Issuu

A P R I L 2 02 1

The Eco Issue

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Michael Gerard | michael.gerard@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Barbara Kimler

Spring is Here!

ACCO UNT E XECUTI VE

HAPPY APRIL, LAGUNA NIGUEL!

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kristin Buchanan

Karen Reuter

And April is a wonderful month to reconnect with the Earth and spend some more quality time outdoors. While you’re out, take a moment to appreciate the gifts our planet gives us each day. How can you show your thanks? Maybe you join a neighborhood or beach cleanup or check out some new, sustainable brands popping up in our local boutiques. This April issue is filled with community stories and ideas to get you in the Earth Day spirit. We can’t wait to see how you decide to celebrate. Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and don’t forget to tag us @lagunaniguellifestyle!

AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Barbara Kimler, Stephanie Callahan, Kimberly Blaker, Denzil Baynes CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Karen Reuter

Thank you for all you do to keep our community clean and healthy. Happy Earth Day!

CORPORATE TEAM Michael Gerard, Publisher

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Shimmering Surf (36”x36” Oil) Artist: Cara Pabst Moran, The Signature Gallery, TheSignatureGallery.com 4

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

Proverbs 3:5-6 Laguna Niguel Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Laguna Niguel areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Laguna Niguel Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 10 Aurora Saves! Wildlife Rescue at Sea

14 Senior Cuisine Delivered Affordable, Convenient Home Delivered Meals for Older Adults

20 Family Camping Trips Make the Most of Your Getaway into Nature

14 20

30 Learning Unbounded: One Teacher. Limitless Potential Eric Hartman - St. Anne School, Laguna Niguel

30 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Animal Kingdom

27 DIY 30 Local’s Choice

LAGUNA NIGUEL

Get surprisingly great home and auto rates. Here’s the deal, our Home and Auto rates are already great. But when you combine with State Farm you can save even more. Call me to discover your surprisingly great rates on Home and Auto today. Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting.

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AROUND TOWN

Introducing BELMONT VILLAGE FOUNDER AND CEO RECOGNIZED FOR EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP Belmont Village Senior Living Founder and CEO Patricia Will recently received the Women of Distinction Award and was inducted into the McKnight’s Women of Distinction Hall of Honor. Patricia is one of 19 female senior-level executives chosen from hundreds of applicants for their exemplary leadership and dedication to senior living. Founded in 1997, Belmont Village

Dr. Jessica Kim Board Certified Dermatologist

develops, builds, and operates senior living communities renowned for quality of care, research-based programs, and high standards. Belmont Village Aliso Viejo opened in February 2019

MEDICAL | SURGICAL | COSMETIC | VARICOSE VEINS

and offers best-in-class Assisted Living and award-winning Memory Care. BelmontVillage.com

OCEAN INSTITUTE OFFERS GIRLS IN OCEAN SCIENCE CONFERENCE The Ocean Institute will offer the Girls in Ocean Science Conference for middle school and high school girls

Saturday

and

Sunday,

April 17th and 18th. The

Girls

Conference

Ocean

connects

Science influential

female scientists with the next generation of ocean ambassadors.

26732 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 571, Mission Viejo

Scientists will conduct hands-on

(949) 200-7008

the success and excitement avail-

www.GoldenCoastDermatology.com 8

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

workshops that will communicate able to women who pursue science

as a career. Participants will spend the day conducting research with leading scientists in our labs and the Sea Explorer. Young women who love science or are just beginning to show an interest will come away empowered to explore the field further. For more information and to register, visit oceaninstitute.org

DANA POINT AWARDED FIRST WHALE HERITAGE SITE IN THE AMERICAS Dana Point, the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World®, is the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas, as established by the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA). The WCA is the world’s largest marine conservation partnership, dedicated to the promotion of safe and sustainable whale watching. A Whale Heritage Site is an outstanding location where cetaceans (whales, dolphins, or porpoises) are embraced through the cultural, economic, social, and political lives of associated communities, and where people and cetaceans coexist in an authentic and respectful way. Donna Kalez and Gisele Anderson, Co-Directors of the Dana Point Whale Watching Company, began the application process early in 2020 after successfully trademarking Dana Point as the Dolphin & Whale Capital of the World® in 2019. DanaPointWhaleWatching.com

MICHAEL PABST

at sea aboard our research vessel,

Crimson Reflections, Oil, 36x12

“Make Your Life Beautiful” Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ LagunaNiguel using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

220 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949-376-4244 thesignaturegallery.com

