Conejo Valley April 2016

Conejo Valley APRIL 2016

ConejoValleyLifestylePubs.com

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TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN I welcome the opportunity to learn about your unique goals and needs. Together we can create a strategy designed to help guide you along the path toward financial well-being.

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Lifestyle Letter

Four Generations of Family A

s you can see from the photo, there are four generations of Cheslers celebrating my birthday: great grandparents, Grammy (that’s me), a daughter, a son, their spouses, an uncle and even a cousin…and of course, the next generation: three toddlers and one in the oven. Wow! We had fun that evening enjoying each other’s company, some great food and most of all remembering once again that we are a family.

APRIL 2016 publisher

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

Tracy Marcynzsyn | Tracy.Marcynzsyn@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers

Ben Malkin, Lloyd Hartley, Tracy Marcynzsyn, Rocky Mills, Ira Nepus, Sharon Norling, MD; Kim Pagano, Ken Phillips, Lena Urusova contributing photographers

Kenny Backer, John Diego, Lauria Gallagher, ©Tracie Karasik, TLKmultimedia,

They say you can choose your friends, but you cannot choose your relatives. I guess I am lucky because I would still choose the entire bunch. It goes back even farther than what you see in the photo. When I spend quiet time with either of my older grandchildren, Jonathan or Charlotte, I tell them funny stories, memories that I cherish of my grandma Sarah… their great, great grandmother. Like how she would swoop in and clear your dinner plate away before you were finished eating and have it washed and cleaned if you even paused and looked away. Cleanliness was definitely next to godliness with her. When Charlotte and Zoe get a little older they will enjoy hearing about how I watched my mom get dressed for a Saturday night out with dad (I thought she looked like Elizabeth Taylor). When they were gone I would sneak into her room, try on her stockings, shoes and makeup.

My mom and dad are part of what Tom Brokaw called our Greatest Generation. Dad went from the beaches at Normandy through the Battle of the Bulge and by the end of WWII was stationed in the Pacific waiting to invade Japan. Somehow he made it back in one piece.

Thanks to Mom and Dad, my brothers and I grew up in a "Leave it to Beaver" environment in North Hollywood. We all sat down to dinner together, travelled together (I still have the home movies with Dad’s thumb always getting in the way) and most importantly when all was said and done, even when we disagreed, we were there for each other, still are.

My children and their growing families are building their own part of our family tradition.

They seem to be well on their way to doing it quite well. I believe that is because they had a solid foundation upon which to build. Our great communities here in the Conejo Valley and Santa Rosa Valley are only as strong as the diverse and loving families that hold it all together.

Maura Kimock, Ben Malkin, Ira Nepus

CORPORATE TEAM | Steven Schowengerdt

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

TALK TO US

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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April 2016

Departments 8

Good Times

12

Around Town

15

Hot Spot

16

Locally Owned

32

Local Limelight

34

Locals Only

36

Giving Back

38

Inspired By

18 Lifting Lives

40

Financial Buzz

42

Healthy Lifestyle

44

Renovate & Refine

24 Home Sweet Home

46

Lifestyle Calendar

Buying and remodeling essentials

54

Parting Thoughts

Local musicians jazz up the Conejo

20

Concern America empowers the poverty-stricken, one village at a time

20 Family Fun

Favorite activities for the whole clan

32 Jazz Jones

18

24

32

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

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Good Times

Sunland Dinner

Valentine Dinner presented by Sunland Winery at the Giovinazzo home. Wonderful hosts, great food and wine.

A fun time was had by all!!

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

Thousand Oaks Auto Mall

www.ladinsubaru.com 805-495-2193

Subaru Outback TOP SAFETY PICK+ Best Midsize Utility Best in Snow

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Good Times

Conejo Compassion Coalition 10th Anniversary Dinner

Honoring Dr. Bob Bland for his humanitarian work in the U.S. and throughout the world, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama.

PHOTOGRAPHY © TRACIE KARASIK, TLKMULTIMEDIA

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

Thousand Oaks Auto Mall

www.ladinsubaru.com 805-495-2193

2016 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 Ultimate

Family owned and operated for over 40 years

Around Town

AROUND TOWN

APRIL 16 Thousand Oaks Arbor/Earth Day Celebration

10 a.m.-3 p.m., Conejo Creek Park, 1379 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks This zero-waste festival will feature over 100 vendors/exhibitors that will provide tips and products to help families to “Go Green.” This year's event will feature environmental exhibitors, animal shows, children's activities, entertainment, electric vehicle ride and drive, bike rodeo, free workshops, food trucks and much more. TOaks.org APRIL 23 Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Promenade Park, Ventura Live entertainment, children’s activities, exhibitors and education, coordinated by the Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education (VCS). VenturaEarthDay.org APRIL 23 Ojai Earth Day Event

11 a.m.-4 p.m., Oak Grove School, 220 W Lomita Ave, Ojai Live entertainment, world food, environmental presentations and exhibits, art, field day, yoga, community involvement and more.

Visitors will also have ample opportunities to find ways to live greener and appreciate the natural wonders we all share. OjaiEarthDay.org APRIL 30 Arbor Day Celebration at Gates Canyon Park in Calabasas

11 a.m.-1 p.m., Calabasas High School, 22855 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas The event is free and residents are welcome to come out and get involved in helping to create a beautiful and healthy environment in Calabasas. CityofCalabasas.com

SAVE THE DATE!

Pacific Festival Ballet welcomes Peter Pan to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Fred Kavli Theatre, Saturday, May 21, along with "Olympiad"—a special tribute to the 2016 Olympics & "Tree of Life"—

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

an homage to painter Gustav Klimt.

Bursting with pixie dust, adventure and dance, this timeless classic

Since its inception on April 22, 1970, Earth Day has become an

comes to life with all your favorite characters. Peter and his feisty

annual day of education and celebration about the natural world and

sidekick, Tinkerbell, teach the Darling children to fly and land on an

sustainable living. Celebrate Earth Day this April with local festivities

enchanted island, battling swashbuckling pirates led by the ferocious

throughout the Conejo Valley.

Captain Hook. This ballet masterpiece returns to Pacific Festival Ballet and awakens the child in all of us!

APRIL 9 City of Oxnard Earth Day 2016 "Our Paradise"

Showtimes are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets on sale now at TicketMaster.

11 a.m.-3 p.m., Plaza Park, 500 S. C Street, Oxnard

com or call 800-745-3000 and in person at the Civic Arts Plaza Box

Activities include live music, community displays, children's activi-

Office, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

ties, food and fun! CityofOxnard.org APRIL 9 City of Calabasas Earth Day Celebration/Green Expo

2 p.m.–5 p.m., Las Virgenes Creek site, (behind the Starbucks at 26531 Agoura Road), Calabasas

ON COURSE FOR A CAUSE The Triunfo YMCA 3rd Annual Golf Classic is Monday, April 18 at

the North Ranch Country Club (4761 Valley Spring Dr, Westlake Village). Proceeds from “On Course for a Cause” benefit the Triunfo

Over 50 exhibitors show how people can take actions that will save

YMCA’s childcare, summer camps and youth and adult enrichment

them money through efficiency while protecting our planet. Features

and fitness programs. The event is hosted by Amaroso Companies.

children’s activities, green services and products, sustainability,

Registration is from 9 to 10:45 a.m. The four-player scramble tour-

energy conservation and more. CityofCalabasas.com

nament begins at 11 a.m. Players receive a box lunch during the tournament followed by a reception and dinner in the early evening.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

Around Town

INVISALIGN® DAY TUESDAY APRIL 19, 2016

(CON TI N UED)

Awards will be presented to the contest winners and top three foursomes. The cost is $400 per player or $1,500 for a foursome. For more information about the tournament and to register, go to SevYMCA.org and click on “On Course for a Cause” or call the Triunfo YMCA at 818.707.9622.

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS! Planning spring and summer projects around the house? Discuss your ideas and receive professional advice at the 42nd Conejo Valley Home Remodeling Show. The spring show is Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17 at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza (880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village). Over 170 vendors will be on hand with information on everything from Snow Orthodontics will be providing FREE Invisalign® consultations to answer your questions about Invisalign® Treatment, the clear way to straighten your teeth.

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*Invisalign Day and associated promotions are hosted and sponsored

by Dr.Gilbert Snow/ and not by Align Technology, Inc.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

kitchen and bath remodeling to interior decorating, landscaping, pools and spas. Gourmet food trucks will be at the show on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Home Show hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free passes are available online: ConejoValleyHomeShow.com.

Cost is $4/person at the door. For more information, call 805.529.0760.

Hot Spot

THE BAY CLUB’S PURE ENERGY CAFE A Hidden Gem for Really Good Food ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY BEN MALKIN

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here is no shortage of casual dining choices in the Conejo Valley. The challenge is that 95% of them are at best, mediocre, and this does not include the fast food options, which are a deadly combination of bad and unhealthy. One hidden gem is the Pure Energy Café at the Bay Club in Thousand Oaks. It’s “hidden” because it is tucked away off of Willow Road inside the refurbished and under new ownership, the Bay Club Company.

