Ov june edition

Inside Jim Ventress

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EDUCATION FIRST

Scott voted to increase funding and local control for K-12 and higher education without raising taxes.

JOBS and the ECONOMY

Scott supports workers compensation reform and the Film Tax Credit to spur job growth.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Scott is opposed to the governor’s so-called prison re-alignment plan.

Please visit gotwilk.net Paid Political Advertisement • Paid by Wilk for Assembly 2014, 28060 Caraway Lane, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, ID #1353998

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Issue…

In this

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Editorial

Our Community Arts & Entertainment Father’s Day Camporee 2014 Summer Fun! Inside Jim Ventress Health: Rattlesnakes Beauty La Cocina Renewing Our Marriage Vows Caught in the Lens Inside Fred Arnold

CREDITS Editor in Chief Bill Miranda

Associate Editor:

Debi Acker-Zolnoski

Publisher

Our Valley Group, Patsy Ayala, CEO

Art Design

Ricardo Paredes Estefanía Islas Blanca De La Torre

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Contributors

Steve Knight, Scott Wilk, Laurie Morgan, Byron Alvarado, Rob Clarke, Erika Artieda, Agustin Prieto Castillo, Alice Alatzas, Arif Halaby, Jennifer Ramos

Your Invisible Solution Center

Production Julio Del Rio

Copy Editor

Virginia Miranda

Account Executive Francisco Del Rio

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l a i r o t i d E M

others nurture children, keep them comfortable and safe. Fathers encourage children to show initiative, take risks and overcome obstacles. I’m generalizing here of course, but my point is that each one, mother and father, brings unique skills to the parenting table and both sets of skills are desired to help children become well balanced, effective adults.

Children of two involved parents tend to have fewer behavioral problems, enjoy better relationships, do better in school and end up economically better than those with only one. A child with two involved parents is more likely to trust others and enjoy stable relationships outside the home. When two parents are involved the children are more protected from problems such as depression, suicide, extensive sexual activity and drug use.

Being a dedicated father is not something that comes naturally to most men. It is a learned and practiced skill. It involves being there for the child whenever you are needed not whenever it is convenient. It involves staying up with a sick child, listening to their problems or attending an event important to them. It involves withholding judgment and trusting (but in my case I also verified).

As a father of three I can honestly say I would not trade the joy of raising my children for any other experience in the world.

It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been great. To those fathers who are committed to raising their children, I salute you. And I say, Happy Father’s Day!

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OUR COMMUNITY Honoring Our Veterans

Rainy Day Fund Scott Wilk

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California state Assemblyman

earning to budget is priority in all our families. Vanessa and I sit at the kitchen table to discuss family finances, how much: we owe, need to pay bills, to donate to charity, and hopefully, to save for a rainy day, retirement, perhaps a vacation.

And like most families, we have learned, often the hard way, that investing in savings is critical. Things happen; a brokendown car, a leaky roof, a loss of income, extra help for the kids – whatever.

I have found however in my job as your representative in Sacramento that unfortunately the Majority party has not yet truly learned the difficult lessons of living within one’s means and of investing in savings for the budget consequences of economic downturns. It takes bipartisan principles and a willing Governor to make that happen. And surprisingly, this year we are seeing some change. Last week the Governor and Legislative leaders, including Republicans, came to agreement on strengthening our “Rainy Day Fund.”

The purpose of the Rainy Day Fund is to provide protection during economic downturns by placing revenue each budget cycle into a reserve fund and protect against its ability to be spent irresponsibly. So that when periodic economic downturns happen, as they invariably do, tax increases and draconian cuts are avoided because we were prepared. That is how California households’ budget and that is how their government should too.

Californians expect their representatives not only to live within their means but to work in a bipartisan way for their benefit.

If the recent negotiations on the Governor’s rainy day fund demonstrate anything, it is that when they include both parties and their policy improvements, they get a better product and California is the better for it.

I will continue the fight to keep Sacramento on the path of living within our means, as individual households must, and doing what is best for all Californians.

Steve Knight

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California State Senator

eterans exemplify the morals that our country was founded on: a strong call to duty, pride in your community, and an unyielding humble sense of honor.

After serving, many veterans return to their communities as vital components, playing active roles in service.

However, some veterans live out their years alone, wondering what happened to the government’s promise to take care of its warriors.

