Fountain valley living magazine december 2013 by Fountain Valley Living Magazine

Founta覺nValley L覺v覺ng December 2013

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CHRISTMAS CRUISIN' PAID

U. S. POSTAGE

Permit #88

BUENA PARK, CA

PRESORTED STANDARD

Meet Fountain Valley's own Santa and Mrs. Claus PAGES 16 and 46 Photo by LYNN SEEDEN

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LYNN SEEDEN

PUBLISHER www.FountainValleyMagazine.com fvmagazine@live.com (714) 847-7714

CURT SEEDEN

Thank a volunteer

Around this time each year, thousands of people gather at the Foun- tain Valley Sports Park for the city’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Many years ago, this event took place in front of City Hall during a break in a City Council meeting. The 20-30 people attending the

EDITOR fvmagazine@live.com (714) 847-7714 AL WRITER, EDITOR PAGE DESIGNER Graphic Artist Copy Editor Photographer Photographer 2011-14 intern Photographer

CURT Seeden Lynn Seeden Laura Scher Kristal Seeden CURT SEEDEN LYNN SEEDEN TUE DUONG

Difference Maker COLUMN Steve Schultz meeting stepped outside and watched as the lights were turned on, Fountain Valley History CONTRIBUTOR Dann Gibb illuminating a large evergreen tree near the parking lot. Chamber of Commerce CONTRIBUTOR Mary Parsons, KEN DUONG Then everyone had cookies and hot chocolate and went back inside ADERTISING to finish the council meeting. ADVERTISING Account executive RICK BILLINGS ADVERTISING Account executive KIM CONSTANTINE These days, the Tree Lighting is a huge event attended by some ADVERTISING Account executive AMY DECHENE 6,000 people, and features fireworks, the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Print Production Freedom Printing, Claus, sledding in real snow, lots of food sold by local non-profit groups and more. It’s held at the Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Anaheim Mail Preparation Hands-On Mailing, Brookhurst St., to accommodate the huge crowd. (See page 17) Buena ParKRS The event—set for Saturday, Dec. 7—could not be pulled off without ALEX ACCETTA the efforts of a dedicated group of local volunteers – the Fountain ValALEX A. ACCETTA, CPA & ASSOC. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ley Community Foundation and its Activities Committee. The Founda FV LIVING MAGAZINE Accountant Evelyn Rothert, tion and Committee step up to help coordinate the tree lighting as Accetta & Assoc., CPA well as such events as Summerfest, the Mr. Fountain Valley Pageant, 2013 ADVISORY BOARD (VOLUNTEER) Concerts in the Park, the Anytime Fitness 5K Run, quarterly electronic SUSAN SAURASTRI, REALTOR, STAR REAL ESTATE recycling events and more. MATT TERRY, VICE PRESIDENT of MARKETING, INDPENDENCE BANK This year, when you’re enjoying the tree lighting, take a moment DAVID TRUONG, OWNER, MIMI'S JEWELRY LARRY CRANDALL, FORMER MAYOR to thank these hard-working volunteers. Better yet, if you’d like to get SANDRA CRANDALL, TRUSTEE, FOUNTAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT involved with the Foundation or its Activities Committee, you can find MARCIA MANKER, CEO, ORANGE COAST MEMORIAL MEDICAL CTR out more at fvcommunityfoundation.org. PAUL STIMSON, ORANGE COAST MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

Curt & Lynn

Curt & Lynn Seeden Publishers, and your neighbors See us daily ONLINE: www.facebook.com/FountainValleyLivingMagazine (fan page) www.facebook.com/FountainValleyLiving (profile)

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fvm www.FountainValleyMagazine.com On the cover: Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in style at this year's "Christmas in the Gazebo" event at Heritage Park on Dec. 14. See info about Christmas in the Gazebo on page 16, and read about the real people behind the costumes on page 46.

Fountain valley living magazine® is PRIVATELY OWNED BY

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8840 Warner ave., suite 204 fountain valley, ca 92708 (714) 847-7714 www.FountainValleyMagazine.com Fountain Valley Living Magazine is mailed free each month to every physical address in 92708, including homes and businesses (no P.O. boxes). Additional copies are placed on countertops throughout the community (see page 40 for locations). Total monthly distribution is 25,000 copies (20,650 mailed; 4,350 countertop), for a total distribution of 300,000 copies per year. The publication is funded by advertising, patrons (donations) and fundraisers.

Photo by LYNN SEEDEN, Fountain Valley Living Magazine

DECEMBER 2013

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CHRISTMAS AT BEACHPOINT

Join us for an extraordinary experience blending music, message and visuals to communicate the Christmas Story DECEMBER 23 & 24 - 4:00 PM, 6:30 PM Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programming is available at all services and a special Winter Festival will be provided between services on 12/23.

17415 Magnolia Street Fountain Valley 714.847.3573 beachpoint.com E-mail: fvmagazine@live.com

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DECEMBER 2013

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Nu By CURT SEEDEN Fountain Valley Magazine

ongtime Fountain Valley resident Willa BouwensKilleen embraces a holiday tradition during the Christmas season. She doesn’t make a dozen fruitcakes or put a mechanical reindeer on her roof. For the past 25 years, BouwensKilleen has portrayed Mrs. Stahlbaum, Clara’s mother, in the Festival Ballet holiday ballet classic, “The Nutcracker.” Bouwens-Killeen started dancing when she was 15 but was in her mid-20s when she started dancing for Festival Ballet founder Salwa Rizkalla. She is the only cast member who has performed in every one of the ballet company’s Nutcracker ballets.

Home for

The Holidays Fountain Valley’s Willa Bouwens-Killeen has performed in Festival Ballet's classic "The Nutcracker" for 25 years. Photo by LYNN SEEDEN

► Photo at right: Willa Bouwens-Killeen portrays Mrs. Stahlbaum, fourth from the left, in Festival Ballet's "The Nutcracker." (Courtesy photo)

DECEMBER 2013

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utcracker “I just plain enjoy performing,” she said. “Performing in The Nutcracker allows me to dance in professional performances, helping to bring this wonderful ballet to Orange County audiences.” Does playing the same role get tiring? “Because it’s a live performance on stage and every audience is different, it makes every performance exciting,” Bouwens-Killeen said. Bouwens-Killeen has been a planner for the city of Costa Mesa for 32 years. She and her husband Dan have a 26-year-old son, Riley. When she’s not performing on stage, Bouwens-Killeen is on the dance company’s board, helps with the costumes and works backstage. Fountain Valley-based Festival Ballet will stage The Nutcracker Dec. 13-24 at the Irvine Barclay Theater. The cast includes Fountain

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Valley residents of all ages, including Ann Drew as Mother Ginger and experienced dancers Skye Schmidt and Jennah Pendleton performing in several key roles. Other local dancers with multiple roles are Lauren Bogel, Sage Bolar, Renee Castonguay, Jaquelyn Hester and Pallas Ziebarth. The Nutcracker features renowned guest artists from American Ballet Theatre and the Joffrey Ballet, as well as a lot of familiar faces and names. “The ballet combines the magic of both Christmas and ballet. It’s a wonderful introduction to this fabulous art and it wouldn’t be the holiday season without Festival Ballet’s Nutcracker,” BouwensKilleen added. For more information, visit festivalballet.org. (Or see ad for more info, page 41)

Additional Fountain Valley dancers in this year’s production: Angels Katie Dang Kaylie Do Abigail Middlebrooks Kelly Nguyen Madison Nguyen Little Mice Kaili Corsten Ashley Do Katherine Drechsler Celine Hsu Jaclyn Liccardo Celine Nguyen Leilah Prevost Jolin Tsai Megan Yeung Ginger Snaps Annalia Garrett Jovana Hester Anne Johnson Treena Nguyen Thanh To Elea Vanderburgh Megan Vu Russians Riley Anderson Catherine Estrada Pointe Soldier Lan To

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DECEMBER 2013

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By LOIS ROTHSCHILD Fountain Valley Living Magazine

Focused on

Strength Vu Truong of Fountain Valley is headed to the American Open of Weightlifting

Photos by LYNN SEEDEN

Vu Truong is an instructor at CrossFit Surf City in HB. The 2007 FVHS alumnus is now a Navy veteran. He will be competing in weightlifting in Dallas in early December.

