OAKS: Deirdre’s Grapevine
Issue 35 April 2008 Editor: Neighbor Deirdre Waitt Contact: 225-8395 or Deirdre555@aol.com
Check out the next few pages for NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, and BUY/SELL/HIRE INFO
HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR
Congratulations to Oaks resident Brett Ellen who is being honored on May 10th by the LA
Muscular Dystrophy Association as Humanitarian of the Year.
This year’s MDA Humanitarian Award recipient is Brett Ellen, Founder & President of American Financial
Network. Often regarded as a visionary leader in the financial services industry, Brett has been providing
effective financial planning solutions to clients for nearly 25 years.
Brett upholds a proactive hands-on approach to his practice, staying in-touch and involved with each and every
one of his clients and the communities in which they reside. Over the years he has been repeatedly recognized
for his accomplishments as a Financial Planner, receiving awards for his leadership, commitment to excellence,
and outstanding client service.
A California native, Brett was born in Oakland. He enjoys spending time with his wife Mandy and their five
children, Brandi, Joel, Gina, Keanu, and Tristen. He also enjoys coaching his children’s sports teams, playing
basketball, and traveling. In 2001 he and Mandy formed their own non-profit, TKOHelpingHands.org (Turn
Kindness On) which practices community involvement and social responsibilities in young children. He and his
family are also very active with Temple Beth Haverim and currently live in Calabasas.
th
On Saturday, May 10 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the Los Angeles Muscular Dystrophy Association will honor
Brett Ellen as Humanitarian of the Year. We hope you will be able to join in the fundraising celebration! The
team at MDA is at your disposal to assist with your ticket and ad journal purchases by calling 310-450-9032.
NEED TO PURCHASE I need a "notebook computer" if someone has one
that is working. Please contact Sylvia Morrow at 222-8297 or email me at Amorrow670@aol.com. 1
The Oaks Musical Theatre First Production presents
“Annie”
Come join the fun as we rehearse and perform the musical hit, "Annie."
All participants will be cast. At the first class, we’ll have low-key auditions for the roles, so
please come prepared to sing your favorite song! (Plenty of parts for boys and girls!)
Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 15 through June 19 at the Clubhouse
3:30~4:30 for ages 4~8
4:30~5:30 for ages 9~16
(The production will include ages 4~16 years, but rehearsals are separate)
May 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 and June 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 and performance June 21
Cost $170 per student payable to Top Seed. No class on June 3.
Performance will be Saturday, June 21, 2008
Parents provide simple costumes.
Any questions, please email Gloria Watts, Director, at Kindertheatre@aol.com
Please let us know if your children will sign up so we can ensure we have enough to put on the
show. Fill in the flyer at the end of the newsletter – or at the Clubhouse before May 10.
Thanks!
What a wonderful opportunity for your children to get to know other Oaks kids – and enjoy
acting, singing and dancing! And what a terrific chance for the whole neighborhood to come
cheer on the kids at the big performance on Saturday, June 21! Sign up today!
*************************************************************************************************************
RETURN TO CLUBHOUSE STAFF BY MAY 10 PLEASE
Name of Child __________________________DOB ____________ Age ______ Received by
Name of Child __________________________DOB ____________Age ______ staff on ________
Name of Parent ___________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________
Phone ______________________________ Cell Phone ___________________________________
Allergies/Things We Should Know______________________________________________________
Amount of Payment _____ Method of Payment: Check made out to “Top Seed”___ Credit Card ___
Credit Card Name _______________________ Credit Card # _______________________________
Credit Card Expiration Date _________ Signature _______________________________________ 2
Who wants to play bridge?
