I have seven grandchildren between us. Starting now, let’s make their world a better place.

DECEMBER 2016 PUBLISHER

Ben Malkin | Ben.Malkin@LifestylePubs.com Robin Chesler | Robin.Chesler@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Tracy Marcynzsyn | Tracy.Marcynzsyn@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cathy J. F. Cole, NP-BC; Alicia Doyle, Jennifer Lebowitz, Ben Malkin, Tracy Marcynzsyn, Rocky Mills, Mary Noe, Sharon Norling, MD; Kim Pagano, Ken Phillips, Karen Phipps, Laraine Yates CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ben Malkin, Kim Maselli, Karen Phipps, Robert Yeager

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR

| DeLand Shore | Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ADVERTISING MANAGER

| Nicole Sylvester | Janeane Thompson

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Megan Seymour, Chad Jensen, Mathew Elpern-Bennett

AD COORDINATORS

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| Nicolette Martin, Cyndi King, Jessica Sharky, Dana Rudolph

DESIGN SPEICALIST

| Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

Ben Malkin, Publisher

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

| Melanie Carlisle | Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

Ben.Malkin@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™

ConejoValleyLifestylePubs.com ON THE COVER New York City Ballet Guest Artists Tiler Peck and Gonzalo Garcia perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier in Pacific Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT YEAGER 6

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Conejo Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Conejo Valley’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Conejo Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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We have been designing and creating jewelry since 1975 Highest cash prices paid for gold & gems www.mcclavejewelers.com • Facebook.com/McClaveJewelers The Oaks • 326 W. Hillcrest Drive • Thousand Oaks • 805.496.4428

December 2016

Departments

30

12

Good Times

14

Around Town

16

Giving Back

18

Healthy Lifestyle

22

Inspired By

24

Financial Buzz

26

Local Limelight

48

Food & Wine

50

Culinary Creations

30 Cristina Ferrare

54

Local’s Choice

58

Faith Reflections

60

Driver’s Notebook

62

Lifestyle Calendar

66

Parting Thoughts

16 Promoting Health

No-cost clinic cares for the community

Championed for charity and compassion

34 Holiday Homes

Elegant decor to inspire and uplift

38 Inspired Giving

Gift ideas to dazzle and delight

16

34

Lifestyle Publications Arizona | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Minnesota | Missouri Montana | North Carolina | Ohio | Oklahoma | Tennessee | Texas | Utah

38

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Estates Director

Now is the time to Call / Text Rosemary @ 805.479.7653 to discuss the best strategic planning to prepare your home to sell in 2017.

©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International® and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. CalBRE Lic # 00545184.

| Santa | Santa 11094 Rocky High Rd. Rosa Valley, 11094 Rocky High Rd. Rosa Valley,CA CA www.11094RockyHigh.com Offered at: $3,950,000 www.11094RockyHigh.com Offered at: $3,950,000

©2016 Coldwell BankerLLC. RealAllEstate LLC. All RightsColdwell Reserved.

Coldwell Estate LLC fullythe supports the principles the Fair Act Housing ActEqual and the Equal Opportunity Each Coldwell Residen©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Rights Reserved.

Banker RealBanker Estate Real LLC fully supports principles of the FairofHousing and the Opportunity Act. EachAct. Coldwell Banker Banker Residenoffiby ce aissubsidiary owned by of a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and theBanker Coldwell Banker Logo,Banker Coldwell Banker International® Previews International® and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are tial Brokeragetial offiBrokerage ce is owned NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Logo, Coldwell Previews and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affi liated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker ResidentialCalBRE Brokerage.

Lic # 00545184.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

Lic #CalBRE 00545184.

||Santa Rosa Valley, CA 11094 Rocky High Rd. 11094 Rocky High Rd. Santa Rosa Valley, CA www.11094RockyHigh.com Offered at: $3,950,000 www.11094RockyHigh.com Offered at: $3,950,000

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RosemaryAllison Rosemary Allison EstateDirector, Director, Coldwell Coldwell Banker Previews Estate Previews International International

Good Times

Bags, Bling & Bubbly Benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County’s 8th Annual Bags, Bling & Bubbly Champagne Luncheon featured the nonprofit's Wise, Wonderful Woman of 2016, Cristina Ferrare, and raised funds to help area youth in need of support and mentoring.

Learn how to get involved at BBSVC.org. PHOTOGRAPHY BEN MALKIN

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

Listen to us on the Kim Pagano radio show. www.kimpaganoshow.com

Around Town

AROUND TOWN

COME ONE, COME ALL The New West Symphony announced two subsidized programs offering discounted tickets for students and families throughout the greater Thousand Oaks, Oxnard and Santa Monica communities.

The VIP Family Club provides subsidized tickets for families with children ages 7-13 to attend the 2016-2017 Masterpiece Concert Series and the CONNECT! Club offers subsidized tickets for high school and college

BRIDGING THE GAPS OF HOPE The Center4 Special Needs held its 3rd Annual Bridging the Gaps of Hope Gala to raise funds and awareness for children with special needs. The parent-founded, nonprofit organization is comprised of a team of people all touched in some way by a child with special needs. Each person offers their own valuable insight, experience and abilities to the organization, ensuring a well-rounded perspective is maintained on all special needs matters.

With the goal of building a foundation and a multi-disciplinary center that bridges the gaps for children who have developmental disabilities and do not qualify for regional center services and are not covered by insurance, this center will enable parents to provide their children with the necessary treatments and interventions they require and deserve to reach their full potential.

Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of tasks. Call 805.379.1681 or visit Center4SpecialNeeds.org for more information.

VETERINARY ANGELS MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVES AWARD Veterinary Angels Medical Center was recently awarded the 2016 Best of Agoura Hills Award in the Veterinarians category by the Agoura Hills Award Program. The program recognizes local companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category by enhancing the positive image of small business through customer and community service. These exceptional companies help make the Agoura Hills area a great place to live, work and play. VeterinaryAngels.com

CABRILLO MUSIC THEATRE & MUVICO PRESENT THE GRINCH Come welcome the holidays by joining Cabrillo Music Theatre and Muvico Theater Film Series for a free exclusive screening of students. VIP members receive specially prepared materials for each con-

Dr. Seuss' “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. at

cert and the opportunity to meet musicians backstage during intermission.

Muvico Theater-Oaks Mall, 166 W. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks.

A five-concert subscription is priced at $131 per adult (limit 2) and $55 per

Donations are welcomed and reservations are required for the

child. Individual tickets are $29 per adult and $14 per child.

screening, as part of Cabrillo's Fundraising Campaign. Reserve tick-

CONNECT! Club members can attend all Masterpiece Series concerts, bring a friend free of charge, and attend assorted special events throughout the concert season. A 2016-17 CONNECT! Club Membership is $60 per student.

ets at CabrilloMusicTheatre.Secure.Force.com.

ICE SKATING AT THE LAKES

Visit the Holiday Ice Rink at The Lakes in Thousand Oaks this holi-

The resident company of the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, the

day season and enjoy an idyllic ice skating experience at the outdoor

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and Barnum Hall in Santa Monica,

ice rink for a night of family fun for young and old alike. Reserve a

New West Symphony is a professional orchestra comprised of Los

one-hour session at ShopLakes.com.

Angeles-area musicians. With the mission of inspiring passion for symphonic music through live performances and education initiatives, the New West Symphony presents six Masterpiece Series concerts annually, performing major works from the symphonic repertoire with internationally-acclaimed artists as guest soloists. It also provides quality outreach and educational opportunities through its annual Symphonic Adventures concert programs for youth, its traveling Music Van and its New West Symphony Harmony Project of Ventura.

To purchase VIP Family Club tickets or CONNECT! Club Memberships, call 866.776.8400 or visit NewWestSymphony.org.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

Giving Back

Westminster Free Clinic: CARING FOR PEOPLE IN NEED

ARTICLE ALICIA DOYLE

Founded 21 years ago, the Westminster Free Clinic in Thousand Oaks is considered “a medical home” that provides health care to those who wouldn’t have help otherwise.

“That’s our purpose: to give people a medical home that don’t have one,” says Lisa Safaeinili, the clinic’s executive director. “Sometimes this is the only time they access health care. So that’s why we exist.”

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

T

Those who utilize the clinic are considered “the working poor” and include people who work as house cleaners, gardeners, caregivers to the elderly and more.

“They can’t afford to have health insurance,” Lisa said. “They have to be low income, so they have to make $30,000 or less a year.”

For the past 10 years, the clinic has been located at United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks.

Every Wednesday night, the clinic provides more than 100 people with free fruits and vegetables contributed by FOOD Share.

