SEPTEMBER 2016

An exclusive magazine serving the residents of Sherman Oaks, South of the Boulevard

COVER PHOTO BY MAXX& ME PHOTOGRAPHY

MEET MARC HAIMES AND KC CHANpage 6

Aging Conversations Made Easier... pg. 4

Go Green and Save Green with LA Solar... pg. 10Why We should Share

Family Stories... pg. 12

Sadaf Salout, Owner Home Instead Senior Care sadaf.salout@homeinstead.com818-988-6848

The Buckley SchoolAlumni Relations & Communicationsdshepard@buckley.org818-461-6773

Dennis F. Rose, CPA/PFSPremier Financial ConsultantsDFR@dennisfrosecpa.com818-501-9922

Dr. Cory Rabonza, DentistHealthy Smiles Dental Officehsdo@att.net818-788-3168

Andrew Manning, Realtor SponsorBerkshire Hathaway Home Servicesandrew@andrewmanning.com818-380-2147

Kylie R. Mason, AgentNew York Life Insurancekrmason@ft.newyorklife.com818-662-7500 x7784

Sarah Olds, Owner & InstructorGazelle Pilates, LLCgazellepilatesllc@gmail.com626-993-5607

PUBLICATION TEAM Publisher: Daniel Lewin

Content Coordinator: Elyse Glickman Designer: Brittany Jooss Contributing Photographer: Maxx & Me Photography

ADVERTISINGContact: Daniel LewinEmail: dlewin@bestversionmedia.comPhone: 310-279-6287

FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS: Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 20th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: eglickman@bestversionmedia.com.

SUBMISSION DEADLINES:Content Due: Edition Date: May 20 .......................................................... JulyJune 20 .....................................................AugustJuly 20 ............................................... September August 20 ...............................................OctoberSeptember 20 ..................................... November October 20 .......................................... DecemberNovember 20 ................................. January 2017December 20 ............................... February 2017 January 20 ........................................March 2017February 20 .........................................April 2017March 20..............................................May 2017April 20 .............................................. June 2017

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NEIGHBORHOOD REAL ESTATE

Home Listings and Sales

Baths5.55.52.54.55.5

2.12.751.754.52.53

Sq. Ft.5000+6500+ 147031074637

2542 3381123633091208 3600

Built20161991200519552006

196119371951200119921955

List PriceFrom: $2,795,000$2,499,999 $777,000 $1,795,000$1,875,000

$1,200,000$1,700,000 $691,000$915,000$477,000$1,310,000

Beds55346

343523

Address4528-4546 Gaviota Crt.4521 Noeline Way 12021 Guerin St, #107 4655 White Oak Ave. 14520 Greenleaf St.

4420 Estrondo Dr. 13517 Contour Dr. 5625 Radford Ave.23834 Erin Place11445 Moorpark St, #44715 Alonzo Av.

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

16144 High Valley Place, Encino Gated Apx 6500 sq ft estate on quiet cul-de-sac in Royal Oaks Estates.

Price: $3,495,000

ANDREW MANNING YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERT

12021 Guerin St., 107, Studio City 3 bd, 2 1/2 ba is meticulously DONE & in perfect location to enjoy all Studio City has to offer.

Price: $777,000

3613 Dixie Canyon Ave., Sherman Oaks VIEWS!! Stunning mid-century modern has spectacular views with open floor plan.

Price: $1,799,000

4723 White Oak Ave., Encino “Four Seasons” style Villa. 8-10 car garage. Stately Home has Resort-style yard

Price: $3,895,000

4521 Noeline Way., Encino One of the lowest $ per sq ft in Encino!

Price: $2,499,999 14141 Ventura Blvd., Suite 8, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423818-380-2147• andrew@andrewmanning.com

SEPTEMBER 2016 SHERMAN OAKS LIVING

September • 2016

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Daniel Lewin at dlewin@bestversionmedia.com or 310-279-6287.

in Sherman Oaks

ACTIVE

SOLD

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2016 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

FROM THE PUBLISHERWelcome to the third issue of Sherman Oaks Living magazine! We’re happy and excited to announce that our page count will be growing in the next few months. This means more custom content and relevant material just for you, as this publication is all about your community: the families and folks in the great neighborhoods and the shops and businesses in the area.