We must do better for those who sacrificed. Our gratitude should not be a political football tossed back and forth. There are no timeouts and there are certainly no second halves for these honorable heroes.

As an elected official, I have strived to be an agent of change in this regard. Each year I author and co-author multiple bills that directly benefit California veterans. In fact, I have authored more veteran’s bills than any other legislator in the Capitol.

This session I am carrying three bills that will benefit our veterans. First there is SB 842, which authorizes directional signs to each Veterans Home of California on the state highway system. This will help visitors who want to honor local heroes by volunteering or visiting with our veterans.

SB 1282 addresses a problem with Gold Star Family License Plates. Currently family members of fallen veterans can obtain a special license plate commemorating their loved one. SB 1282 allows Gold Star families to personalize these license plates so that Californians can continue to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Finally, I have authored SB 1113, which helps 100 percent disabled veterans access more of the property tax refunds that California has already granted them.

Given the sacrifice that our veterans have made and continue to make, they deserve nothing less than support and respect from our legislature.

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The Arts in My Opinion

For Your Viewing Pleasure:

I’ve been asked, “Does a show start with the auditions”? Hardly!

The full process to produce a play is never seen by the audience. As the saying goes, “What you see is only the tip of the iceberg!”

Repertory East Playhouse 24266 Main St. Newhall May 16 – June 14, 2014: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof July 11 – August 15, 2014: Return to the Forbidden Planet 661.288.0000 www.repeastplayhouse.org

By Laurie Morgan - Visual and Performing Artist

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he first step after choosing the play (drama, comedy or musical) is to secure the licensing rights (permission). Then a director is found. The director then picks a production team which includes the following: Producer, Assistant Director, Set Designer, Stage Manager, Lighting and Sound Designers, Sound and Light technicians, Costumer and Property Manager (Props).

With a musical, a music/vocal director and choreographer are also needed. These are all behind the scenes individuals. Captains in place; they meet to discuss the director’s concept and focus of the production. At this point audition notification is publicized.

Now the audition process begins! If it’s a musical, the actor first sings and learns a dance routine before being asked to read part of the script. After the first go-around, selected actors are called back, prepared to do something more specific (hence the term “callback”). From this group, the director will decide the final casting.

All players in position, it’s time for the first rehearsal. This is usually a sit-down readthrough of the script. What follows are the most exciting, intense, focused, exhilarating, stressful yet gratifying, crazy six weeks for both cast and crew. The audience never sees these preparations until opening night!

You say you’d like to audition for a play?

You’ve read a bit about the preparations.

You also need to know that each cast member must commit to the full rehearsal and performance schedule.

This involves nightly rehearsals for 6 weeks and performances every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (at least) for another 4 – 6 weeks. Still interested?

Such a huge commitment of time and energy! Why would anybody endure such an ordeal? What is the attraction?

The passion of performing is enough enticement for an actor; the theater atmosphere enough to tempt a dedicated crew. What can I say; WE JUST LOVE IT! After all, “There’s No Business Like Show Business” – in my opinion.

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Canyon Theatre Guild 24242 Main St. Newhall May 24 – June 28, 2014: Singing in the Rain July 26 – August 24, 2014: Forever Plaid 661.799.2702 www.canyontheatre.org

Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Various Performances and Events www3.canyons.edu/Offices/PIO/CanyonsPAC/ The Gallery of SCAA (just moved down the block a bit) 24251 Town Center Drive #110 Valencia May 2 – June 29, 2014: “Zing to Spring” Wine Reception on Friday June 6, 6-9pm www.santaclaritaartists.org OutWest Western Boutique and Cultural Center 22508 6th Street, Newhall (661) 255-7087 www.outwestmktg.com/events/live-music. cfm

Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts

Acting, Modeling, Voice Overs, and Dance (Hip-Hop)

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he Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts, SCSOPA, provides its students with the guidance and opportunities they need to tryout in front of entertainment agents and managers. Mr. Mike, as he’s known at SCSOPA, is a Stevenson Ranch resident. He and his friendly staff are well connected and have reputable talent agents at the school each week to help advance the careers of their students.

Bella Stine, a young actress from Bakersfield, has been with SCSOPA since June 2012. Since joining she’s secured representation by a top talent agency and management group.

Bella has appeared as co-star in an ABC pilot and just finished filming a promotional piece for Disney/Pixar. Bella has also appeared in a national Toy Story commercial and played 5 yearold Maya on Mixology.

