December 2016

December 2016 

Oct. 2012 

...for 

today’s active 

seniors! 

from 

Bruce 

Ewing 

(and friends) 

IN 

“Our 

Hometown 

Holidays” 

See page 15 

Another Great FREE Holiday Show! 

Tues Dec.13th

2 www.thevegasvoice.net 

Accept my invitation 

and receive a complimentary 

$100 Meal Card to either Flemings, or 

Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis! 

Many people are concerned today about the market and the direction 

it will be heading - big deficit, potential for inflation and possible 

future market downturns similar to those we experienced back in 2001 and 

again in 2008, unrest in the Middle East…the list goes on and on. If you’re 

like most Americans, you have questions and concerns regarding these critical 

issues and the impact they could potentially have on your lifestyle, your future 

and your legacy. 

REDEFINING YOUR RETIREMENT 

The world is changing, the economy is changing and the rules 

are changing every day. 

Please accept our personal invitation to attend a Private Financial Workshop 

where we can discuss these important issues that could potentially 

impact your future. Designed to discuss your retirement concerns and goals 

and address any questions or concerns you may have in a quiet and relaxed 

environment, this exclusive offer is by invitation only. 

This Private Financial Workshop is being offered to you at NO COST 

or Obligation. As part of our appreciation for your time, to thank you 

for attending, you will receive a complimentary $100 Meal Card. 

We will: 

• Educate you on investment choices and help guide you on 

building your portfolio. 

• Show you what you are really paying your advisor in 

fees and commissions. 

• “Stress Test” your current portfolio, to determine the 

actual risk of your current investments. 

• Discuss tax efficient retirement planning - where you will learn 

how to position your assets utilizing effective tax planning strategies. 

• Instruct you on how you can help protect your assets from 

the catastrophic costs of long term illness. 

• Properly inform you about Social Security - How to 

maximize Social Security income for both you and your 

spouse, and reduce taxes on benefits you are already receiving. 

Intention of this workshop is to educate - Nothing Will Be Sold. 

This Private Educational Workshop can provide a unique opportunity to learn how some very simple steps can help 

provide you with a more reliable and certain future retirement. HAVE DINNER ON ME! At this private workshop, you will 

be presented with a $100 Meal Card to be used at Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis, or Flemings, at your leisure. 

Annuities Made Simple 

170 S. Green Valley Parkway 

Suite 300 | Henderson, NV 89012 

(The District - Next to the 

Cheesecake Factory) 

POWER OF 4 

Your choice! 

(Downtown Summerlin) 

1980 Festival Plaza Drive I Suite 300 

Las Vegas NV 89135 

Call Gregory Kinkead Today 

702-521-3014 

greg@annuitiesmadesimple.com 

No purchase required to 

receive meal card. 

in 

f 

Choose one of the available dates and times for this no obligation, complimentary 

offer and receive $100 Meal Card to Flemings, or Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis on me! 

Please note: This offer is limited to those who have not attended a 

Annuities Made Simple seminar or consulted Gregory Kinkead for advice. 

www.annuitiesmadesimple.com 

Securities offered through Centaurus Financial Inc., - Member FINRA and SIPC. 

Annuities Made Simple and Centaurus Financial, Inc. are not affiliated.

december 16 

3 

MADE SIMPLE 

702.521.3014 (Main) 702.944.0365 (Fax) 

POWER OF 4 

Guarantee your lifetime income 

with simple solutions 

Principal Preservation 

• Protection from market loss 

• Guaranteed minimum interest 

Lifetime Income 

• Single and joint guaranteed lifetime income 

• Increasing income options available 

4 Simple Solutions 

Guaranteed Death Benefits 

• Legacy Protection 

• Lump sum death benefit without surrender charge 

Attractive Interest Rates 

• Bonus options available 

• Choose from multiple indexes 

Schedule your appointment today and receive a free breakfast or lunch buffet gift card 

Choose either Green Valley Ranch Hotel and Casino or Red Rock Hotel and Casino 

1980 Festival Plaza Dr.,# 300 (Downtown Summerlin) 

Las Vegas, NV 89135 • 702/521.3014 (main) • 702/944.0365 (Fax) 

Most things in your life will have a guarantee. 

Why not guarantee your retirement income? 

Please note: This offer is limited to those who have not attended a Annuities Made Simple seminar or consulted Gregory Kinkead for advice. 

I am your 

Simple Annuity Solution 

Gregory S. Kinkead 

CEO, Founder 

170 S. Green Valley Parkway,Suite 300 

Henderson, NV 89012 • (The District - Next to Cheesecake Factory) 

Greg@AnnuitiesMadeSimple.com 

www.annuitiesmadesimple.com 

Securities offered through Centaurus Financial Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.Annuities Made Simple and Centaurus Financial Inc. are not affiliated.1980 Festival Plaza 

Dr. # 300, Las Vegas, NV 89135 / 702.521.3014. All annuity guarantees are based upon the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company. 