DECEMBER 2013

Fountain Valley Living Magazine

u Truong said he was chubby as a child and he hated exercise. Navy boot camp changed all that. Truong, whose family moved to Green Valley after emigrating from Vietnam to the U.S. in 2003, is headed to Dallas this month to compete in the American Open of Weightlifting. At 5 feet 5 inches, and about 150 pounds, Vu may be small in size but he’s powerful in his athleticism. “I gradually built up to those weights,” he said. Vu graduated from Fountain Valley High School in 2007. He didn’t speak English but was a quick learner. His older sister continued with school after graduation and is now a pharmacist in San Jose. “In my senior year I joined the Navy and after graduation went to boot camp in Illinois,” he said. He attended specialty school to be a medic and served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before he was even a naturalized American. He and his family have since become U.S. citizens. Today, Vu, at age 24, is a dedicated athlete who easily lifts 220 pounds in the “snatch” and 275 pounds in the “clean in jerk.” He will compete in both events in Dallas. While serving with the Navy he became a medical corpsman. “I took care of medical issues, went on security patrols looking for hostiles but I didn’t feel any danger,” he said.” I came home from Iraq in August 2009, spent a year at Camp Pendleton and drove home as much as possible.” In October 2010 he was sent to Afghanistan where he and 15 other

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Marines were posted in a small outpost near the Pakistan border. “The patrols were more dangerous, but I think I became a better person because of that tour,” he said. “There was a lot of alone time, with a set of new guys. I felt more grateful for what I have, and developed a different perspective. “But,” he added, “there was a minimum of workout equipment.” In 2012 Vu was discharged as a petty officer 3rd class, returned to Fountain Valley and continued with his training, especially as a weightlifter. He found Crossfit Surf City in Huntington Beach, works there as an instructor and has developed a program in Olympic weightlifting . “I have taken his weightlifting class for three 10-week sessions and can attest to his great skill as a coach and athlete,” said Tom Antal, retired

Photos by LYNN SEEDEN

vocal teacher at Fountain Valley High School. You can find Vu at Crossfit every day where most clients are between 17 and 65 years of age. It’s like a family, he says. “We’re a tight community and I’ve made great friends.”

ABOUT THE American Open What: USA Weightlifting American Open When: Dec. 6-8 Where: Dallas, Texas About: USA Weightlifting is under the governing body of the United States Olympic Committee.

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Photo by LYNN SEEDEN

PROUD OWNER: Fountain Valley resident Brad Gaston feels a connection to his parents and grandfather through his restored 1940 Studebaker. He's pictured here at the Fountain Valley Classic Car Show in 2011.

‘My 1940 Studebaker Commander’ By CURT SEEDEN Fountain Valley Living Magazine

ountain Valley Planning Commissioner Brad Gaston’s 1940 Studebaker Commander draws lots of attention when he drives it around town. We decided to find out a little more about his beautifully restored car. Q: So what’s the story behind your Commander? A: Toward the end of 1939, Dad ordered a new 1940 Studebaker Commander from my grandfather Joe’s new Studebaker dealership. Afterwards he and Mom married. They picked up the car from the South 8

DECEMBER 2013

Bend, Ind. factory at a cost of $1,088 and drove it home, visiting relatives in Kansas and Missouri along the way. It was black and beautiful, with wide whitewall tires, fog lamps and overdrive transmission. They loved this car and wanted to keep it forever. However, with the advent of World War II, Dad was drafted into the Army and had to go overseas. He sold the car for $1,100—$12 more than he paid for it, as newer cars were very scarce in 1943 and it was in excellent condition. Mom’s uncle, Buck Hubbs, bought the car for his wife and she drove it for many years. Mom and Dad owned many cars, but none was as special as that '40 Commander. Dad talked of finding another one

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someday and restoring it. He passed away in 1977. Q: Where did you get your Studebaker? A: About four years ago, I located a Commander in the Central California town of Buellton and bought it. Although it’s not the same car they owned, and its Colleen green in color, it is the same year and model and has original California year of manufacture plates. Mom, Dad, and Grandpa Joe have long since passed away, but driving this car brings their memory back to me, and I think of the fun places they went in their Studebaker during those years before the war.

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PONY baseball registration under way

“Driving this car brings their memory back to me, and I think of the fun places they went in their Studebaker during those years before the war.”

Fountain Valley PONY Baseball is accepting registration for the Spring 2014 season. Spring players can register online at www.fvpony.org, and then click on the registration link. Early registration fees expire on Dec. 7. Beginning Dec. 8, registration fees will be an additional $50.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY RESIDENT BRAD GASTON, SPEAKING ABOUT HIS PARENTS AND GRANDPA ENJOYRING THEIR STUDEBAKER PRIOR TO WWII

Q: Tell us about your car and its condition today. A: My car is being completely mechanically restored and is still a work in progress, but it runs very well and is a strong. No. 2 condition in appearance. I often wish Dad were around to help me at times with the mechanics of working on it, but I know that he is looking over me when I do attempt some repairs and trying to give me the boost of confidence I need.

Q: Besides driving it around town, how do you show it off? A: This car has won awards at shows and is frequently seen at the Garden Grove Main Street and the Elks Lodge Buena Park car shows on Friday nights, as well as at Donut Derelicts in Huntington Beach on Saturday mornings. It’s a labor of love for me, and it brings back a love that a handsome young couple had way back in the ‘40s in a car similar to mine, sold to them by my Grandpa Joe.

FVSD offers Early Entry Kindergarten

The Fountain Valley School District is offering a new Early Entry Kindergarten Program for children who turn 5 years old on or before Feb. 3, 2014. Applications are available at Oka Elementary School and enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis from 2-4 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the district office, 10056 Slater Ave. More information: Call (714) 843-3200.