L AG U N A B E AC H - S COT TS DA L E - S A N TA F E CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

ANIMAL KINGDOM

aurora saves! WILDLIFE RESCUE AT SEA ARTICLE DENZIL BAYNES

“ There was no way to know how many hours or days this poor creature had been thrashing around. I looked into its eye and said out loud, ‘ We a r e g o i n g t o help you!’” 10

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

I NEVER DID LOOK AT THE DEPTH WE WERE IN AT THAT TIME. We were 30 miles-plus offshore. The water had to be 1000 fathoms deep. I jumped into the cold water, I had no clue what was swimming beneath me. And this is an active part of the coast for marine wildlife—big and small. There is a checklist that we go through as crew when setting out on a journey at sea. On the My Aurora, a Nordhavn 120, everyone has their tasks to do: the flag goes up and the lines are checked. We were going out to sea for four or five days. We had to make sure all fluid levels are good, the hydraulics are checked. We completed a visual inspection of the boat and made sure everything is how it should look. We had the impression we were headed straight to Mexico. Cabo was our destination. The good thing about the Aurora is that we can carry 18,500 gallons of fuel so the range is not an issue to us. And, because of the window of beautiful weather, we decided to carry on Northward— further toward Dana Point. A six-day trip turned into an eleven-day trip and we were all happy about it. I was sleeping peacefully in my cabin when awakening suddenly. The RPM dropped and I jumped out of bed, thinking something was wrong. When I radioed Captain Jake, to see if there was a problem, he responded that there was something in the water that we needed to investigate. It was a spinner dolphin, in distress, caught in a web of nylon line. That poor dolphin was not there for a short time—I can guarantee that. Just looking at his tail, and the thought of how long it must have thrashed around, broke my heart. I swam over to investigate up close. Seeing that line so deeply etched into its flesh, I was certain it was not going to survive another day. The line was wrapped around its tail so tightly that I could not even get the blade of my knife to sever the lines. The only thing we could do was to swim the dolphin back to the boat and pull it up on deck. I struggled with the swim back, pulling the dolphin by the tail, with the knife held in my teeth. They say the eyes are the window to the soul. And, looking into the eye of this poor dolphin, I could see how utterly exhausted it was. It was ready to give up. At that moment, deep emotion swept over all of us. We were determined to save this poor dolphin, whatever it took. There was no way to know how many hours or days this poor creature had been thrashing around. I looked into its eye and said out loud, “We are going to help you!” As we pulled the animal up onto the boat, we gathered a hose to keep it wet. There was no choice other than to put the dolphin in a bit of a more stressful situation in order to save its life. Once we managed to get the line cut off its tail, we had to push the dolphin back into the water, not knowing if it would survive or not. Four of us gently eased the dolphin back into the sea and it disappeared. Those moments seemed like an eternity as we waited to see any sign of our rescue victim. Then, when we finally saw it surface, thrashing its tail, and dive, all of us were overcome with emotion. Major goosebumps. We were absolutely beside ourselves with happiness and joy.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

ANIMAL KINGDOM (CONTINUED)

However, our work was not finished. We then noticed two large sea turtles in the same situation—tangled in a huge web of the same line. These were huge sea turtles; they were at least sixty or seventy-pound each. There was so much line weighing them down, it took four of us to lift them onto the boat. We were truly grateful that we had such good weather. We would never have seen these poor animals had visibility be anything but clear. Once we freed the turtles, we set them back into the water. They, too, were visibly distressed. I’m not sure they would have lasted much longer either. We just saved a dolphin’s life. We saved two sea turtles and two stingrays as well. That is five lives that should not have been in distress. The sad thing is that we can not be everywhere to help with situations like this, and that’s why I take my hat off to seashepherd.org and organizations like that. I only wish we could help get the word out so that more people are aware and can help. Denzil Baynes, a crewmember from Nordhavn 120 “My Aurora” whose documentary Aurora Saves, about a single day in the life of the beautiful superyacht spent making several ocean mammal rescues, wound up earning the judges’ highest marks at the Nordhavn Film Festival, held last October, at Nordhavn Yachts in Dana Point Harbor. To learn more about Nordhavn Yachts, visit norhavnyachts.com. To watch the documentary, Aurora Saves, just search for it, by name, on YouTube.com.