Find me on 

POWER OF 4 

in 

f

The Mystique of 

Southwestern Art 

by Crystal Czerkas Sarbacker 

Taos, Tulsa, or Vegas? 

It’s your choice! 

Crystal Czerkas- 

I 

Sarbacker 

f you would like to see the Mystical Pueblos collection 

by my dad, Victor Czerkas, the only known private student 

of the noted Russian impressionist, Nicolai Fechin, you might stop by the 

Taos Museum in New Mexico or the Mustard Seed, a Tulsa Oklahoma antique 

and fine furniture retailer currently featuring Czerkas paintings and limited edition 

giclees... 

Or you could call Ray and I for a private showing right here in Vegas, or a special 

online tour! What could be easier? 

Czerkas (1914 -2004) was born in the US to Russian immigrants, and his heritage 

and fluency in slavic languages facilitated his relationship with Fechin. The 

influence of his mentor can be seen in Czerkas’ bold use of color, fearless brush 

strokes, and choice of subject matter as seen in the Mystical Pueblos series now 

on display in Taos or at The Mustard Seed. Fechin was fascinated by the American 

Southwest, and at his insistence Czerkas made regular visits to the area 

At The Ovens 

Oil where he became very intrigued by the 

pueblo communities and their surroundings. 

Like Fechin, Czerkas was inspired 

by the Southwest and he sought to 

preserve its beauty throughout his life. 

In addition to the Mystical Pueblos 

series, Czerkas created many watercolor 

and oil paintings based on his world 

wide travels. He is listed as a noted 

California Watercolorist, the winner of 

Gathering at the Wall Oil over a hundred awards for his paintings, 

and his artwork can be found in 

the collections of the Senator Robert 

Kennefamily, and many motion picture 

celebrities including Rock Hudson. 

Pueblo Gathering 

Watercolor 

For more information contact 

The Mustard Seed, The Taos 

Art Museum, or call Ray at 

702-463-0966. 

2880 BICENTENNIAL PKWY. SUITE 100-244 

HENDERSON, NEVADA 89044 

Phone 702.251.4441 . Fax 702.666-0427 

Volume 13, Issue 10 

PUBLISHER/EDITOR . Dan Roberts 

PRESIDENT . Ray Sarbacker 

POLITICAL EDITOR . Rana Goodman 

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR . Evan Davis 

NIGHT LIFE EDITOR . Sam Wagmeister 

TRAVEL EDITOR . Stu Cooper 

TV HOST . Rich Natole 

GRAPHICS EDITOR . Michael Roberts 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE . Lou Lozitsky 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE . Debbie Landry 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE . Helen Britas 

PROJECT DIRECTOR . Bill Caserta 

Marty Allen 

Adrea Barrera 

Richard Black 

Yvonne Cloutier 

Dianne Davis 

www.thevegasvoice.net 

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS 

Chuck Dean 

Alice Edwards 

Jan Fair 

Tiffany Fairfax 

Linda Gomez 

dan@thevegasvoice.net 

ray@thevegasvoice.net 

rana@thevegasvoice.net 

evan@thevegasvoice.net 

lou@thevegasvoice.net 

debbie@thevegasvoice.net 

Ali Guggenheim 

Kathy Manney 

Kyo Mitchell 

Mary Richard 

Crystal Sarbacker 

The Vegas Voice is mailed/delivered to all residents in: 

Anthem Country Club 

Country Club Senior Apts. 

Destinations Centers 

Horizon Pines 

Las Vegas Meadows 

Quail Estates 

Seven Hills 

Pat Warren 

Beverly Washburn 

Devon Wickens 

Vicki Wentz 

James White 

Siena 

Solera @ Anthem 

Solera @ Stallion Mtn. 

Sun City Anthem 

Sun City Aliante 

Sun City MacDonald Ranch 

Sun City Summerlin 

The Vegas Voice is also distributed throughout the Vegas Valley; from 

North Las Vegas to Boulder City - including select local casinos, 

bookstores, coffee shops, and all libraries and community 

centers. 

What Do You Think? 

Do you agree with our columnists? Did anyone get you angry, make 

you think or simply put a smile on your face? 

Please tell us by forwarding your comments, thoughts or suggestions 

to Publisher Dan at: dan@thevegasvoice.net. 

And whatever you do, don’t forget our website. Read about the latest 

information about us grown-ups so you can keep up to date with 

everything going on. 

4 www.thevegasvoice.net

Dan Roberts 

Another Year, Another Health Crisis 

Roberts Rules 

“And the tradition continues.” 