On the second Wednesday of every other month, the clinic offers a larger event for more than 300 people. This includes free vaccinations, dental fluoride varnish for children, screenings for cataracts and glaucoma, and medications provided by a pharmacist.

It also includes a yard sale where individuals can receive free clothing, as well as doctor visits, mental health counseling, health education classes, grief support, diabetes education, physical therapy and legal services.

“We’re completely free and it’s all under grants and individuals who write checks,” Lisa says. “That’s how we survive—and we’ve survived that way for 21 years.”

Today, the Westminster Free Clinic is known as a private, nonprofit health care provider that serves approximately 7,000 people a year—60% of which are women and children. The effort is driven by volunteer health care professionals and more than 80 local high school students, as well as students from California State University Channel Islands who are exploring careers in the health care industry.

more aware and just helpful to be giving back to my community.”

The Westminster Free Clinic was initially inspired by Dr. Steve Kamajian, a physician who was feeding the homeless at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Westlake Village.

“He realized they needed health care and he could be more useful doing that and started offering medical services on the night the homeless were fed at his church about 21 years ago,” Lisa explains.

Dr. Kamajian is still the board president and volunteers when he can at the clinic.

Co-founder Cindy Vinson also serves on the clinic’s board of directors.

“Dr. Kamajian always says that the clinic gives people peace of mind,” Cindy says.

“People who have no place else to go for medical care… they come here and they have peace of mind and that’s one of the most important things about medicine.”

Prior to its current location at United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks, the clinic was offered at other sites, including Many Mansions’ Shadow Hills housing complex. From there, the clinic was housed in other larger spaces within Many Mansions, as well as New Life Korean Church in Thousand Oaks.

“From there we moved to our current location, which is perfect for serving low income residents who live near the church as well as being closer to Moorpark and Simi Valley residents we serve,” says Lisa, adding that United Methodist Church donates the space for the clinic to operate.

HELPING OUT

GIVING THANKS

Luis Tun, a 16-year-old student at Newbury Park High School, started volunteering at the clinic in April. On a recent Wednesday night, Luis helped with patient intake, “and I’m also part of the clinic’s program that helps out the community with diabetes and high blood pressure,” he says.

“I want to go into the medical field when I’m older and I thought this would be a great way to actually be in touch with patients,” Luis says. “I have parents that are from low income families so I know how it is to not have insurance. So coming here and actually meeting some of the people makes me feel

Virginia Rivera credits the Westminster Free Clinic for helping her overcome Type II diabetes.

“They helped me with everything—they gave me medicine and they sent me to their nutritionist and she told me what to eat; they also provide activities like yoga and Zumba,” recalls Virginia, 50.

Virginia lost 20 pounds, thanks to the guidance she received at the clinic.

“Thank God I’m okay,” she says. “I’m really happy now because I feel really good—I was extra large size before and now I’m okay.”

Learn more at WestminsterClinic.org.

December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

17

Healthy Lifestyle

SUPPORTING RECOVERY OF

ADDICTION ARTICLE SHARON NORLING, MD

C

hances are you know someone dealing with an addiction. We have all been touched by drug and alcohol addictions either personally or professionally, whether it’s a friend, loved one or even yourself. Addiction is an equal-opportunity affliction, affecting people without regard to economic circumstance, education, race, geography, IQ or any other factor. Probably a confluence of factors—a potent but unknowable combination of nature and nurture—can lead to addiction, however, addiction and alcoholism are only symptoms of a deeper underlying cause.

Many people struggling with overcoming addiction find the holidays to be a particularly challenging time. Ideally a time filled with love and laughter, the holiday season often results in overindulgence and can be especially stressful for people in recovery and families of addicts still using.

Unpredictable special occasions can compound problems associated with substance abuse and addiction, causing extreme stress or feelings of loss or depression and often triggering memories of past events that led to feelings of shame and blame. Many recovering people associate the holidays with memories of big benders that resulted in relationship problems or great personal loss. Memories of unhealthy obese or diabetic loved ones overeating once again may also cause feelings of sadness. While family gatherings may exacerbate difficult or unhealthy relationships and increase anxiety levels, drugs, alcohol and food are often used to escape these feelings.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

BEYOND WILLPOWER The time has come to recognize that addictions are no longer to be pushed into the dark corners, stigmatizing those who suffer from the disease. While we joke about being addicted to chocolate or shopping, it’s important to realize that addiction is an intensely private, personal and confronting affliction that is as difficult to explain as it is to treat. This complex issue involves much more than simply drawing on willpower to overcome.

“I’ve studied alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana and more recently, obesity,” says Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse, adding, “There’s a pattern in compulsion. I’ve never come across a single person who was addicted that wanted to be addicted. Something has happened in their brains that has led them to that process.”

Changes in neurotransmitters, either def iciencies or elevations, have a profound effect on mental, emotional or behavioral function. Chronic exposure to drugs and food, especially sugar, disrupts the way critical brain structures interact to control behavior. It is a surprising fact that sugar is eight times more addicting than cocaine. More people die in this country because of chronic diseases caused by food and sugar addictions than by drug abuse.

PHARMACEUTICALS The number one cause of drug addictions today is pharmaceutical prescribed drugs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially declared prescription drug abuse an epidemic.

HERE ARE SOME STATISTICS: • Pharmaceutical drug overdose is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. • From 2000 to 2014, nearly half a million people died from drug overdoses.

• Since 1999, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin) nearly quadrupled.

• Heroin deaths more than tripled between 2010 and 2014.

• Among new heroin users, approximately three out of four report abusing prescription opioids (drugs with the characteristics of opiate narcotics, but not made from opium) prior to using heroin.

We know that 85% of incarcerations, 50% of psychiatric admissions and 50% of emergency room visits directly result from drug abuse. Women are particularly vulnerable. Gallup pollsters have consistently found that the more wealthy and educated a woman is, the more likely she is to drink!

Women’s typically smaller size and additional body fat provide fewer liver enzymes to detoxify alcohol and drugs than men’s bodies. Yet according to the Wine Institute, women buy—and consume—the lion’s share of the 779 million gallons of wine sold in the U.S. each year. Between 2002 and 2012, the number of U.S. females who died from cirrhosis rose 13% (male deaths rose 7%).

HOPE FOR RECOVERY Despite the grim statistics, never ever give up hope for recovery—it can and does happen every day. Addictions are not a simple fix. Getting your neurotransmitters tested and using specific amino acids and targeted nutrient therapies to balance neurotransmitters can help ensure optimal blood chemistry to support recovery.

No matter what the addiction may be, getting essential support may help with recovery. You deserve your best life and holidays.

Have a happy, healthy holiday!

Dr. Sharon Norling practices Advanced Functional Medicine in Westlake Village. Call 818.707.9355 or visit DrSharonNorling.com.

December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

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Inspired By President and CEO Janet Garufis talks about elder abuse prevention.

Photo Credit: Montecito Bank & Trust

SVP/Chief Risk Officer Laurel Sykes and SVP/Director of Technology Paul Abramson give a presentation on fraud and abuse.

Photo Credit: Goleta Chamber of Commerce

Montecito Bank & Trust: Dedicated to the Community M

ontecito Bank & Trust’s Abuse and Financial Exploitation (SAFE) program earned it national recognition from the American Bankers Association Foundation, which presented it with a 2016 Community Commitment Award. The award was given to the bank for its efforts in the Protecting Older Americans category and was presented during the ABA’s annual fall convention in Nashville.

From internal training programs and red flag-triggered “Fraud Defense” handouts for customers, to their community outreach through presentations, in-branch workshops, local radio interviews and social media-relayed tips and alerts, Montecito Bank & Trust’s multi-pronged Elder Abuse initiative helps provide a dose of knowledge, safety and comfort to their communities and clients.

The selection committee chose six banks based on the creativity and thoughtfulness of programs—traditional or innovative in nature and structure—that embody the ideals of corporate social responsibility and demonstrate success in measurable terms.

Entries were divided into six categories, including affordable housing, community and economic development, financial education, nontraditional borrower and underbanked, protecting older Americans and volunteerism.

Award winners were chosen by a field of nationally recognized experts.

“The SAFE program demonstrates Montecito Bank & Trust’s strong and passionate commitment to bettering the lives of its customers and local community,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “Their work embodies the mission of the Community Commitment Awards and they are a truly well-deserved recipient.”

Janet Garufis, Montecito Bank & Trust President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “I am very proud of the work our MB&T associates do every day to identify and find solutions to the important issues affecting our communities. I am honored that the ABA chose to spotlight this critical program on a national level. Fraud and financial abuse continue to rise, and as a financial institution we have 22

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

a responsibility to ensure that we educate as many people as possible about this important topic. I am incredibly proud to thank, congratulate and recognize our now national award-winning fraud defense team and all of our employees who are so dedicated to helping educate and protect our customers and our partners in the community.”