The recent months have brought us some serious heat waves, a lot of sunburned children, and a significant increase in air-conditioning bills. But Labor Day – one of America’s most important holidays – has finally arrived! The first Monday of September means that white clothes are out, sales are in, summer holidays are over and classes begin. For many of us (but far from all of us), it’s a welcome day off of work or school, ahead of what is likely to be a busier month than the last one.

Our resident feature this month introduces you to Marc Haimes and KC Chan. I hope you enjoy their witty sense of humor, as well as their love of live and best dog ever, Henry. In the meantime, enjoy the back-to-school to do’s and Labor Day weekend.

Until next month,

Daniel Lewin Publisher

September 2016

HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL

arvard-Westlake strives to be a diverse and inclusive community united by the joyful pursuit of educational

excellence, living and learning with integrity, and purpose beyond ourselves.

HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL3700 Coldwater Canyon Avenue Studio City, CA 91604

(818) 487-6601 • community@hw.com

For more information about Harvard-Westlake in the community and to sign up to receive updates please visit www.hw.com/community.

4 5

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

nwrugs.comSherman Oaks 14564 Ventura Blvd (818) 386-7847Agoura Hills 28610 Canwood St (818) 706-3333

3 location in Portland, OR, - (503) 682-7847 • Las Vegas, NV - (702) 737-7847

Monday - Saturday: 10AM to 7PM - Sunday: 11AM to 6PM

Grand OpeningRugs & Furniture - Now In Sherman Oaks

LIVING ROOM • BEDROOM • DINING ROOM

New Store!

SEPTEMBER 2016 SHERMAN OAKS LIVING

Making Difficult Aging Conversations EasierEXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

Experts have said that by the time you’re approaching 40, and a loved one is around 70, you should have had the “talk” about issues so many families want to avoid. The Home

Instead Senior Care network refers to that as the 40-70 Rule.

These conversations aren’t always easy. Barriers and hurdles can often get in the way of important family conversations about a variety of topics such as living and financial choices, health, relationships and dating, driving, and end of life.

Home Instead Senior Care and communication expert Jake Harwood, Ph.D., outlines six tips to help family caregivers communicate with their aging parents on sensitive subjects:

• Get Started: If you’re 40 or your parents are 70, it’s time to start observing and gathering information carefully and thoughtfully. Don’t reach a conclusion from a single observation and decide on the best solution until you have gathered information with an open mind and talked with your parents.

• Talk it out: Approach your parents with a conversation. Discuss what you’ve observed and ask your parents what they think is going on. If your parents acknowledge the situation, ask what they think would be good solutions. If your parents don’t recognize a problem, use concrete examples to support your case.

• Sooner is better: Talk sooner rather than later when a crisis has occurred. If you know your loved one has poor eyesight or has trouble driving at night, address those issues as soon as possible, before a problem arises.

• Maximize the independence: Always try to move toward solutions that provide the maximum amount of independence

for the older person. Look for answers that optimize strengths and compensate for problems. For instance, if your loved ones need help at home, look for tools that can help them maintain their strengths. Professional caregiver services provide assistance in a number of areas including meal preparation, light housekeeping or medication reminders. Alternatively, you can find friends who can help.

• Be aware of the whole situation: If your father dies, and soon afterward your mother’s house seems to be in disarray, it’s probably not because she suddenly became ill. It’s more likely to stem from a lack of social support and the loss of a life-long relationship. Make sure that your mom has friends and a social life.

• Ask for help: Many aging-related issues can be addressed by providing parents with the support they need to continue to maintain their independence. Resources such as Home Instead Senior Care, Area Agencies on Aging and local senior centers can help provide those solutions.

By Sadaf Salout, Owner, Home Instead Senior Care Sherman Oaks

You can learn more at www.4070Talk.com or contact me directly at Home Instead Senior Care at sadaf.salout@homeinstead.com or 818-988-6848.

Families may be concerned about the cost of receiving assistance at home

or moving to a care community, or not even aware of the different options

6 7

As a movie industry veteran, Marc Haimes, 44, is an expert in setting the stage for good storytelling, in his own life and in his screenplays. The studio executive-turned-screenwriter

lives and works in the same home he purchased over 11 years ago. As his home base has also been his perfect workplace for the last seven years, he’s really gotten to know and love this neighborhood of his even more.