As members at this facility for over 10 years, we know firsthand that compared to its predecessor, the Pure Energy Café reflects a complete upgrade in environment, service and quality. Their varied menu of fresh, high-quality selections for breakfast, lunch or dinner can be enjoyed by both Bay Club members and nonmembers alike.

Located just inside the front entrance to the club, for casual healthy fare the Pure Energy Café beats out most of what you can get anywhere else in their part of Thousand

Oaks and Westlake Village. The breakfast burrito, eggs, turkey bacon, guacamole, spinach and salsa was enough for two people, but of course, I ate the whole thing. I am a breakfast eater and it was delicious. Then I skipped lunch. The banana multi-grain pancakes were yummy too, and guilt free because I just finished a workout.

The Pure Energy Café also has power drinks, fresh juices, burgers, entrees and salads (Robin's favorite is the chicken arugula salad). The Pure Energy Café also offers group catering and the Bay Club offers meeting room facilities. Contact café owners Fernando Ceron or Rodrigo Padilla, or Bay Club Area Manager Anastasia Alexander for more information, or just stop by and grab a bite to eat.

The Bay Club Pure Energy Café is located at 2400 Willow Lane in Thousand Oaks. For more information, visit BayClubs.com/ThousandOaks or call 805.778.0888.

April 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

15

Locally Owned

ACTIVE FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES ARTICLE LENA URUSOVA | PHOTOGRAPHY MAURA KIMOCK

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onarchs is a full-service children’s enrichment center dedicated to inspiring dynamic kids to grow, learn, have fun and be happy through the development of mind and body education.

Monarchs offers curriculum-based physical instruction programs geared to cultivate your child’s active lifestyle through Kinder Gymnastics and Kinder Tots (Music, Superheroes, Princesses, Yoga & Cheer), Recreational Gymnastics classes for girls and boys, Competitive Gymnastics, Tumbling, Cheer, Trampoline, Flips & Tricks, Parkour and Freerunning for children ages 15 months through 18 years.

Additionally, Monarchs provides non-curriculum-based programs geared toward fostering learning through fun. Our camp program is offered year-round in the summer, winter, spring and during school holidays. Private birthday party celebrations, themed Friday night bashes “Parent's Night Out” and so much more round out the fun that we have all year at Monarchs!

Monarchs Happy Kidz Preschool Learning offers a unique boutique-style preschool environment for kids ages 3 and up. Small class sizes, personalized attention, a safe and nurturing environment and

an out-of-the-box curriculum allows for well-rounded learning and kindergarten prep. Happy Kidz will discover language and listening, math, science and sensory, art, music and daily gymnastics classes.

Happy Kidz also offers holiday, summer, winter and spring day camps as well as dynamic private birthday parties.

MonarX Parkour is a specifically designed indoor Parkour and Freerunning complex for budding traceurs ages 6 and up. MonarX provides both curriculum-based instruction through Fondamental, Intermediare and Avance classes. MonarX also offers freestyle opportunities: Parent’s Night Out, Open Gym, Nerf Tag and private parties and events, and summer, winter, spring and holiday day camps.

Monarchs Mobile will also bring the gym class to your preschool or kindergarten. Monarchs Mobile will help kids grow motor skills through foundational gymnastics skills, sports skills and life skills!

At Monarchs, we have something for everyone!

Monarchs Gym has locations in Newbury Park and Agoura Hills.

Visit MonarchsGym.com or call to learn more.

MONARCHS AGOURA HILLS: 818.889.3634 | MONARCHS NEWBURY PARK: 805.375.4663

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

CONCERN America Helping the World Family

ARTICLE KEN PHILLIPS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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onprofit Concern America is tackling a big job—eradicating world poverty one village at a time. And Thousand Oaks attorney Ray Stuehrmann, who sits on the organization’s Board of Directors, is watching over operations and seeing positive results firsthand.

He says some of the situations Concern America encounters are “just heartbreaking,” as people are living in unimaginable squalor and dying every day of diseases and lack of food, water and shelter.

He believes its incumbent upon all of us, as global citizens, to do what we can to battle poverty on every front.

MISSION LAUNCH

Concern America began in 1972 with the mission of “lifting the lives of disenfranchised people,” emphasizing empowerment of those they are serving to ensure ongoing progress out of poverty. Today, the organization’s programs operate in four countries on three continents. Their 15, full-time field volunteers, who each commit to a minimum of two years overseas, train and support the communities with which they work in a wide variety of ways.

To date, Concern America has positively impacted the lives of over 300,000 people across the globe and has trained more than 5,700 community members to allow sustainable growth on their own. The Concern America volunteers are often recruited from colleges, such as some Jesuit schools that emphasize humanitarian volunteer work.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

“We’re not looking for young adults trying to find themselves,” Ray explains. "We want dedicated people with a passion and skill set to truly effect change. Many of our volunteers re-up after their two years and some even turn their efforts into lifelong careers.”

A LITTLE BOOST

The premise of Concern America is that a little goes a long way. Ray says, “You can’t understand the needs until you see the tremendous problems faced by these impoverished people. For example, we may find someone trying to break up rock-hard soil for planting with their bare hands or sticks. We provide tools and plows, seeds, farming guidance, and other support. Or locals may have to travel miles for water, so we’ll help them build cisterns or water preservation programs.”

Ray notes, “We want their lives to be independent with a sense of empowerment. They needn’t rely on outsiders for the long term in guiding their own futures. They just need a boost.”

CENTRAL FOCUS

Today, Concern America is focusing primarily on Central America. With El Nino upon us, the organization is working with local groups to build cisterns to catch water for future use, erect solar panels for sun-powered heating and train community members in first aid and basic health care.

In the 1980s, many of the men were lost in villages and towns throughout Central America during its civil wars, One of the major leaving the women to fend for themConcern America fundselves. Since then, Concern America raisers is its Walk Out has been helping create jobs for the local of Poverty campaign populations through the sale of native held in Fountain Valley. crafts, such as dolls, artistic wood carvThis year, the 19th such ings, housewares, handmade clothing, event is being held and other articles that are sold by the April 9, featuring a 5K native craftspeople to the organization walk. Last year, some and resold online at its Fair Trade Crafts 940 participants raised Marketplace at ConcernAmerica.org to over $72,000. More help fund future projects. information on the walk Ray says some of the areas they serve can be found at Walk@ are so remote the communities still only speak indigenous languages. He ConcernAmerica.org. recalled that, in one instance, a young man wanted to help his people so badly he actually took lessons in Spanish so he could better understand the Concern America trainers and pass along his newly-gained knowledge to his village.

OPPORTUNITY TO HELP

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GLOBAL OUTREACH

When asked why Concern America focuses on helping people around the world, when so many of our own citizens are in need, Ray said, “Most of us are also involved in our local communities through our churches and other organizations such as Habitat.

We’re not ignoring or disregarding our own, but there are millions of people worldwide who desperately need help, as well. We are all interconnected and we have to do something to make a difference.”

He believes the immigration issues bantered about by politicians in this country would be placed in context, if we paid attention to the basic needs of people in other countries. "Particularly in our own backyard of Mexico and South America,” he says, “if we can help them improve their life circumstances in their homelands, these people would not care to venture here. They love their homes, but their grinding poverty and unstable social environment push them to seek better lives elsewhere.”

Ray began his involvement with the organization in 1977, when he volunteered to help out at a local crafts sale for his church and was attracted to the Concern America group he met at the event.

In particular, he admired the grassroots approach they used in their endeavors to assess, train, and help those in need to gain ownership of their futures. As a board member of the group, Ray is charged with financial oversight and guidance, working tirelessly to stretch their funds and find more resources.

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Like many nonprofits, Concern America needs funding, but it also seeks more volunteers and greater public awareness of the organization’s work in battling the world’s poverty. For more information on Concern America, call 800-CONCERN or visit ConcernAmerica.org.

April 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

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Family Fun in the Conejo ARTICLE TRACY MARCYNZSYN

T

hose who call Conejo Valley their home count the area's many options for family fun as one of the best parts of living here.

Whether an annual concert in the park, Conejo Valley Days or charity fundraiser, community events are plentiful year-round, as are countless family-friendly activities to enjoy together while building the family bond.

Here are some local favorites: • SEE A SHOW AT THE THOUSAND OAKS CIVIC ARTS PLAZA This month's must-see show is Cabrillo Music Theatre's Children Of Eden, premiering in the Conejo Valley April 8-17. Based on the stories of Adam and Eve and Noah and the Ark, this wonderful new show is the story of parents and children...of knowing when to hold on tightly to family...and when to let go.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell) and script by John Caird (co-director of Les Miserables), Children Of Eden fills the stage with 20

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

beautiful music, story, dance, humor and imagery, making it the perfect show to see with family members of all ages. Also look for CMT's The Little Mermaid this summer. CabrilloMusicTheatre.com The Civic Arts Plaza is also the place to see Pacific Festival Ballet's performances.

The Spring Ballet, Peter Pan, along with "Olympiad," a tribute to the 2016 Olympics and "Tree of Life," an homage to painter Gustav Klimt, takes place at the Fred Kavli Theatre next month on Saturday, May 21.