If you are interested in playing bridge at the Clubhouse once a month with other Oaks residents, please email me
your preference for days/nights/times and we’ll organize it. I don’t play bridge myself, but residents have
expressed interest in getting some bridge groups together – so let me know if you and/or your spouse would like
to participate. Please email me at deirdre555@aol.com with the full names of interested participants and if you
have preference for evenings, during the day, weekend days, or specific times. Thanks! Deirdre Waitt
Chamber of Commerce CINCO DE MAYO reception
May 8, 2008 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Sagebrush Cantina, Calabasas Call Oaks resident Alex Soteras to RSVP at 876-9913
Chaminade Carpool?
If your child is going to Chaminade Middle School this fall, please let us know if you’re interested in
carpooling. (Our son is entering 6th grade.) Please call Deirdre Waitt at 225-8395. Thanks!
Join us for 31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins® and help us honor America’s
firefighters. On Wednesday, April 30, from 5 to 10 pm, participating stores will reduce
prices of small ice cream scoops to 31 cents. So visit a Baskin-Robbins store – there’s
one right near Vons at 23369 Mulholland Drive. From Deirdre Waitt pg 3
WELCOME!
carpet!
It’s time to roll out the red carpet!
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a neighbor had greeted you upon your arrival to the Oaks,
welcomed you to the community, and filled you in on all the info you needed to make the
transition smooth & enjoyable? (Or maybe someone DID do that for you!)
Well, now we are setting up an official Welcome Committee to ensure that all our
new neighbors are greeted and informed about:
*our Oaks amenities, hours, fitness and sports classes
*area schools, farmer’s market, bus lines, shops, restaurants
*HOA meetings, Oaks parties & clubs
*using key fobs and Gateworks program for visitors, etc.
*Oaks website, City of Calabasas website, Acorn newspaper
*other aspects of Oaks & Calabasas that new residents have questions about
Will you volunteer to be one of the Welcoming neighbors? The time commitment
is very small since you’d just be meeting with new residents. We’ll ask you to
attend a brief orientation first so you know what info to pass on to the
newcomers. If you are interested in joining the Welcome Committee, please
contact Michael Stahl at mjsdoc@sbcglobal.net.
And if you have moved to the Oaks recently and would like to learn more about the items
listed above, please contact Michael about that too! We’re happy to give “orientations”
to any Oaks residents, no matter how long you’ve lived here!
The Welcome Committee is one of the programs created by the Community Development
Task Force. Brian Cameron, HOA President, developed the Task Force to address a
variety of community-related issues.
FOR SALE Bugaboo Chameleon Stroller
The stroller includes two different fabric colors (tan & green) and one ventilated canopy (green). The stroller has
the trolley for older kids, a travel bag, mosquito net, rain guard and bassinet. It is gently-used but has all the
materials that came with the stroller. This stroller and all the accessories retails for well over $1,000. I am selling
all of this for $600 or best offer. Anyone interested can contact mwberry71@hotmail.com. I can also send
pictures to interested parties, if needed. Best regards! Meredith Berryman
pg 4
CAN YOU HELP OUT THE SHERIFF?
Can you donate a raffle prize or auction item?
Can you pay $325 to golf at the tournament?
Can your company sponsor a tee, an event, a trophy?
Let’s show the Sheriff’s Department how much we appreciate their great work
protecting us and our families.
Call Deputy Mike Forne at 661-510-3912 to provide a prize, a sponsorship, or
cash to support the Sheriff’s golf tournament being held on June 23, 2008 at Malibu Country Club, 901
Encinal Canyon Road, in Malibu, California.
All donations are tax deductible under 501C3 Tax Identification Number 95-3779314. Checks can be
made payable to STAR Unit Fund 323 and forwarded to the STAR Unit, 11515 South Colima Road,
Building D-111, Whittier, California 90604, attention Connie Chandler.
The STAR Unit is hosting its 8th annual golf tournament to raise funds to finance their drug, gang,
bullying and violence prevention education to students and community members throughout Los Angeles.
Thank you for anything you can do to help! Kellee Levy and Deirdre Waitt
SUMMER CAMP AT THE OAKS!