“When I drove down Ventura Boulevard for the very first time at age 21, I just couldn’t get over the long stretch of restaurants, non-corporate stores and diverse businesses,” Marc recalls. “I remember thinking to myself, even back then, that it seems like a really nice place to plant some roots. I never forgot that feeling. And when it came time start my house hunt some years later, the valley became my first choice.”

He has shared his life and enjoyed those wide-open spaces with girlfriend KC Chan, 33, and canine companion Henry, 10. KC is an Executive Producer for Blackinese Productions, a television production company focusing on quality content, with emphasis on multicultural diversity. Her philosophy: If you want to see your reality, what better way than to utilize the television platform to help influence it!

Marc and KC, who serendipitously met through a dating web site, had their first informal date on a hiking trail and “official indoor” date

at The One Up. They were both drawn from opposite ends of the U.S. but agree Sherman Oaks is the perfect home base for creative and entrepreneurial people.

Marc, who hails from Bethesda, Maryland and got his English and Theater degree at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, came out to L.A. to be a writer, at 21. He worked his way up the Hollywood studio ladder, starting as a story analyst and ending up as a Vice President at Dreamworks. His executive resume includes “Disturbia,” “Hotel for Dogs” and “Transformers.” Starting in 2010, he transitioned to a full-time screenwriting career, selling scripts to Summit, Paramount and other studios. Hard work has now paid off, as his first, penned big budget animation film, “Kubo and the Two Strings” was released on August 19, 2016. His next projects in the works are a drama based on the Waco, Texas tragedy of 1993 for producer Mark Boal, and an adaptation of the best-selling graphic novel NIMONA for Fox Animation to be directed by Academy Award winner, Patrick Osbourne.

KC, in entertainment since 2006, moved from Maui to California for college at UC-Irvine to study pre-medicine. However, in her junior year of college, she decided to change majors. After graduating with a philosophy degree, she made the jump from philosophy to the entertainment world. Undaunted by the challenge of “not knowing anyone in the business,” she enrolled in directing, producing, acting, and editing classes at USC, UCLA, and Video Symphony. She

By Elyse Glickman/ Photos by Maxx and Me photography

cover story Marc Haimes and KC Chan

“Write” of Way

SEPTEMBER 2016 SHERMAN OAKS LIVING

worked her way up from production assistant to co-producer on a few independent films, and gained contacts while working freelance on television shows. Her run on the “Amazing Race,” ran over three years

“Growing up in the (Hawaiian) islands is very much about community,” KC muses. “Everybody knows each other, and everybody takes care of each other. However, my career, especially as it is freelance, didn’t have stability as I worked in parts of L.A. where I knew I could find work. Therefore, I stayed living in Irvine and commuted to work in L.A. However, when I moved in with Marc, I realized Sherman Oaks was very family oriented, community driven and the kind of place that I could equate to the environment I grew up in on Maui.”

The couple enjoys reading, playing with Henry, working out together at home and at the nearby Hazeltine Park, going for morning and early evening walks, and staging gatherings for viewing nights (i.e. UFC fight nights, NBA games, and “GOT,” or “Game of Thrones”), movie nights, pool parties and dog parties. KC enjoys cooking and baking for Marc, Henry, and their loved ones, sourcing organic ingredients at neighborhood Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or the Farmer’s Market. Marc makes time to stay healthy and fit, and works out at the Sherman Oaks branch of CorePower Yoga, just around the corner, several times a week.

Henry also has relished getting to know his neighbors over the years. According to Marc and KC, the sharpei/chow/jindo/pit/lab mix found a brilliant “Mission Impossible”-caliber strategy for sneaking into the neighbor’s yard, via digging, leaping, climbing, and sneaking. Henry was so stealth that Marc had no idea he was doing it, until the neighbor called him over to show him the dirt that Henry was digging into his pool.”And there was also some other kinds of evidence,” Marc admits. “You can guess what that was.” However, it’s hard for anybody to stay mad at Henry.

“The cool thing about Henry is that he remembers his friends, and you can tell by his level of excitement how much he knows and how much he likes somebody,” KC observes. “Food tends to play a big role in his decision-making here. However, it’s not the only thing.”