Noah Viscontie, age 6 from Valencia, has been with SCSOPA for about a year and a half. You may have seen him before. He appeared in the Iron Man 3 movie as Neptune’s Net Boy. He also appears in a current national commercial for Nationwide Insurance – Heart. He’s the little boy on the sofa eating popcorn in his PJ’s.

David McKee Jr. and David McKee III, father and son from

Lancaster, love SCSOPA. Both are now working in the e entertainment industry.

SCSOPA gave them the training and tools they need to be successful and gave Eleanor McKee, wife and mother, a new career as well. She now manages both of their careers. They are extremely grateful to everyone in SCSOPA for all the help and encouragement.

SCSOPA students come from all over to gain personal life skills; memorization, presentation, self-esteem, and confidence that can translate into a profession entertainment career. And, they have fun in the process.

If your child truly wants to pursue acting and you are willing to fully support his endeavor, SCSOPA will give you the key foundational building blocks to start this process. For more information, contact SCSOPA’s amazing staff: Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts 23502 Lyons Av. Suite 105 6612227910 www.scsopa.com info@scsopa.com

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Money Matters: How Does TIME Influence Your Final Balance?

mistake many make is to not fully comprehend how important “time” affects how much money you may have in future. Many will “wait” to save or invest, for many reasons, and in many cases those reasons are excuses. But regardless of the reasons, all of us have One Compounding Curve (see graph). A compounding curve, or interest, is when interest is added to the principal of a deposit and then that interest earns interest, therefore your balance grows at an exponential growth over time.

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As you can see from the graph your original deposit starts to “take off” around the 20th year. So a young saver/investor can take advantage of their long time horizon while someone with less time may not benefit from compounding interest as much.

Regardless of the rate of return, the curve will have the same shape, but the account balance would be different. Taking a closer look at this phenomenon called “compounding interest” reveals that time is very important, and potentially more important, than the rate of return. The earlier you start your savings/investment plan the more “time” the money is in the plan and the more compound interest it accumulates. If you are young this strategy should be a key element for financial growth. But if you’re not so young you may have to take a look at and consider other strategies for your financial plan.

Compounding money is not the silver bullet and as effective as traditional planning may tout, but knowing how to use compounding strategy, along with other strategies to minimize the devastating effect of inflation and taxes, should be your goal.

I WAS RAISED BY A

SINGLE DAD

By Debi Acker-Zolnoski

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grew up fast. In one summer in the late 1960s, life as I knew it changed completely.

I remember it well…. when I was only eight years old my mother, who had been very ill, passed away. A few months later, we moved to what was once the ‘nice’ area of Detroit.

My two older sisters left home to attend out-ofstate universities.

During an era where counseling wasn’t routine for kids to help them deal with loss and extreme life changes, I just adapted.

While I wouldn’t wish such an early loss on anyone, in the long run it made me a stronger person.

Transitioning from ‘baby of the family’ to ‘woman of the household’ was quite an experience! It was actually fun for me to learn how to clean, do the laundry and bake, since I was used to climbing trees and playing sports.

My dad and I enjoyed each other’s company. We took road trips and did sight-seeing when he had a day off. My dad was a highschool art teacher. Because he taught photography, I have many great memories captured by camera lenses. Since teachers had summers off from work, he acquired a position as Arts and Crafts Director for an elite summer camp in northern Michigan.

Everyone loved ‘Chuck’ and to this day I continue to get ‘friend requests’ from fellow campers on Facebook.

Camp was really fun! My favorite activity was our cabin’s annual canoe and camping adventure trip on the AuSable River, actually ‘roughing’ it, by sleeping under the stars, or tarps when it rained. Although many of the campers came from a different background than I did, as an active child, I actually thrived in this environment. Against what I felt were my dad’s over-protective wishes, I often went to the docks while he was working, and I learned how to water ski and sail. I also played rival camps on my camp’s softball travel team and still continue

to play. My dad taught me how to throw and catch as soon as I could hold a ball and coached my softball teams! Although he never mentioned it, I think after having two daughters, he probably wished to have a son.

Returning at the end of each summer, with just a few weeks until school began, was bittersweet. My time was either spent with my dad or playing in the neighborhood with my friends, back in the day when we didn’t wear helmets to ride bikes or roller skate (even down hills) and returned home when the street lights came on.