How great is this? Your kids can go to summer camp just 5 minutes from your house! No more
driving to Kanan Road, Chatsworth, or all over creation to take them to the other camps! AND the
added bonus – your kids get to play with other OAKS kids so they can form more neighborhood
friendships!
Plus, the activities will keep your kids entertained and physically fit! Swimming, tennis, soccer,
basketball, kickball, baseball, kickboxing, yoga, and arts & crafts! That’s a full day!
Pick whichever days you like between June 23 and August 22. It’s $65 a day for 9 am to 4 pm, but
you can pay even less when you sign up for more days. Sign up on the flyers in the Clubhouse.
Close, convenient, safe, reasonably-priced and FUN! pg 5
WHO’S IN THE HOOD (check out the goods & services of your neighbors!)
HOCKEY GREAT
IGOR LARIONOV
ANNOUNCES THE INTRODUCTION OF HIS NEW WINE
CLUB
WWW.IGORLARIONOVWINES.COM
Igor and his partner Mike Davis, work with the finest winemakers in
California and Australia to blend world class wines. Please visit our
website @ www.iltripleovertime.com
Pg 6
WHO’S IN THE HOOD (check out the goods & services of your neighbors!)
SPECIAL OFFERS FROM SWEET P
Our Postpartum Baby Nurses have up to 10 years experience, working in the homes of families
with newborns. They are highly-qualified and trained. We provide complete references and
background checks on all our Postpartum Specialists and Nannies.
Sweet P Inc. is a Postpartum Care & Nanny Placement Agency, specializing in the care,
nurturing and well-being of newborn babies and expectant parents. Currently Sweet P is
running a limited time promotion for the following:
• $200 credit towards our Postpartum Care and Nanny Placement Services.
• 20% discount on any items in our Baby Boutique Store.
Also, call to find out about our FREE Pre-Natal educational classes & seminars.
We are located across from The Commons in Calabasas at: 4764 Park Granada, #109, Calabasas, CA
91302; (888) 744-4347 or email: info@sweetpbaby.com or visit www.sweetpbaby.com
Catch TYLER'S RIDE, a new web series created and produced by Oaks resident, Christine
Park. Starring Grant Alan (CBS "Cold Case" guest lead), TYLER'S RIDE also marks the acting debut of
Christian rock singer, Jeremy Camp. Watch the trailer www.tylersride.com. Sometimes you have to get
lost to find your way.
pg 7
YOUR NEIGHBORS LOVE THESE GUYS!
PIANO TEACHER Susan Kazanjian is a great piano teacher. We love her. She
accepts all ages and has a yearly recital at Pepperdine University as part of the program. Qualified students
have the opportunity to participate in competitions. She has references are available upon request. She even
resides in Calabasas. 818-591-2290 Thanks so much! Referred by Nikki Aswani
Great Plumber!
We called Peter Holliday at Traditional Plumbing 535-5138 to do some work for us.
We were pleased with the work. The serviceman was efficient, knowledgeable and polite, and the
price for the work was extremely reasonable. (Referred by Franke Albrecht 914.5193)
Great Builder/Contractor!
We used David Beeler/Terry Beeler General Contractor, Inc. to finish out our attic space. We can’t
say enough good things about David and his team. We were particularly impressed with David’s
attention to detail, follow-up, and the great subs who worked on the project. Call David if you have
any building projects you are thinking about. (661)251-4630 (Referred by Franke Albrecht 914.5193)
GRILL CLEANING AND REPAIR I would like to recommend Tom Hudgins
(owner) of Filthy Grill (Outdoor Grill Cleaning and Repair Service). Contact him at www.FilthyGrill.com or 282-
2017. Tom came to our house, and within an hour, our outdoor grill looked brand new again. He completely
took it apart, removed all debris, cleaned all burners, and polished the stainless steel. He also maintains most
appliances in an outdoor kitchen. He was very professional, punctual and reasonably priced. Referred by
Deana Camberg
MANICURES The 2 ladies who do my nails at Personne Complet Salon are
wonderful and are now coming to homes in The Oaks. For those of you who are short on time, this may be a
great and enjoyable opportunity. Pennie Spain and/or Natalie Hayati can be reached at 224-2035. Referred by
Galit Harari pg 8
YOUR NEIGHBORS LOVE THESE GUYS!