Showtimes are 2 and 7 p.m. Find tickets at TicketMaster.com

• VISIT THE LAKES Shopping, dining and relaxing with family of all ages takes place at this favorite picturesque locale, designed around lakes and a waterfall. Cross the quaint bridge to a lush green lawn and a sand playground for kids; the perfect place for adults to relax while watching the little ones race around playing, swinging and sliding. Grab a healthy power shake from Sunlife or dine

at your choice of restaurants, from Mexican to Chinese, pizza and burgers—even Vietnamese pho! Stroll the beautiful grounds while browsing the stores for clothes, skin care, and even natural foods and vitamins at Lassen's. Kids' Club and live events are popular at The Lakes, and in November, the community anticipates the transformation of The Lakes into a winter wonderland, featuring an outdoor ice skating rink.

• EXERCISE Local favorite family workout spots include options that fit every style of exercise. There's yoga at YogaWorks and YogaUpstairs, Pilates at WundaBar, family basketball at the Bay Club, gymnastics and Parkour at Monarchs Gym, climbing at Boulderdash, indoor sports of every kind at Sports Academy and more.

The Conejo Recreation & Park District maintains many public facilities for playing sports, including tennis and basketball courts, soccer, football and baseball fields.

CRPD.org

Coming in May!

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ext month, one of the most antici-

pated family events of the year, Conejo Valley Days, celebrates its 60th Anniversary. Rides, shows, games and entertainment offer entertainment for all ages during this annual five-day event, honoring Conejo Valley’s western roots and community spirit while raising funds for more than 25 local nonprofits. Coming May 11-15 at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks. ConejoValleyDays.us

• LOCAL PARKS & TRAILS With thousands of acres of open space, residents regularly take to the trail to explore the great outdoors together. The Thousand Oaks Botanical Gardens and Gardens of the World are favorite spots for nature lovers, and families can easily find trails for all skill levels, even stroller- and wheelchair-accessible paths.

Family picnics in the plentiful parks make relaxing with family a great way to spend a lazy afternoon. CRPD.org • LISTEN TO THE MUSIC Concerts in the park are much-anticipated spring and summer community events, attracting hundreds of local families and friends who gather to sing and dance to favorite cover bands.

Musical options are ample indoors too, with local restaurants serving up live music to suit any style, from jazz to country and everything in between. This month features the 5th Annual California Jazz & Wine Fest and the Ventura County Blues Festival.

Look for details in this month's calendar.

Another opportunity for generations of family members to connect through music is offered by the Santa Clarita Philharmonic, a nonprofit, volunteer orchestra that offers free community concerts to make classical music accessible to families with children of all ages.

The musical instrument "petting zoo" held prior to the concert allows children to see, touch and play orchestra instruments: playing a violin, french horn or a cello is always a big hit. Grandparents are often overjoyed at the opportunity to expose their grandchildren to music that is timeless. Look for them next month, May 15 at the Beethoven Egmont Overture, featuring the Winner of the 2nd Annual Student Concerto Competition and Hadyn Symphony No. 45 “Farewell” at Hart High School Auditorium, 24825 N. Newhall Avenue in Newhall. SCPhilharmonic.org • GET ARTSY More than 50 museums are located nearby, with displays to match

all kinds of interests. There's the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, featuring French art deco cars from the 1930s and '40s, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum at the Camarillo Airport and the Woolworth Museum in downtown Oxnard, to name a few.

• STUDIO Channel Islands' Blackboard Gallery in Camarillo features 12 fine art exhibitions a year and rotating exhibits from member artists. Cal Lutheran's William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art, located on the Cal Lutheran campus, features interesting and exotic exhibits open to the public.

For those that like to get creative together, Art Trek in Newbury Park offers art classes for artists of any age; older kids will enjoy creating works of art together at sip and paint events like Sunland Vintage Winery's PaintNite.

• MOVIE TIME Seeing a movie on the big screen with your family is the ultimate pleasure. Locals enjoy catching films at Muvico and Cinepolis, offering luxury seating as well as wine/beer (over 21!) and food service for movie patrons.

• OUT TO EAT! Eating out with family is a traditional favorite activity. Getting everyone to agree on where to go can present a challenge, with so many delicious family-friendly eateries around to choose from.

• PLAY Feel the adrenaline rush at MB2 Raceway, where kids of all ages can race indoor go karts, or practice the ol' swing at All Stars Athletics batting cages. Pack the family in the car and head to Golf N' Stuff in Ventura for an afternoon of golf and stuff.

• SHOP Shopping options abound, with popular stores for all tastes located at the Oaks Mall, the Janss Marketplace and the Westlake Promenade.

• ROAD TRIP Just a short drive from Conejo Valley in any direction brings you to a family destination to explore. Santa Barbara (don't miss the zoo!), Ojai, Ventura, Malibu and Fillmore, each offering unique family discoveries, are all within an hour's drive.

• LOCAL EVENTS Watch our calendar listings for information on local family events in the community each month.

April 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

21

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we’re really enjoying life

“WE’RE AT A POINT WHERE

” .

Residents Craig and Jennifer Zobelein have myriad interests, but they never expected the opportunity to indulge so many hobbies in retirement. He’s a producer and the go-to composer for on-campus shows. She helped publish a collection of World War II-era histories with fellow residents. Maintenance-free living provides more time for the activities the Zobeleins love. And with access to long-term care, they have the confidence to make the world their stage.

Hear more from The Zobeleins 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.

You Just Bought a Home...

Did You also Buy a Major Remodeling Project?

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BEN MALKIN

S

everal years ago we bought a really nice townhome in the North Ranch section of Thousand Oaks. What we also bought, though we did not realize it at the time, was a major remodeling project in the most expensive part of the house—the kitchen/family room. I can almost hear a Darth Vader-like voice resonating as those words are spoken.

A lot of emotion went into the purchase, and starting with that, some things were overlooked. The place also has “great bones,” like a fading beauty that turned into a money pit. Don’t get me wrong, we still live here and we love it. But some care could have been taken in evaluating whether it would be worth the additional expense. So, taking my experience as a “what to watch out for” guide, here goes…

WHEN YOU BUY

Demand that your real estate agent is 100% on your side and not just anxious to rack up another commission. All real estate agents are not created equal. The real estate professionals whose ads you will find in this magazine will take great care of you. Ours at the time did not do so. When you start to wax fantastic over the house, they should be pointing out what you may be overlooking.

Remember, a house may pass inspection and everything may be functional, but for how long? It’s up to them to help you see behind the Wizard of Oz’s curtain.

Here are some basics to consider: • The age of the appliances. Our oven worked when we moved in and very quickly kept shorting out on a regular basis. Stanley, the oven repair guy, became a regular at our house. The dishwasher was next.

• Countertops…current material or 25 years out of date? Hmmmmm, granite, Caesar stone or marble anyone?

• The age of the HVAC. It may be working, but how well and for how long? $14,000 later we had moved the HVAC into the attic to cut down the noise, zoned the air conditioning and finally were cool upstairs in the summer.

• Kitchen cabinets. We soon realized that the oak cabinets were very weary. The finish started to peel and they needed replacement, refinishing or re-facing; lots of wear and tear in 18 years. We sanded them down and had them re-stained as part of a bigger project.

• The tile flooring in the kitchen area is expensive to replace and a major mess while your contractor is doing it. Will you hate it one week after you move in or do you want to live with it?

• If the house is 25 years old or older, the windows are for certain out of date when it comes CONTINUED >

24

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

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YOU JUST BOUGHT A HOME... (CON TI N U ED)

If you buy a house that is 20-plus years old, be ready, be careful, and when the projects start, beware. to temperature efficiency, safety and of course esthetics. Is that important? It will be when you look at your electric and gas bill each month.

• The condition of the landscaping. Is it overgrown, patios a bit cracked or saggy, potentially very thirsty for water, plants at the end of their life cycle?

• What is on the walls? Just paint or is there wallpaper that you will need to eventually peel off and replace?

• The carpet. When shown the carpet will have just been cleaned. Do the sellers have dogs? Is there dog pee soaked into the pads that will come back to haunt you? It always does.

• Did smokers live there? If so then smoke is in the carpet and any absorbent surface as well as the ventilation.

REMODELING TIPS

• If you hire a general contractor to oversee 26

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

an entire project, like our kitchen/family room adventure, be certain that the specialists who do the work—floors, electrical, cabinets, painters, etc.—are part of their operational organization, not people who just happen to be available to them at the time.

• Be sure to check contractors' references thoroughly.

• Hire based on skill, rather than personality when they're bidding on the job. The guy who did our floors was a curmudgeonly grouch, who was also an artist at his craft.

• The materials you use—tile, carpet, paint, countertops, even the stain used on the cabinets—should be vetted by you, not just the contractors. We actually saved 50% on our tile by buying it in Van Nuys, where we found top grade Italian tile, which cost twice as much at a local tile outlet.

• To the best of your ability, be your own interior designer. Remember, you will live with the décor for years. Just because a color or material approach is easier does not mean it is right for you.

• Ask your contractor for practical money-saving solutions. For example, we decided to keep the cabinets and stain them.

