1. COVER PHOTO BYMAXX & ME PHOTOGRAPHY
MEET
NOVEMBER 2016
Exclusively serving the residents and neighborhoods
South of the Boulevard to Mulholland Drive
THENESMITHS
BusinessProfile:NWRUGS...pg.4
SeniorPerspectiveExpressing
Thankfulness...pg.10
LocalGiving:FoodPantryand
CharityGuide...pg.12
page 6
3. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
nwrugs.com
Sherman Oaks 14564Ventura Blvd (818) 386-7847
Agoura Hills 28610 Canwood St (818) 706-3333
3 location in Portland, OR, - (503) 682-7847 • LasVegas, NV - (702) 737-7847
Monday - Saturday: 10AM to 7PM - Sunday: 11AM to 6PM
Grand Opening
Rugs & Furniture - Now In Sherman Oaks
LIVING ROOM • BEDROOM • DINING ROOM
New Store!
4 5NOVEMBER2016 STUDIOCITYNEIGHBORS
NWRugsHasYourHomeCovered
BUSINESSPROFILE:NWRUGS
W
ith an eye for design and function, Shawn Nili and Mark
Moran opened their first North West Rugs & Furniture
showroom inApril 1996 in Tigard, OR, and then followed
that instant success with another location in Wilsonville. It wasn’t long
before word about their selection, service and sense of style got beyond
Oregon. Nili and Moran’s solid formula has traveled brilliantly, into the
Phoenix area, Las Vegas andAgoura Hills.
Our team has now rolled the red carpet out—so to speak—for its
highly anticipated Sherman Oaks location.Along with sublime rugs
from around the world, the store brings to the East Valley 20+ years
of experience and the enduring goal to ensure every client has an
opportunity to find one rug or many rugs which suit their home’s
design, functional needs and personal style. This is demonstrated
through the showroom’s huge selection of quality rugs and furniture.
“We get inspiration by helping people beautify their surroundings and
complete the look of their
home,” says Shawn. “Our
philosophy is encouraging
customers to simply just
bring room measurements
and preferred color schemes
to the shop. We will do the
rest. Since we have such a
huge selection, it’s our job
to make sure the customer
is not overwhelmed, and
they are happy with their
purchase.”
NW Rugs’experienced design professionals also make house calls
when necessary and work closely with many interior designers.
“We are reputable and believe in dealing honestly with our customers,
and willing to meet and beat our competitor prices if necessary,” adds
Shawn. “However, we usually have the best price in town. When you
put that with the excellent service we offer, everybody leaves extremely
satisfied. This wonderful harmony is why most who have experienced
North West Rugs & Furniture return to shop with us, as well as refer us
to a friend or family members.”
The founders say they are fortunate to have opened a new location in
Sherman Oaks, especially with the area’s diverse range of clients and
architectural styles. We never know who will stop in the showroom,
and this makes every day both exciting and rewarding. It offers us the
ability to help the community decorate and beautify.
Some big home trends we are projecting for 2017 include, “Bohemian
Rhapsody,” influenced by the aesthetics of NorthAfrica (Morocco),
Turkey, India SouthAmerica and the Orient. We are seeing a lot of
Natural Wool fabric in a hand Knotted rug with a very Indigenous
geometrical design. We have a new collection by Joanna Gaines from
Magnolia Homes, which has a strong regional “West Coast” look
through a palate of amazing bright colors like rust, amber, mustard,
indigo, emerald, and antique and natural white. Furthermore, we have
something for everyone, from a modern shag texture, to strong exotic
prints with bold colors, to soft pastels and neutrals in a fine rug. No
matter what your preferences or taste, chances are your home style
and your mood will be elevated after a visit to the new store.
By Sally Azad
Rug & Furniture consultant at NW Rugs & Furniture, Sherman Oaks
NWRugs&Furnitureisnowopenat14564VenturaBoulevard,
ShermanOaks,CA.Formoreinformation,visitusorcall818.386.7847
4. 6 7NOVEMBER2016 STUDIOCITYNEIGHBORS
T
he reel-to-real 60s music phenomenon the Monkees was a part
of growing up for Baby Boomers and Generation X-ers all
overAmerica. The four band members (Valley native Micky
Dolenz, brainy straight man Michael Nesmith, adorable Brit Davy
Jones, and wistful Peter Tork) were also a kind of family unit whom
viewers could relate to. This became all the more true when they
fought for and won the right to create and perform their own original
songs on the show.