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

senior cuisine delivered AFFORDABLE, CONVENIENT HOME DELIVERED MEALS FOR OLDER ADULTS

ARTICLE BARBARA KIMLER PHOTOGRAPHY KAREN REUTER

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

"T his year h as been a t ough one for t he hospit ality indust ry, but we choose t o focus on t he good. W hen times are down, we h ave looked deep wit hin our community t o see where we may continue t o serve." - Sri Divel CAESAR SALAD WITH CROUTONS AND

Senior Cuisine Delivered meals are an

ASIAGO SOUND GOOD? How about roasted

affordable option with costs as little as $9.95

salmon with mashed potatoes and seasonal

per meal. As an introductory offer, new

vegetables accented with sweet soy or would

customers will receive $15 off their first two-

luscious lasagna with house marinara meat

week subscription. Participants can choose

sauce fill the bill?

two-, four- or six-day meal plans featuring

Have we tempted your tastebuds yet? If you’re

lunches and dinners.

a 50-plus resident in South Orange County,

To give participants a flavor of the entrees

delicious lunch and dinner entrees at affordable

available, they can review sample menus and

prices like these from Salt Creek Grille in Dana

choose their favorite meal partner. South County

Point and other popular eateries are just a free

restaurants include Salt Creek Grille, Asian

delivery away from your front door.

Kitchen, Pokeworks, Panera Bread, Bagels &

They’re the main courses of the new Senior

Brew, Luscious Jimmy’s, Blue Stone Kitchen, Zest

Cuisine Delivered program, just introduced by

in a Bowl, Greenlife Fit Foods, Yeshiva Pirchei

Age Well Senior Services and Meals on Wheels

Shoshanim, and Jolanda’s Café & Catering.

Orange County.

In North and Central County, restaurant

Senior Cuisine Delivered provides fresh restau-

partners include All Above Catering, Blue Stone

rant-quality meals at an affordable price, deliv-

Kitchen, Brodard Chateau, Caffe Montage,

ered safely to the doors of participating residents

Golden Corral, Jewish Community Services

50-plus, their caregivers, and their dependents.

of Orange County, Panera Bread, Thành Mỹ

Nonprofit Age Well Senior Services of

Restaurant, Thuan Kieu Noodle & Grill, Your

Lake Forest, which provides critical services,

Personal Chef, Urbana Mexican Gastronomy

resources, and programs to homebound and

and Zest in a Bowl.

low-income seniors, manages the meals pro-

Participants must enroll online at myagewell.

gram for residents in 21 cities located in South

org for South OC restaurants and mealson-

Orange County and Irvine. Anaheim-based

wheels.org for North/Central County to set up

Meals on Wheels Orange County manages the

their individual plans on a secure site. Options

program in Central and North Orange County.

include Monday only with two lunches, two din-

“We are proud to partner with Age Well to

ners for $39.80; four days/week - Monday and

serve our community,” said Sri Divel, Partner

Wednesday with four lunches, four dinners for

with Salt Creek Grille. “This year has been a

$79.60; or six days/week - Monday, Wednesday,

tough one for the hospitality industry, but we

and Friday with six lunches, six dinners for

choose to focus on the good. When times are

$119.40. Restaurant selections may be changed

down, we have looked deep within our commu-

weekly before noon on Friday of each week for

nity to see where we may continue to serve.”

the following Monday.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

SENIOR CUISINE DELIVERED (CONTINUED)

“We are pleased to serve our seniors with restaurant-quality meals specially made for them and safely delivered right to their door,” said Age Well’s CEO Steven G. Moyer. “This new service complements our existing Grab & Go Meals distributed through local senior centers and our traditional Home-Delivered Meals on Wheels.” Along with the other quality restaurant participants, Salt Creek Grille features a variety of healthy and delicious meal options including a superfood salad, Mesquite-grilled baby back ribs, grilled shrimp skewer, and a beef and broccoli dish with tender beef medallions, broccoli florets, and steamed rice. Divel says, “Salt Creek Grille is proud to nurture Orange County’s senior family at a time when fear and uncertainly prevail. We will nourish our communities’ most vulnerable and deliver to their door so they may stay in the comfort of their own homes until brighter days return. It’s an honor to have the ability to continue to do what we do best, feed our guests, now enhanced through our partnership with Age Well.” Bon appétit!

Age Well CEO Steven G. Moyer 16

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

Because once a week isn’t enough...