They look fantastic and the cost was a third of what it would have been to replace them.

Of course, I could go on and on… buying a not-so-obvious money pit ended up adding about $70,000 to the cost of the house: kitchen/family room, landscape/hardscape, appliances and HVAC. Whew!! We survived it all and love the place! Don't say I didn't warn you…if you buy a house that is 20-plus years old, be ready, be careful, and when the projects start, beware.

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g

Growi n THE GAME

Golf for the Whole Family at North Ranch Country Club ARTICLE BEN MALKIN PHOTOGRAPHY NORTH RANCH COUNTRY CLUB

N

orth Ranch Country Club offers golf programs for the entire family, from youth to adults, in a supportive and aesthetically pleasing environment. The Junior and Women’s programs get the entire family involved in golf, but more importantly, they turn golf into a family activity. Through programs such as Golf Camp, Junior Tournaments and Junior Golf Development, young family members build their self-esteem as they learn and develop their golf skills. Junior golfers, ages 6 to 16 years old, are taught by certified PGA instructors and cover the fundamentals of putting, chipping, pitching, the bunker and the full swing, in addition to etiquette and rules of golf. For those who participate in Golf or Tennis Camp, North Ranch hosts “water play” each Friday to provide a cooling end to a week on the course!

While the kids are growing their golf skills, mom is able to learn golf in a social environment through the club’s various programs including Women’s Golf School and Couples Twilight Golf. These programs are designed for all levels of players, including beginners.

A 1:5 instructor-student ratio allows for personalized attention. The courses cover all aspects of the game, providing an opportunity for 28

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

women to have a planned practice session on a weekly basis, as well as on-course playing opportunities. It makes a family foursome a lot more fun, especially when Mom beats Dad, and son and daughter beat them both!

In our harried society, family activities can easily become marginalized with everyone doing their own thing. Then we wonder why our son or daughter pulls further away or even shuts us out. Several hours of golfing together may not be an instant cure-all, but it can’t hurt, and allows for time together having fun and friendly competition. We should all have a fond memory of an eagle putt or even a hole in one….or if things don’t go so well, getting soaked in a water hazard. Conversation that may have been hard to come by begins to come back to life.

The programs mentioned above for juniors and women are available to North Ranch Country Club members and their guests. Visit NorthRanchCC.org for details or call 805.496.1995.

Meet the Instructors Meet the Instructors

North Ranch Country Club's instructors are experienced experts, qualified to help golfers of all levels get their game up to par.

Director of Golf at North Ranch, Mark Wilson, has been teaching at the club for more than 18 years. In addition to being on the PGA Board and a certified club fitter with seven different brands, Mark’s private lessons have helped countless members improve their game.

MARK’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

· Member of Board of the Southern California PGA Section and

Northern Chapter of the Section · Member of Nike’s National Elite Advisory Staff since 2006 · Chapter Golf Professional of the Year, 2009 · Southern California Section Bill Strausbaugh Award for service to fellow professionals, 2011 · 2015 SCPGA Golf Professional of the Year Head Pro at North Ranch Country Club Scott Miller has been

at North Ranch for nine years, teaching for 18. A certified Taylor Made club fitter, Scott was elected to the PGA in 2000 and has an impressive playing career. In

Q&A with

addition to running North Ranch’s Women’s Clinics and Junior Summer Camps, Scott’s focus is on growing the game of golf.

SCOTT’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

· Northern Chapter Teacher of the Year, 2011

SCOTT MILLER

· Southern California PGA Section Champion, 2005 · Two Professional National Club Championships and five PGA Tour events WHAT

IS

THE

GOAL

OF

THE

JUNIOR

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM?

The main goal is to enhance the enjoyment, knowledge and appreciation of the game. All facets of the game are instructed with the help of PGA trained instructors that are on hand to help every student with his or her individual needs. We want to enhance the overall life skills, game development and competitive interest of NRCC junior players.

EXPLAIN THE IDEA BEHIND NRCC’S WOMEN’S GOLF SCHOOL?

The golf school was designed to increase women’s golf at NRCC. We want to create new golfers and grow our women’s club for the future.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT INSTRUCTING/TEACHING?

I love seeing a beginner hit that first real good shot that gives them confidence and a feeling that they can play the game of golf!

April 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

29

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The goal of pain medicine is to improve quality of life and help patients return to everyday activities, hopefully without requiring surgery.

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Local Limelight

LOCALS CELEBRATE NATIONAL JAZZ MONTH ARTICLE IRA NEPUS & BEN MALKIN

APRIL IS NATIONAL JAZZ MONTH

C

Ira Nepus

Tom Scott

Photo Credit: Kenny Backer Photography

32

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

elebrating this original American art form, the 5th Annual California Jazz & Wine Fest takes place Sunday, April 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village Sunrise through its 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, The Sunrise Rotary Foundation, this fundraising event benefits local and international charities, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Mark Taper and Johnny Mercer Artists Program that focuses on healing the whole child through art and music.

Headlining this year’s event is international jazz favorite, Grammy-award winner Tom Scott and his Quintet. Joining him on the Main Stage are the Adam Clark Trio, Paul McCallum & Friends and the Santa Barbara Community College Jazz Big Band. Featured on the Bistro Stage are The Karl Hunter Band, The Barrelhouse Wailers, Lori Andrews, Jazz Harpist and our own Westlake High School Jazz Ensemble.

Event attendees can also enjoy unlimited premium wines, craft brews and gourmet food from local vendors throughout the day. Get your ticket for this day of great music, food and wine at CaliforniaJazzWine.com or call 805.380.6010. Tickets are $100 per person/ general admission and $150 per person/VIP admission (one-hour early entry for tasting, valet parking, preferred seating and other amenities).

Tickets are limited; must be 21 or older to attend.

LOCAL LEGENDS

Fans of jazz genres, from bop, modern, cool and fusion to traditional, big bands and vocalists, will find a growing jazz scene in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura County, thanks to several jazz greats moving into the community in the past couple decades.

Legendary jazz clarinetist and big band leader, the late Artie Shaw, called Newbury Park his home, as does Don Randi, pioneer of the legendary jazz club The Baked Potato. Bonnie Bowden, who replaced Lani Hall and toured the world with the Sergio Mendes Brasil band in the 70s and 80s, is another local jazz great who has lived in Oak Park for more than 25 years. Bonnie performs locally and throughout the region. Visit BonnieBowden.com for details.

Another wonderful local talent is singer Lola Haag. Performing at Bogie’s and Galletos, Lola was named Best Jazz Artist in Ventura County at the Ventura County Music Awards in 2015. Find performance information at LolaHaag.com.

LIVE JAZZ

The newly remodeled Bogie's at the Westlake Village Inn features great straight ahead jazz Tuesday nights, saving locals from a trek into Hollywood or beyond. And unlike most of the Los Angeles venues, Bogie's has no cover charge.

The first Monday of each month at the Palm Garden Hotel in Thousand Oaks (Ventu Park exit off the 101) finds the Harry

Selvin Big Band swinging and celebrating the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra and even mixing in some Count Basie. The music makes you feel like dancing, and despite the excellent food and drinks, you and your partner can’t stay seated for very long. Find out more at HarrySelvin.com or call 805.716.4200.

Find more live jazz at the Market Street Broiler in the Simi Town Shopping Center on Friday nights and at Galletos in Westlake Village on Saturday nights, where jazz guitar nights are often led by local jazz great Jim Fox. Also check out the Squashed Grape in Ventura, which recently relocated and added dinner to complement their jazz entertainment.

PASSING THE TORCH

Conejo Valley is also fortunate to offer excellent jazz programs to middle and high schoolers, led by talented and supportive local band directors. The students compete in local, regional and national competitions and perform at local events, such as the California Jazz & Wine Fest.

Whatever your jazz jones, you can find the latest updates on the local jazz scene at VenturaCountyJazz.com.

Ira Nepus is a professional musician and has been a jazz enthusiast his entire life.

For local jazz updates, visit IraNepus.com and IraNepusMusic.com.

Ben Malkin is a stone cold jazz fan and publisher of Conejo Valley Lifestyle.

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Locals Only

Ready, Set, Go! Steps toward a Happier, Healthier Lifestyle

MEADOWBROOK SENIOR LIVING IN AGOURA HILLS ARTICLE LLOYD HARTLEY

PHOTOGRAPHY LAURIA GALLAGHER

O

ur nation faces a unique challenge, as every day 10,000 people are turning 65. With the maturation of the 76 million “Baby Boomers,” an entirely new industry dedicated to navigating the aging process has emerged.

Custodial home care companies, placement referral agencies and various senior housing options have all blossomed in the past few years.

Today’s seniors are living longer and demanding a better lifestyle.

Assisted living communities now emphasize a wide array of exercise programs, field trips, educational lectures and gourmet healthy dining options to provide seniors with options for active and social lifestyles.

FRIENDS

There are three main benefits assisted living communities provide for aging seniors: socialization, healthy dining and exercise. Seniors typically experience a shrinking circle of friends as they age. Assisted living communities offer opportunities for socialization, expanding their circle of friends, which can help with processing the loss of a loved one and other inherent aging challenges.