Do you have an interesting story to tell about yourself or your neighbor? If you live in Fountain Valley and would like to share a "people" story, please email us at FVMAGAZINE@LIVE.COM ADVERTISEMENT

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You CAN live well with diabetes Call us at (714) 966-8118 for more information. www.fountainvalleyhospital.com Fountain Valley Regional Medical Center (FVRMC) is the first hospital in Orange County to earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for its Inpatient Diabetes Care program, E-mail: fvmagazine@live.com ValleycLiving DECEMBER 2013 9 demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in Fountain disease-specifi care. Magazine

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Edinger excellence The Fountain Valley-based medical group earns prestigious platinum award from state Fountain Valley Living Magazine

Since 2008, the state Department of Managed Health Care has honored medical groups for their efforts in the prevention of heart attacks, strokes and diabetic complications. In October, the state awarded its first two Right Care Initiative (RCI) platinum awards, including one to Fountain Valley-based Edinger Medical Group. Launched in 2008, RCI is a public-private collaborative effort focused on preventing premature disability and death from heart attacks, strokes and diabetic complications. In 2011, RCI launched new categories of award levels based on health plan and medical group performance. The awards established platinum, gold, silver, and bronze levels of performance. This is the first year any group has been honored with a platinum award. “Were excited to share this news but were more excited that we’re helping our patients,” said Dr. Karen Don of Edinger Medical Group.

DECEMBER 2013

Photos by LYNN SEEDEN

TOP AWARDS: Edinger Medical Group doctors celebrate their platinum win in the areas of preventing heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, beating out much-larger medical groups.

Competing against the likes of Scripps, St. Joseph, Kaiser, St. Jude and others, Edinger earned the top honor Oct. 28 in Stanford, CA. Awards are given annually to California health plans and medical groups who meet clinical performance standards for controlling blood pressure, blood sugar and/or cholesterol. “We’re excited because we’re such a small piece of the puzzle,” said Lara McKenna, Edinger’s director of

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marketing. “We’re a small practice, but we can compete with large groups so the award means so much to us.” The state of California created the “Right Care Initiative” awards to measure the quality of medical groups and champion the care and prevention of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke for all patients in the state. Through recognition, the state holds physicians and insurance companies accountable for better health care.

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Photo by LYNN SEEDEN

LIFE COACH: Heather Justine Stolte has written and contributed to several books, including "No Winner Ever Got There Without a Coach."

Life works

Heather Justine Stolte is a life coach who helps motivate people to meet their goals. By CURT SEEDEN Fountain Valley Living Magazine

eather Justine Stolte says she knows there are people in Fountain Valley who can benefit from motivation, inspiration, positive growth and fulfillment. “I like to help people do their best. Everyone needs someone to unconditionally listen and help motivate and support their deepest dreams and aspirations,” she said. Stolte is a life coach whose goal is to get you from where you are to where you want to be. She recently published

DECEMBER 2013

her fourth book on the subject. “All of our journeys require us to have coaches—those certain people who bring out the best,” she said. “I have several coaches. I have a spiritual coach, a business coach, a swim coach and a martial arts coach.” Stolte grew up in Fountain Valley. The daughter of educators—her dad Bob is a former vice principal at Edison High School and her mom Beverly was a vice principal in Long Beach—she attended Masuda School when it was K-8 and graduated from Fountain Valley High in 1990. Her journey to becoming a life coach occurred after she earned her degree

Fountain Valley Living Magazine

in English literature with a minor in Spanish in 1994 at UC Irvine. After living in Spain for a time, she returned to Orange County to become a software training specialist for a corporate training company. She said that while she enjoyed her role as a trainer, her passion for others’ personal growth and development outweighed her gifts in teaching technology. It was while she was teaching at a private vocational college that a colleague suggested to her that she become a life coach Within a week Stolte learned more about what life coaching was all about and she hired her own life coach and

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enrolled at Coach University. There she learned to coach, teach, write and reach others. She also became a staff member at Coach University. “I like to help people do their best,” she said. “Everybody needs someone to unconditionally listen and help motivate and support their deepest dreams and aspirations.” To help others toward that goal, Stolte has written or contributed to four books. The first two are self published: “Where's My Real Life ? I Know I Put it Somewhere,” which she said is “a positive guide to overcoming stress and proclaiming your authentic life,” and “Inside-Out Connection,” which is a “guide to releasing emotional eating and stress and dieting forever.” This year, two more books to which she contributed were published: “No Winner Ever Got There Without a

Coach,” and “Mastering the Art of Success,” which she collaborated on with Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Jack Canfield and motivational speaker Les Brown. Stolte can be found in her free time in the swimming pool working out and competing. She is a part of Nova Masters Swimming of Irvine and has been swimming since she was 5. She has become an avid runner, competing in 20 half-marathons as well as the LA Marathon. Around Fountain Valley, she loves eating at Nick’s Pizza de Oro. “It’s embracing and welcoming,” she said. Stolte has an office in Irvine. She can be reached by email at lifeworks@gmail com or by calling (949) 302-9153.

Chamber accepting business award nominations

The Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations of businesses for the 2013 Chamber Awards. Local businesses that are members of the chamber can be nominated for the Hyundai Motor America Entrepreneurship Award, the Environmentally Conscious Award, the Elwyn California Community Spirit Award, the Home-Based Business Award and the New Business Award. Deadline to nominate a business is Friday, Jan. 17, 2014. Winners will be recognized on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014 at Los Caballeros Racquet and Sports Club during the chamber’s February luncheon. For more information or to nominate a business, call the chamber at (714) 962-3822 or call event chair Patrick Harper at (714) 274-9387.

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Around Fountain Valley

Have an established small business?

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Consider an expert SBA banking partner who is an integral part of your business community and one who will be a true partner to help you reach your goals. When it comes to small business, we get it. We’re helping Fountain Valley businesses to grow and be successful, every day. To learn more about our SBA lending solutions and how we can help your business, give us a call at (714) 500-3421 or go to www.iBankCA.com.

The Power of Independence

All loan applications subject to credit approval.

Independence Bank 18101 Magnolia St. (at Talbert Avenue) (714) 500-3421 www.ibankCA.com

DECEMBER 2013

Photo by WAYNE MAH

Courreges School students participate in a jog-a-thon in which parents, school staff and visiting educators from China took part.

Chinese educators visit Courreges School

They even take part in the school's annual jog-a-thon. Courreges Elementary School played host to five school principals and one teacher from the Shenzhen province of the People’s Republic of China Nov. 4-8. The visit was part of a series of educational exchanges between educators in Fountain Valley and China to share concepts on improving education. "The benefits from engaging in cultural and educational exchanges with countries such as China are two-fold, Principal Chris Christensen explained. “First of all, Chinese educators are eager to learn more about the creative and diversified educational practices in the U.S., while at the same time, our students benefit greatly from being able to ask questions and learn more about the Chinese culture and educational system.” Just about the time we were going to press, a delegation of five Chinese middle school teachers was scheduled to visit Fulton Middle School. This visitation was coordinated by Ray Yu,

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Visiting Chinese education delegate John Zhang, left, joins in with the kids at the Courreges Elementary School Jogathon.

director of the American Education Federation, who arranged for a team of administrators from the Fountain Valley School District to observe schools in China back in April. Both Courreges and Tamura elementary schools have established sister-school partnerships with schools in China. www.FountainValleyMagazine.com

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Happy Holidays!

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Thank you, Fountain Valley, for believing in us. Our success is because of you.

The Power of Independence

Talbert Ave.

99 Ranch Market

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Magnolia St.

18101 Magnolia St. (at Talbert Avenue) ■ (714) 500-3421 ■ www.ibankCA.com

(It’s (It’s where youryour FV neighbors bank.) where FV neighbors bank.)