Introducing

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BRING IN THIS AD (OR SNAP A PHOTO OF IT) & RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR BILL

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

ARTICLE KIMBERLY BLAKER

Family Camping Trips

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GETAWAY INTO NATURE

MANY STATE PARKS HAVE MODERN FACILITIES, INCLUDING FLUSH TOILETS, SHOWERS, PLAYGROUNDS, PARK STORES FOR FIREWOOD AND ICE, AND MORE. CAMPING IS THE ULTIMATE IN OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN AND

Your family can choose from a variety of camping options. If you love

IS LOADED WITH BENEFITS FOR PARENTS AND KIDS ALIKE.

the experience of roughing it, pitch a tent, and haul the bare necessi-

It provides adventure and unlimited opportunities to experience

ties. If you like the idea of roughing it, yet want some of the comforts

the great outdoors. It’s also an excellent way for kids to learn about

of home, a pop-up camper is the best of both worlds. Some families

nature, from plants and animals to the weather and skies. Historical

prefer going in style. Travel trailers and motor homes offer a luxurious

landmarks and different regions offer lessons in history. And parents

nighttime retreat after a day of outdoor fun. Don’t overlook the option

get a break from the daily responsibilities of life and a little relaxation.

of a cozy cabin in the woods. Cabin rentals are sometimes found at

Not to mention, it’s an affordable way for families to vacation.

campgrounds or in national forests at cabin resorts.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

FAMILY CAMPING TRIPS (CONTINUED)

WHATEVER YOUR FAMILY’S INTERESTS, THERE IS PLENTY TO SEE AND DO.

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

The cost of travel can make the affordability of camping may allow for frequent getaways.

D N

family vacations a rare treat. But

T C A M P G RO U

IND TH

H IG

F TO

Overnight fees range from a free night’s stay at some state park rustic sites (no showers, toilets, electricity, or water) to $50 or more per night at many of the top KOA and Jellystone Camp ParkResorts. These top-of-the-line

Contact the state you are planning to visit.

campgrounds are loaded with amenities from built-in swimming pools to live entertainment. State park campgrounds vary from state to state. Still, these are often the best deal for fami-

Check out Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts at campjellystone.com or call (800) 558-2954.

lies interested in experiencing all that nature has to offer. Fees for overnight accommodations in state parks typically range from $15 to $40. Many state parks have modern facilities, including flush toilets, showers, playgrounds, park stores for firewood and ice, and more. Furthermore, state parks frequently offer extensive wooded hiking or biking trails, natural wonders, historical sites, and more that isn’t found at private camp resorts.

Check the KOA Directory at koa.com or call (406) 248-7444

Camping also helps keep other vacation expenses to a minimum. Many families prefer cooking over the campfire to eating out. Additionally, most outdoor camping activities are free or available for minimal cost. Whatever your family’s interests, there is plenty to see and do. Trails offer ample activities such as collecting rocks, leaves, or insects, scouting for wildlife, learning about plants and trees, and practicing survival skills. You can also go hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Lakes, ponds, rivers,

Visit the National Park Service at nps.gov/findapark

and streams offer fishing, swimming, row boating or canoeing, sunbathing, and more. Wildlife viewing is often a highlight. Look for animals early in the morning or at dusk on dirt roads and trails, in open fields surrounded by woods, and near water. Be patient, walk slowly and quietly, and don’t forget binoculars. When you’re ready to relax, light a campfire, and enjoy some roasted marshmallows.

For a directory of campgrounds throughout the US and Canada, visit uscampgrounds.info

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

JUNE 14 - JULY 30

PRESCHOOL - MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS OUR CAMP IS FILLED WITH EXCITING ACTIVITIES EVERY DAY, FROM ARTS AND CRAFTS, GARDENING AND GAMES, TO BEACH DAYS AND WATER PLAY.

SCHEDULES AND REGISTRATION @ ST-ANNE.ORG/SUMMERCAMP

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Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

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As the days ahead look brighter & bolder, we are ready to welcome you back. Enjoy all your mesquite-grilled favorites served with the warm, signature service you remember. (949) 661-7799 www.saltcreekgrille.com

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

• The best places to eat & drink • Our latest features

for events and happenings

• Amazing art & photography • New travel destinations • Luxury real estate & design

around town

• Inspiration & positive vibes • Community Unity!

and beyond.

@LagunaNiguelLifestyle #LagunaNiguelStrong

Spring into Health at Restore Laguna Niguel Feel Better - Do More of What You Love

Right now, first-time customers can enjoy:

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GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle 26

YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

(949) 312-2626

DIY

Benefits of a

chemical-free home

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO TURN YOUR HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL-FREE? It's not as hard as you might think! We hear a lot about the dangers of chemical ingredients, but it's easy to ignore all of the warnings and keep using our favorite products. When you don't know of a better alternative, it's just what you do! However, all of those ingredients add up and can make a big difference in your health, as well as the health of your family and pets. The products that are most important to swap out depend on your lifestyle and what you use the most. If your little ones are eating food right off of the counter, you might consider the ingredients from the cleaner you just used to wipe it down and start by switching to a natural method.

ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER

If you have sensitive skin, you might start by taking inventory of your beauty and personal care products to see what you can replace. To get you started, here are three DIY products that you can make yourself for your chemical-free home.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

DIY (CONTINUED)

DIY Scented Body Moisturizer Just like a new candle can brighten your day, a shimmery scented lotion can make you feel like a queen. The only problem is all of the artificial fragrances, alcohols, dyes, and other chemicals that your skin is absorbing from that bottle. There are some cleaner options such as unscented lotions, but that's a lot less fun. This DIY moisturizer allowed you to customize your own scent while still treating your skin the best you can. The key ingredient? Olive oil! Yes, any bottle of olive oil from your kitchen works. Pour some in a smaller bottle and add several drops of your favorite essential oils. Olive oil is super hydrating, feels great, and will make you question why you ever used lotion in the first place. Plus it's safe for your whole body. Just be mindful of the essential oils you choose. Some types—such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oils—cause a cooling effect and can feel uncomfortable if it gets on your face or other sensitive areas.

DIY Counter Cleaner: Safe for Granite + Marble! You probably know that vinegar is a great natural cleaner for most surfaces. Unfortunately, it can be pretty damaging to delicate countertops made from granite or marble. Here's a DIY cleaning spray that's safe for any type of counters you have!

Ingredients + Rubbing alcohol + Dish soap

+ Essential Oils + Water

Directions In a plastic or glass spray bottle, mix one part alcohol with one part water. Add several drops of dish soap and whichever essential oils you would like to add for your desired scent. Shake it up each time you use it as the ingredients will tend to separate. Although it's natural and safe, still avoid spraying directly on your skin as the alcohol and dish soap can dry you out.

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

DIY Laundry Scent Enhancer If you have ever added those popular scent beads to your load of laundry before, you know how lovely it is to pull your amazingly scented clothes out of the dryer. The funny thing about a product like that is it truly has no purpose other than adding a good smell, but it does add lots of chemicals to your daily life! There's a safer and more beneficial way to make your clothes smell heavenly. Try this DIY scent enhancer with your next load of laundry and put it to the test.

Ingredients 3 parts Epsom Salt + 1 part Baking Soda + Essential Oils

Directions Mix your ingredients together in a jar or canister and scoop about ¼ cup directly into the washer basin before adding the clothes—just like you would with scented beads. Continue with your laundry like normal.

Learn More

While these three recipes give you a great start, that's definitely not all you can do to kick the chemicals out of your home. For more information on starting a chemical-free household, you can browse online resources such as ChemFreeCom.com or find a social media group to join with like-minded people who have some experience from their own trial and error. If you get overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to get rid of all chemicals in one day. Every swap you make is something to celebrate!

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

LOCAL’S CHOICE

N LE AR ING

UNBOUNDED: ONE TE ACHER . LI M ITLES S P OTE NTIAL

ERIC HARTMAN - ST. ANNE SCHOOL, LAGUNA NIGUEL ARTICLE STEPHANIE CALLAHAN | PHOTOGRAPHY KAREN REUTER

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

S A CHILD GROWING UP IN LEVITTOWN, NY, ERIC

HARTMAN WATCHED SHOWS LIKE “THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN” AND “THE A-TEAM” AND DREAMED OF BECOMING A HELICOPTER PILOT RESCUING THOSE IN NEED. Luckily for St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel, his life took a different path and he became a teacher. As a beloved St. Anne middle school teacher, Eric Hartman inspires students to challenge themselves and instills in them a love for learning. Although he might not be rescuing people in a helicopter or fighting villains like the A-Team, Eric serves the community in a way that will have a lasting impact and makes him a hero in the eyes of his students and their parents.