FOOD

Dining experiences are important for not only the socialization aspect, but for healthy nutrition. Seniors frequently rely on processed and pre-packaged easily prepared foods rather than cooking fresh food.

Assisted living communities generally offer a wide menu selection with freshly prepared, nutritious meals providing a multitude of benefits.

FITNESS

In addition to eating better with improved socialization, most communities are structured to encourage movement, thus avoiding the natural tendency toward a sedentary lifestyle. Fitness opportunities abound with creative innovations being introduced, showing encouraging results!

FINDING A FIT

When considering a senior community, it’s imperative to visit to see if there is a good fit. Note the other residents to see their engagement level. Try a meal for taste and evaluate the social aspect.

Finally, understand transitioning into a communal living environment takes some adjustment but will ultimately lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

At Meadowbrook Senior Living, caring staff is available 24 hours a day to meet the needs of community residents, adding to their peace of mind and quality of life.

34

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

Meadowbrook Senior Living is located at 5217 Chesebro Road in Agoura Hills. Find out more at MeadowBrook-AgouraHills.com or call 818.991.3544.

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Giving Back

Interface Children & Family Services LENDING A HAND 24/7 ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

E

ach year, more than 24,000 Ventura County residents reach out for help from Interface Children & Family Services—and they get it.

Some are single parents or seniors seeking basic needs, such as food, medical assistance and affordable housing.

Some are teens who’ve run away from abuse at home or parents seeking advice and guidance about how to regain peace in their family.

Some are women who have suffered a beating at the hands of someone they once loved and trusted and need a safe place to heal and restart their lives.

“Interface is a critical safety net for individuals and families in our region, providing 24/7 response and 28 distinct programs across six major program areas, including mental health; youth services; family violence intervention, shelter and prevention; justice involved services; 2-1-1 information and referral helpline; and statewide training," said Erik Sternad, executive director. “For more than 40 years we have provided innovative solutions that strengthen children and families, and our magnificent community, to be safe, healthy and thriving.”

Interface presents Love Is Brewing In its early years, in Paris, Champagne Luncheon & Tea at Interface opened a The Four Seasons, Westlake Village. domestic violence Saturday, May 14 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. shelter in Ventura Comedienne and Empowerment Speaker and County (one of the Writer Amy Ashton will deliver an inspiring message first in California) and present a new perspective and Commander and later launched Monica McGrath of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office the first local and Camarillo Chief of Police will address the epidemic 2-1-1 information of domestic violence. and referral helpReserve your ticket today! 805.485.6114, ext. 628 line in California.

Save the Date!

36

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

M o r e recently, they opened the only emergency rescue shelter for runaway and homeless youth with a 95% rate of safe return to a stable home within an average of 11 days.

“For me, Interface was a place of refuge,” explains a 17 year-old homeless youth found living in a local park.

Interface not only steps in when crisis occurs, but provides many programs that prevent crises from occurring in the first place. In February, Interface began educating parents of teens on dating violence in Ventura County and adjacent communities. No other program addresses this vital topic. Interface also offers the My Body Belongs to Me Child Abuse program to young children, parents and educators, and Teen Dating Violence Prevention programs to pre-teens and teens at 100 local grade, middle and high schools, serving 9,000 students annually.

These model programs help prevent the devastating effects of trauma caused by domestic abuse and are essential to breaking the cycle of violence that often starts at home and is repeated over generations.

Interface provides direct services throughout Ventura County and has office locations in Camarillo, Moorpark, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks and Calabasas.

Contact Interface at 805.485.6114 or dial 2-1-1 for a call specialist who can provide access to help with any health and human service need in the region. Find out more at ICFS.org.

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Inspired By

from

: n i h t Wi

Nails & in k S , ir a H Healthy ARON NORLING, MD AR TICLE S

H

W

e have all heard, “Beauty is just skin deep.” But nothing could be further from the truth. Our skin is a reflection of our health.

You have seen the radiant beautiful skin of a healthy infant or a child.

Dark circles under the eyes may be from a lack of sleep but often are a sign of hidden IgG food allergies.

The eyes sparkle and the skin glows. You know the pale face of someone ill, the wrinkles, and the dry skin of someone who smokes or has a body filled with toxins and poor nutrition. You have seen the face of someone who is stressed, tired or depressed.

Are you experiencing hair loss, chipped nails, dark circles under

MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

People today go to extreme lengths to cover up tired, dull, lifeless skin, nails and hair, while not understanding that outward appearances of skin wrin-

your eyes, acne or psoriasis? Do you notice bumps on the back of

kles, brittle nails and dry hair are more than superficial

your upper arms, loss of hair on your arms or rosacea? If so, it is likely

cosmetic issues. They are indicators of nutrient deficien-

you have a nutrient deficiency.

cies and aging of connective tissue throughout the body.

Connective tissue provides support to the hair, skin and nails.

HAIR LOSS

“Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me; I

A normal cycle of hair growth is two to three years and it grows about

want people to know 'why' I look this way. I have traveled a long way,

½ inch per month. About 90% of the hair is growing, while 10% is resting

and some of the roads weren’t paved,” Will Rogers once said. While

and after about two or three months, the resting hair falls out.

appreciative of Rogers' sentiments, most people want fewer wrinkles.

Women experiencing hair loss likely have low stomach acid naturally or using antacids. Incomplete protein digestion with low stomach acid levels result in decreased amino acids and essential minerals. Supplementation with hydrochloric acid and pepsin capsules can

Wrinkles and photoaging may be from age, sun, smoking, nutrient deficiencies, low stomach acid or toxic skin care products.

The only way we get healthy, stay well and look good is through the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat.

correct the low stomach acid for better digestion. People with low stomach acid may experience burping or bloating after eating.

SO WHAT CAN WE DO?

If you have noticed much less hair on your arms and legs than you

In a 2014 clinical trial, soluble bioavailable keratin improved hair

once did, have your DHEA blood level checked. Thinning hair can be

appearance by 47.1%, increased hair follicle growth by 9.2% and

due to low DHEA, low thyroid, medications, illness, lack of B vitamins,

improved nail hardness by 50%. Oral supplementation with certain

hormonal imbalance or gluten sensitivity.

high-quality peptides not only increases skin elasticity but improves wrinkles! Specific natural bioavailable lipids have shown critical

DRY SKIN

Do you have dry skin and hair, eczema or psoriasis? This could be due to low vitamin E. It is important to also eat an adequate amount of excellent quality fish oil, omega-3 and omega-6, olive and avocado oil, nuts and seeds for your brain, body and beauty.

If your hair is painful to brush, you probably need more vitamin D. Based

importance in preserving skin’s youthful appearance and texture, while also helping to prevent skin diseases.

International research has shown that Bio Marine DNA with peptides has profound improvement on skin, nails, hair and overall heath.

The bottom line is to find out how to look and feel your best! You deserve it.

on your blood levels of vitamin D, the amount of vitamin D you need can be determined. Do you have small, red, dilated veins on your nose or cheeks?

Dr. Sharon Norling practices Advanced Functional Medicine in Westlake

This might be due to low stomach acid, too much alcohol or both!

Village. Call 818.707.9355 or visit DrSharonNorling.com.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

LOVE ASK

COURAGE

CREATING NEW MEMORIES AT

www.Meadowbrook-Agourahills.com

818-514-5041

5217 Chesebro Road • Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Lic# 197608497 April 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

39

Financial Buzz

Can I Name a Beneficiary

for My Investment Account?

ARTICLE ROCKY MILLS

W

ho’s going to get your investment accounts when you leave the planet?

If your investments are held in a retirement account, like a 401K or an IRA, you simply indicate your beneficiaries when opening the account. You can change these at any time. By the way, just changing your will or your trust will not affect how your retirement plan is distributed—these plans must strictly adhere to the beneficiary statement. So it’s a good practice to review your retirement plan’s beneficiaries from time to time.

But what if your investments are not held in a retirement account?

The most common non-retirement accounts are titled as living trusts, joint tenants or in a single name. Each titling treats beneficiaries a little differently.

A well-drafted living trust already specifies your beneficiaries and lays out exactly how they will receive the assets upon your death.

And when. For example, you might put your teenager’s share into a trust that they can’t touch until they graduate college or turn 25, whichever is earlier. A trust gives you lots of flexibility, and avoids the delay of probate (where a judge has to approve who gets your assets upon your death).

Joint tenancy, as the name implies, is where the assets are owned by two (or sometimes more) people. At death, these assets are split—not necessarily equally—among the owners, depending on the type of joint tenancy used (such as “tenants in common” or “with rights of survivorship”). This form of ownership, too, avoids the delay of probate.

An account that’s titled in just your name has no beneficiary and is not governed by a trust or subject to joint tenant rules. At your death, then, it becomes part of your overall estate and goes through the probate process in order to get transferred to whomever you named in your will.

I hear this question a lot from clients who own assets in their single name: “Should I add my daughter as a joint tenant so that if something happens to me she automatically gets the assets?”

Let’s be clear: Adding a joint tenant does more than just determine who gets the assets at your death. It also changes who owns the asset while you’re alive. Who gets the income earned?