January of this year, however, brought heartbreaking news: Henry was diagnosed with liver cancer and had to go an emergency splenectomy (removal of his spleen). Though the surgery was successful, Western veterinarians predicted Henry would only have between two and ten weeks left. Marc wasn’t going to just accept that this dire prediction was the only possibility. He turned to Eastern holistic medicine, and found Dr. Audra McCorkle, veterinarian at Healing Touch Wellness Center in Sherman Oaks.

“After meeting with Dr. Audra, she recommended that Henry begin to do acupuncture and chiropractic treatments on a weekly basis, on top of taking herbal medicine to help naturally suppress and eventually heal the cancer,” Marc details. “We were also directed to a store around the corner called PETstaurant,” which is a healthy pet store that sells organic treats, supplements, and is heavily involved in dog rescue.

“By implementing this new regimen along with treatments at Healing Touch Wellness Center, we are glad to say that Henry is doing very well and is at over 6 months since having his splenectomy,” adds KC. “He is our miracle dog.”

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Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at eglickman@bestversionmedia.com.

“A lot of what I loved about growing up in the suburbs of Bethesda, I find in Sherman Oaks,” says Marc, reflecting on how so many resources are within walking distance of his home and creative workspace. “I see a lot of people walking their dogs, jogging, biking and going out with their

families. L.A. gets this bad rap about being a pedestrian-hostile culture, but I feel that in our

community that’s really not the case. People say hello, smile at each other and give waves. That

said, Henry’s become a local celebrity, and I suspect that the majority people remember us because of him.”

SEPTEMBER 2016 SHERMAN OAKS LIVING

Sept 2-25The Los Angeles County Fair@Pamona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave, Pamona Wrap the summer of 2016 with the perennially popular event that brings together nostalgic, farm-friendly Americana (livestock beauty contests, local produce) and modern acrobats, wine tastings, exhibitions and concerts.Time: 9am-2pm • Cost: Adults $14-20; Kids $8-12; Parking $15lacountyfair.com Sun. Sept 4William Shakespeare’s The Tempest@The Old Zoo at Griffith ParkFans of British culture Independent Shakespeare Co. brings us The Tempest, the last free production of the summer season of Free Shakespeare in Griffith Park. Bring your picnic fare, non-alcoholic beverages and blankets for a bit of renaissance revelry.Time: 7pm • Cost: free • iscla.org Tues. Sept 13-Fri. Sept 15 Wilco@ The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 933 S. Broadway, Los AngelesAlt rock pioneers Wilco spin music that is just as magnetic as it was in the early 90s. The group has shuffled its lineup and sound over the years, mostly ditching its alt country roots for detours into noise rock and jam band territory, alternating between krautrock grooves and Southern Rock guitar attacks. Time: 8pm • Cost: $35-85 • acehotel.com

Sept 16-Nov 5The Play About the Baby@ The NoHo Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd. in North Hollywood, CA 91602Steal an opportunity to view the rarely produced dark comedy by Edward Albee (“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolfe”). A couple believes they have a perfect life until a mysterious older couple wins their trust and steals their baby. Through a series of manipulations, Albee’s prose calls into question both couples’ sense of reality and fiction, joy and sorrow. Time: 8pm • Cost: $34 • roadtheatre.org

Tues. Sept 20Hall & Oates@Hollywood BowlThe top pop duo of the early 80s brings their greatest hits and then some to the Bowl, including “Private Eyes,” “Maneater,” “Method of Modern Love” and many others. Time: 7:00 • Cost: $29.50-$165 • hollywoodbowl.com

Thurs. Sept 14 Land Use Committee Meeting@ 4024 Radford Avenue, Editorial 2, Room 6The Studio City Neighborhood Council will discuss ways different areas within the city will potentially be used for the community’s benefit. Time: 7pm • Cost: free • studiocitync.org