The most challenging days of living with a single father came when I entered junior high school in the 7th grade. I was teased for wearing boys’ clothes and gym shoes; fashion had not previously been a concern of mine. Reaching puberty and making new friends from other elementary schools was new to me, as were ‘boyfriends’ who were not boy ‘friends.’ My dad had trouble teaching a young teenage girl social skills and street smarts.

Winters were always spent at the local outdoor ice rink, but as the city became more challenging, so did I, as many young teens do by becoming rebellious and learning bad habits. Of course I didn’t comprehend it at the time, but raising me became extremely difficult for my dad.

But as a father, he always seemed to know best; he remarried, and we moved far away…to the suburbs, where the roads weren’t paved, and traffic stopped to let the cows cross! The ‘boyfriend’ I met there is still my husband today and a great father and grandfather. My dad was a role model for both of us.

During those precious years, my life turned around, and both my good and bad experiences lead to who I am today. Happy Father’s Day Daddy! You are doing a great job from Heaven and I miss you with all my heart.

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BSA TROOP 316 ROCKS

CAMPOREE

2014

By Rob Clarke, Committee Chairman, Troop 316, Saugus, CA

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wake up in my tent Saturday morning. It’s still dark outside.

I can’t sleep. It’s Camporee Day! The stars in the sky are amazing. The Milky Way paints a white path across the sky like a large brush stroke on God’s canvas. The smell of the pine trees is inviting and the crickets are still chirping. Otherwise it is quiet, almost too quiet, as I know things won’t stay that way for long. I hear the faint sound of a bugle start low and rise louder through camp. Revelry is calling the 450+ Scouts from their tents. And so it begins…

BSA Scout Troop 316, chartered by Grace Baptist Church, arrived late Friday evening. We are 34 Scouts strong in six Patrols, supported by over a dozen volunteer Dads, that can’t wait for the day’s competition to start.

So just what is Camporee? Think of it as the Scout Olympics.

Each Troop breaks down into Patrols of 6-8 Scouts. They compete in thirteen different events. Our Scouts have readied themselves with Leadership, Spirit and Skills.

Camporee has begun! 70 plus Patrols, each with their own

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unique Patrol Yell, trying to outperform and out yell the other.

While the Patrols are competing, they are cheering for one another as well. As I walk around camp watching our Troop 316 Patrols compete, two things strike me – our Scouts are having too much fun and they are competing more intensely than the other Patrols.

It’s now 5pm and the competition is done for the day. Our Scouts are back in camp cooking dinner and anxiously waiting for the awards ceremony tonight. Every event awards ribbons that are blue, red and yellow for first place, second place and third place, but to the Scouts they may as well be the gold, silver and bronze medals of the Olympics. The Spirit Stick is awarded based on the Patrols total Spirit score across all events AND the observations of the main BSA Troop leaders hosting Camporee.

The top award, the coveted Buckhorn (a large plaque with deer antlers), is awarded to the Patrol that scores the most combined points across all thirteen events.

Our Patrols have already been awarded numerous ribbons in the various events. Our Eagle and

Stallion Patrols have taken first and second place overall in the middle Seekers division. First, the Spirit Stick, and the winner is‌ Troop 316 Strong Johns! We are now down to the final award, with literally a drum roll, the Buckhorn goes to‌ Troop 316 Patriots! Troop 316 was the first Troop ever to win both the Buckhorn and the Spirit Stick in the same year! Four of our six Patrols finished in the top ten scores overall.

Awards yes, but I am most proud of the way they competed. They showed strong character and represented all twelve points of the Scout Law. Our young men in Troop 316 rocked this weekend!

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Give the gift that will last a lifetime!

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Inside Jim Ventress

By Debi Acker-Zolnoski

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e knows our town well. It’s not about him, it is about everyone else. Having lunch was like a social event, seeing several people he knew for years, including two of his board members. Jim has guided and helped motivate so many children and families to believe in possibilities and pursue their ambitions.

Non-egotistical, unselfish, gracious, and good-natured are what comes to mind when I think of the Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, who after serving 37 years with the organization, (29 of them spent here in the SCV) is retiring.

Sitting in a comfortable booth, enjoying a delicious lunch at Salt Creek Grille, the Newhall resident reminisced about growing up in Los Angeles. As we traveled back in time, he mentioned how much fun it was to walk to school without worries and to bicycle with friends all day until the street lights came on. Listening to him I secretly wished he was the big brother I never had.