Perhaps one of its most profoundly fortunate fans and its enduring
legacy is Nesmith’s son, Jason, 48 -- born at the height of the show’s
heyday. He followed his father’s footsteps into music, and has
achieved proficiency and success in a variety of genres much as
“Mike” did after departing the 1960s pop cultural circus. He attended
Berklee School of Music for a year before leaving to pursue live
performing with his rock band, Kill For Thrills. With his other bands,
including The Beauties and Nancy Boy, he traveled the world and
lived in New York City and London before the events of 9/11 brought
him back to LosAngeles.
“Growing up is interesting when your dad is a member of the
Monkees and your mother is Nurit Wilde, the famous rock
photographer from the late 60’s early 70’s,” muses Jason. “Between
those two parents, there are so many stories you could write a book…
and they have…and more than one. “Canyon of Dreams” features
Nurit and her photos, while Papa Nez’s new book “Infinite Tuesday”
will be available in stores in January 2017.”
LosAngeles-native
Lindsay Nesmith,
32, was on her own
musical journey in
the years leading up
to meeting her future
husband at a private
Hollywood Hills
Oscar party in 2006.
“I was fortunate to
work with many
talented people, and
especially grateful to work with Wendy Wasserstein and Cy Coleman
before they passed,” she says. “I was given the opportunity to perform
on many stages in and out of New York City, including Lincoln
Center.After four years, I decided to move back to California to
pursue film and television. During that time I met Jason.”
The couple married at The Malibu Lake Mountain Club inAgoura
Hills on June 8, 2008, and have two sons, Elijah (9) and Theo (1).
Today, the Nesmiths enjoy introducing their boys to “down and dirty
real camping” in the great outdoors. The devoted followers of REI
outdoor fashion have even brought a bit of that “Monkees” whimsy
to their family album via their YouTube video, “Camping With the
Nesmiths.” This is only the beginning of the family’s adventure and
cultural pursuits.
“We also happen to be trainspotters,” she says with pride. “If
we aren’t on theAmtrak or Metrolink headed to Santa Barbara,
Oceanside, or San Juan Capistrano, we are at Live Steamers or
Fillmore Western Railroad riding a steam engine. We also love the
Hollywood Bowl, the Huntington Library, theArboretum and the
Getty. Our trunk is always stocked with boogie boards and a beach
blanket to take to the Palisades or Malibu.”
“We’ve always wanted to live in Studio City,” adds Jason. “Initially,
we moved up into the Studio City ‘hills’because Donovan Leitch,
one of my best friends and band mate (as well as son of Mike
Nesmith’s fellow 60s icon, Donovan) lived there with his wife and
daughter. On that visit, I realized that Studio City had its own ‘hills’
that were more spacious and family friendly than even the area I
grew up in off of Laurel Canyon, and have better views of the city.
When we moved to our first Studio City home on Berry Drive, we
met our neighbors and saw a few kids there. Then, when we moved
to Laurelcrest, there were even more kids on the street, and many of
them were around Elijah’s age.”
Elijah and Theo keep the parents very busy. Theo attends Gymboree
Play & Music and Fun & Fit Gymnastics in Burbank. Elijah plays
tennis at Weddington Golf & Tennis, baseball at Toluca Baseball,
water polo at the college (LosAngeles Valley College) and also plays
piano. Lindsay adds that both boys have an ear for music, as it must
run in the blood.
Even with so much fun to be had close to their
Studio City home, they maintain a balance of
faith and philanthropy. The family attends the
Legacy City Church in Studio City on Sunday
mornings with Pastor Josh Thompson, and
supports the Big Sunday Fund charity. They
also stage manyAlex’s Lemonade Stands to
help raise money for research for treatments
and cures to childrens’cancers. Elijah is also
involved at his school helping local homeless
shelters stock their pantry,
collecting donations
for local charities, and
writing letters to their
sister school in Haiti.
“We love this
neighborhood so much,”
Lindsay affirms. “We
have incredible neighbors,
and we are always getting
together for a chat, coffee,
a jam session, game night or
an outdoor movie night. Every
Christmas, our neighborhood mailboxes
are filled with candies, cookies, marshmallows and hot cocoa mix
that we make for each other.”
“We are always calling each other to set up play dates and organize
after school activities,” adds Jason. “The kids ride their bikes together
on the dead-end street, set up lemonade stands or swim in our pool,
which is the only pool on the street.”
Bruce, a beautiful 75-pound Belgian Shepherd named rescued at Best
FriendsAnimal Shelter in Mission Hills, completes this band lineup.
Every night she sleeps with Elijah, and during the day naps at the
heels of Jason’s feet while he writes music.
Elijah admits he has a touring bug like his father and grandfather
before him.