CATERER FEEDBACK
WOW! John Lee was terrific! In a previous Grapevine, I asked for caterer recommendations and received
several great referrals from neighbors. The one I chose was John Lee from Mrs. Garcia’s Catering. He and his
staff person catered a lovely Bridal Lunch for 30 ladies at my home. He was organized, efficient, served a great
meal, and cleaned up quickly – and the food was delicious! Everyone was really impressed. And his prices
were almost HALF what the other caterers quoted for the same meal! So thank you to neighbor Franny Baldwin
for telling me about John Lee – and if any of you find you need a caterer for a party (big or small) check out
John’s website at www.mrsgarciascatering.com or call him at 310-701-8993 or 310-841-2315 or email him at
mrsgarcias@mail.com. Referred by Deirdre Waitt
DRY CLEANERS I’d like to recommend L & S Dry Cleaners. They are a family-
owned dry cleaners and are super great and nice -- and they do drop/pick up in the Oaks already.
Contact Greg Schell at 378-7433. Referred by Diane Lipson
YOUR NEIGHBORS LOVE THESE GUYS!
I love this store and the people who own it. They are friendly and helpful without being pushy!
Referred by Debra Lebby
BHF is your neighbor interior design and gift store.
Billie’s Home Fashions is owned and operated by Steven & Billie Eisenberg, husband and wife. They
have been in the home improvement industry since 1981, helping homeowners with all their interior design
needs.
Their showroom, located next to B of A at 23343 Mulholland Dr., displays over 200 vendors from
around the world. Billie fills up the space with unique hard to find home accessories that look much more
expensive than the selling price. Billie does her best to provide value with a designer touch.
In addition to all the accessories, the showroom is home to numerous furniture lines. If the item isn’t
housed on the floor, just look through all their catalogs and I’m sure you will find just the right piece for your
home.
The interior design area in the back is filled with 1000’s of fabrics for all your draperies, reupholstery
and bed ensembles. Steve will come to your home and along with measuring your windows he will take digital
pictures and offer window covering solutions for one window or your entire home.
They also own Stained Glass Overlay an international franchise of manufacturing a unique glass
Overlay process, turning ordinary windows into works of art.
Billie & Steve are always listening to the needs of the community. There has been a huge request for
gift items for all occasions. The neighborhood was starving for a local store to fill this need. Billie’s now offers
many items that are ideal for many occasions, not just home decorating. So come on in for that baby gift or
pamper yourself with something from the spa boutique or jewelry case. Ladies we also have manly gifts for that
special beau in your life.
GREAT POOL GUY! If you’re in the market for a nice, capable, reliable pool guy,
contact David Bond at Bond’s Pool Service at 707-2716 or 292-7267 cell. He handles Service, Equipment
Repair, Tile Descaling, Salt Systems, and Acid Washing. Contractor Lic: #376170 Referred by Deirdre Waitt
LANDSCAPING I would also like to recommend Abel Escamilla from All Terrain
Landscaping for anyone needing landscaping and/or regular maintenance services. He is reliable, reasonable,
educated, and speaks English! He can be reached at (818) 201-4107 or aescamilla818@hotmail.com.