Jim’s parents, married for 53 years until their passing, were devoted to God and to their four children, three boys & a younger “princess”. “As Dad worked many long hard hours in a butcher shop, Mom’s accomplishments were beyond what many stay-at-home mothers during that era handled,” Jim told me.

He said she was admired by all in the neighborhood; devoted to their church, volunteering in the community, attending ball games for three active boys, and serving as Den Leader for the local Cub Scout Troop. She also managed them well, giving them a sense of responsibility, as Jim and his brothers had to complete their daily chores prior to going out to play. As a teen, Jim helped his dad at the butcher shop, learning lifelong skills and business ethics, by being the friendly and caring person he is. A little later he joined the United States Army, proudly serving our country.

Having learned important values from his parents and strict discipline from the Army, Jim took a position with the huge courier service company, UPS. He advanced rapidly into a high paying position, but he had other dreams. He dreamt of helping young people in need of help. He took a much lower paying position with the Boys Club of America (now Boys and Girls Club of America). Taking that job was a great blessing for Jim and an

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even greater blessing for our youth here in Santa Clarita.

Thirty-seven years later Jim is happy and content. His future plans are to visit relatives and continue living comfortably in his Newhall home, spending time outside enjoying nature and the aroma of pine-scented breezes emanating through his backyard; all while relaxing on his deck, reading the newspaper and drinking his daily two cups of coffee.

Congratulations on your retirement Jim! Thank you and enjoy the next journey. *This article is dedicated to my friend, mentor and birthday buddy, Cheryl Gray, 2014 SCV Woman of the Year.

Rattlesnakes Dr. Evelyn Vega-Douglas

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ummertime is approaching. Folks and their pets are headed outdoors. Unfortunately, so are local rattlesnakes.

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine tells us that snake encounters are most likely to happen between late April and October. About 300,000 pets are bitten annually by venomous snakes. Are you and your pets prepared? What can you do to protect them from a possible rattlesnake bite?

There are three options: • stay away from possible encounters with a snake • take the rattle snake vaccine • enroll your pets in snake avoidance training Seeing as my husband is terrified of snakes, we practice the first option. We stay away from heavy brush, tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes hide during the day.

But avoidance is not always possible. Every year we enroll all our dogs in snake avoidance classes. These classes work by having a real live rattle snake in a cage in the middle of a field.

The dogs are taught to avoid it by receiving a series of shocks via a shock collar every time it nears the snake. It usually only takes a few shocks before the dog learns that, “snakes are bad, stay away!” They avoid that snake like the plague!

Our last option is the rattle snake vaccine. The vaccine came out in California in 2003 and was approved by the USDA in 2004. It is made using inactivated venom from the western diamond back rattlesnake. Because most venomous snakes share some of the same toxins, the vaccine can provide some cross protection against other type of

rattlesnakes and copperheads.

However, it does not provide protection against the Mojave rattlesnake, cottonmouths or coral snakes. It is recommended to vaccinate your pet 30 days before the onset of “snake season.” It takes that long for the pet’s immune system to produce the desired antibodies. However, these antibodies are short lived and the vaccine only provides protection for about six months. Boosters are needed every 6 months in

areas where there are snakes year round.

It is highly recommended to seek veterinary care as soon as possible in the event of a snake encounter. Be safe, stay cool and enjoy the warm weather. You can find further information on the rattlesnake vaccine at Red Rock Biologics and for information on snake avoidance classes please contact Happy Pets Veterinary Center at 661295-9972.

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Healthy Tips For Great Skin

This Summer

By Erika Artieda

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ood skincare and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Get started with these great tips.

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Protect yourself from the sun: Too much sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems as well as increase the risk of skin cancer. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Seek shaded places and avoid sun between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.

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Don’t Smoke: Smoke narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, which decreases blood flow, which deplete the skin of oxygen and nutrients. Smoke also damages collagen and elastin – the fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity.

3.

Treat your skin gently: Limit bath time, hot water, and long showers. Baths remove oils from your skin. Use warm water – rather than hot. Avoid strong soaps and shave carefully using shaving cream, lotion or gel and a clean, sharp razor.

elasticity, leaving the skin looking healthy and refreshed all day long.

5.

Manage stress: Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin and a healthy state of mind – take steps to manage your stress. Sleep your 8 hours. And make time for the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.