Montecito Bank & Trust SVP/Chief Risk Officer Laurel Sykes reflected on the program as well. “We are thrilled to be honored by the ABA for our SAFE banking program for preventing financial elder abuse,” said Sykes. “Our program grew out of what was first and foremost an internal training initiative created to address an increasing trend in financial crimes against seniors, but we soon realized there was a greater need for public outreach about this concerning topic.

Knowing that millions of Americans are affected by elder abuse each year, and only a small percentage of those people report incidents, it is our hope that fellow bankers will join us and other community partners to help spread the word about fraud and elder abuse.”

Montecito Bank & Trust, an S Corporation, is the oldest and largest locally owned community bank in the Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Founded in 1975, the bank celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2015 and operates branch offices in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Solvang, Montecito, Carpinteria, Ventura, Camarillo and Westlake Village. The bank offers a variety of competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and consumers, including business loans and lines of credit; commercial real estate finance; SBA loans; mortgage, consumer and credit card loans; merchant services; and online services, including mobile banking and cash management. Its Wealth Management Division provides full investment management as well as trust services for all branch office markets.

Montecito Bank & Trust was the only bank in the tri-counties to receive a 2015 Super Premier Performing Bank designation

by The Findley Reports, an independent service which rates the annual performance of California banks. Montecito Bank & Trust has been designated as a Premier Performing or Super Premier Performing bank by The Findley Reports 30 times in its 41-year history. The bank was also awarded a 5-star, Superior Bauer rating for June 30, 2016 financial data.

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December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

23

Financial Buzz

I

t’s the holidays. Between egg nogs, mall visits and a jam-packed party calendar, you have very little time for financial stuff. But there are a few things you should not put off until the new year.

So here’s a quick checklist to help you organize a five-minute call with your financial and/or tax advisor.

TAX HARVEST

• Last day to make a trade is Friday, Dec. 30.

• Do you have losses you can take to offset gains?

• If you’re taking a loss but still want to maintain a particular exposure, ask about the “substantially identical” carve-out in the “wash sale rule.”

• Perhaps your income is temporarily low this year—ask if it makes sense to take some gains.

TAKE RMD

• For those of you over 70.5, make sure to take your Required Minimum Distribution from your IRAs and other retirement plans.

• You don’t have to take each account’s RMD from that account; you can combine the RMDs and take them from where it makes the most sense.

• While the deadline is Dec. 31, you’ll need more lead time if a position has to be liquidated to raise the cash.

• Alternative to selling: You can take your distribution in kind.

It’s still taxed, but you still own whatever was distributed out of your retirement plan. And it’s less costly.

PREPAY EXPENSES/DEFER PAYMENTS

• Taking this approach depends on how you and your advisor think this year will compare to next year (in terms of income, expenses and taxes).

24

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

5

ARTICLE ROCKY MILLS

THE MINUTE YEAR-END CHECKLIST • Expecting a year-end bonus? Ask your tax advisor if it would make more sense to take it right after New Year’s.

• Could you prepay an expense, such as real estate taxes? Again, ask if this will benefit you in a meaningful way.

GIFTING

• Gifting to charities is always a favorite around the holidays and is generally tax-deductible.

• Discuss estate tax issues: 1. Annual $14,000 per person gifting exclusion 2. Lifetime $5.45 million per person estate tax exemption 3. Use of 529 plans for kids’/grandkids’ college and the special 5-year rule.

Happy holidays everyone!

Robert A. “Rocky” Mills is a Financial Advisor with the Global Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley in Westlake Village. The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice.

The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC, or its affiliates.

Local Limelight

Nutcracker

DREAMS COME TRUE FOR LOCAL TEENS

ARTICLE JENNIFER LEBOWITZ PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

V

irtually every little girl that dances dreams of one day attaining the role of Clara in “The Nutcracker.” This dream comes true this December for two talented local 15-year-olds, Lexi Garfinkel and Talia Lebowitz, who will perform this coveted role in Pacific Festival Ballet’s 23rd season of “The Nutcracker” at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Kavli Theatre.

Talia and Lexi have grown up together at California Dance Theatre, the official training school for Pacific Festival Ballet. In addition to dreaming about the role of Clara, both Talia and Lexi have goals of pursuing professional dance careers. Talia began dancing at age 5. She was born with an undeniable desire to dance, and training at CDT for more than 25 hours a week is her happy place. Lexi also began dancing at age 5 and became serious during her middle school years. She spends almost every day of the week dancing with friends at CDT. Fortunate to have California Dance Theatre in their community, Talia and Lexi’s passion and respect for the art of ballet was cultivated at the school. Often, dance begins as a source of recreation offering a chance for moms to meet other moms while young girls and boys have the opportunity to meet other children who have a fondness for dance.

Once a seed is planted and fostered, it often grows into a passion to 26

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

Photo Credit: Kim Maselli Photo Credit: Kim Maselli

Talia Lebowitz and Lexi Garfinkel perform as Clara

“Holiday Inn,” and see the names of two CDT alumni in the cast: Jonalyn Saxer and Catherine Ricafort (a former Pacific Festival Ballet “Clara”) are performing in this musical together. Another hit Broadway show, “An American in Paris,” showcases the dance skills of CDT alumni Candy Olsen and Alida Michal (another former “Clara”).

Part of the Nutcracker magic is that of sugar plums.

For the seventh year, New York City Ballet’s principal dancers, Tiler Peck and Gonzalo Garcia, return to Pacific Festival Ballet, CDT’s resident ballet company, performing the role of Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier.

In addition to these guest artists, the cast is complete by showcasing rising stars from our community and regional professionals, as well as international celebrities of the ballet world.

The community can play a part in helping these and other dancers pursue their dreams by becoming a Pacific Festival Ballet donor. Please visit PacFestBallet.org to learn more.

The public is invited to experience the magic of “The Nutcracker,” performed Dec. 17 and 18 at 2 and 7 p.m.

Purchase tickets at the Civic Arts Plaza Box Office, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800.745.3000.

Talia’s (far right) first ballet recital

Le

pursue dance at a higher level. At CDT, this love of dance is nurtured under the watchful eye of caring professional teachers as they encourage, educate and offer a place to thrive.

Some CDT dancers pursue the path toward becoming a professional dancer, while others enjoy the love of dance along with the comraderie that these dancers form with one another, oftentimes dancing into their high school years together. There are those CDT students who have earned dance degrees in higher education dance programs, such as Juilliard, Boston Conservatory, University of Arizona, Indiana University or Point Park in Pennsylvania, while others go from CDT to pre-professional or professional opportunities. Alumni from CDT have succeeded in these pursuits by joining San Francisco Ballet, New York City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Ballet Nebraska as well as Opera de Lyon Ballet in France.

Lexi will be taking the first route of applying to university dance programs while Talia will be taking the latter. Currently Talia is participating in a new pre-professional program offered at CDT. Because of Talia’s homeschooling, this program is a perfect match, as classes begin at 1:30 and continue into the evening. CDT has gathered world class master dance teachers to guide a small group of serious dancers and prepare them for the rigors of a professional dance career.

Lexi attends the academically demanding Oak Park High School, and after a full day of school, is off to the studio to continue her education in dance. These young ladies see that their dreams are within reach and can be attained. All they have to do for encouragement is look at the Playbill for the Broadway show

xi G ar f ink el

December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

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Celebrating

CRISTINA FERRARE

C

ristina Ferrare is many things to many people—an accomplished author, television host, chef, entrepreneur, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County’s Wise Wonderful Woman of 2016.

A long-time advocate of women’s health and wellness, Ferrare was recently honored at the soldout BBSVC’s 8th annual Bags, Bling and Bubbly Champagne Luncheon held Oct. 24 at Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo. Ferrare was recognized for her continued gifts to the community, including her current work with friend Maria Shriver’s The Women’s Alzheimer’s Challenge.

The BBSVC recognizes “women who have had an impact on other women… Ferrare focuses on women’s wellness, women’s health and women’s advocacy,” says BBSVC spokesperson Danica Selvaggio. “The initiative she’s doing with Maria Shriver is specifically focusing on women’s brain health.”

The former international supermodel and spokesperson is “honored and humbled” by the award.

A captivating speaker, Ferrare was asked by long-time friend Shriver to become involved in The Women’s Alzheimer’s

30

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

Challenge, which “recognizes that women are at the epicenter of the global Alzheimer’s epidemic and challenges organizations to do cutting-edge research on women’s brains to defeat this mind-blowing disease.”