Referred by Sharon De Salay (I can be reached at (818) 225-1288 or sdesalay@adelphia.net)
Amilcar Jr. Plumbing: General Plumbing; Drain & Sewer Cleaning; Kitchen &
Bath Remodeling. Free Estimates 323-291-9911 Referred by Shenny Gonzalez, nanny of Deirdre Waitt pg 10
Veronica’s Garden
(15% off for Oaks residents in May 2008)
Looking for an unusual, lovely gift for a friend – or yourself? Check out the beautiful home and garden décor
items at Veronica’s Garden. There are all sorts of unique and interesting items to brighten up your home and
yard. And lots of terrific gifts. The shop is located on 22530 Ventura Boulevard between Fallbrook and Shoup.
Phone 223-8903 Referred by Vivian Tran
French Tutor Needed
Oaks Family Seeks a fluent French-speaking and child-friendly individual to tutor a pre-schooler in our
home, one to two mornings per week. Please email Melissa Young at young.meliss@gmail.com
FOUNTAIN MAINTENANCE: Do you have a good referral for someone
who does Fountain Maintenance? We don’t have a pool so we don’t have a pool guy. If you know
someone to recommend – especially to handle the green slime build-up, please contact me, Sandy
Milligan, at milligan@amgen.com. Thanks.
OAKS BOOK CLUB
Everyone is welcome! This month's book is "The Senator's Wife" by Sue Miller. Read the book and join us for
the discussion on Tuesday, May 6, at 7:00 pm in the Clubhouse.
MICHAEL KLEIN, TENNIS PRO
● 25 years of tennis experience;
● National Champion in Singles & Doubles; ● PAC-10 Doubles Champion
● Trained Under Famed Nick Bolleteri and Rick Macci; ● University of Arizona
Improve Your Skills with Fun Drills! Private Lessons available on request
Adult Tennis Men & Women: Set up your own clinic…Call for times…1 hour sessions
Junior Tennis:
Mini/Basic Skills (Ages 5 -8) – Tuesday & Thursday 4:00-5:00
Challenger (Ages 8-up) - Thursday 5:00-6:00
Space is limited and based on availability Call 818.224.4023 x02 or 310.736.8869
pg 11
NOTES FROM MICHEAL EDWARDS, CLUBHOUSE MANAGER
1) Children under 14 MUST have adult supervision at the pool. Safety is our top priority.
2) Children under 14 are not allowed in the gym. Children aged 14 to 16 in the gym must be accompanied by
adult or trainer, or have the clubhouse manager’s approval. This is a safety issue.
3) Please check out the Summer Camp brochure at the Clubhouse.
4) Kid’s Movie Night for May is Friday the 16th at 6:30 p.m. Movie to be announced soon.
5) On June 19th, we’ll have our first Movie in the Park, TRANSFORMERS, which will start around 8 pm.
6) Please leave the gas lines alone at the back cabana area. The pool is heated by gas, so if the line is
accidentally shut off, the pool gets quite cold.
7) Please pick up your area when you leave the pool. Otherwise, some of the trash blows into the pool, which
presents problems for all of us.
The other day, I was walking in the Oaks neighborhood with my dog with my 2 DAUGHTERS (one who is 7 in a
wheelchair) and the other is 3. My dog got away from us and ran across the street (to see another dog) and
was HIT by a driver in the Oaks. He stopped and looked right at me. I said I needed HELP, that I couldn't leave
my daughters unattended. He DROVE OFF!!!! This is incorrigible conduct. Where is the humanity in this
community? I would like our neighbors to show that we actually care about each other and not just ourselves. I
am flabbergasted by the reckless disregard this individual has shown. SLOW DOWN, neighbors. Yes, we have
children here. Yes, we have animals here. Be a human being. Slow down. From Oaks resident Holly Boyer
HOUSEKEEPERS/NANNIES
AVAILABLE TO HIRE:
I know a wonderful woman, Lupe Murillo, who is looking for a full-time position of a nanny/house
manager/personal assistant. She speaks both English and Spanish. She is middle-aged, experienced and very
reliable. She is also very pleasant, diligent and with a great heart and a wonderful disposition. You would love
her when you get to know her. Please call Lupe at: 212-9456. Thank you. Referred by Inna Goffman
LOOKING TO HIRE:
(PLEASE ASK YOUR NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER IF SHE HAS A FRIEND OR RELATIVE
WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THE FOLLOWING OPEN POSITIONS. THANKS!)