“I liked Switzerland,” he enthuses on his stay in Riederalp. “It’s a
car-free ski village that you take a cable car to get to. It is filled with
local families who get around by skiing and pulling sleds to markets
and restaurants in the winter. From the town, you have views of the
Matterhorn, Dom and BigAletsch Glacier. For three weeks, it felt
By Elyse Glickman/ Photos by Maxx & Me Photography
THENESMITHSFromtheRecordingStudiotoStudioCity
cover story
5. STUDIOCITYNEIGHBORS
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.
8 9NOVEMBER2016
WedNov.2
43rdAnnualDiadelosMuertos(DayoftheDead)
@Olivera Street, Downtown L.A.
Self-Help Graphics in East LA hosts art-oriented workshops and
theater performances that celebrate one of Mexico’s most colorful
annual celebrations embraced by Southern Californians. Historic
Downtown Paseo of Olvera Street hosts a day of dancing and piñata-
breaking.
Time: 5pm • selfhelpgraphics.com
Thurs.Nov3
SustainabilityCommitteeMeeting
@4024 Radford Avenue, Editorial 2, Room 6
The Studio City Neighborhood Council will discuss ways sustainable,
environmentally sound practices can be integrated into the city’s
operation.
Time: 7:30pm Cost: free • studiocitync.org
SatNov.5
GershwinRhapsodyinBlue
@Ambassador Auditorium, Address
A powerhouse program of culture-defining American classics
from composers George Gershwin, Aaron Copeland and others,
accompanied by kaleidoscope of colors!
Time: 2pm and 8pm Cost: $35-116 • pasadenasymphony-pops.org
SunNov.6
weSPARK7thAnnual5KRun,
Walk&Kids’FunRun
@CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Ave.
Studio City, CA 91604
This annual race is no ordinary “race for the cure” or endurance
test. It is a celebration of life, entertainment, and fun. Participants,
dressed as their favorite Hollywood characters will dash past sets
of iconic Hollywood movies and TV shows. TV Personality and
Grammy Award-Winning Producer, Randy Jackson is the Master of
Ceremonies!
Time: 8am-Noon Cost: $40 to register • wespark.org
Wed.Nov9
LandUseCommitteeMeeting
@4024 Radford Avenue, Editorial 2, Room 6
The 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
Nov10-17
AFILosAngelesInternationalFilmFestival
@various venues
AFI FEST remains the only international caliber film festival to offer
individual tickets to screenings and events as a gift to the community.
Free tickets to AFI FEST will be available on Tuesday, November 1,
2016. The festival shows some 130 films from 40 countries, along with
special events.
Times & Cost: Listed on schedule at AFI site. • afifest.com
Nov18,19&20
MILLENNIUMMAGICXVII
@Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Bl. West,
Los Angeles
Magician George Tovar originated Millennium
Magic, an annual festival of Magic Castle magicians
performing for one weekend each winter at Theatre
West. This year, he returns to host three amazing
performances as he is joined onstage by the magical
friends from the Magic Castle. The line-up of magicians will vary at
each performance, so one could attend all three dates and see three
different programs. Free parking across the street.
Time: Fri and Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm Cost: $15 • theaterwest.org
Sun.Nov20
LUNGFORCEWalkLA
@4024 Radford Ave. Studio City, CA 91604
As lung cancer ranks at the top of America’s deadliest cancers, take
this opportunity to go on the march to raise funds and awareness.
More than 33 million Americans suffer from asthma, COPD (which
includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis), and other lung diseases,
making the occasion and conversation something the whole family can
partake in.
Time: 7am-Noon Cost: Donation to the organization to participate,
along with fundraising efforts leading up to the race.
action.lung.org
StartsNov26
SLEEPINGBEAUTY
@4024 Radford Ave. Studio City, CA 91604
In association with Storybook Theatre, this
live, interactive musical is perfect for children
ages 3 to 9 years. Great for birthday parties,
school get-togethers and special occasions. Free parking across the
street. • Time: 1pm Cost: adults, $12; kids $10 • theaterwest.org
Sun.Nov27
ChristmasTreeLightingCeremony
@Sherman Oaks Galleria
Hit your favorite holiday mall for holiday treats, crafts, entertainment
& the lighting of the Galleria’s 30 foot tree. Yuletide sing-alongs, free
photos with Santa, arts face painting for kids kicks off the most festive
time of the year. • Time: 7pm Free
CalendarofEvents
like we were living in a snow globe.