For more information on skin care as well as other health and beauty tips contact Erika directly at Hairitage Studio, www. hairitagestudio.com, hairitagestudio@att.net or 661-255-6583

4.

Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Some research suggests that diets rich in vitamin C, low in unhealthy fats, and low in processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin. Below is a list of fruits that are important for your skin: • Blueberries: this antioxidant-rich fruit is high in fiber and vitamins A and C. They help clear acne and blotchy spots on your skin leaving it with a healthy glow.

• Kiwi: this fruit helps to prevent wrinkles while keeping your bones and teeth healthy. The antioxidants found in this delicious fruit are great for the skin.

• Avocado: it is great for preventing blemishes and it is high in vitamins A, D, and E, and enhances the quality of your skin.

Avocados are also high in minerals, which help to promote skin

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La Cocina

Summer fun includes tasty meals that are easy to prepare and even take with you when visiting friends.

Cousin Alice shared this exquisite shrimp recipe with us: Shrimp a la Alice Ingredients 2 lbs frozen large shrimp (defrosted and without tails) 1 stick of butter (melted) 3-5 sliced lemons (could add more if desired) 1 Tbs of dried Italian seasoning Garlic salt to taste Directions Put 1 stick of melted butter on bottom of casserole dish Layer sliced lemons on top Layer shrimp on top of lemons Sprinkle dried Italian seasoning plus garlic salt to taste on top Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes. Broil for a couple of minutes.

Our good friend Sandra gave us this tasty delight to share with our readers: Delicious Summer Ceviche Ingredients 1 pound of shrimp (defrosted, peeled without tails) 2 fresh tomatoes 1 bunch of chopped cilantro 1 fresh onion 1 bottle of tomato sauce for seafood 3-4 lemons Salt to taste

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Directions Dice and chop first 3 ingredients. Remove black vein from shrimp, wash and boil them for 3 minutes. Mix all ingredients add lemon and salt to taste. Enjoy with crackers.

Don’t forget dessert, this is a very quick and simple recipe you can make with your kids: Fresas con Crema (Strawberries and Crème) Ingredients: 1 lb of strawberries (if you want to make more add 1 more pound and 16 oz sour crème) 1 tub of whip crème 8 oz of sour crème Sugar to taste Directions: Wash strawberries, slice them. Add whip crème and sour crème in equal amounts. Mix ingredients. Add sugar to taste.

Refrigerate for about 1 to 2 hours.

Enjoy!

Restaurants & cafes

in our valley 23

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Men and Women Want Different Things in Retirement

By Arif Halaby During the last 18 years or so of my practice as a financial professional, I have noticed certain patterns when it comes to the way men and women look at how they spend money. When listening to couple’s disagreements about who spends the most, I have found that it is often the same basic argument.

Women tend to spend in smaller amounts but more frequently.

Though they spend in small increments, $15 - $50 per day, and they do so multiple times a week, all year long. Men, on the other hand, tend to go for long dry spells with very little spending… THEN, suddenly a new boat or rifle or other “toy” that costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars appears.

Both genders think the other spends more money. It is actually intriguing to watch facial expressions change when the math is done. They are surprised to see, that in any given year they each spend about the same.

When it comes to retirement, men often think of freedom as the destination. Women think of security and tranquility as the goal. For example, a man wants to buy a cabin in the woods or buy a sailboat to sail the seas. A woman wants to have the house paid off, walk on the beach and have “enough” money in their savings account. A man looks at his work-life as a mission to be accomplished so he may retire some day. Women tend to want the journey to be more important and security to be the purpose of work.

Navigating the paths of any relationship requires communication. Sometimes my clients will answer questions that will help me help them.

During one of these recent conversations with a husband and wife who have been together for nearly 30 years, I learned something very important. How you ask the question means everything. When asking them what they would like their retirement life to be like, the husbands answer was that he wanted to buy a sailboat and sail the Caribbean Sea. His wife turned to him and said, “Jim I thought you didn’t like the ocean?” He said, “I don’t like the beach because of the sand, it gets everywhere, but the ocean, I love the ocean.” That taught me a lot about definitions and about the clarity that can be achieved when people listen to each other.

Ask yourself and your spouse the following three questions, 1. What would you do with a million dollars?

2. Describe your perfect day.

3. How would you like to be remembered?

This is a good start to the communication needed to ensure the right foundation for your retirement and that your money values equal your financial actions.