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Christmas in the Gazebo N O N - P R O F I T O R G A N I Z AT I O N A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Fountain Valley Historical Society's 25th Annual

Special guest appearance by

SANTA and Mrs. Claus Saturday, Dec. 14 1 p.m. at Heritage Park

17635 Los Alamos St. (next to the Library)

Caroling, musical entertainment Holiday bake sale

Bring your camera to take a photo with Santa!

FREE ADMISSION

Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and hot cider provided by the

Photos by LYNN SEEDEN

Fountain Valley Historical Society

25th Annual

Christmas in the Gazebo Sponsored by the Fountain Valley Historical Society

DECEMBER 2013

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Holiday Fun Around Fountain Valley

VOLUNTEER

Annual Tree Lighting

Just some of the Activities Committee volunteers

Dec. 7 at the FV Sports Park

Looking for a way to be involved in the community? The Fountain Valley Community Foundation Activities Committee provides “people power” support to many different activities:

File photo by WAYNE MAH

• Tree Lighting Ceremony • Easter Egg Hunt • Movies in the Park • Summer Concert Series • Great Fountain Valley Camp-Out • Summerfest • Relay for Life • Charity Poker Tournament • Mr. Fountain Valley Pageant • E-Waste Recycling • Anytime Fitness 5-K Run • Disabled Dances

City's Tree Lighting on Dec. 7 to include snow and fireworks

now is in the forecast for this year’s city tree lighting. Fountain Valley gets into the holiday Saturday, Dec. 7 with the annual tree lighting at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park. The event, which starts at 4:30 p.m., attracts thousands of people each year for an evening of live entertainment, food, games, crafts and the arrival of Santa Claus. The mayor will throw the switch that lights up the tree. And the evening will once again include a fireworks show. Bring your camera to capture a photo of your child with a special guest from the North Pole between 6 and 7:30 p.m. The event is free, but photos with Santa are $5. New this year is the Hyundai Snow E-mail: fvmagazine@live.com

Zone where you can play and sled in the snow. Wear your mittens and boots and dress warm. Sledding is open to children, but those 4 and under must ride with an adult. Sleds will be provided. Two snow play areas—one for children 4 and under and another for ages 5-11 are planned. Local nonprofit organizations will sell a variety of food. The Recreation Center and Sports Park is at 16400 Brookhurst St. This year’s sponsors are: the Fountain Valley Community Foundation, Hyundai, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital., HB Auto Dealers, Fountain Valley Bodyworks, Rosy Dental and Independence Bank Go to www.fountainvalley.org for information or call (714) 893-8611.

Volunteer! Have Fun! Meet Great People Who Also Think Fountain Valley is a Nice Place to Live! • Visit fvcommunityfoundation.org • Fill out the form • Attend the next meeting (3rd Thursday of the month, 7 pm, upstairs at Founders Village)

for information: 714-593-4449 Like us on Facebook

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DECEMBER 2013

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Veterans Day

Snapshots from the annual VFW Veterans Day ceremony Photos by TUE DUONG and LYNN SEEDEN

Valor and honor

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9557 members John Collins and Bob Chermak were presented with “Quilts of Valor” and resident Peggy Kane was honored with a “Quilt of Honor” at the city’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11. Girl Scout Troop 458’s presentation of the quilts highlighted the poignant event attended by about 550 people. More than 150 volunteers—Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and adults—played a role in the third annual “Bridging Generations” event, which was held at the Veterans Memorial next to the library.

DECEMBER 2013

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Holiday Fun Around Fountain Valley Mimi’s to host Chamber holiday mixer Dec. 4

The Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce and Mimi’s Jewelry will host a holiday mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Mimi’s, 18591 Brookhurst St., in the Albertsons shopping center. The event is a business networking opportunity for chamber members and will include hors d’oeuvres and a 50-50 drawing.

Friends of Library holiday faire is Dec. 7

The Fountain Valley Friends of the Library will hold their annual Holiday Faire on Dec. 7 in the Community Room at the library, 17635 Los Alamos St. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. for members of the Friends and at 10 a.m. for the general public. Shoppers can

purchase gifts, baked goods, holiday decorations, special children's books and more. Refreshments will be provided. Funds raised benefit the Fountain Valley Library. More information: (714) 962-1324.

Holiday boutique is Dec. 7 at Palm Island

Palm Island Senior Apartments will host Kim’s Holiday Boutique from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Those attending will receive a free goody bag and raffle ticket and find bargains from a variety of holiday vendors. The sale includes a vendor “best dressed table” contest, raffle prizes and tasty treats. Palm Island is at 11300 Warner Ave. There is plenty of free parking available. Info: KimConstantine@ socal.rr.com.

Knights’ Ladies Christmas Boutique is Dec. 8

The Ladies of the Knights of Columbus at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 17270 Ward St., will hold their 19th Annual Christmas Boutique from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 in the church hall. Shoppers will find homemade tamales, egg rolls and baked goods along with homemade crafts and Christmas gifts. More than 40 vendors will be on hand and all will donate gifts for a raffle. Santa will be available for pictures all day. All proceeds raised will benefit local charities. SEND US YOUR NEWS: If you have a Fountain Valley announcement, email us the information at least one month in advance (see calendar for magazine deadlines). FVMagazine@Live.com

Holiday Portrait Session

Families, Kids, Couples, Pets Offer expires 12/20/13.

E-mail: fvmagazine@live.com

Fountain Valley Living Magazine

DECEMBER 2013

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Photo by LYNN SEEDEN

Mandy Hall flags down passersby to attract shoppers to the Fountain Valley Woman's Club's annual garage sale, which helps raise college scholarship funds.

People Fountain Valley

VFW posts combine

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts 9557, 9756, 11548 and 11549 have consolidated are now one joint post, West Orange County Post 9557. The four posts recently voted to merge to better serve veterans in the West Orange County areas. Post 9557 meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Westminster Elks Lodge. New officers of the post are: Curtis Turrill, post commander; Larry Crandall, post senior vice commander; John Douthit, post junior vice commander; Robert Chermak, post quartermaster; Brian Wilson, post adjutant; and Ron Chamberlin, post chaplain. The post’s email address is vfw9557woc@earthlink.net.

Rotary Club honors students

The Fountain Valley Rotary Club honored its most improved students for October at a recent meeting. The 20

DECEMBER 2013

Fountain Valley Living Magazine

Most-improved students were honored in November by the Fountain Valley Rotary Club. From left, Qyren "Q" Macias from Talbert Middle School; Jackie Escolero from Fountain Valley High School; and Roxie Garcia, Valley Vista High School. Not pictured: Ernesto Morales from Los Amigos High School Photo courtesy of Jean Hardy

students honored by the club were Qyren "Q" Macias of Talbert Middle School; Jackie Escolero of Fountain Valley High; Roxie Garcia of Valley Vista High; and Ernesto Morales of Los Amigos High.Photo by Jean Hardy www.FountainValleyMagazine.com

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FV United Methodist plans ‘Blue Christmas’ service

Fountain Valley United Methodist Church will offer a “Blue Christmas: Christmas in a Minor Key” service at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the church, 18225 Bushard St. “For many people, the Christmas holidays are a painful time, either because they are grieving a loss, are alone, or maybe because they come from a difficult family background,” Pastor John McFarland said. “The usual holiday expectations—good cheer, merry-making, family gatherings, gift exchanges— can be a source of sadness or disappointment.” “Blue Christmas” is an opportunity, Pastor McFarland added, “to come together as people who are feeling ‘blue’ and share the loss and the hope of the Holy days without the overlay of social expectations that just may not fit this year.” The service will acknowledge the pain and sadness many people experience as the holidays approach, but also encourage one another to move toward hope. “The mood will move from solemn to hopeful as the music, lighting and Scriptures acknowledge the presence of God's love through it all,” Pastor McFarland said.