Charismatic and engaging, Ferrare is the perfect person to help spread this important message.

Raised by her Italian family on a Mediterranean diet rich in fresh ingredients, she was inspired by her grandmother, who was a chef, and “became fascinated with what kinds of foods affect your body.” From an early age, she has been a champion of healthy cooking and eating and now shares her enthusiastic love of life and healthy living with a vibrant community of fans.

A bestselling author of cooking and lifestyle books, Ferrare is also a beloved veteran of television. She hosted "Cristina and Friends," co-hosted "Good Morning America" and "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee," hosted "A Big Bowl of Love" on the Oprah Winfrey Network and served as co-host of the Emmy-nominated "Home & Family" for the Hallmark Channel from 2012 through 2016.

On CristinaFerrareCooks.com, she shares recipes and health and decorating tips, all with a healthy-living focus.

She says, "When Maria asked me how I would use my brain to help, I knew instinctively how I could use my influence as a platform” to fight against Alzheimer’s disease, a cause close to her heart.

“My father suffered from dementia for several years and passed before the full onset of Alzheimer’s affected him. My mother was a fulltime caregiver. Shortly after my father passed, she showed signs of early dementia and rapidly declined. Within a year she no longer could walk, talk, feed herself or recognize her family."

Ferrare says her mother “has moments of clarity, and when you’re there it’s like, ‘Oh, there you are!’ It lasts for a fleeting moment, but I live for those moments.”

As one of Shriver’s Architects of Change, Ferrare is “using my brain to understand Alzheimer’s prevention, risk factors, symptoms and stages. Diet and exercise play a crucial role in slowing down the early onset of Alzheimer’s. Genetic risk factors alone are not enough to cause the late onset form of Alzheimer’s disease, so researchers are exploring education, diet and enforcement to learn what role they might play in the development of this disease.”

She and Shriver host "Food For Thought," a popular Facebook Live series that focuses on the foods and recipes that contribute to brain health.

With "Food For Thought," the friends strive to specifically remind women and millennials that they can start taking preventive measures now.

“There is research coming out daily about how different foods have an effect on your brain, your gut and your heart, which are three things that are really important” in staving off Alzheimer’s.

“Perhaps I could have used what bonded us so closely, the love of cooking, to help both my parents early on,” she says.

Ferrare and Shriver are also currently working on a Food For Thought cookbook, with part of the proceeds going to raise money for gender-based Alzheimer’s research. Ferrare is developing, testing and styling the recipes for the cookbook, due to be published early next fall, which will feature “food that’s good for your brain.”

Ferrare and her husband, entertainment executive Tony Thomopoulos, live in Westlake Village and have a blended family of seven children and four grandchildren. She believes that caring for your brain “…starts early. If you can get a hold of your children, yourself, at an early age and start eating the foods that are good for your brain, and body, and mind, and heart, and also exercise, get oxygen to the brain, it will really help slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s.”

Ferrare reaches a global audience, not only through the "Food For Thought" broadcasts on Shriver’s Facebook feed—which reaches over a million viewers—but also via her own vibrant presence in the social media community.

CONNECT WITH CRISTINA CristinaFerrareCooks.com Facebook: CristinaFerrare Instagram: CristinaCooks Twitter: @CristinaCooks "Food For Thought" web series, a Facebook Live broadcast from Maria Shriver’s Facebook page.

BOOKS BY CRISTINA FERRARE • Big Bowl of Love • Realistically Ever After: Finding Happiness When He's Not Prince Charming, You're Not Snow White, and Life's Not a Fairy Tale • Cristina Ferrare's Family Entertaining: Celebrating the Life of the Home • Okay, So I Don't Have a Headache: What I Learned (and What All Women Need to Know) About PMS, Hormones, Stress, Diet, Menopause—and Sex • Cristina Ferrare's Style: How to Have It in Every Part of Your Life

contributes to MariaShriver.com and has almost 20,000 followers on Twitter. This is in addition to her bestselling cook and lifestyle books and her varied speaking engagements.

With "Food For Thought," she says, “We reach a lot of people each week, and the reason why I’m staying active on this Facebook page is because we’re all sharing something—people are sharing their stories, their experiences and what’s happening to them, and it’s opened up a community of support where people can feel safe and talk. I’ve been through so much myself that I can contribute, I can listen, I can be compassionate, I can offer prayers and they give that back to me.”

GRACE UNDER FIRE

Ferrare’s influence extends beyond her almost 110,000 Facebook followers and her subscribers on CristinaFerrareCooks.com. She

Ferrare was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer formed by malignant plasma cells, and her fans are lifting her up with their prayers, support and “beautiful heartfelt messages.”

Even during this difficult time, she continues to empower others and advocate for women’s health. Ferrare went to the doctor three times and was told she was fine before finally getting her diagnosis.

She tells women, “You have to take your own health into your own hands. I didn’t stop until I got this diagnosis.”

Ferrare continues to inspire by living with grace and beauty. “I’m dealing with it like I do everything else in my life—I’m at peace because I have God in my life, I have a resolve, I have a really good attitude… and I have a great support system here at home,” she says. “This is my time to now sit back, live a more authentic life and really give back… that, and of course my family, is what’s important to me now.”

December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

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December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

33

Homes for the Holidays Make Spirits Bright ARTICLE KEN PHILLIPS

“The Holiday Home Tour and Red Barn Boutique will raise in excess of $30,000 this holiday season.

This is truly a labor of love and our 30 hardworking ladies give their all to make these events successful.”

34

C

olorful decorations, amazing light shows and spectacular lawn displays herald the holiday season of celebration and giving back. The myriad festivities bringing holiday joy to Conejo Valley and beyond include many events designed to spread cheer and benefit people in need in our communities.

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY VALLEY/VENTURA/ SANTA BARBARA

One such event is the Holiday Homes Tour and Boutique sponsored by the Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara, which helps fund programs for adults and children affected by cancer. For the past 25 years, Cancer Support Community has helped empower stricken individuals and their families with information and services to aid them in their battle.

“We provide information on various types of cancer, the latest treatments, our professionally-facilitated support groups and mind-body programs,” says the group’s President and CEO Bridget Karl. “We are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of local cancer patients and their loved ones through our fundraising activities, emotional support, education and hope.”

The Holiday Homes Tour takes place Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is Cancer Support Community’s 25th year presenting self-guided tours that showcase incredibly decorated gorgeous Conejo Valley homes.

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

Tickets are available for $35 in advance or $40 the day of the tour and can be purchased by calling 805.379.4777 or at CancerSupportVVSB.org.

The free boutique takes place the same weekend and features dozens of local craftspeople selling such creations as holiday décor, jewelry, handbags, accessories, apparel and many other gift items. A portion of the proceeds will help fund Cancer Support Community’s efforts. Find it at O’Reilly Hall at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, located at 5801 Kanan Road in Westlake Village on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MEADOWLARK SERVICE LEAGUE, CAMARILLO

The 45-year-old Meadowlark Service League hosts its “Home for the Holidays” Homes Tour and Red Barn Boutique Dec. 11 from 12 to 4 p.m. This year features magnificently decorated residences in the Las Posas, Spanish Hills and Santa Rosa Valley areas. The homes are each themed to reflect specific design styles—from contemporary to Tiffany Victorian to Tuscan country to Louisiana Creole.

"More than 1,000 visitors are expected to view the homes," notes Cheryl Collins, Meadowlark’s Holiday Home Tour chairperson. A certified interior designer who helped select and decorate some of this year’s models, Cheryl suggests visiting the homes for holiday inspiration.

“The colors, details and overall ambiance presented in these beautiful homes are sure to inspire anyone

interested in decorating their own homes for the holidays or just seeing some spectacular holiday creations,” says Cheryl.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a Meadowlark-sponsored Holiday Boutique for shopping takes place at the historic Red Barn at the Camarillo Ranch at 201 Camarillo Ranch Road in Camarillo, which is also the starting point for the Home Tours. There will be a wide selection of unique holiday gifts, crafts, apparel, accessories, decorations, refreshments, homemade goodies and more. Entry to the boutique is free.

Kicking off the event is a sumptuous champagne brunch at The Manhattan of Camarillo restaurant for $65 per person, which includes a ticket for the Home Tour. Also available are sponsorship opportunities with special perks, such as $1,250 for the brunch, followed by a “sleigh ride” in a cushy limousine to visit the featured homes.

“The Holiday Home Tour and Red Barn Boutique will raise in excess of $30,000 this holiday season. This is truly a labor of love and our 30 hardworking ladies give their all to make these events successful,” says Cheryl.