“Mr. Hartman instilled a deep love for learning that has lasted all this time, as I’m now pursuing an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy.” If you ask St. Anne alumni about their experience in Mr. Hartman’s class, they consistently answer that he helped them better understand the world, envision their future, and find success after graduation. St. Anne graduate, Hunter Bennett (‘16), learned how to look for more profound meaning in Mr. Hartman’s class, “One of the many valuable things I learned from Mr. Hartman was to always find the deeper meanings in things. He was one of the teachers I looked forward to seeing at school each day.” Eve Silverman (‘12) credits Mr. Hartman for her success after graduation, “He made every day more special than the last. Mr. Hartman instilled a deep love for learning that has lasted all this time, as I’m now pursuing an

E RIC H A RTM A N

MA in Marriage and Family Therapy.” While in the fifth grade at St. Anne, Evan Gordon (‘18) co-authored a science fiction trilogy with his father called, The Tinker and the Fold, and dedicated his second book to Mr. Hartman. According to Evan’s mom, Dee Gordon, it was Eric Hartman who inspired Evan to keep writing, “He really gave Evan that boost of confidence to continue writing. He is the best of what St. Anne has to offer.” Eric and his wife, Tracy, have a daughter, Piper, who attends St. Anne School as a third grader. Being on the parent side of things adds an additional level of understanding to his job. His career at St. Anne CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

School began in 2007 as a science and computer teacher for lower school students before switching to teaching fourth grade. As a fourth-grade teacher, Eric introduced emerging technology to his students and was later asked to start the Navigating Our World (N.O.W.) Plus program in middle school. This unique program is in its 10th year at St. Anne and examines various social, political, economic, religious, and cultural events around the world, helping students better understand others. It also focuses on issues such as cyber civics, stereotypes, bullying, and character education, and helps students build their presentation and public speaking skills. Eric believes that the experiences his students have in his N.O.W. Plus and technology classes help to prepare them for their future in high school, college, and life. “One of the things I am most proud of is how prepared our students are when it comes to technology, critical thinking, and problem-solving,” says Eric. “I have developed a technologically immersive and interactive program that helps students further develop not only their tech skills, but life skills such as public speaking, confidence, leadership, initiative, and entrepreneurship.”

“One of the things I am most proud of is how prepared our students are when it comes to technology, critical thinking, and problem-solving.” 32

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

So how does one go from the dream of

decided to study abroad in London. As both

becoming a helicopter pilot to a teacher? For

a student in London and a student-teacher

Eric, the inspiration to teach came from a friend’s

at a London public school, Eric had the

nephew. While in business school at Adelphi

opportunity to experience the similarities and

University in Garden City, NY, Eric started tutor-

differences in the U.K.’s approach to educa-

ing elementary school children. A friend asked

tion. His interest in working with students

Eric to tutor his nephew, who one day turned to

from other countries has continued at St.

him and said, “Mr. Hartman, you’re WAY more

Anne where he often connects with schools

patient than my teachers at school. You should

around the world to collaborate with his stu-

be a teacher.” According to Eric, that moment

dents. Over the years, Mr. Hartman’s N.O.W.

changed his life. He continued his education at

Plus and technology elective classes have

Adelphi, earning a Master of Education.

worked collaboratively with schools from

After

student

teaching

Babylon

Memorial Grade School in New York, Eric

“Mr. Hartman, you’re WAY more patient than my teachers at school.”

as far away as Israel, Croatia, Brazil, Korea, Columbia, and Senegal.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LagunaNiguel

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

Eric Hartman is always finding new ways to engage and inspire his students. According to his colleague, David Wheat, “Working with Eric has made me a better educator. It is inspiring to watch another teacher invest so much of himself into his craft and his students every single day!” St. Anne Head of Middle School, Maureen Bournazian, echoes David’s praise of Eric, “With an innovative teaching style, Eric provides opportunities for students to engage in meaningful and authentic learning experiences relevant to their lives and interests. He invites student collaboration and higher-level questioning and motivates his students to learn without boundaries.” One of those authentic learning experiences is his collaboration with schools from around the world for a climate change project. Students in seventh grade choose any presentation method (PowerPoint, singing, rapping, gaming, etc.) to address various climate topics. st-anne.org

Another is Mr. Hartman’s lesson on cryptocurrency where students in his technology class use a bitcoin simulator to learn about investing. Students work with the simulator site cryptoSpaniards.com to invest in the market with $100,000 in play money they are each given. Students learn about blockchain, the various cryptocurrencies, trends in the market, and how to make the best investment decisions. With his innovative teaching style and contagious enthusiasm to explore subjects, Eric Hartman inspires students to challenge themselves and to always keep learning. While he might not be soaring through the air in a helicopter, Eric is teaching his students at St. Anne School how to soar in life as they explore their gifts, discover their passions, and envision their future.

Laguna Niguel Lifestyle | April 2021

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