Thurs. Sept 22Young Frankenstein: The Musical@Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Drive, Los AngelesGet ready for Halloween early with this electrifying musical comedy adaptation of Mel Brooks’ monstrously classic comedy. In this zany Broadway hit musical, by the creators of the Tony-winning The Producers, Victor Frankenstein (the mad scientist’s grandson), travels to Transylvania to claim the family estate and build on its legacy—with hilarious results.Time: 5pm • Cost: $5-70 • norriscenter.com Through Oct 30, 2016Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American@ Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.From Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax to Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Fernando Valenzuela, and Ichiro Suzuki, these are players who didn’t just play the game—they changed the game. For generations of American Jews and other minorities, they served as athletic, cultural, and ethical role models.Time: T-F, Noon-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am-5pm • Cost: adults, $12; $7, kidsSkirball.org

Calendar of Events

Facebook.com/ShermanOaksStreetFair Attrac

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chan

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www.ShermanOaksStreetFair.orgDETAILS & VENDOR FORMS AVAILAbLE ONLINE OR cALL 818-906-1951

Largest event in the san Fernando vaLLey • Free adMission

100,000 peopLe • over 200 vendors, dispLays & eXhiBitsFood courts • Food trucks • outdoor cocktaiL Lounge

S H E R M A N OA K S

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 • 10AM-6PMVENTURA BOULEVARD • SHERMAN OAKS, CA9 BLOCKS FROM VAN NUYS BOULEVARD TO KESTER BOULEVARD

2 6 t h A n n u a l2 6 t h A n n u a l

STREET FAIRSTREET FAIR

CLASSIC SURF john blair & the trespassers

Clem BurkeBLONDIEElliot Easton

THE CARS

THE EMPTY HEARTSWally Palmar

THE ROMANTICSAndy Babiuk

CHESTERFIELD KINGS

COMMuNITY ARTS STAGE

ED SULLIVAN TO ABBEY ROADTHE BEATLESwith paperBack Writer

50TH ANNIVERSARY THE MONKEESwith PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY

CLASSIC CAR SHOW

CARNIvAL& FuN zONE

7651 Sepulveda Blvd.Van Nuys, CA 91405

www.AldikHome.com(818) 988-5970

Floralize Beautify your home with realistic silk fl owers, hand-crafted silk fl oral arrangements, or a custom-made silk tree!

1110 SEPTEMBER 2016 SHERMAN OAKS LIVING

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Let The Sun and Savings Shine In With Solar

Within the last 10 years, solar has shifted how people think about energy and the environment. Today, with its rapid

growth, solar is the #1 renewable energy resource in America, and is now more affordable and ever before.

According to SEIA/GTM research, the average price for a system has dropped 53% since 2010. With government and local incentives, it’s the perfect formula for homeowners with high electric bills to capitalize and invest toward their house and the state’s carbon footprint. In 2014, solar has reduced 20 million metric tons of harmful CO2 emissions, which is why it’s leading the path to a cleaner environment with less pollution.

What makes solar such a popular decision for homeowners is the return of investment they will gain from it. After all, home ownership is an investment to itself, and adding solar can only add more value. Over 80% of homes that switched to solar have their investment returned in seven years from the date of installation.

So how can solar energy make a difference for you and your family? This question is determined by the lifestyle you have and how electricity is consumed in your house. Once a home switches to solar, it has potential to send energy back to LADWP. This is called Net Energy Metering (NEM).

NEM is a billing arrangement between you and LADWP that allows them to credit your account (in kW/h) for energy that your solar system is producing in excess of the electricity you need to use in your home. For example, on a sunny afternoon, the solar system will generate power in kilowatts per hour (kW/h). If electricity is not being

used in the house, the home’s meter will feed the energy produced by the solar system to LADWP’s grid crediting your account for every watt. Come evening when the family is home, heating and/or air conditioning is active, television is on, the energy that was fed to the grid during the afternoon is returned back to the home as a credit.

This is how so many homeowners that install a solar system have been receiving close to a $0 electric bill. Some households with solar have learned to leverage the NEM system by better managing their electricity usage to build a “bank” of energy credits which in return brings more savings to their utility expenses.

Other households aren’t concerned about being conservative, but rather liberal with their electric usage and only want solar to add to their excessive electric consumption. They need the additional solar energy to handle the large amount of kW/h used in the home so they can keep their bill low by not exceeding the 1st or 2nd tier.

Ultimately, a solar home with a NEM system is a smart investment for both your family and the community. Why? It will both reduce your electrical costs while improving the environment, paving the way towards a sustainable future.