Who pays the taxes on that income? Who can make the decision to sell it? Who is liable for any capital gains upon sale? And then there’s the gifting issue: Adding a joint tenant is generally considered a gift to that individual and possibly subject to IRS filings and taxes.

So how do you keep assets in a single name and still ensure that upon your death it goes to whom you want? It’s called “Transfer on Death,” or TOD, and it’s available in all states except Texas and Louisiana (which have not yet adopted the Uniform TOD Security Registration Act). It’s a form you sign that instructs your brokerage firm to transfer the assets to the named individuals at your death. It’s not as flexible as the beneficiary statement for a retirement account—you cannot name a successor or contingent beneficiary. But, according to SEC.gov, using the TOD does avoid the delays of probate.

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. 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. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

40

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

Neck Pain • Headaches Weight Loss • Numbness • Allergies Fatigue • Detox • TMJ

Westlake

Village

NOW OPEN!

FIRST CLASS

FREE!

Live schedule: wundabar.com

The Village • 2900 Townsgate Rd. #117

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Dr. Alan P. Duben Dr. Lindsay Erickson Structural, Nutritional and Emotional Chiropractic Therapies

Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center DocDuben.com • 805-494-1339 April 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

41

Healthy Lifestyle

Are you

Suffering from a Nutritional Deficiency?

ARTICLE PROVIDED

Do you ask yourself: "Where is my vitality? Why do I ache all over?

Why am I tired even after I have had 'plenty' of sleep?"

Y

ou may be experiencing the signs of nutritional deficiency.

Food is the fuel that energizes our body for work, play and healing. It is the source of our vitality and contains all substances necessary for the regulation of bodily processes.

Human life has advanced for eons using nothing more than natural foods from plants and animals, along with fresh water and clean air.

But our environment has become very polluted. Most people live far removed from farms and have no gardens. Food is processed to allow for long-distance transportation and prolonged shelf life rather than nutritional content. Synthetic compounds are used to increase crop yields, add flavor and preserve food. Then we take synthetic vitamins and medications to treat deficiency diseases caused by depletion of life-giving nutrients. What a vicious cycle!

WHAT ARE SYNTHETIC COMPOUNDS?

Synthetic compounds are fake, false and artificial. They are not found in nature and are the result of man-made alterations to nature.

It seems that sooner or later most, if not all, of these synthetic compounds are found to cause some type of symptom pattern or disease.

Even “miracle” drugs are found to be the cause of disease, degeneration and sometimes death sooner or later.

People are suffering and taking medications to stop the suffering.

Medications come with long lists of side effects. One of these side effects appears to be nutritional deficiency. When a person is suffering from a nutritional deficiency or the effects of pollution of our air, water or food, wholesome food is the answer, not more synthetic compounds. Treat the cause, not the symptoms.

Consider the fact that just 50 years ago, baby formula was regarded as equal to mother’s milk. Now it is laughable to think that people

42

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

actually believed that a laboratory could make something equal to or better than Mother Nature. There are hundreds of nutrients, enzymes, co-enzymes, vitamins and minerals in mother’s milk— things scientists don’t even know about yet and could not “create” if they did know about them are in mother’s milk and in all natural foods. ProMom.org/101 is a resource providing all the information people should know about mother’s milk.

The point? Mother’s milk is an example of nature’s perfection in the feeding of human babies. After being weaned from our mother’s milk, our nutrition quality goes downhill fast. “Junk” and fast “foods” won’t support health like wholesome foods will.

The doctors at Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center suggest that much of people's suffering, disease and health deterioration are caused by low-quality nutritional support. People need to understand this and begin to make choices that will build health rather than tear it down.

We have a solution: whole foods and whole food concentrates.

DO YOU HAVE A NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY?

CALL our office for a complimentary Nutritional Deficiency Screening Evaluation, TODAY at 805.494.1339.

Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center, founded by Dr. Alan Duben to serve the Westlake Village and surrounding communities with holistic chiropractic health services, is not your typical chiropractic office. Over three thousand patients in our community have experienced the care of Drs. Duben and Erickson, which combine gentle chiropractic services with whole food nutritional supplement support and stress-reducing emotional support using Neuro Emotional Technique (NET). Learn more at DocDuben.com. Call 805.494.1339 to schedule an appointment.

LOVE | LOYALTY | LUXURY Day Camp • Overnights • Wellness Community Boarding School Training Program • Grooming

PUPPY & KITTEN

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NS

3 0 6 0 1 C a n wo o d S t re e t , Ag o u ra H i l l s , C A

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T H O U S A N D OA K S

Distinctive Residential Settings Chef-Prepared Dining and Bistro Premier Health and Wellness Programs Award-Winning Assisted Living & Memory Care Therapy and Rehabilitation Services

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RCFE Lic. 565801746 © 2016 Belmont Village, L.P.

ConejoValley_memory_2016.indd 1

2/26/16 2:36 PM April 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle 43

Renovate & Refine

How Childproof Is Your Home?

THE DRAPERY GUY/ HUNTER DOUGLAS CHILD SAFETY QUIZ TRUE OR FALSE? 1. Window screens provide adequate

TAKE THE DRAPERY GUY/ HUNTER DOUGLAS CHILD SAFETY QUIZ

protection against falls.

ARTICLE PROVIDED

potential hazard.

2. Cordless window fashions prevent a 3. Small household items can be just as

S

The Drapery Guy in Westlake Village specializes in Hunter Douglas products because they are the number one name in custom window treatments. To help prevent injuries from window treatment lift cords, Hunter Douglas has engineered a variety of safer operating systems.

One alternative that completely eliminates lift cords is PowerView™ Motorization, an advanced, battery-powered automation system that allows you to program and schedule your Hunter Douglas window treatments to operate on their own with the PowerView App or operate them via the artfully designed Pebble™ remote control.

The UltraGlide® system features a single, retractable cord that maintains a constant length, whether the shade is raised or lowered, which significantly reduces access to the lift cord.

For Hunter Douglas Designer Rollers Shades, there is a Cordless Lifting System that is a spring-like clutch lifting system in place of a traditional operating cord where shades can be raised and lowered with a gentle pull on the bottom bar or decorative pull.

44

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

4. Crib toys strung across the crib should be removed when the child is about a year old.

5. Crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.

6. Candles are a pleasant addition to a child’s room.

7. Parents should place electric socket covers and locks over all outlets.

8. Many household plants can be toxic to children.

9. Children can only drown in 6 inches of water or more.

10. Household cleaners and medicines should be kept in locked cabinets.

(Poison Hotline # 800.222.1222)

1. F 2. T 3. T 4. F (5 mos.) 5. T 6. F 7. T

SAFETY IS PRIORITY #1

dangerous as large ones.

8. T 9. F (1 in.) 10. T

afety is a concern for everyone, especially when it comes to protecting infants and young children. An important part of raising children is careful adult supervision of activities in the home. Parents and other caregivers need to be aware of their children’s surroundings at all times in order to anticipate and prevent potential injury.

One of the most overlooked areas in the home is the window.

Whether opened or closed, windows are a potential hazard to the safety and well-being of small children. Inquisitive children can easily climb up onto a windowsill and fall out of the window. Window locks are essential in preventing these accidents.

Window covering cords can also pose a danger. Hunter Douglas, the top name in custom window treatments, has developed a variety of alternate lifting systems that eliminate lift cords or make them less accessible to tots. The reality is, where we see the unremarkable, functional aspects of daily domestic life, a child may see an intriguing tangle of wires, a space in which to hide, a plant or pills that look good to eat or a bottle of cleaning fluid that resembles the juice that Mommy takes out of the refrigerator.

At Hunter Douglas, we urge parents to never leave young children unattended, especially in areas where they can access the windows.

Viewing your home from top to bottom through a child’s eyes is recommended. Test your childproofing awareness and knowledge by taking the quiz in the sidebar.

A variety of Hunter Douglas vertically oriented products, including Luminette® Privacy Sheers, Skyline™ Gliding Window Panels and Custom Vertical Blinds, work with a wand option that allows all functions to be controlled by a single wand without the need for operating cords.

For window fashions with continuous cord loops, Hunter Douglas offers a Cord Tensioner that keeps the cords taut under spring tension so that children cannot become easily entangled.

For standard cordlock products, the cord cleat allows excess lift cords to be tightly wrapped around it for both enhanced safety and a neater appearance at the window.

Hunter Douglas Inc. is a national sponsor of Habitat for Humanity, covering windows in every Habitat home built in the U.S. and Canada. Headquartered in Pearl River, New York, the company is the leading manufacturer of custom window treatments in North America.

For

more

information,

visit

The

Drapery

Colinas #101 in Westlake Village or call 818.707.8500.