Police vs. Fire Basketball Game set for Jan. 25

HIP HOP Ages 3-17, All Levels JAZZ BALLET Cities Dance Studio LYRICAL Beach 18956 Brookhurst St. F.V., CA 92708 (714) 963-2110 TAP WWW.BCSDANCE.COM All Boys Hip Hop Performances Competition Local Outings

E-mail: fvmagazine@live.com



The seventh annual Fire Department vs. Police Department basketball game, which is set for Jan. 25 in the FVHS gym. Local businesses have donated prizes, and a silent auction is also planned. Among the auction items are two JetBlue airline tickets. For more information about the Police vs. Fire game, call Trish Rintoul at (714) 964-6323. Fountain Valley Living Magazine

DECEMBER 2013

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Dear Fountain Valley Living... Letters to the editor (when we get them) and other spiffy stuff

FountaınValley Lıvıng November 2013

HONORING OUR VETS The annual VFW Veterans Day Ceremony is set for Monday, Nov. 11

PAID

Permit #88

BUENA PARK, CA

U. S. POSTAGE

PRESORTED STANDARD

PAGE 2 Photo by LYNN SEEDEN PICTURED: Grandfather and grandson veterans, Bob Gibbons (WWII, Korea) and Gregg Horibe (Iraq)

New location for Mr. Fountain Valley pageant The 2014 Mr. Fountain Valley Pageant will be held on March 21 at a new location – the Saigon Performing Arts Center. The irreverent pageant, a fundraiser for the Fountain Valley Community Foundation, was held at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center the first two years and was a sellout both years. The pageant raises about $30,000 through table sales, sponsorships and on-line voting. Realtor Franck Bideau was crowned Mr. Fountain Valley last April and has proudly worn his sash to city events throughout the year. The Mr. Fountain Valley Pageant Committee is looking for nonprofits and candidates to participate in the event. More information is available at fvcommunityfoundation.org.

DECEMBER 2013

Mark your calendars for 77,798 years from now. Dreidels and drumsticks: Celebrate Hannkkah and Thanksgiving at the same time? This is the year to do it. The next time the two holidays happen on the same day is 79043. Ask Facebook to send you a reminder. George Washington proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving in 1789, and Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiving holiday in 1863. Franklin D. Roosevelt established the current Thanksgiving date in 1939. In 3622 (165 BCE) Yehuda led the Maccabees into battle against the Greeks. The Temple Mount was liberated and the Holy Temple was rededicated. Hanukkah is celebrated in remembrance of these events. Congregation B’nai Tzedek in Fountain Valley will celebrate Thanksgiving and Hanukkah Nov. 29 with a “Leftover Potluck Shabbat Dinner.” The dinner follows the 6:30 p.m. Shabbat services. Hanukkah activities and crafts for the kids are planned after dinner in the temple’s multi-purpose room. If you miss the dinner, you’ll have to wait 77,798 years for the next one. Information: Congregation B'nai Tzedek, (714) 963-4611.

TOY DONATIONS The Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley are collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children ages preschool through eighth grade this holiday season. Suggested donations include board games, sports items, dolls, stuffed animals, Barbies, Legos, cars and trucks, super heroes and Disney items. Items can be dropped off up through Monday, Dec. 16 at the Boys and Girls Club Kingston Branch, 16582 Brookhurst St. More information: (714) 5930753, ext 109.

Fountain Valley Living Magazine

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May you have a festive holiday season, a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

hank all of you who have come to know us and used our services this year because of Fountain Valley Living Magazine. And a special thanks to those of you who have allowed us the privilege of serving you with your tax and financial planning needs over the years. Know that we're here for you throughout the year.

—Your neighbors and tax professionals at Alex A. Accetta, CPA & Associates, Inc.

Call today for your financial guidance appointment.

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For all your tax and accounting needs. Specializing in income taxes Estate taxes • Real estate E-mail: fvmagazine@live.com

Fountain Valley Living Magazine

DECEMBER 2013

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Can’t make it to the next City Council meeting? Meetings are now televised live. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the City Council chambers at 10200 Slater Ave. Meetings can be seen on Time Warner channel 3, Verizon FIOS channel 21, and AT&T U-verse channel 99. Additionally, the meetings are simultaneously streamed on the city’s website at www.fountainvalley.org. The meetings will also be rebroadcasted at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays.

Cracking down on traffic safety

The Fountain Valley Police Department reported that 31 people were injured in DUI-related crashes in Fountain Valley last year. Studies show that crash statistics drop by 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted. A new traffic safety grant for an anti-DUI program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on Fountain Valley roadways was recently awarded to FVPD. Funded

Fountain Valley Living Magazine

by the California Office of Traffic Safety, the $34,900 DUI Checkpoint grant will assist in efforts to reduce the number of people killed and injured in alcohol and other drug related collisions. Grant activities will specifically target impaired-driving offenders, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. When possible, specially trained officers will evaluate impaired-driving suspects. Checkpoints have proven to be the most effective of all DUI enforcement strategies, while yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent and are supported by nearly 90 percent of California drivers, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Little League registration under way

It’s December, which means it’s time to start thinking about baseball! Fountain Valley Little League is accepting registration for the spring 2014 season. Registration is available online at www.eteamz.com/fvll. Once their child is registered, parents can show age verification and proof of residency by going to Lamppost Pizza from 10 a.m. to noon on either Saturday, Dec. 14 or Saturday, Jan. 4. Acceptable documents are an original birth certificate and three proofs of residence, such as driver’s license, utility bill, mortgage document or medical records. Lamppost Pizza is at 10130 Warner Ave. Cost of registration varies by age division. More information is available at the league’s website.

www.FountainValleyMagazine.com

City seeks applications for boards, commissions Would you like to be more involved in your community? The city is accepting applications from volunteers to sit on several committees, commissions and boards. Applications are available in the city clerk’s office at City Hall, 10200 Slater Ave. or online at www.fountainvalley. org. Appointments will be for two-year terms. Candidates for appointment must be residents of Fountain Valley and 18 years of age or older. The deadline to submit an application is 5 p.m. Dec. 6. PLANNING COMMISSION The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council regarding amendment or repeal of the city’s Master Plan, development within the city, subdivision of land, blighted and substandard areas of the city, zoning and land use. The Planning Commission meets at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at City Hall. HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD The Housing and Community Development Advisory Board reviews the city’s federal Block Grant Program and recommends housing and community development activities to the City Council. The board meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month in the City Council chambers. FOUNTAIN VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION The Fountain Valley Community Foundation was organized exclusively for charitable purposes including soliciting, receiving, investing and making grants of funds, property and other resources, and to provide direct charitable services to aid, sponsor, promote, advance and E-mail: fvmagazine@live.com

assist worthy activities, programs and services in the city. Experience working with nonprofit organizations is desirable. The Community Foundation meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month in the Senior Center conference room. ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE DISABLED The primary functions of the Advisory Committee for the Disabled are to help develop barrier-free access to buildings and facilities in the city; provide information about recreation programs for the disabled; provide information of disaster preparedness for the disabled; develop community awareness of the employment potentials of the disabled; and inform the community about the needs of the disabled population. The Advisory Committee for the Disabled meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the odd-numbered months in the City Hall conference room No. 1.