“We hope everyone will get into the mood for the holidays, share their holiday spirit and help us raise a lot of money for our many worthwhile causes. We also put on the Taste of Camarillo in July and a major tennis tournament/luncheon in late March,” says Judy Goulet, Meadowlark president and member of the organization for 18 years.

“With these three events, we raise close to $300,000, which all stays in Ventura County to benefit approximately 35 local charities and to provide school scholarships to local graduating high school seniors. It seems there is never enough time. We are always looking for volunteers to allow us to do even more,” she adds.

To obtain tickets for the Holiday Home Tour, visit MeadowlarkServiceLeague.com or contact any Meadowlark Service League member. Details about sponsorships and advertising in the holiday programs are available on the website to help raise additional funds for the group’s programs.

HERITAGE SQUARE, OXNARD

Heritage Square offers a unique holiday experience, featuring 15 beautiful Victorian structures, restored to honor Oxnard’s

early pioneer families. From Dec. 1 through 27, self-guided exterior home tours take place Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Docent-led tours take place weekdays and evenings by appointments. Call 805.483.7660, ext. 3 for more information. Docent tours are $7 per person and begin at Heritage Visitor Center, 715 S. A Street in Oxnard.

Heritage Square also has a Gingerbread House Contest during the holidays which will certainly get the attention of Hansel and Gretel and families throughout Ventura County. The amazingly creative and beautiful entries are displayed at Heritage Hall at 731 S. A Street Dec. 1 through 19. Viewings will be available Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. A Silent Auction provides an opportunity for visitors to bid on their favorite gingerbread house to display in their own homes.

LIGHT DISPLAYS & MORE

The holiday season finds many homeowners decorating their residences outdoors for the pleasure of their neighbors and those just passing by. Popular light displays located throughout the community help capture the joy of the holidays each year.

The Parade of Lights on Westlake Lake features decorated boats cruising the lake Dec. 4, starting at 6 p.m.

The Camarillo “A Rockin’ Christmas” Parade starts at 10 a.m. Dec. 10 at Los Posas and Temple Avenue. The parade features floats, bands, vintage autos and more. It all ends at 1605 E. Burnley Street in Camarillo with Santa’s Village Holiday Carnival at the Community Center Park featuring family fun and plenty of shopping.

On Dec. 10, enjoy the Parade of Lights at the Channel Islands Harbor, starting at 7 p.m. for free family fun overlooking the Harbor.

Stroll or drive through one of Ventura County’s largest holiday light shows at the Henry T. Oxnard National Historic District. The spectacular Oxnard Christmas Tree Lane runs from 6 to 10 p.m.

Dec. 10-25 on F and G streets, between 5th and Palm.

December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

35

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Plans to build out this neighborhood as proposed are subject to change without notice. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. Floorplans are the property of CalAtlantichomes Homes and may not be reproduced without the written agreement of CalAtlantic Homes. CalAtlantic Group, Inc. California Real Estate License No. 01138346. 10/16

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2016

HOLIDAY Gift

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

BodyRestoration 3307 Old Conejo Road, Newbury Park, 805.870.5271, BRChiropractic.com

BodyRestoration is an integrated chiropractic Wellness Center offering Chiropractic Wellness, Therapeutic Massage, Acupuncture Services and the patented Lagree Method of fitness using the revolutionary Megaformer. Holistic preventive care for the entire family. Gift certificates available and your first Megaformer class is only $5.

Mcclave JEwelers The Oaks Mall, 326 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, 805.496.4428, McClaveJewelers.com

Arthur Murray Dance Center 3065 Thousand Oaks Blvd #4, Thousand Oaks 805.738.5214 ArthurMurrayThousandOaks.com

McClave Jewelers specializes in creating unique pieces of handcrafted jewelry and custom engagement rings. Stop in for their seasonal specials and receive up to 75% off your holiday purchases through Dec. 31.

With more than 100 years of excellence in dance, Arthur Murray Dance Center offers all levels of dance education, from fun, social dancing to competitive ballroom dancing. Gift certificates available or sign up yourself and get your first lesson free!

CONTINUED >

December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

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2016 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE (CON TI N U ED)

Pure Barre 2806 Townsgate Road, B Westlake Village 805.990.9582 PureBarre.com/ca-WestlakeVillage/

Pure Barre’s 55-minute class will change your body and your fitness level in just under 10 visits. Lift.Tone.Burn with a musically driven full-body workout that is core-based. In addition to the results -oriented workout, Pure Barre Westlake Village is home to a one-ofa-kind athleisure lifestyle boutique. Spend $125 on retail and mention this listing during the month of December and receive a free class!

Sunland Vintage Winery 1321 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

805.379.2250 SunlandVintageWinery.com

Sunland Vintage wines are the perfect mate for any holiday occasion and make a great gift for anyone on your list. Mix and match their 20 unique award-winning wines, ranging from a light and delicate Albarino to a rich, bold Old Vine Zin with distinctive flavors that Zin lovers can’t get enough of, and of course, their 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley, which is to die for. Visit their newly expanded tasting room for 20% case price discounts on all wines.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

Westlake Body Contouring 30423 Canwood Street, Suite #205 Agoura Hills 818.852.7352 WestlakeBodyContouring.com

Westlake Body Contouring’s LED Light Therapy treatments offer a natural, healthy and noninvasive way to melt fat and lose inches without side effects. Each 35-minute session consists of relaxing under the LED Contour Light followed by 10 minutes on a wholebody vibration plate to stimulate the lymphatic system and optimize fat loss. Who doesn’t want to lose that extra fat and fit perfectly into that special holiday dress? CVL readers receive 50% off their holiday treatments (a $360 value for just $180, consisting of three treatments for a holiday package). As an extra holiday bonus: Refer a friend and get $20 off your next visit. Gift certificates available!

Nabu Wines 2649 Townsgate Road 200 Westlake Village 818.835.3704 NabuWines.com

CONTINUED >

Nabu Wine’s Malibu Coast AVA Celebration Gift Box includes Nabu’s very first release of 2012 Malibu Coast Syrah and Chardonnay and a commemorative AVA wine key for $125. The 2012 Chardonnay is a true expression of crisp fruit, balanced acidity and buttery notes. The grapes are grown in the Santa Monica Mountains of Malibu where the cool morning fog and the warm afternoon sun allow them to thrive along the hillsides before they’re fermented for 18 months in French oak barrels using malolactic fermentation.

The 2012 Syrah, also grown in the wild sageflecked hills of Malibu, is bold, smoky and redolent of dark berries. The nose reveals that smoky core while the follow-on highlights the dark fruits and the finish winds into deep cherry flavors combined with a hint of sage.

December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

41

2016 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE (CON TI N U ED)

Ladyface Aesthetics 2839 Agoura Road, Suite #9 Westlake Village, (Located in the Regency Salon Studios) 805.490.3232 LadyfaceMedical.com

Ladyface Aesthetics gift certificates include a free consultation with all services, including Botox, Juvederm, Voluma, Kybella, CosmoPen, Instatox, ArqueDerma, Sclerotherapy, chemical peels and weight management. As a special bonus gift for CVL readers: Refer a friend and get $25 off your next treatment.

Meadow Gardens 31149 Via Colinas #604, Westlake Village 818.879.9555, MeadowGardensInc.com

Celebrate Sweetly 805.751.6177 CelebrateSweetly.com

Celebrate Sweetly offers a wide variety of gift baskets for your corporate and personal gifting needs. From gourmet and spa to kosher and custom, Celebrate Sweetly’s carefully curated selection of locally made products for Holiday 2016 offers something for everyone. Gift wrapping adds that special touch of elegance for a perfect presentation.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

Meadow Gardens offers a wide selection of American fountains at discount prices, with finishes in a full spectrum of colors. Gracing a tabletop, wall or garden, a soothing fountain makes a stunning accent piece and an unforgettable lasting gift to be enjoyed for years to come.

Thrive dance center 3623 Old Conejo Road Suite #100 Newbury Park 805.375.9988 ThriveDanceCenter.com

Thrive Dance Center’s highly trained faculty of inspired artists provide top-notch dance instruction in a family friendly, nurturing environment. The gift of dance builds confidence, skills, strength and well-being. Classes for all levels from children to adult are available. Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Pointe, Tumbling, Acting, Voice and more! Gift certificates available!