The thick snow fell peacefully, straight
down from the sky during the nights,
During the day, the hot sun warmed the
slopes allowing everyone to ski in short
sleeved shirts even though the high was
consistently 18°C (64ºF).”
While Elijah is looking forward to a
future family trip to Chicago (“They
have the best trains,” he says.) when
Theo gets older, Mom and Dad are
currently juggling three successful
businesses. They include JEL Music
Group (a music production company
that creates original content and theme
packages for TV, film, commercials and
the web), Telesonik (a music publishing
company launched in 2016 that develops
original musical artists who write
original songs to be placed in TV, film,
commercials and Internet and their band
Brand New Day, a 10 piece, pop-retro
band, channeling the beats and styles
of the late 1960’s.
The Nesmiths, proving “the family who
plays (music) together, stays together.”
6. 10 11NOVEMBER2016 STUDIOCITYNEIGHBORS
ByBernardOtis,guestcolumnist
ExpressingThankfulnesstoThoseWhoEnrichYourLife
W
hen Bernie’s wife passed away four years ago he moved
into Fairwinds West in West Hills, where he assists
residents less independent then himself, works with
management in the food area and writes articles for their monthly
national magazine and speaks at their various facilities in Southern
California.
As we enter the holiday season, we need to take a step back and
think about all of the things for which we are thankful for, as well as
those who make it possible for us to enjoy the journey of life.
We all have it within us to do new things, change our routine, bring
out our inner skills and knowledge and share it with the world. But
we must also not kid ourselves into believing that everything we’ve
accomplished in life we have done it on our own. It is those who
love us that provide the incentive, support, and courage to get things
done and have new experiences.
When celebrating Thanksgiving and the holidays with those who
make your life a joy, be sure to let them know each and every day
how much you appreciate what they have done to add to your
enjoyment of life. I was moved to express this idea through a poem
I hope will get you thinking about the ways you can connect with
your family—not just on holidays, but any time of year.
The Greatest Myth of All: “I did it on my own”
Of all the well known myths that we hear spoken of so often
Is the one in which is least true of all, “I did it on my own.”
There exists no one on the face of earth not a creature or a person
Who can with a straight face say “I got there all alone.”
Did not your parents advise and even help to guide you get there?
Was not your family there to pick you up when you fell down?
And when you were lost and quite unsure,
Were friends not there to be certain that you did not drown.
What about the teachers along with your faith provide the
knowledge and support
That made your success most likely to be more achievable?
And did not the accountant, professionals, and the attorney
Who were standing ready in the background make your story so
believable?
As you took the mystery trip and went on this important journey,
Please don’t try to fool the world about the things you have done.
It may have been your idea; you most likely were the source.
It is okay to boast and cheer yourself for having a successful run,
But just between the two of us, don’t forget all the others who
helped you complete the course.
If you or your loved one(s) have need for such a caring facility as
Fairwinds contact Bernie at 818-519- 8347.
Author,speakerandcommunityleaderBernieOtis’slife
lessonscanbefoundinhislatestbook“HowtoPreparefor
OldAge…WithoutTakingtheFunOutofLife,”whichcan
befoundonAmazonandBarnes&Noble,andathisblog
(seniormomentswithbernardotis.com).Otisalsopenned
“TheHistoryoftheRestaurantIndustryintheSanFernando
Valley”fortheLosAngelesLibraryCommission.
Email: ecrowther@farmersagent.com • vangie887@vbcrowtheinsurance.com
Website: www.farmersagent.com/ecrowther • Fax: 818-558-3657
If you’re paying too much for
insurance we need to talk
For Free Quotes Please Call:
1-818-558-7912
Auto, Home, Life, Business
Health & Investments
Vangie Crowther
CA Lic. 0C61432
NV Lic. 188796
STUDIO CITY LIVING
The Ultimate Shopping Guide. Eat Local. Shop Local. Live Local.
COMMUNITYCONTENT
L
ocal resident and Realtor Debbie Pisaro has
recently teamed up with local Graphic Designer
Donna Johnston to create an extension of Debbie’s
wildly successful Studio City Facebook Group. They
are bringing the community a new printed directory of
local retailers and restaurants.
Inside the new “Studio City Living” guide are business
listings along with a great map of the local shops,
restaurants, and other unique establishments We are
always looking at ways to improve the living experience in
Studio City and help our local businesses thrive and grow.
These guides will be distributed via local hotels,
businesses, directly to homes, and at special events
around town. If you’d like to receive a copy
feel free to reach out to Debbie Pisaro directly;
323-481 7353 or debbiepisaro@gmail.com or via
www.StudioCity365.com.
You can also join the closed Facebook group
by searching for “Studio City Living” on
Facebook.