Robert Sarai is a managing solar consultant with LA Solar Group, a full service solar installation company based in the San Fernando Valley licensed under CSLB #974115. For more information, call 818-946-2320, or email robert@lasolargroup.com

By Robert Sarai, LA Solar Group

BOW TIE PASTABy Jordan King

1 bunch asparagus, cut in 2 inch segments¾ pound snow peas1 pound bowtie pasta⅓ cup shredded parmesan or Romano cheese¼ cup extra virgin olive oilsalt & pepper Bring 4 quarts of water to boil on the stove. Drop in asparagus pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes. The asparagus will be nearly cooked. Remove asparagus with small colander or slotted spoon. While the water is still at a boil, add bow tie pasta and cook according to instructions. With 2 minutes left, add the asparagus and snow peas to the boiling pasta. Drain and dump back into the pot. Drizzle olive oil over the pasta and greens, add salt and pepper to taste and top with cheese. Any of your favorite veggies work! Add whatever is in season. Grilled chicken or a tablespoon of lemon zest compliment this dish perfectly. Cook time: 15 minutes | Serves: 4-6

1312 13SEPTEMBER 2016 SHERMAN OAKS LIVING

MSm

ith Lewis Photography

Elite results with affordable private Pilates training for individuals and families.

GAZELLE PILATES Now Open!

4343 Van Nuys Blvd.Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

GazellePilates.com Tel. 818-853-2715Studio Hours:Monday-Friday: 7am-7pmSaturday: 8am-2pmConvenient location & parking.

FOR DETAILS CONTACT: Daniel Lewin310-279-6287 | dlewin@bestversionmedia.com

WANTEDACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

MAY 2016

COVER PHOTO BY MAXX AND ME PHOTOGRAPHY

MEET THE

KAVANAGHS page 4

Expert Contributor: Mathnasium ... pg. 8

Family Matters: Is There A War On Boys? ... pg. 10

Why We Should Share Family Stories ... pg. 13

Exclusively serving the residents and neighborhoods

South of the Boulevard to Mulholland Drive

JULY 2016

An exclusive magazine serving the residents of Sherman Oaks, South of the Boulevard

COVER PHOTO BY MAXX AND ME PHOTOGRAPHY

Realtor Sponsor: Andrew Manning... pg. 2Business Profile: Dr. Cory Rabonza, DDS... pg. 104th of July Balloon Rocket Races... pg. 12

MEET THE SEEMANSpage 6

Considered one of the best places to work in North America, Best Version Media, is looking for Ad Sales/Account Executives in micro-targeted areas. Come join one of the fastest growing Media companies in the U.S. and Canada.

Researchers call it a “Family Narrative,” and it consists of all the stories we tell about our family members. We need to tell the ups and the downs -- not just the good stories, or the bad stories. Don’t just tell the facts, but help your children understand the meaning behind the facts. Share the moral behind the stories.Don’t worry if the stories aren’t 100 percent accurate. We usually tell family stories to help our children when they are struggling or in a tough situation. We tend to modify the stories to fit the situation, and that is okay.Instead, we should focus on telling our children the stories that they can’t learn first hand. Maybe they happened before they were born, or happened to family members they won’t ever meet. Right now with family reunions and family vacations on the calendar, it is the perfect time to tell our children about their ancestors and let your Great Aunt share.How can we introduce our children to our family stories? The best place to start is by telling a story in every situation. My dad was a master at this. He always had a family story to tell. Whether he was teaching me about honesty or how to handle a bad day on the tennis court, there was a family story involved. These stories are now being passed on to our children. They have connected all of us to one another and taught along the way. Whenever possible, share a story. Whether your child is nervous about the spelling bee, or your teenager is asking a girl/boy out on a date, think back to your family stories and use them to teach.You will love the strength it brings to your children. You will be amazed at the way it bonds your family. We all have these stories, it just might take a little extra thought when the situations arise. So the next time you have a conversation with your children, share a family story!

Why We Should Share Family StoriesBy Heather Johnson, M.S.

Do your children know how you and your spouse met? Do they know where you went to high school or what you majored in in college? What about their grandparents, do they know where they were born, or what

they did for a living? Do your kids know their own birth stories?Well, if they don’t, it is time for us to start talking!