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology: Communication is the Key! Jennifer Ramos, Marketing Director

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do a lot of networking and enjoy sharing with others how we love to help people hear well. Usually these networking events take place where there is a lot of noise and activity going on. That’s great for people with normal hearing, but when your hearing is outside the normal range it proves difficult to stay in the conversation. What happens is certain sounds drop from your hearing and, usually very gradually over time, it becomes more and more noticeable until you can’t ignore it any more. Sounds like F and S get mixed up and that’s where the inappropriate responses come from what you thought you heard … there is a huge difference between “fatter today” and “Saturday.“

Yoti.

We did a little exercise at a staff meeting to find out what everyone’s favorite sound is. Approximately 30% of us

preferred most to hear the laughter or voice of our loved ones.

Whether you consider yourself a master networker or a novice, life is about the relationships and conversation we share with our friends and loved ones. While in the networking world relationships need to be created quickly. To do that you can’t afford to not hear clearly. Communication is the key that unlocks the invisible door between 2 people, and you want to make sure you’re able to hold up your end of it by listening as you hear.

Are you or someone you know, one of those people that aren’t hearing perfectly, but haven’t gotten around to checking it out? If so, we’re on a mission to make sure that everyone who needs it is able to get their hearing screened. It’s fast, easy and fun! Give us a call at 661-505-1135 and answer a few questions to see if you qualify for a FREE hearing screening.

Nola Aronson of Advanced Audiology has been helping people hear better since 1987. We are located at 23822 Valencia Blvd #103 in Valencia, CA 91355. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

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Renewing our wedding vows

Their Love Story: Jane E. Bettencourt-Soto & Richard (Rich) Soto

By Debi Acker-Zolnoski

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heir story is romantic and magical like a fairy tale. They met in Los Angeles in 1982 during a ride in an elevator.

Jane and Rich frequently spotted each other while working for Northrop Grumman.

She listened for the loud muffler of his 1973 Orange Camaro RS as it came closer to where she was standing in the company parking garage. He, wishing to catch a glimpse of ‘her’ with anticipation she would be there as he drove around the corner.

Frequent “hello’s” evolved into shared breaks and lunches…….. and we know the rest.

Jane was eighteen and Rich was thirty-two years old! Despite a fourteen year age difference, it didn’t stop them from falling in love. Jane and Rich were married on June 29, 1985 by the Captain of the Queen Mary in Long Beach. They traveled on a red eye flight to Florida to an awaiting Cruise Ship ready to sail the Caribbean, where they celebrated their honeymoon. They are celebrating twenty-nine years of marriage this month.

They renewed their vows while celebrating their wedding anniversary, June 13, 2010 with eighty guests at the stunning and picturesque Placerita Canyon Estate of Wayne and Diane Crawford. For Jane, “It was a magical moment that I am blessed to have shared with Christ, my husband, children, extended family and friends.” Rich stated “The ceremony was a symbol of our love, recommitment and devotion to each other. To do this with our pastor (Javier Labrador from Ventura), in front of our closest friends and family, with our children participating, was truly wonderful. The moment told us, God, and everyone in attendance that we were ready to share the second part of our lives together. It was also a really great example to our two children Marlise and Nicholas.” Daughter Marlise felt overwhelmed with love, joy and happiness. “It was a beautiful day to honor my parents’ commitment to one another, and it’s a day I’ll always hold close to my heart.”

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Crawford, who so graciously welcomed the couple and eighty guests to her home stated “it was a once in a lifetime occasion, a magical day that those who were there to celebrate their joy won’t ever forget.”

No one in attendance that day will ever fail to remember the beautiful poem their son Nicholas read, written for Rich and Jane in 1982 by a close friend who has since passed away.

Christ centered music for the occasion was carefully selected by Jane, creating the ambiance to send messages symbolizing how intense their faith is.

Below is Jane’s suggestion as to what makes a good marriage:

“Always remember that you were husband and wife first, and then came the children.

Someday, they will be gone and you still want to like each other! Treat each other with respect; love each other always, and never ever give up! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13 (NKJV) *Note: Rich still has the 1973 ORANGE CAMARO RS Photo Credit: Photos by Elizabeth Devenney of E Studio Gallery

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Funciona porque recibes ofertas de agradecimiento

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Trabajas duro para que tu empresa sea exitosa. Para agradecerte por tu compromiso con tu empresa y tu comunidad, te ofrecemos hasta $300* en ofertas de agradecimiento. Tomando estos tres simples pasos puedes ahorrar en servicios financieros que ayudarán a tu empresa: Paso #1: Inscríbete en el programa Wells Fargo Business Card Rewards® cuando abres una nueva Tarjeta de Crédito Business Platinum.