Veterinary Angels 29348 Roadside Drive Agoura Hills 818.865.1800 VetAgouraHills.com

Veterinary Angels Medical Center’s Little Angels Pet Supply carries a large selection of veterinarian-approved pet supplies, including Cycle Dog’s eco-friendly collars, leashes and collapsible water bowls made from recycled tires. Their Pup Top bottle opener leash attachment turns your dog’s fashionable and earth-friendly leash into a multi-functional tool. You’ll also find food and treats by K-9/ Feline, Royal Canin OC and Veterinary Diets, Purina Pro Plan and Greenies. Toys and accessories from ChuckIt, Caitic, Kong, Pet Mate, Cats Pride, Outdoor Dog Wear, Lookin Good Dog Wear, Zoo Med, Zilla, Polly Wanna Pinata, Jungle Toys and more ensure you’ll find the perfect gift for the pet lovers on your list.

CONTINUED >

December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

43

2016 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE (CON TI N U ED)

HOME

Present Picks Aplenty for Everyone on Your List

The Sleep Shoppe 1316 Newbury Road Newbury Park 805.498.2233 ShoptheSleepShoppe.com

Voted Ventura County’s #1 mattress store 19 years in a row, The Sleep Shoppe offers a huge selection of mattresses and unparalleled customer service at a great value.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

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Inspire, Design and Build the perfect sofa at The Sofa Guy. With more than a hundred designs to choose from, The Sofa Guy makes finding the perfect sofa to suit that special someone’s style a simple and satisfying experience.

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Join us for our 2016-17 Season Classes for all levels and all ages!

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

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“REAL FLAVORS OF BRAZIL” December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

47

Food & Wine

&

FOOD WINE

Pairing in the Most Deliteful Way ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BEN MALKIN

W

hen done well, wine and food pairings are fun for us foodies, especially this “Hard to Please Guy.” Combining wine with fine cuisine provides the perfect opportunity to truly discover what a wine is all about as it complements and completes your meal.

During a recent visit to Deliteful, the classy “Eat Clean, Eat Delicious” restaurant in the Oaks Mall, we enjoyed a wine and food pairing dinner that epitomized their unique approach to eating food that is both healthy and delicious. Guests experienced firsthand the first-class fine dining establishment that is Deliteful and met their new chef.

These mini-events provide a unique atmosphere that allows for much more socializing than a typical “dinner out.” Patrons get to chat with the hosts and other guests, perhaps making new friends and acquaintances. Deliteful’s event felt like a celebratory dinner in the middle of the week.

Owner Tracy Webster, always warm and gracious, introduced Chef Karen Forsberg, whose career highlights include 11 years with Chicago’s famed Lettuce Entertain You, a stint as head chef of a restaurant in Tuscany, several years in the kitchen of Il Fornaio in Beverly Hills and many years as a private chef to a Russian oligarch. Forsberg explained how a devastating diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis spurred her to reclaim her health by eliminating sugar and gluten from her diet, making her a perfect match for Deliteful’s “Eat Clean, Live Healthy” philosophy.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

PALATE PLEASING

The featured food and wine served that evening was excellent, with each course paired perfectly with the wine. The 5-course menu included the following: • Hamachi Crudo, made with raw shaved yellowtail, lemon wasabi cream, baby heirloom tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, Japanese caviar, radish sprouts and crispy shallots, paired with a Panther Creek 2014 Pinot Gris (Oregon) kicked off the meal.

• Second was Petaluma Duck Terrine with white glazed leeks and fennel served with a wedge of Tomales County Creamery Atika and house-made seeded wild garlic crisps matched with a Panther Creek 2013 Oregon Pinot Noir. Roasted Vegetable Terrine was another option.

• Course 3 featured Inchiostro Tagliatelle Di Seppie, squid ink pasta in a rich garlic wine sauce and roasted miniature vegetables crowned with imported aged ricotta salata. This rich course paired well with a California Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel from Sbragia Family Vineyards.

• Next up was Watkins Farm grass-fed ribeye topped with imported Italian Casale Monferrato Gorgonzola butter and served with butternut squash soufflé. It was matched with a Washington state Bordeaux-style red, Delille Cellars D2 Merlot/Cabernet. Wild Mushroom Chicken Piccata was another choice.

• Finally, the fifth course (dessert) featured Wild Berry Clafoutis.

This rich berry custard topped with pink peppercorn creme anglaise and house-made chipotle ganache truffles paired perfectly with a California Sbragia Cabernet.

Who says you can’t dine like royalty and still eat clean and healthy? Take a break from your holiday shopping at the Oaks Mall and stop in to Deliteful to taste for yourself how mouthwatering fare and healthy food combine to create an unforgettably satisfying culinary experience.

Deliteful is located on the lower level entrance across the parking lot from Nordstrom. Call 805.418.5118 for reservations or visit DelitefulMeals.com to find out more.

December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

49

Culinary Creations

Brent's Deli's potato latkes

Brent's Deli: Catering to Hanukkah Celebrations Beginning at sunset on Dec. 24 this year and lasting for eight days until the evening of Jan. 1, Hanukkah is a time to celebrate the Jewish faith and take part in age-old traditions. Lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel and eating fried foods to celebrate the miracle of the oil are mainstays of this Jewish festival of lights.

Among the traditional Hanukkah fare are potato latkes—pancakes made with potatoes and onions and fried in oil—and sufganiyot—jelly-filled donuts fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar. These holiday favorites are just a couple of the traditional items served up with style for Hanukkah at Brent’s Deli in Westlake Village.

Brent’s special Hanukkah catering menu includes complete meals prepared for easy heating at home as well as a la carte items to customize your choices.

Complete meals offered on the catering menu include traditional foods served at Hanukkah: • Chopped liver • Chicken soup with matzo balls • Choice of brisket of beef/au jus or one-half roasted chicken • Potato latkes with cherry applesauce and sour cream • String bean almondine • Choice of egg or rye bread.

These items and more, including noodle kugel and assorted fancy Hanukkah cookies, are also available by the piece. Stop by for some Hanukkah specialties at Brent’s Deli or call ahead for catering services, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday festivities.

Brent’s Deli is located at 2799 Townsgate Road in Westlake Village. Call them at 805.557.1882 or visit BrentsDeli.com for more information.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

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53

Local’s Choice

TAK NG A

PROACTIVE APPROACH TO

PREVENTION ARTICLE CATHY J. F. COLE, NP-BC, MPH, CHES, CN-BP

B

With permission from Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education, Melville, NY

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

reast Cancer Awareness Month in October featured many community activities highlighting good health practices for the early detection of breast cancer. Incorporating these strategies into a monthly routine and getting regular mammograms as well as understanding changes in breast tissue can help ensure breast cancer is found at its earliest stage.

While men can also develop breast cancer, it is primarily a disease of women; however, if there is a strong family history of breast cancer, it is important for everyone to take a proactive approach.

There are risk factors that can be changed and some that cannot. The two biggest factors for risk of developing breast cancer are gender and age. As women, as we age, the risk of cancer rises.

Inheriting a gene mutation also confers an increased risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer. Lifestyle modification can make a difference. Avoid obesity and excessive use of alcohol and be sure to rely on credible sources to find information.

Several key communities within eastern Ventura County have some of the highest

incidence rates of breast cancer within the State of California. This is in large part due to demographics, such as race, diet, smaller families and later age at first pregnancy. This important information may be of value to our health care providers in encouraging consistent screening and healthy lifestyles.

RX FOR BREAST CANCER

Mammography screening guidelines have changed in the past year, so be sure to speak to a health care provider to select the best screening interval. New guidelines now suggest annual mammography at age 45 for average risk women and continues every one to two years depending on personal family history. New technology, such as 3-D Tomosynthesis, is especially useful for those with dense breast tissue.

California is one of 22 states that require patients be informed of the density of their breast tissue. This technology can help to evaluate an abnormality among the density of breast tissue. Los Robles Hospital and Thousand Oaks Radiology Group were among the first in Ventura County to provide this new equipment. Many other

DR. SHARON CROWDER DDS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Cathy J. F. Cole, NP-BC, MPH, CHES, CN-BP Breast Program Nurse Navigator Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center

AGOURA HILLS

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imaging centers have followed, making a difference in finding cancers earlier.

Another important strategy is breast self-examination. This simple technique can be used to become familiar with the texture of breast tissue. Becoming familiar with the breasts’ normal texture will make it more likely to identify any changes that may need to be evaluated. Techniques have changed over the decades, but the best and most efficient way is to complete the exam lying down and using a vertical strip method to cover all the breast tissue.

Most patients concentrate on examining only the mound of the breast, but clearly this does not cover the entire area of breast tissue. Most breast cancers occur in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, making the vertical strip method the most accurate way to detect changes. In men, often the abnormality is found directly under the nipple and again, vertical strip will cover this important anatomy.

Finding time to examine oneself and being consistent with mammogram screening will help to reduce advanced cancers. See your health care provider annually for clinical breast examinations. Early detection is crucial to finding cancers early and helping us lead healthy and productive lives.