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Palm Island to host holiday gathering Dec. 10

Palm Island Adult Living will host a festive gathering for seniors, “Home for the Holidays,” from 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 10. The holiday event is an opportunity to have fun and enjoy light refreshment. Reservations are required by calling (800) 636-6742. MemorialCare Medical Group, Orange Coast Memorial and Palm Island Senior Apartments are sponsoring the event. Palm Island is at 11300 Warner Ave.

Dr. Matt Nisco

Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics

17220 Newhope St. Suite 227

Inside the Los Caballeros Sports Village

(714) 979-1400 www.DrNisco.com

Be sure to tell us you saw us in the Fountain Valley Living Magazine!

Fountain Valley Living Magazine

DECEMBER 2013

FountaınValley Lıvıng ®

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Rotary Club 7:15 a.m. Saltzer Room @ FVRH

FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. Founders Vlg

December City Council mtg 6 p.m. @ City Hall

8 Christmas Boutique 8 a.m.—3 p.m. Holy Spirit Catholic Church

9 s Village 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 Rotary Club 7:15 a.m. Saltzer Room @ FVRH

Housing & Comm Dev Advisory Bd mtg 7 p.m.

Deadline for ads and news for the January issue of FV Magazine

Bingo 6:30 p.m. @ FVHS cafeteria

11 FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. Founders Vlg

Woman's Club 11 a.m. @ Claim Jumper

FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. @ Fndrs Vlg Deadline to apply for committees and commissions with the city; 5 p.m. (see pg 25)

OPEN HOUSE at Heritage Park (next to the library) 9-11 a.m. (Volunteers also needed during this time to garden and spruce up the park)

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY Holiday Faire 10 a.m. TREE LIGHTING 4:30-8 p.m. @FV Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst

Kiwanis Club meets 12:15 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

City Hall CLOSED

Senior Center Holiday Luncheon 11:30 a.m. @Founders Village

FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. @Founders Village

Christmas in the Gazebo 1-3 p.m. Heritage Park (on the west side of the FV Library)

Cosmic Bowling 11:30 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

FVSD School Board meeting 7 p.m. Planning Commission 6 p.m. @ City Hall

17 Rotary Club 7:15 a.m. Saltzer Room @ FVRH Chamber of Commerce Holiday Luncheon @Mile Square Park Banquet Hall, Noon

FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. @Founders Village

Bingo 6:30 p.m. @ FVHS cafeteria

Mayor's Breakfast 8 a.m. @Saltzer Room, FV Regional Hospital Kiwanis Club meets 12:15 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

FVSD Board mtg 7 p.m.

24 CHRISTMAS EVE

SENIOR CENTER CLOSED ALL WEEK

30 CITY HALL CLOSED SENIOR CENTER CLOSED (reopens Jan. 2)

FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. @Founders Village

FV Comm Foundation Activities Committee, 7 p.m. @ Founders Village

City Council 6 p.m. @ City Hall

Bingo 6:30 p.m. @ FVHS cafeteria

Cosmic Bowling 11:30 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

CHRISTMAS

CITY HALL CLOSED the rest of the week

Cosmic Bowling 11:30 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

NEW YEAR'S EVE Rotary Club 7:15 a.m.

CHRISTMAS MASSES AT HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH Christmas Eve, December 24th

Christmas Day, December 25th

4 PM 4 PM, 6 PM 6 PM 8 PM 11:30 PM

(In English) 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 NOON (In Vietnamese) 1:30 PM & 3 PM

Children’s Mass (English) (English) (Spanish) (Vietnamese) (English)

HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH

17270 WARD ST. FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA 92708 WWW.HSCCFV.ORG 26 26

DECEMBER 2013 DECEMBER 2013

Fountain Valley Living Magazine Fountain Valley Living Magazine

DIOCESE OF ORANGE

www.FountainValleyMagazine.com www.FountainValleyMagazine.com

FountaınValley Lıvıng ®

Sunday Monday Tuesday

January

Wednesday 1

Thursday 2

NEW YEAR'S DAY

City Hall CLOSED

Friday 3

FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. @Founders Village City Hall CLOSED

Saturday 4 OPEN HOUSE at Heritage Park (next to the library), hosted by the Historical Society; 9-11 a.m.

City Hall CLOSED Cosmic Bowling 11:30 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Rotary Club 7:15 a.m. Saltzer Room @ FVRH

Deadline

for ads and news for the February issue of FV Magazine City Council 6 p.m. @ City Hall

14 Rotary Club 7:15 a.m. Saltzer Room @ FVRH Woman's Club 11 a.m. @ Claim Jumper

FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. @Founders Village

Kiwanis Club social 6 p.m.

City Hall CLOSED

Planning Commission 6 p.m. City Hall

15 FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. @Founders Village

Bingo 6:30 p.m. @ FVHS cafeteria

16 Mayor's Breakfast 8 a.m. @Saltzer Room, FV Regional Hospital

Cosmic Bowling 11:30 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. @Founders Village

Kiwanis Club meets 12:15 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl FV Community Foundation Activities Committee, 7 p.m. @ Founders Village Bingo 6:30 p.m. @ FVHS cafeteria

Cosmic Bowling 11:30 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

18 E-Waste Recycling @FV Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst St. 9 a.m.—4 p.m.

Cosmic Bowling 11:30 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

Rotary Club 7:15 a.m. Saltzer Room @ FVRH

FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. @Founders Village

Kiwanis Club meets 12:15 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. @Founders Village City Hall CLOSED

Bingo 6:30 p.m. @ FVHS cafeteria Kiwanis Club meets 12:15 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

City Council 6 p.m. @ City Hall

Historical Society luncheon @ noon Heritage Park (next to the library). RSVP to Barbara Montz at (714) 378-1952

28 Rotary Club 7:15 a.m. Saltzer Room @ FVRH

Cosmic Bowling 11:30 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

31 FV Senior Bingo & Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. @Founders Village

Chamber State of the City Luncheon 11:30 a.m., @David L. Baker

FV Senior Bingo & Kiwanis Club meets Billiards Club meets 8:30 a.m. Fndrs Village 12:15 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

Cosmic Bowling 11:30 p.m. @ Ftn Bowl

E-mail: fvmagazine@live.com E-mail: fvmagazine@live.com

Fountain Valley Living Magazine Fountain Valley Living Magazine

DECEMBER 2013 DECEMBER 2013

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AT HOME IN FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Holiday family fun The Cross children—Ryleigh, Cassandra and Ian— enjoy their family's annual tradition of making holiday cookies at their Fountain Valley home.