That was my immediate reaction 

concerning Rana’s latest medical 

adventure. 

Loyal readers are very familiar 

with my periodic columns on my 

Ladylove’s physical issues. Like the 

“swallows returning to Capistrano”, 

you can now be guaranteed that 

come December, the political editor 

of The Vegas Voice will have a new 

health crisis. 

Last month marked my 4 th anniversary 

with Rana. During this time, 

we have smiled, laughed, played 

crusading journalists in exposing 

the Nevada guardianship scandal 

(mostly her, I proudly admit) and 

enjoying life to the fullest. 

But I have also played her nurse and caregiver. 

It started two years ago when Rana fractured 

her shoulder on our European cruise. 

Then last December, an angiogram revealed 

that her artery was blocked and a stent was 

urgently inserted to relieve her heart threatening 

problem. 

december 16 

December 2016 

Oct. 2012 

...for 

today’s active 

seniors! 

Guardianship Update 

Editorial 

As 2016 comes to an end, The Vegas Voice before previous Nevada legislative sessions 

from 

wanted to write something to let the 

Bruce 

“bad and “Reform Commissions” advocating 

guys” know that even during the holiday Ewingher same belief – beginning in 2002. 

season, we’re still watching them. (and friends) Ramm was never part of the solution, but 

Let’s begin with our elected law enforcement 

officials (next page). We’re still wait- 

“Our Yet, despite all the reform success, no one 

IN (just one) of the guardianship problems. 

Hometown 

ing for them to do their jobs. Holidays” has been arrested, no public employee fired 

On a positive note, another obstacle and not one victim from this guardianship 

in guardianship reform is leaving. Sally gulag has received a dime of compensation. 

Ramm, elder rights 

Another 

attorney 

Great Holiday 

for 

Show! 

the Nevada Speaking of money, in 2016 the: (a) Attorney 

General and Nevada Court system 

Tues Dec.13th 

Aging & Disability Services, who served as 

the government’s “go-to expert” on guardianship 

announced that she was retiring in funds for guardianship issues; and (b) 

were awarded $3,000,000.00 in non-state 

January. 

since October 2015 (one month after private 

Ms. Ramm was the individual who scolded 

Publisher Dan for his “harsh” testimony raided pursuant to subpoenas) she and her 

guardian April Parks’ office and home were 

before the Nevada Legislature in 2015. She attorneys were awarded over $300,000.00 in 

advised that “these things take time” and fees from her former wards. 

pointedly told him that such tone was not All that money, but nothing for the victims 

or to implement reforms. And the “bad 

conducive for guardianship reform. 

The Vegas Voice thereafter uncovered guys” continue to hope that The Vegas 

numerous statements made by Ms. Ramm Voice will simply go away. 

This year – diabetes. 

“I got it wrong” I confessed to her when 

we remembered that this was now the third 

consecutive negative end-of-the-year health 

news. “I was guessing knee surgery.” 

Rana shot me that “look” which all “life 

& love partners” understood. Apparently, my 

Queen was not amused. If I did not know better, 

I would think that besides her medical 

maladies, she also lacks a sense of humor. 

So as I sat with her at the doctor’s office, 

I understood that, once again, there will be 

changes in our lives. 

(As an aside, how long would YOU sit in 

the waiting room for your scheduled appointment? 

In this instance, it was 97 minutes 

– yeah I timed it – before my New York 

attitude took over. You know… like jumping 

up and throwing a massive screaming fit, or 

hunting down the doctor [who does not even 

offer a half-hearted apology] and threatening 

to lock him in one of those claustrophobic 

examination rooms…but I digress). 

Anyway, Rana immediately decreed that 

effective forthwith, our friends “Ben & Jerry” 

were no longer welcomed in our home and 

that all deserts will now be sugar-free. “We’re 

going to eat healthy even if it kills us” was 

her upbeat declaration. 

“What do you mean WE?” I quickly asked 

as I reached for the bag of Doritos. 

“You’re the one with the diagnosis.” 

And then, as only Rana can, she 

jumped on that proverbial soapbox 

pontificating that 2017 will be the 

year of getting and staying healthy 

- and active. “I’m not kidding” she 

remarked over and over (and over) 

again. 

“Save that thought” I said as I 

leaned back on my recliner and 

waved my hand to indicate that she 

was blocking my view of that big 

screen television. But I (eventually) 

concluded that Rana was serious. 

“Let me ask you something”, I 

asked as she handed me the car keys 

while shutting off the TV. “Does this 

mean that we’re now going to have 

home-cooked meals?” 

“One crisis at a time” she calmly replied 

as we headed to her favorite restaurant. And 

to add insult to injury, we “agreed” to a salad 

for our respective dinners. 