To learn more about 3D mammography, or to make an appointment, please call the Los Robles

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Faith Reflections

Nativity Scenes on Display to Help Homeless ARTICLE LARAINE YATES & KAREN PHIPPS | PHOTOGRAPHY KAREN PHIPPS

“

Baby Jesus was not a cat,” the young woman said indignantly. She was shocked to see the Nativity story depicted by small barnyard figurines: Mary and Joseph as horses, an angel represented by a small dog and Baby Jesus depicted as a yellow striped cat lying in a manger. The display is one of hundreds of Nativity scenes exhibited annually by No Room at the Inn, a nonprofit group that has donated more than $400,000 to local charities that serve the homeless community of Ventura County.

Of the 600+ Nativity displays, many are whimsical—with mice, teddy bears, black bears or other animals portraying the characters in the scene—while the majority are more traditional, with sparkling crystal or gorgeous porcelain timehonored characters shown in beautiful detail.

Children delight in finding the unusual and playful Nativity sets: a cast comprised

58

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

of mice in a woodland setting or alligators in Cajun dress with fiddles and saxophones. Adults often prefer the old-style, customary figurines in traditional settings.

From tiny to 2-feet tall, the unique displays are crafted from a variety of materials, such as fine porcelain, clay, wood, metal, crystal, cloth and even seed pods and driftwood. From simple, handcrafted and inexpensive to elegant and elaborate, these Nativity displays come from countries throughout the world, including Mexico, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic, Africa and South America. Last year's exhibit featured Nativity displays from 53 countries and cultures throughout the world.

This year’s 24th Annual Nativity Display Grand Opening Gala takes place on Friday, Dec. 2 from 6-9 p.m. and includes entertainment, delicious appetizers, gift

baskets and a silent auction for holiday shopping. Continuing through Sunday, Dec. 4, this year’s display is hosted by St. Jude the Apostle Church, located at 32032 W. Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village.

Requested donations for the Gala are $30 per person by Dec. 1, and $35 at the door. Weekend exhibit hours are Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with requested donations of $5 for adults and $1 for children. The Silent Auction continues throughout the weekend. The Children’s Corner includes crafts and the opportunity for children to dress in special costumes and play out a part in the Nativity scene, as well as a scavenger hunt to find very special Nativity displays tucked away amongst the hundreds of displays.

To make advance reservations, visit NRATI.com.

December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

59

Driver’s Notebook

SPRINTER/ METRIS EVENT

Silver Star Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Euro Van Invasion for Work & Play

Thursday, December 1, 5-8 p.m.

Silver Star A.G. - Mercedes-Benz 805.371.5490 Sprinter@SilverStarAuto.com 3905 Auto Mall Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

ARTICLE BEN MALKIN

L

ike anyone who does business in Los Angeles, I’ve spent a fair amount of time in traffic. During countless hours spent on the road throughout the years, I’ve observed what can be described as an invasion of sorts of high-roofed European vans with quite a unique look to them. Popular vans for businesses who want a practical, utilitarian means of delivering their services to customers, these vehicles are also often converted and customized to create a comfortable and classy ride for leisure and family outings.

It seems that the transition Lee Iacocca sent us on years ago when Chrysler introduced the minivan has come almost full circle, albeit on steroids. What was once the bastion of soccer moms before SUVs subsequently took center stage, has now become the practical domain of families on a mission. A mission of adventure, taking the family and their toys out of town in the comfort of a van you can stand-up in and watch videos or play games on large screen TVs, or empty nesters heading up the coast, along with seemingly at least half the comforts of home inside the vehicle.

I decided to investigate this new trend, stopping by the showroom of Silver Star Mercedes-Benz in the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall.

There I discovered the local source of this growing European trend in travel, the Sprinter. Seems Mercedes-Benz has been making millions of these voluminous vans in Germany since 1977 and began importing them to the U.S. in 2001.

The Sprinter vans primarily come in three different base configurations: passenger (think a passenger capability that’s cheaper by the dozen), cargo (envision half an empty garage on wheels) and crew (room for five passengers and at least a quarter of an empty garage of space). Cab-chassis with no backs are also available for serious business and motorhome conversions. They each come in different lengths (one that fits in a regular parking space and one that doesn’t) and heights, the higher with enough space for someone 6’3” to stand up in.

All styles are powered by fuel-efficient, powerful twin turbo diesel engines known to deliver well over 20 miles per gallon with a hauling capacity of 7,500 pounds. Made to the legendary Mercedes-Benz vehicle standards, many Sprinters include more safety features, such as standard stability controls, than most of today’s cars. New for 2016 is the class-exclusive option of four-wheel drive (4x4), so the party doesn’t have to end just because the road does. Despite being a Mercedes-Benz, these versatile vehicles are imminently affordable, ranging from about $32,500 to typically nicely under $60,000 even when well-equipped.

The best part is that these tabula rasas become the blank slates of your land yacht visions with certified Sprinter sales consultants to help you finance and turn those dreams into realities in combination with Master Upfitters who outfit and customize the Sprinters to your heart’s desire. Vehicles often are built around various themes, such as “mini-RV” packed with the comforts of home (basically a

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

Sprinter Crew

Sprinter- Family Wagon

Sprinter- Camper

Sprinter- Commercial

Sprinter- Travel

bed, bath and beyond on wheels), “executive transport” transforming your commute into a productive mobile office, “family van” (think modern day prairie schooner) where you’ll be the envy of every carpool, and “adventure van” a hybrid half motorhome and half garage for the toys (surf boards, motorcycles, golf gear, quads, go-karts, bikes, etc.) you just can’t leave home without.

Upfits cost from a couple thousand dollars (less than most SUVs) to as much as the purchase price of the Sprinter they’re built on when you start getting into RV conversions with toilets, beds, appliances, a kitchen sink, and flat screen monitors and sound systems to enjoy your own mobile media room wherever you go. And it doesn’t have to stop there.

Fortunately, you can learn more about this great new trend at Silver Star by calling or stopping by and asking for a certified Sprinter consultant. Their Sprinter showcase evening exhibition event in conjunction with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County takes place on Dec. 1, from 5-8 p.m. and includes a look at their more modest-sized Metris vans. RSVP to be included in a free drawing and wine tasting that night.

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December 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

61

Lifestyle Calendar

December THURSDAYS, THROUGH RUNS THROUGH DEC. 4, DEC. 15 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

DECEMBER 4 THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS EXCLUSIVE SCREENING MUVICO THEATRE Cabrillo Music Theatre and Muvico Theatre present an exclusive screening of Dr. Seuss' "The Grinch Stole Christmas." Donations encouraged

and

reservations

required.

CabrilloMusicTheatre.com

TANTALIZING THURSDAY - $5 GLASSES

HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR & BOUTIQUE

OF WINE

O'REILLY HALL AT ST. MAXIMILIAN

SUNLAND VINTAGE WINERY

KOLBE CATHOLIC CHURCH

DECEMBER 6

Enjoy Sunland Vintage award-winning wines from

This fundraiser is a self-guided tour that

THOUSAND OAKS WOMEN'S

6-9 p.m. for $5 a glass. Bring a picnic and friends

showcases the beautiful holiday decorations

CLUB LUNCHEON

and stay all night! SunlandVintageWinery.com

of Conejo Valley homes. The Boutique ben-

LOS ROBLES GREENS GOLF COURSE

efits the Cancer Support Community Valley/

Chef’s choice lunch includes live enter-

Ventura/Santa Barbara and features dozens

tainment by the Thousand Oaks High

of local craftsmen. CancerSupportVVSB.org

School Choral Groups kicking off the holiday

RUNS THROUGH DEC. 4 24TH ANNUAL NO ROOM AT THE INN NATIVITY DISPLAY GRAND OPENING

season with a variety of songs and styles.

ST. JUDE THE APOSTLE CHURCH

DECEMBER 3

The annual nativity display features hundreds

JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK FOR ARTHRITIS

of versions of the nativity story from various

CONEJO CREEK NORTH PARK

DECEMBER 6

countries. The grand opening is from 6-9 p.m.,

Tie jingle bells to your shoes for this 5K holi-

HIGH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Dec. 2 and includes appetizers and entertain-

day-themed event, featuring food, entertain-

CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

ment. Exhibit hours are from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.,

ment, a kids' zone and Santa! $40 adults/$20

Celebrate the joy of the season with Oaks Chris-

Dec. 4, and 10-5:30 p.m., Dec. 5. Proceeds

children under 10. JBR.org/ThousandOaks

tian School's inspirational and uplifting musical

benefit area homeless. NRATI.com

DEC. 2 AT 8 P.M. & DEC. 3 AT 2:30 P.M.