Guy

at

31133

Via

Draperies & Valances | Blinds, Shades & Shutters Roman Shades | Reupholstery & Slipcovers | Area Rugs Custom Bedding & Pillows | Sunbrella Outdoor Fabrics Free In-Home Consultations

Hunter Douglas Showroom • Entire product line including the Alustra collection • Motorization controlled by your mobile devices • Numerous working samples at your finger tips • ANSI child safety standard • Lifetime Warranties • Certified Installers

(818) 707-8500 • thedraperyguy.net • 31133 Via Colinas #101 Westlake Village, CA 91362

April 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

45

Lifestyle Calendar

April APRIL 1 17TH ANNUAL BRAVO AWARDS SERRA CENTER This Ventura Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners luncheon and awards ceremony honors outstanding business women of Ventura County. NAWBOVC.org

APRIL 8 FINALLY FRIDAY! SUNLAND VINTAGE WINERY Jazz artists Donna Deussen and Paul Weitz entertain as guests sip Sunland Vintage award-winning wines. Also April 29. SunlandVintageWinery.com

APRIL 9 CONCERN AMERICA'S 19TH ANNUAL WALK OUT OF POVERTY MILE SQUARE PARK IN FOUNTAIN VALLEY A 5-mile walk to support Concern America's work around the world. "Walk Where You Are” to gather support and raise funds. Call 714-953-8575. Walk@ConcernAmerica.org

APRIL 9 WALK MS CONEJO VALLEY CONEJO CREEK PARK Friends, coworkers and family walk to stop MS in its tracks. 5K, 1K,

APRIL 2 & 3

roll or stroll and entertainment, food, music, booths, giveaways and more! WalktoEndMS.org

SPRING SPECTACULAR AMERICA'S TEACHING ZOO IN MOORPARK The year's largest fundraiser, entertaining animal shows and behindthe-scenes sneak peeks, interact with wild animal trainers and their furry friends. Call 805.378.1441. Zoo.MoorparkCollege.edu

APRIL 2 DREAMING OF YOU BENEFIT CONCERT OXNARD COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS AUDITORIUM Supports the Oxnard College Foundation – Susan Denham Memorial Fund and the Dental Hygienist Program. Tickets are $30-$40. Call 805.432.5942. OxnardCollege.edu

APRIL 7

APRIL 9 & 10

TANTALIZING THURSDAY

18TH CHUMASH DAY POWWOW &

SUNLAND VINTAGE WINERY

INTERTRIBAL GATHERING IN MALIBU

Enjoy $5 glasses of wine and yummy treats from Pane & Passione

MALIBU BLUFFS PARK

Italian Deli food truck, featuring salads, pasta and paninis. Also April

Native Americans from tribes around the country gather for ceremo-

21. SunlandVintageWinery.com

nies and dancing. Food and craft vendors. Free. Call 310.317.1364 or visit MalibuCity.org CONTINUED >

46

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

Meadow Gardens Discount Fountains Pottery & Accessories

Dr.Sharon Norling

Physician • Speaker • Author Functional Medicine

Want To Get Well Without Drugs?

FIND THE ROOT CAUSE OF YOUR SYMPTOMS Regain energy • Sleep Well • Boost Immune System Detoxify • Reverse Aging • Relief Pain • Enhance Mood

Comprehensive Assessment • Specialized Testing IV therapy • Bio-Identical Hormones Allergy Analysis & More 818-707-WELL (9355) 5655 Lindero Canyon Rd. #401 ,Westlake Village, CA 91362 www.drsharonnorling.com

• Discount competitive prices on fountains,pottery, wrought iron, Garden accessories.

EXPERIENCE OUR AWARD WINNING WINES WITH A 2 FOR 1 TASTING ON YOUR FIRST VISIT!

• Tyler and Mixture soy candles • Root beeswax candles

• Non breakable dishwasher safe tableware

• Serving Southern California for 16 years

• Professional in house installation team with maintenance available

31149 Via Colinas, #604 Westlake Village,California 91362 (818) 879-9555 meadowgardensinc.com April 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

47

Lifestyle Calendar

Love what you hear and hear what you Love!

(CON TI N UED)

APRIL 10 WESTLAKE ROTARY COMMUNITY STREET FESTIVAL LAKEVIEW CYN ROAD, BETWEEN AGOURA ROAD AND WATERGATE ROAD Musical entertainment, vendors, kids zone, food trucks, classic car display, "Battle of the Brews" and more. RotaryWLV.org

APRIL 10 DAY OF THE CHILD SANTA BARBARA ZOO Celebrate this “Day of the Child,” one of the Zoo's most popular events, featuring Spanish-language music, children’s talent show, food and fun! SBZoo.org

APRIL 15 FASHIONS ON PARADE "A WALK IN THE PARK” HYATT WESTLAKE PLAZA The Westlake Women’s Club Annual Fashion Show Luncheon features boutique shopping, prizes, silent auction, money wreaths and a delicious gourmet lunch. Call 818.991.2790. WestlakeWomensClub.com

Don’t buy until you try...

Free 2 week triaL with the new state-ofthe-art BrainHearingTM technology!

Christine Wilson, M.S., CCC-A

Raye Ann Clayton, Au.D.

HEARING

Center, Inc.

818 - 991-3800

Open Monday thru Friday, 9:00 to 5:00

5655 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite 506 Westlake Village, CA 91362

www.conejohearingcenter.com

APRIL 16 - 18 21ST ANNUAL NEAL TAYLOR NATURE CENTER FISHING DERBY CACHUMA LAKE RECREATION AREA This year’s fishing derby includes prize categories for multiple types of fish, such as crappie, catfish, trout, bass, sunfish and carp. TroutDerby.org CONTINUED >

48

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

Adam and Eve. Noah and the Ark. Parents and Children.

Holding Close... and Letting Go...

BY

BY

BOOK JOHN CAIRD MUSIC AND LYRICS STEPHEN

SCHWARTZ

Based on a concept by Charles Lisanby

MICHELLE ELKIN CASSIE NICKOLS LEWIS WILKENFELD BY

CHOREOGRAPHED

BY

MUSICAL DIRECTION BY

DIRECTED

Don't miss the opportunity to share this beautiful and timeless story with your family

2015-2016 SEASON HONORARY PRODUCERS:

TED SLAVIN AND HUGH & KEETS CASSAR

HONORARY PRODUCER:

THE HOGAN FAMILY FOUNDATION

APRIL 8-17, 2016 2 WEEKS! ONLY 9 PERFORMANCES! TICKETS ON SALE NOW! GROUP RATES AVAILABLE!!!

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BOX OFFICE: 2100 THOUSAND OAKS BLVD.

CABRILLOMUSICTHEATRE.com JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

CabrilloMusicTheatre

@CabrilloTheatre

Cabrillo Music Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-proямБt organization.

Lifestyle Calendar

(CON TI N UED)

APRIL 16 & 17 42ND CONEJO VALLEY HOME REMODELING SHOW HYATT WESTLAKE PLAZA 170+ vendors: kitchen and bath remodeling, interior decorating, landscaping, pools and spas.

Gourmet food trucks too. Free passes online. $4/person. Call 805.529.0760.

ConejoValleyHomeShow.com

APRIL 16 THOUSAND OAKS ARBOR/EARTH DAY CELEBRATION CONEJO CREEK PARK This zero-waste festival features 100+ "green" vendors/exhibitors. Animal shows, children's activities, entertainment, electric vehicle ride and drive, bike rodeo, workshops, food trucks, etc. TOaks.org/GoGreen

APRIL 17 5TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA JAZZ & WINE FEST FOUR SEASONS HOTEL Hot jazz on two stages and unlimited sampling of wine, craft brews, boutique spirits and gourmet food. Rotary sponsored, benefits Children's Hospital. Call 805.380.6010. CaliforniaJazzWine.com

GUMM & GREEN, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Family Law DIVORCE LEGAL SEPARATION CHILD SUPPORT SPOUSAL SUPPORT VALUATION OF BUSINESSES PATERNITY CASES

FREE Initial Consultation

CALL 818.707.4233 | 805.577.7657

3RD ANNUAL TRIUNFO YMCA GOLF CLASSIC NORTH RANCH COUNTRY CLUB Proceeds from “On Course For A Cause” benefit the Triunfo YMCA’s childcare, summer camps and enrichment and fitness programs.

Hosted by Amaroso Companies. Sevymca.org

APRIL 22 THOUSAND OAKS WOMAN'S CLUB ANNUAL CHARITY LUNCHEON LOS ROBLES GREENS GOLF COURSE SUNSET ROOM Proceeds benefit local charity Ride On, teaching adaptive horseback riding to children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Tickets are $50. Call 805.529.5127. ThousandOaksWomansClub

APRIL 23 4TH ANNUAL HOPE4KIDS FESTIVAL AND 5K/10K RUN IN CAMARILLO

Anita Gumm, Esq.

CAMARILLO COMMUNITY CENTER PARK

5743 Corsa Ave. - Suite 111 Westlake Village, CA 91362

ty foster children. Hope4Kids.com

Anita@gummandgreen.com

GummandGreen.com 50

APRIL 18

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

5K, 10K and Kids 1-Mile Fun Run, festival in the park, free Kid Zone, silent auction, vendors, food, entertainment. Benefits Ventura Coun-

APRIL 23 4TH ANNUAL CWC CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT TO AID VETERANS IN THOUSAND OAKS LOS ROBLES GREENS Contractors With Conscience hosts; golf, lunch, awards, silent auction. You could even win a vehicle from Kemp Ford for a hole in

Knowledge...Skill...Efficiency...