Looking for someone that wants to live in or live out. We have 3 children ages 6, 5, and 2 weeks old. The
person would do light housecleaning, light cooking and watch kids. Please call Jennifer Clark at 224-4704 if you
know someone who might be interested.
My daughter and son-in-law and 2-year-old son live in Chatsworth and want a nanny/housekeeper for a
couple/few days a week. If you know of anyone, please call Jay Weber at 224-2939 or email
jaywebercpa@yahoo.com.
I would like to see if anyone knows of a housekeeper who would be available to work 3 days a week (Monday,
Wednesday, Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm). Please contact resident Maria at 427-7499 if you know of someone.
pg 14
WOULD YOU LIKE TO ANNOUNCE SOMETHING TO YOUR OAKS NEIGHBORS?
Just email me EXACTLY what you’d like to appear in the next Grapevine newsletter, using about 100 words or
less. Be sure the last line always includes your name (first & last), email address, and phone number.
Thanks, neighbor Deirdre Waitt at Deirdre555@aol.com
*I do not charge any fee for advertising in the Grapevine and I do not get paid for my work on it.
*All names mentioned are Oaks neighbors or soon-to-be neighbors.
*Phone numbers are 818, unless noted. *All mistakes are mine, so I apologize. Please let me know if I goofed!
*The Grapevine is created by Oaks neighbor Deirdre Waitt and is not an official publication of the Oaks HOA.
*You can request removal from the distribution list at any time.
*My policy is to publish what the neighbors submit,
so I do not personally endorse the products, services, or personnel listed here.
*This newsletter is for Oaks residents only; please do not forward it to anyone outside the Oaks. If you want to
ask your non-Oaks friends if they are interested in a certain item, please cut and paste just that item into an
email for them. Thank you.
*If you buy, sell, hire, or use anything listed here, PLEASE mention to the other party that you heard
about them from the Oaks Grapevine! This way, more people will use the Grapevine to spread the news!
Thanks, Your Neighbor Deirdre Waitt
“The Grapevine is a community endeavor, not associated with the HOA. The Grapevine dispenses news and
information within the community which it believes to be accurate but in no manner establishes community
guidelines. The HOA should be directly consulted concerning matters administered by it.”
ARE YOU REGISTERED ON OUR AMAZING WEBSITE YET?
In fact, you can find all of the 2006 and 2007 issues of the Oaks Grapevine newsletter on our website as
well as other amazing stuff. Can I paint my house a different color? Who is on the Landscape
Committee? Is there a playgroup for my toddler? Can I get a list of emergency numbers? How do I
contact the HOA Board? How can I get the phone number of my neighbor? ALL of these and so much
more can be answered on the Oaks website!
Oaks resident Michelle Agul did a tremendous job creating our Oaks website and continues to maintain
it beautifully. You can use it to access important documents about the CC&Rs, architectural guidelines,
calendar of upcoming events, and even register to receive email bulletins when news arrives.
1) Go to website www.theoaks-hoa.com.
2) Click on "Resident Login" on the left column. Enter user name and password.
(If you are not registered yet, just scroll to bottom of home page and click on the link that says:
"To request a resident login from the webmaster, please click here." Fill in your name, street,
email, and make up a password for yourself.
Submit form. Within 24 hours, the webmaster Michelle Agul will confirm you are a resident and send
you an email confirming your user
name and password. Then just log on to the website and follow step 2 again.)
3) Click on "Oaks Grapevine" on the left column.
4) Click on the Grapevine issue you'd like to see and it will come up in a few seconds. (Be patient!)
Thanks, Your Neighbor, Deirdre Waitt
pg 15