DECEMBER 3 HOLIDAY ART MARKET AT STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS

Call 805.484.7741 for reservations.

performance. Free. Also look for the Oaks Christian Middle School Christmas Concert Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Bedrosian Pavilion. OaksChristian.org

VILLAGE VOICES CHORALE 2016

STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS

DECEMBER 7

HOLIDAY CONCERT "TIS THE SEASON"

ART CENTER

SANTA NIGHTS AT CAMARILLO RANCH

SCHEER FORUM THEATER, THOUSAND

Some 40+ artists display paintings, sculpture,

CAMARILLO RANCH

OAKS CIVIC ARTS PLAZA

ceramics, photographs, jewelry, prints, mixed

Take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Holiday favorites "Silent Night" and "The First

media, weavings and more. Call 805.383.1368

and visit Santa's workshop in the red barn.

Noel/Pachelbel's Canon" will put you in the

or visit StudioChannelIslands.org.

Also Dec. 12, 14 and 19. Call 805.389.8182 or

holiday spirit. A traditional sing-a-long, Cove-

visit CamarilloRanch.org.

nant Ringers Hand Bell Choir and the 70-voice

DECEMBER 4

chorale entertain young and old. $25 For tick-

HOLIDAY ON THE HILL AT THE

DECEMBER 9

ets, call 818.8897150. VillageVoices.org

REAGAN LIBRARY

POINSETTIA SUPPER CLUB

REAGAN LIBRARY

HYATT REGENCY WESTLAKE

DECEMBER 2

Guests will enjoy an incredible holiday din-

Spend an evening with double Grammy Award

FOOD SHARE'S 5TH ANNUAL CAN-

ner buffet, hot cider and warm cookies under

winner Jack Jones featuring Emcee Ross Porter

TREE COLLECTION

the wings of Air Force One. Exhibits include

sponsored by the New West Symphony League

THE COLLECTION AT RIVERPARK

the annual holiday tree exhibit, Christmas

to benefit the New West Symphony Orchestra and

The CAN-tree Collection is Ventura County's

Around the World, featuring 26 trees decorat-

its education programs. NewWestSymphony.org

most festive holiday event! Help build hun-

ed in honor of the countries President Reagan

dreds of holiday trees made of cans to assist

visited while in office. Call 805.577.4057 or vis-

DECEMBER 9

FOOD Share meet its goal of raising 200,000

it ReaganFoundation.com.

HOLIDAY HO HO HO TIS THE SEASON!

pounds of food in just 3 days! Runs through

SUNLAND VINTAGE WINERY

Dec. 4. Call 805.983.7100 for more information.

Don't miss this evening of mischief and merCONTINUED >

62

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

Lifestyle Calendar

(CON TI N U ED)

rymaking! Join Sunland Vintage Winery elves

tiful selection of Camarillo homes seasonally

theatrical lighting, a wonderful collection of

for a holiday celebration filled with great

decorated for your viewing pleasure. Ticket

props, and over 100 members of the congrega-

award-winning wine, awesome music, a food

purchase includes complimentary refresh-

tion in period costumes transport visitors back

truck and barrels of fun! Featuring the Ego

ments, raffle drawing opportunities for amaz-

in time. There are live goats, sheep, chickens a

Monkeys. Bring your friends and celebrate!

ing gifts and holiday boutique shopping at

donkey and a camel, plus the ambiance of food

"Five07" the cafe and smoothie shop will be

the historic Camarillo Ranch. Entry to the Red

cooking over real fire pits, a bustling market-

there with their mouthwatering paninis and

Barn Holiday Boutique is open to the public

place, traditional Hebrew music and dance, and

cheese plates. SunlandVintageWinery.com

at no cost. MeadowlarkServiceLeague.com

of course, the manger. Call 818.889.1491 or visit

DECEMBER 10

DEC. 14-16, 7-9 P.M.

SANTA COMES TO WESTLAKE/

WINTER CONCERT

DEC. 17 & 18, 2 AND 7 P.M.

AGOURA & BEYOND

NEWBURY PARK HIGH SCHOOL

23RD ANNUAL PERFORMANCES OF

AGOURA HILLS' DIY HOMECENTER

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

“THE NUTCRACKER”

This 37th annual food drive hosted by the West-

Celebrate the holiday season with the Newbury

THOUSAND OAKS CIVIC ARTS PLAZA,

lake Village Junior Women's Club helps to bring

Park High School choir, performing a medley of

FRED KAVLI THEATRE

holiday cheer in the form of bags of groceries to

holiday favorites. Tickets available at the door.

Pacific Festival Ballet's “The Nutcracker”

local families. Entertainment, local talent, a bike raf-

GoBethlehem.com for more information.

features returning guest artists from New York

fle and children's activities, including face painting,

DEC. 16 & 17, 5-9 P.M.

arts and crafts, and Santa. WestlakeJuniors.org

THE BETHLEHEM EXPERIENCE IN

linin Russian Dance Troupe, and a mega-cast

WESTLAKE VILLAGE

of over 100 dancers. This Nutcracker season

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

promises visions of sugar plums and a 100%

38TH ANNUAL "HOMES FOR THE

For two magical nights, Bethlehem comes to

chance of snowfall on the audience! Don't miss

HOLIDAYS" HOME TOUR & BOUTIQUE

Westlake Village as the congregation of West-

this timeless holiday classic! PacFestBallet.org

CAMARILLO RANCH

minster Presbyterian Church transforms their

Meadowlark Service League's holiday home

church grounds into an amazingly lifelike rec-

tour and boutique fundraiser features a beau-

reation of the 1st century village. Incredible sets,

DECEMBER 11

City Ballet, Tiler Peck and Gonzalo Garcia, Ka-

DiD you know?

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

path to happiness.

THIS IS THE TRUE

With a pool and hot tub, billiards room, tennis court and over 65 acres of rolling hills and lush landscaping, there are many ways to add some “me time” to your day. No need to worry about home maintenance – instead, you can spend your days enjoying excursions, lectures and special celebrations, plus many other opportunities with your friends and neighbors. Even access to long-term care is included, so you and your loved ones can truly relax.

Hear more resident experiences at UVTO.com/testimonial.

Or call 1-866-996-1462.

Continuing Life LLC provides support and services to leading senior housing communities under a services and licensing agreement that allows for use of the Continuing Life® mark. The company does not own, nor is it financially responsible for, University Village Thousand Oaks CCRC LLC. State of California License #565800978. Certificate of Authority #221.

Parting Thoughts

Making the Most of Today ARTICLE KIM PAGANO

W

e all go through difficult times in our lives, so don't ever feel alone in your troubles. If you are reading this right now, it means that you have woken up to another chance to what we all call life and a chance to clean your slate.

What are you going to do differently today to make it better?

That is the question on the table. Take a moment to choose your path for today's present. Gifts don't always have to be monetary.

In fact, sharing positive thoughts and gratitude during the holidays and throughout the entire year is the most amazing gift you can give yourself or anyone else. The effects of doing so can have a tangible outcome on our well-being by sharing happiness in stressful times. Simple handmade gifts are another form of gift giving. Think candles, favorite recipes or anything you can create. Share these gifts with everyone, as we all have a Godgiven gift that we have been blessed with, and others will appreciate your original and personal ideas.

I saved the best and probably the most meaningful idea for last: Giving your time is still by far the best gift you can ever give anyone, especially your family. Making memories is something we can never replace. It is important for you not to leave any regrets on the table and to celebrate the people in your life while not forgetting the life we have been given.

After someone in our lives passes away, we tend to celebrate their life in that moment. I think this idea is all wrong because we should be celebrating when these important people in our lives are still here with us. Buy flowers and cards for the people that you love, 66

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | December 2016

even when there isn't a holiday to celebrate. Some of us are out there waiting for an invitation to live. We all need to realize that we don’t need an invitation to do anything in life. Live outside your box and enjoy the people that are with you on your journey. Explore where they are going and believe that they are the angels on the trails in your journey of life. Inquire what they do, and hear their story in order to embrace new gifts from everyone.

This world is an amazing place, so open your life to all of the possibilities and dreams that are available to you. Always celebrate everyday, not just when it's a holiday, because you are alive and well, and you are worth it.

Kim Pagano is brought to you by the award-winning talk radio station AM 1590 KVTA. She brings you the Brighter Side of the 805, Saturdays from 6 to 8 a.m., reminding us how important it is to "Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good." Listen to the Kim Pagano Show at your leisure by subscribing to her podcast: ITunes/The Kim Pagano Show. Kim is a hair therapist in Westlake, a motivational speaker, a mother and so much more.

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