 E-mail: fvmagazine@live.com

Fountain Valley Living Magazine

DECEMBER 2013

Your Fountain Valley Specialists

Beautiful Large Pool Home

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Fountain Valley Living Magazine

Updated Parkside Home

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Corner 4BD/3BA home with possible RV parking. Updated kitchen with newer cabinets and granite, garden window and 2 islands. Oversized yard with pool, spa & gazebo. #OC13208642

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Newer, end unit 3BD/2BA home on cul-de-sac, 55+ community. Lovely tile entry and almost 2000 of living space. Fireplace in living room, gourmet kitchen, Corian counters. #OC13208624

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FV median price for October

612,500

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O.C. median for October: $540,000 *median for houses and condos

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$612,500 in October 2013 (49 homes sold) $560,000 in September 2013 (39 homes sold) $620,000 in August 2013 (65 homes sold) $615,000 in July 2013 (73 homes sold) $615,000 in June 2013 (51 homes sold) $589,000 in May 2013 (47 homes sold) $590,000 in April 2013 (55 homes sold) $512,500 in March 2013 (43 homes sold) $537,000 in February 2013 (30 homes sold) $540,000 in January 2013 (24 homes sold) $532,000 in December 2012 (38 homes sold) $403,000 in November 2012 (45 homes sold) $524,000 in October 2012 (42 homes sold) $525,000 in September 2012 (50 homes sold) $522,000 in August 2012 (47 homes sold) $532,500 in July 2012 (55 homes sold) $545,000 in June 2012 $529,000 in May 2012 $475,000 in April 2012 $501,000 in March 2012 $535,000 in February 2012 $472,500 in January 2012 $485,000 in December 2011 $455,000 in November 2011 $520,000 in October 2011 $490,000 in September 2011 $490,000 in August 2011 $490,000 in July 2011 $530,000 in June 2011 $552,500 in May 2011 $500,000 in April 2011 $501,000 in March 2011 $530,000 in February 2011 $571,000 in January 2011 $485,000 in December 2010 $572,000 in November 2010 $555,000 in October 2010 $523,000 in September 2010 $597,500 in August 2010 $525,000 in July 2010 $585,000 in June 2010 $602,000 in May 2010 $535,500 in April 2010 $557,000 in March 2010 $572,000 in February 2010 $560,500 in January 2010 $555,000 in December 2009 $602,000 in November 2009 $600,000 in October 2009 $600,000 in September 2009 $538,000 in August 2009 $557,500 in July 2009 $565,000 in June 2009 $552,500 in May 2009 $512,500 in April 2009 $519,000 in March 2009 $575,000 in February 2009 $557,750 in January 2009 $543,500 in December 2008 $540,000 in November 2008

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Fountain Valley Living Magazine

DECEMBER 2013

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15880 Overton St. Beds: 4 Baths 2 House size: 2,044 sq. ft. Lot size: 7,405 sq. ft. • Year built: 1973 Corner lot, double-door entry, sunken living room with fireplace, adjoining dining area, huge family room, interior laundry room, dual-paned windows. Listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, (949) 837-5700

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Probate/Estate Sales Investment Properties Residential Realtors, Brokers and FSBOs: To advertise in this section, call (714) 847-7714 or e-mail FVMagazine@Live.com E-mail: fvmagazine@live.com

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DECEMBER 2013

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Computers donated to Boys & Girls Clubs

The Gateway Foundation has donated 14 new computers to bring technology education to preschoolers and kindergarteners at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley. The new computers will give 350 children access to technology that they may not have at home. The Gateway Foundation donation of computers will revamp the Boys & Girls Clubs' technology education for its youngest members by giving children in each classroom the opportunity to do interactive learning activities, club officials said. Both of the club’s preschools—the Learning Center Child Development Preschool in Fountain Valley and the Robert Mayer Child Development

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Gisler, Newland nominated for Distinguished Schools awards Fountain Valley Living Magazine

G The Callens water tower, which once stood on the family's ranch in Fountain Valley, now serves as a centerpiece at Heritage Park. It's in need of repairs. Photo by LYNN SEEDEN

Photo by PATRICK HAMM

Lt. Col. Kevin Traw of Fountain Valley teaches Cox Elementary students about his service as well as the history and significance of Veterans Day.

“Indeed, this is an impressive accomplishment.” —ANNE SILAVS FVSD Assistant Superintendent

Schools

Campus kudos 38

DECEMBER 2013

Fountain Valley Living Magazine

isler Elementary School and Newland Elementary School in the Fountain Valley School District have been nominated to apply for the 2014 California Distinguished School Awards. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson made the official announcement in November. Only 39 elementary schools in the county and 405 statewide were nominated for the California Distinguished School program. Both schools will be required to complete an application that highlights their signature practices for promoting student achievement. The application process will be followed by a validation visit coordinated by Orange County Department of Education. The state Department of Education makes the final decision in the spring when the awards are actually bestowed. "Newland is truly humbled and honored to be nominated for the prestigious California Distinguished Schools award,” Newland Principal Christopher Mullin said. “Our staff, students, and parents look forward to showing off the practices that make Newland an amazing school.” Added Gisler Principal Erin Bains: “It is an honor to be nominated and recognized by the state and we welcome the opportunity to share the hard work put in daily by our teachers, students, and families at Gisler Elementary.” Fountain Valley School District Assistant Superintendent Anne Silavs

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said the state has established challenging criteria for Distinguished School eligibility. “Indeed, this is an impressive accomplishment. We look forward to supporting our schools through the application and visitation process, and we hope to celebrate with them in the spring,” Silavs said. The Distinguished Schools Program recognizes elementary and secondary schools in alternate years with elementary schools to be recognized in 2014. The program continues to focus on the long-term success of schools by providing recognition to those that attain high academic achievement and educational excellence for all students. The list of eligible schools is available on the California Department of Education Web site at

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DECEMBER 2013

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Masuda honors

Snapshots from the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Masuda Photos by WAYNE MAH

Schools

Madison Martell's young but powerful voice rang out with the National Anthem at the Veteran's Day Ceremony at the Kazuo Masuda Middle School.

WWII veteran Bruce Nishiwaki gets a thank you for his service from Vanessa Sardinas at the Veteran's Day Ceremony at the Kazuo Masuda Middle School.

Masuda School pays tribute to hero at annual Veterans Day ceremony Students, parents, teachers and school staff at Masuda Middle School honored the school’s namesake Nov. 8 at a Veterans Day ceremony on the school grounds. The school is named after Kazuo Masuda, an American of Japanese ancestry who was killed in action in Italy in 1944. His family was interned in Arkansas during World War II. Staff Sgt. Masuda earned the Distinguished Service Cross

DECEMBER 2013

posthumously for extraordinary heroism. His medal was awarded to his sister, Mary Masuda, at her home on Dec. 10, 1945 in part to counter threats of bodily harm that had been made against her upon her return to her hometown. Masuda grew up in Tustin and Fountain Valley, graduating from Fountain Valley Elementary School in 1932 and Huntington Beach High School in 1936.

Fountain Valley Living Magazine

ABOVE: Mas Masuda, right, and Masuda family members attended the Veteran's Day Ceremony at the Kazuo Masuda Middle School. Iraqi war veteran Keene Sherburne, at podium, is a two-time Purple Heart recipient. He talked about his massive injuries suffered in Iraq and passion and love of country at the Veteran's Day Ceremony at Masuda Middle School.