Paso #2: Abre una nueva cuenta de Servicios para Comerciantes.

Paso #3: Inscríbete y procesa tu nómina por 3 meses.

Habla con un representante bancario de Wells Fargo hoy mismo para aprender más sobre ofertas de agradecimiento para empresas.

1-800-359-3557 (para español marca 9) wellsfargo.com/appreciation (sólo en inglés) *Las posibles ofertas por un total de hasta $300 se basan en estimaciones de las exenciones combinadas sobre el pago de los cargos y estimaciones de los incentivos para ofertas especiales. Reciba un crédito de $100 cuando se abra cada una de las siguientes cuentas y servicios a más tardar el 30 de junio de 2014: (a) una nueva Tarjeta de Crédito Business Platinum con Recompensas y realice $1,000 en compras netas en la cuenta dentro de los primeros tres ciclos de facturación, (b) cuando abra y active una nueva cuenta de servicios para comerciantes, o (c) cuando cambie su procesamiento de nómina. Se eximirá del pago de la cuota anual del programa de recompensas de $50 durante el primer año. Las ofertas podrían modificarse o retirarse en cualquier momento sin previo aviso y no pueden transferirse. Los descuentos indicados arriba se basan en los cargos regulares aplicables a productos comerciales seleccionados. Los términos y condiciones de las cuentas, los productos, los programas y los servicios están sujetos a cambios. Pueden aplicarse cargos y condiciones a determinados productos y servicios. Las tarjetas de crédito, las cuentas de servicios para comerciantes y los servicios de nómina están sujetos a elegibilidad y aprobación, incluida la aprobación de crédito. Se aplican restricciones adicionales. Visite una sucursal o el sitio Web para obtener detalles completos. Oferta válida desde el 1 de mayo de 2014 hasta el 30 de junio de 2014.

Los contratos, las declaraciones informativas, el procesamiento y los servicios de asistencia de Crédito Comercial, Servicios de Nómina para Empresas y Servicios para Comerciantes se encuentran sólo disponibles en inglés. Obtenga los servicios de un traductor si no se siente cómodo(a) con la información suministrada en inglés. © 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Todos los derechos reservados. Miembro FDIC. (1190580_11941) 1190580_11941 9.75x5.74 4c.indd 1

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and provided over a billion dollars in loans for his clients.

“Why do you do it all?” I asked. He told me, “Because I love my country, my community and my family. My parents are Mexican-Americans who worked hard to provide for their four kids. My father, Carlos Arnold (Chuck), ran his own business and taught me to work hard and learn as much as I can. He also taught me business and people skills.

I owe him a great deal.”

Inside Fred Arnold

H

e has made hundreds of speeches throughout the world to thousands of people. He motivates them to focus their positive energies and succeed. He is Fred Arnold, father of four and a passionate Santa Clarita community leader. Fred’s passion is to help those in need. Whether it’s a business person wanting to grow their business, a non-profit organization needing support, or a Veteran in need of a hand up, he believes his job is to help wherever he can.

Through his radio program, The Business Spotlight, his television show, Out of the Rough, and as a member of the SCV Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Fred helps small business owners find ways to succeed. He is on the boards of Single Mothers Outreach, Habitat for Humanity, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the College of the Canyons Foundation. “I believe in families and community. Single mothers and returning war veterans are most in need of help. Even in Santa Clarita we have homeless, hungry and distressed citizens who need help to overcome their plight,” said Fred.

With all that he does, including being very active with his children (Alex, Katie, Jack and Amy), how does Fred find time for his own business? “I view my business as a continuation of my other activities, helping people,” he told me.

Fred is a Mortgage Advisor at American Family Funding a branch of American Pacific Mortgage Company a $4B company. Shortly after graduating from CSUN with a bachelor’s in Real Estate and Finance, Fred started his own mortgage loan company.

His specialty has always been “the personal touch.” Fred cares, truly cares, for the welfare of his clients. Over time, Fred has been president of the California Association of Mortgage Professionals, Mortgage Professional of the Year

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Fred’s advice is to, “Look for ways to help others achieve and you will unlock the secret of your own success.”

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