Eat Local. Shop Local. Live Local.
SENIORPERSPECTIVE
A RT D I M E N S I O N S I N C .
Why
Lease?
Eighty percent of American
companies lease their office
furnishings and equipment.
Why not their art? Leasing
allows you to aquire fine art
at affordable prices while also
deriving tax advantages.
Art Dimensions Inc. can help
you create a distinguished
space with fine art that works
with your budget.
www.artdimensionsonline.com
310.433.8934
Whitney Rosenson
7. 12 13NOVEMBER2016 STUDIOCITYNEIGHBORS
VALLEY APPLIANCES
HomeAppliancesSalesandRepairs
Weserviceallmakesandmodels•Samedayappointments
QualifiedTechnicians
LicensedandInsured
hnmappliances@gmail.com
7141BBairdAve
ResedaCa91335
(818)705-2240 AskforNatalie
SPECIALOFFER
15%discountonyournextservicecalljob
whenyoumentionStudioCityNeighbors.
It’sSmarttoStand
NorthHollywoodInterfaithFoodPantry
@4390 Colfax Ave, Studio City
This local coalition of Jewish
and Christian congregations
working together to address
the problem of hunger in
the community, offers many
volunteer opportunities to serve
local communities throughout
the area.
Hours: Mon & Fri, 8am – 1 pm • nhifp.org
SalvationArmyCorps
@14917 Victory Boulevard, Van Nuys
The local branch of the international organization, supported by the
San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, provides
food distribution and other assistance to local residents in need.
Hours: Tues-Fri, 10am-Noon and 1-3pm
sfvcmhc.org/about-us/volunteering
BurbankTemporaryAidCenter
@1304 W. Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506
The program provides emergency groceries for people who live in
Burbank, including people who are homeless or undocumented.
The organization also provides sack lunches five days per week for
people who are homeless in Burbank.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm (closed Noon-1:30pm)
CommunityDistributionCenter
@Nationwide
Community Distribution Center provides food, non-food products
and services to families who are in need, when they need them. The
organization collects food, non-food products and other support from
community distributors, manufacturers, retail outlets, individuals and
corporations throughout Southern California.
For more info: communitydistribution.org/us
GenerationNoKidHungry
@Nationwide
Generation No Kid Hungry is a national movement of young
leaders dedicated to ending childhood hunger in this generation by
ensuring all children get
the healthy food they
need, every day. Young
volunteers participating
the No Kid Hungry
campaign does his
or her part to provide
access to the food kids
in need require to
thrive. To learn more:
generationnokidhungry.
org
Food Pantries Make It Easy To Provide
Help and Hope To Families and Individuals In Need
These days, you might feel like
every activity is associated with
health risks and warnings. Thought
it may seem discouraging, these
warnings are actually very helpful
and are often backed by some
serious science. New research helps
us learn new preventative measures
for ensuring our long-term health.
A recent study outlines the health
risks associated with prolonged
sitting. Our bodies aren’t designed,
so to speak, to be inactive for
extended periods of time. When
we sit and watch television, work
at a desk, or drive a vehicle, our
bodies dramatically decrease
the breakdown of sugars and
fats, resulting in a shocking
125 percent increase in the risk
of cardiovascular disease or
heart attack1
. As if that’s not
discouraging enough, it seems that
merely adding a couple hours of
gym time to your week doesn’t
really help. What does help,
though, is breaking up your periods of inactivity by walking or
standing while you work.
Here’s how to banish inactivity in the workplace, improve your
overall wellness, and increase your energy levels:
1. Stand while you work. Standing desks are all the rage, and you
can install them in a cinch. Research proves that the muscles
activated by simply standing dramatically increase your body’s
metabolism of sugars and fats.
2. Walk at work. Instead of having regular meetings with your
coworkers in the conference room, take a walk outside or
through your departments.
3. Take small walk breaks.
Every hour or so, get up and
walk around a bit. Take a
lap around your office floor,
or walk outside for some
fresh air.
4. Actively watch television.
If you just can’t go without
your favorite shows or the
nightly news, try viewing
them while exercising on a
treadmill or elliptical for 30
minutes.
5. Be aware of your activity
levels and try to stand, not
sit, as often as you can.
You’ll love the increased
metabolism, energy, and
the overall improvement of
your health.
1
“Too Much Sitting: The Population-
Health Science of Sedentary
Behavior.” Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2010
Jul; 38(3): 105–113.
ByEmmaRiehl
Our bodies aren’t designed, so to speak,
to be inactive for extended periods of time.
LOCALGIVING