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maxim of mine that students often quote is, “Don’t be sorry, be better.” If you want growth that lasts, it needs to be intentional, not accidental. If you want to grow, you have to give yourself a space to grow into. When I was a child my parents made me buy my shoes one size too big so I had room to grow into them. The shoes never felt right at first, of course. Then they became really comfortSteve Schultz able. But once my toes touched the end of the shoe, I knew I no longer needed to wear those shoes anymore. I needed more room to grow again. Inside my Nikes lies one of the most important leadership metaphors of all: Leaders make their people wear shoes one size too big and then grow the people to make the shoes fit. Leaders dare their people to be greater than they are and then give them the needed emotional, mental, physical, moral and spiritual support to become great. In order to influence others to grow, you have to be continuously growing yourself. If every day you prepare to be your best and you give your best in performance (an athletic game, a concert, a speech, a presentation) and every day you make your best better in some way, regardless of the outcome, you’ll never need to apologize for you’ll always know success and progress. So lace up those shoes and do the work to fill the shoes, and then each time your toes touch, go put on a bigger size. E-mail: fvmagazine@live.com

As I tell my basketball players, “I will give you the best tools and show you the best way to use them, but you still have to build the house.” When I first met my junior varsity basketball team at Los Alamitos High last year, they were an amalgamation of a third-place freshman team—minus the two best players who moved up to varsity—and a frosh/soph team whose wins could be counted on one hand. My staff and I were determined not to let their past limit the vision of what we wanted them to do. They just needed a new pair of shoes and the tools to tie them correctly. As I tell my players, “It’s not the blood that makes you family. It’s the bond that makes you family.” Every day the players put their fists together and chanted, “Los Al on three, family on six, championship on nine!”

Los Al on three: Los Al is who we play for. The company, school or organization must come first. Family on Six: Bonding a team into a family and developing ourselves as leaders are the reasons we play. Championship on nine: The Sunset League Championship is what we play for. We won the Sunset League championship in our last game, and when we went into our locker room for the final time, we shouted, “Los Al on three, family on six,” but this time we changed the ending and said, “Champions on nine.” And we yelled, “Champions, champions, champions,” again and again. The players took off their tearstained, sparkling apple cider-drenched uniforms for the last time and walked out forever a family. The accomplishment is all theirs. No pair of shoes ever fit better.

The Sugar Plum Fairy sweetly requests your presence for our dazzling production of The Nutcracker.

DEC 13 • 24

Nutcracker illustration by Rene Milot

By STEVE SCHULTZ Fountain Valley Living Magazine

Tickets online 24/7: Tickets online 24/7:

thebarclay.org festivalballet.org | 949.854.4646 Fountain Valley Living Magazine

DECEMBER 2013

DIfference Makers

Make room for yourself to grow

n w o t s t r o p S al. Valley, C Fountain

Sports

Giving back

Former FVHS running back Willie Gittens is coaching high school football in Northern California. By TED APODACA For Fountain Valley Living Magazine

or many youth and high school coaches, the job of coaching isn’t about the job. It isn’t about the money and it isn’t really about the wins and losses. It’s about teaching. It’s about mentoring young minds and spirits. In that case, former Fountain Valley star football player William Ellis “Willie” Gittens may have finally landed in the place he was meant to be. Gittens was not only one of the best running backs at Fountain Valley High, but his name comes up in conversations about the best backs to ever come out of Orange County. After a rollercoaster life of successes and failures, Gittens has found his new life in Northern California, as a personal trainer and high school football and track coach at The King's Academy, a private school in Sunnyvale. For Gittens, he sees it as a chance to give back. “I just wanted to give back what coaches gave to me,” Gittens said. “What else could be better than doing something like that?” Almost as well documented as his

Photo courtesy of Willie Gittens

Willie Gittens and Mike Musso, who was Gittens' lead blocker and a fullback for Fountain Valley High during Gittens' junior year.

exploits on the field were his troubles, which included the death of one of his closest friends in a car accident for which he felt responsible. In 1978, he and FVHS teammate Doug Thompson were driving to Arizona State University at night, and Gittens fell asleep at the wheel. Thompson died in the rollover crash, according to news reports. Gittens tried to go on, but said he never got any counseling for his grief. He had decent statistics at ASU, but now knows he wasn’t himself. “(Thompson’s death) set me back a lot more than anyone can know,” Gittens said.

sports 42

DECEMBER 2013

Fountain Valley Living Magazine

Former FVHS cross country coach Barry Migliorini said Gittens never used his mistakes as an excuse to give up or quit, and that the tragedies he experienced were more than any person should have to endure. But Gittens has endured. “A great coach does two things—puts up wins, and uses the lessons of sport to prepare student athletes for their future out of sport.” Migliorini said. “The latter doesn’t show up in any box score but is certainly the more important. Willie is doing a great job both as a football coach and role model at Kings Academy.” Gittens seems to have come full circle to the life he now lives. He is married

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to Carol Ann Gittens and the two have a daughter, Evelyn Simone, as well as Carol Ann’s two children, Catlin and Tyler Blohm, ages 16 and 14, respectively. Gittens will turn 54 on Nov. 26. He has worked in other fields, but returned to personal training and has been coaching at the King’s Academy for seven years, the past three as the head football coach. Gittens said he never felt he was as good as others seemed to think. His abilities were sometimes attributed to his instincts, rather than his physical abilities. But in sports he found his place in the world, back then and again now. “My whole life, sports is the only thing that kept me level,” Gittens said.

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Faces of Fountain Valley Meet Fountain Valley's resident Santa and Mrs. Claus

of this issue, and on page 16 for Christmas in the Gazebo. Meet the real people behind the costumes: You see them on the cover take down the Christmas lights. to Tony convince to hard it's Tony and Susan Weaver love Christmas so much

Meet Tony and Susan Weaver (er, The Clauses) Fountain Valley, Calif. 92708

WHO: Tony and Susan Weaver are lifelong Fountain Valley residents. At one point they both went to Harper School and they are both Fountain Valley High graduates. Tony is a truck driver for J.B. Hunt (and plays the banjo), and Susan is first-grade teacher at Kennedy Elementary School in Santa Ana. WHAT: Tony and Susan have been portraying Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Fountain Valley Historical Society’s Christmas in the Gazebo for more than a decade. He started at the request of his mom, Blanche Weaver, who was involved with the Historical Society before she passed away. OF INTEREST: “When he was a young boy, Tony was scarred by a bad Santa,” Susan said. “The Santa’s costume was horrible. It was made out PVC plastic and the beard was made out of cotton balls attached to cardboard.” Susan added, “For me, portraying Mr. and Mrs. Claus was just about how badly I wanted to be a part of Christmas.” QUOTE: “This has become such a large part of us. Tony wishes it could be Christmas year round,” Susan said. In fact, this past Halloween, they dressed up like Santa and Mrs. Claus and handed out candy canes from their front porch. INFO: Interested in hiring the Weavers for your event? Call Susan in the evenings at (714) 904-8344. —Curt Seeden 46

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Fountain Valley Living Magazine November 2013

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