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one! 805.428.7308. CWCFinder.com

APRIL 24 THOUSAND OAKS ROTARY CLUB 40TH ANNUAL CHILI COOK OFF & CLASSIC CAR SHOW CONEJO CREEK PARK NORTH A regional International Chili Society-sanctioned Chili Cook Off, Classic Car Show, live music, food, beverages and fun. $12; Kids under 10 free. Chili-Cook-Off.com

APRIL 27 - MAY 1 27TH ANNUAL SANTA BARBARA FAIR & EXPO EARL WARREN SHOWGROUNDS 30+ rides and attractions, pony rides, petting zoo, carnival, live entertainment, local foods, wine and beer, arts and crafts, horticulture and fine arts displays. EarlWarren.com

APRIL 30 & MAY 1 CALABASAS ARTS COUNCIL 19TH ANNUAL CALABASAS FINE ARTS FESTIVAL CALABASAS CIVIC CENTER Live entertainment and over 150 painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers and hun-

Getting ready to Open Escrow?

Insist on Affirmative Escrow. Give us a call - we’ll take it from there.

dreds of other fine artisans, childrens' activities and more. Free admission and parking. CalabasasFineArtsFestival.htm

APRIL 30 11TH ANNUAL VENTURA COUNTY BLUES FESTIVAL STUDIO CHANNEL ISLANDS ART CENTER Presented by the Ventura County Blues Society, to benefit the American Dia-

difference

experience the

betes Association. All-star jam dedicat-

LIC# 96DBO-36193

ed to Alan “BB Chung King” Mirikitani,

AffirmativeEscrow.com • (805) 496-7254

more. VenturaCountyBlues.com

Affirmative Escrow is a member of the American Escrow Association, Escrow Institute of California, California Escrow Association and Ventura County Escrow Association and is licensed by the California Department of Business Oversight. Affirmative Escrow offers competitive prices and superior service.

April 2016 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

51

business directory COMMUNITY EVENTS & ORGANIZATIONS California Jazz & Wine (805) 380-6010 californiajazzwine.com

Newport Beach Film Festival (949) 253-2880 newportbeachfilmfest.com

DANCE

Homestar Companies (805) 574-1100 homestarcompanies.com

Ladin Subaru (805) 495-2195 ladinsubaru.com

RE Power by Solar Universe and Turf Exchange (805) 777-7477 (844) 600-8873 repower.solaruniverse.com turfexchange.com

Premier Coach (805) 373-7366 premiercoachautocollision.com

Pacific Festival Ballet (800) 745-3000 pacfestballet.org

System Pavers (844) 728-3226 systempavers.com

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Snow Orthodontics (818) 706-8081 drsnow.com

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION Cabrillo Music Theatre (805) 497-8613 cabrillomusictheatre.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Montecito Bank and Trust (805) 564-7305 montecito.com

Meadow Gardens (818) 879-9555 meadowgardensinc.com

The Drapery Guy & More (818) 707-8500 thedraperyguy.net The Sleep Shoppe (805) 498-2233 shopthesleepshoppe.com The Sofa Guy (805) 497-3222 thesofaguy.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME SERVICES Vitality Institute of Agoura (818) 735-0904 vitalityinstituteofagoura.com WUNDABAR (818) 694-1957 wundabar.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

PODS© Moving & Storage, Solved™ (805) 628-4181 PODS.com

LEGAL

Gumm & Green LLP (818) 707-4233 gummandgreen.com

American Vision Windows (805) 418-5601 americanvisionwindows.com

Law Offices of Raymond Stuehrmann (805) 230-1288

CalAtlantic Homes Thousand Oaks (805) 309-5055 calatlantichomes.com

LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE

52

Ladin Hyundai (805) 495-2193 ladinhyundai.com

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

Silver Star AG (805) 371-5400 silverstarmbz.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

REAL ESTATE

Affirmative Escrow (805) 496-7254 affirmativeescrow.com Harcourts Real Estate (805) 722-8874 harcourtscv.com Rosemary Allison Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (805) 491-2100 callrosemary.com

Conejo Hearing Center (818) 991-3800 conejohearingcenter.com

The Morton Team International (818) 307-0026 themortonteam.net

Conejo Pain Specialists Medical Group (805) 497-8616 conejopainmd.com

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES

Dr. Marc Kerner MD, FACS (805) 230-1111 calwestent.com Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center (805) 494-1339 docduben.com Sharon Norling, MD (818) 707-9355 drsharonnorling.com Vein Center of Westlake Village (805) 495-8305 veincenterwlv.com

PET CARE

Advantage Plus Caregivers (805) 322-8822 advantagepluscaregivers.com Belmont Village (805) 496-9301 thousandoaks.belmontvillage.com Meadowbrook Senior Living (818) 514-5041 meadowbrook-agourahills.com University Village (805) 241-3315 uvto.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS Sunland Vintage Winery (805) 379-2250 SunlandVintagewinery.com

Camp Bow Wow Agoura Hills TRAVEL & LEISURE (818) 889-2267 Dream-ality Travels campbowwowusa.com/agourahills (805) 236-4437 dream-ality.com Paw Hills (818) 889-7387 pawhills.com Veterinary Angels (818) 865-1800 veterinaryangels.com

We are the Auto Body Specialists serving your collision repair needs

3053 Los Feliz Drive î‚Šousand Oaks, CA 91362 premiercoachautocollision.com 805.373.7366 f. 805.373.3953

852 Via Alondra Camarillo, CA 93012 eprcollision.net 805.389.9574 f. 805.388.2024

Parting Thoughts

How Are You Programming Your Family?

ARTICLE KIM PAGANO

W

hen I was very young, I remember thinking my parents were perfect. They were my “God.” They brought me into this life, taught me the value of family and took care of me, providing a warm, loving home. As I got older, I started to realize that our family wasn't perfect.

When I was 16, my parents divorced and life drastically changed for our family. Life as we knew it was different, but I came to learn that "different" did not always have to mean "difficult." I realized that we have the power to make choices that affect how our family will respond to stressful situations.

It is fair to say that those of us who come from stable, loving and supportive families have more of an advantage in life than those who grow up in less-than-ideal family situations. Having your needs met, knowing your parents love you and learning life lessons make the challenges of day-to-day living that much easier. Yet, many people still succeed even if they do not come from the most supportive homes, as they learn not to take loving moments and gestures for granted.

People who have lived through devastating times tend to realize how important family really is. When faced with trouble, rarely do they say, "All I could think about was my bank account.” They almost always say, "All I could do was worry about my loved ones."

Why does it often require a disaster for us to remember the importance of family? Too often we let the drive to earn money, chase pleasures or meet the needs of people outside of our family divert our attention. Let’s set those things aside and focus on how we can improve our immediate relationships.

What negative beliefs have you carried into your family from your upbringing? It is time to break the cycle and step into your own story, with your own beliefs shaped by your own experiences. Use your story to strengthen love and devotion within your family. Start to ask yourself: What are the causes and effects of my actions? Let us bring back the values of the family system and treat our loved ones like we treat our most precious jewels and belongings.

Long ago I dreamt of having a large family. My husband and I are now blessed with two beautiful daughters and two amazing sons, but I can assure you that life has not always been easy for me. I was married before, 54

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | April 2016

and I lost my second daughter to hydrocephalus. My first husband could not handle the loss and we divorced. That was a hard time, but I was able to recover. I learned to hold my head up and work through it.

Today, our two daughters are married to two great guys, and we are blessed with three amazing grandsons. If I had given up after my tragedies, I would not have been able to experience these pleasures.

We must understand that even though we certainly cannot control all of life’s obstacles, we are still the producers of our own lives. It all comes down to life’s outcomes and how we choose to handle them.

I believe that those thoughts we have running through our heads throughout the day are quiet prayers. We must be mindful of the thoughts that we put into the Universe, as they will ultimately become actions.

Know that love starts from within and focus on more positive ideas.

Be the strength and, when you think you don't have it, develop a family support system. Maybe you have burned some bridges in the past, but do not let that discourage you. Start to observe your family and see if you have pushed away your cheerleaders.

Recently, with the loss of my mom, I have encountered one of my life's biggest tragedies. She was my best friend and mentor. Life will never be the same, and she will always be in my heart and thoughts.

She taught me to keep pushing through life’s ups and downs and was my biggest cheerleader, and I, hers. That is what family is all about.

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 6-7 a.m., 7-8 a.m. and 2-3 p.m., reminding us how important it is to "Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good." Kim is a hair therapist in Westlake, a motivational speaker, mother and so much more.

Joy. They say we live vicariously through our children.

Their joy is our joy; a result of providing them with opportunities to appreciate everything good life has to offer. It’s like that at Silver Star A.G. too.

When you’re happy, we’re happy. Which is why we work hard to deliver unparalleled customer service, truly competitive prices, and amazing selection.

Visit our dealership today and discover for yourself why generations of discerning Mercedes-Benz customers keep coming back to Silver Star A.G. You’ll always remember where it all began

Silver Star A.G.

(888) 321-6635 3905 Auto Mall Drive In The Thousand Oaks Auto Mall silverstarmbz.com