I want to share with you some fantastic research out of Emory University. They found that children who know more about their families are more resilient, better at facing challenges, have higher self esteem and feel a greater sense of control over their lives. Knowing their family stories connects them to a greater body of people and develops their sense of identity.What? Just by sharing family stories, our children can have all those benefits?

Heather is a contributor to The Idea Room and founder of FamilyVolley.com, an online advice column for families, loaded with practical advice, activities, and encouragement for raising successful families. 

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818.784.1694

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PFCHANGS.COM

14 15SEPTEMBER 2016 SHERMAN OAKS LIVING

Have something to sell or give away? It might be just the thing your neighbor is looking for! To place your free classified, go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” For free listings, ads must be 40 words or less, non-business related. You will receive email confirmation.

SAMPLESYAMAHA PIANO MODEL 305T$1750. This beautiful French Provincial upright is 18 years old but kept in top condition. Please call Dave at 333-333-3333.

PLAY SETBeautiful kids’ play set for sale. Has built-in picnic table, two swings, fort, slide and hanging bar. A great set for a growing family. Set was stained each year. Best offer. Call 222-222-2222.

Be in business for yourself and make a little money – all while helping your neighbors! Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” Please limit to 40 words and include your age. Note that parental permission is required.

SAMPLESLANDSCAPING RYAN, 17I have worked at a landscaping company for two summers and can mow lawns, water plants and perform general maintenance in your yard. Call me at 333-333-3333.

PET SITTING SAMANTHA, 13I can take care of your dogs and cats while you are busy or on vacation, up to a week at a time. For details, call me at 333-333-3333.

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MAY 2016

COVER PHOTO BY MAXX AND ME PHOTOGRAPHY

MEET THE

KAVANAGHS page 4

Expert Contributor: Mathnasium ... pg. 8

Family Matters: Is There A War On Boys? ... pg. 10

Why We Should Share Family Stories ... pg. 13

Exclusively serving the residents and neighborhoods

South of the Boulevard to Mulholland Drive

Sherman Oaks Living is all about bringing people together and fostering a closer-knit community! Check out the many ways that you can contribute to and take advantage of your

monthly neighborhood magazine. We are all about bringing local to the next level and want this magazine to serve you. Let us know what you hope to see in these monthly pages.

• You can submit nominations of families or individuals whom you would like to see highlighted in future cover stories. They could be new arrivals, or the longest-established residents on the block, and so on. Help us highlight those people who make our community a great place to live, work and raise a family. Or use this feature as a way to share your own story with neighbors.

• If you’re part of a book club, social group or charity organization in the community, share your experiences and photos, and invite others to join you!

• Showcase the emerging academics, athletes, artists and actors in your life by submitting photos and details on your kids’ accomplishments, as well as information on school events and fundraisers your family is involved in.

• Introduce your precious pet to the community! We recognize the uniqueness of your pet, and are happy to share his/her quirks, habits, favorite activities and more.

• Business owners, the community starts right outside your front door. The family feature story is a great place to introduce your services to those closest to you.

• Volunteers, are you passionate about charity work? Do you organize a fundraiser each year for a nonprofit or walk to fight disease? Your story might motivate others to get involved, too.

• If you are involved in your homeowners’ association, use this magazine to inform neighbors of events, neighborhood activities, yard sales, new officers, meeting minutes, contact info for board members, or other announcements.

The process is easy. You send us your ideas or recommend neighbors, and we will talk with you, write the article and gather photos. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” Or, simply e-mail your content coordinator at eglickman@bestversionmedia.com.

Remember, we want stories featuring you and your neighbors! Together we can bring neighbors together, stay connected and create an informative, family-friendly forum through your magazine.

As families serving families, we respect your wish for privacy. Resident features are shared only within your neighborhood magazine.

Make This Magazine Your Own

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Chelsea Robinson CalBRE License #01927742

“Chelsea is that person that’ll GET IT DONE and DONE WELL”

-Lei L. (Buyer)

“No matter how high your expectations, you won’t be disappointed with Chelsea.” – Steven G. (Seller)

Are you ready to buy or sell your home? Don’t wait, get in touch with me today!