As we chowed down on this rabbit food, I 

asked what plans she has for next December’s 

health crisis. Perhaps we can have a contest 

for Vegas Voice readers, I (now regretfully) 

suggested. 

Realizing (too late) that my mouth was 

moving faster than my brain, I told her to 

pick categories for 2017. “I’m choosing hip 

replacement.” Once again, my Rana was not 

amused. 

Luckily, I hid that bag of Doritos. 

***Rana and I, along with everyone at 

The Vegas Voice wish you and yours a very 

joyous, happy and HEALTHY holiday season. 

May all your hopes and dreams come true in 

2017. 

5

Rana Goodman 

What a Trip 

On My Soap Box 

As 2016 comes to an end, I told Dan I needed 

something fun to lift my spirits. 

I had just returned from my regular semiannual 

doctor’s appointment. Instead of 

telling me I was good to go for another six 

months, he showed me the results of my latest 

blood work and, shaking his head, tells me I 

now have diabetes. 

I know this is not an earth-shattering diagnosis. 

Many of my friends are in the same 

boat, but you have to understand, I have always 

been an incurable “choc-o-oholic” and 

ice cream addict. 

I have a “sweet tooth” you won’t believe. 

My doctor patted me on the head and assured 

me that dark chocolate was ok…Humpfff! 

My Dan then gave me great news. Along 

with travel editor Stu and his wife Sharon, he 

had arranged a cruise for us. 

It would be a “cruise to nowhere” on the 

largest cruise ship in the world - The Harmony 

of the Seas. This ship has a huge zip line, 

(I love them) and an amazing slide that (get 

this) starts on deck 17 and ends on deck 5. 

You’ll be as dizzy as hell when you 

get off; but what fun if you want to 

feel like a kid again. I was ready to 

go! 

We arrived in Fort Lauderdale 

and the weather couldn’t have been 

more glorious - 70 degrees. After 

spending the day visiting Dan’s family, 

we headed to the ship. 

And when I say the ship was huge, 

I’m not kidding. Royal Caribbean’s 

Harmony of the Seas is mammoth. 

This was a special maiden voyage 

for media and travel agents so 

we were given the royal treatment. A 

nice sized balcony cabin with the sea 

air wafting in. 

Other cabins were open for viewing 

and all I can say is WOW. One 

was a four bedroom, four bath with a 

spa on the deck with a wet bar, huge 

living area and 24-hour butler service. 

And for those regular readers who 

are aware of my unfortunate experience two 

years ago when I tripped and broke my shoulder 

(ending the cruise before it even started) 

Dan made sure I only brought flat shoes. I’m 

proud to announce that there was no tripping 

or broken bones at the buffet. 

The dinner? It was an invitation to the captain’s 

table - a perfect day! 

Walking around the ship we found some 

of the fun (at least for me) things to do – 

namely shopping! The “Boardwalk” for the 

kids (and guys) is where we found the slide. 

My lord, the slide was HUGE. 

On the next deck, a replica of Central Park. 

The beautiful park was surrounded by cabins 

with balconies for those that wanted to sit outside 

and enjoy the magnificent garden view. 

Now I was ready for adventure! To ride the 

slide and zip line. My timing, unfortunately 

was as bad as being at Costco on Sunday. 

Both were closed while the ship was entertaining 

the various VIPs. But, as I happily reminded 

Dan, there was always that deck with 

all that shopping! 


ecember 16 

7 

Vicki Wentz 

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas! 

Vicki’s Voice 

Well, my friends, it’s almost Christmas time. 

Are you ready? Don’t you just adore it when 

people slap you on the back and ask jovially, 

“Are you ready?” 

Because, you know darn well that they 

wouldn’t ask that if THEY weren’t ready, and 

they’re simply dying for you to tell them no, 

you’re nowhere near ready, just so that they 

can say, “Gee, I’ve had my Christmas gifts 

bought since, oh, I think it was like Labor Day.” 

And, you’re supposed to stand there amazed 

and envious, as they tick off all the things 

they’re planning to do during the season; 

things that they have time to do because their 

shopping is done...things that you have never 

done, and probably never will do, because your 

shopping is generally not finished until, oh, 

like the 24th. 

If this showoff sounds like you, let me say 

- on behalf of all the folks who are realizing 

today that the only present we’ve bought so 

far is a chocolate bar covered with a wrapper 

that looks like a $1,000,000 bill, because our 

grandson loves money and chocolate (just like 

his grandmother) and you already ate half of 

that - SHUT UP! 

We don’t want to know how well organized 

you are, because we have only yesterday put 

away the last of the beach towels, stored the 

deck furniture, and discarded the little pilgrim-hat 

place cards. Yes, our beautiful green 

wreath with a big red bow hangs on the front 

door, right above the now-mushy Halloween 

pumpkin, and this is the best we can do, so 

GET OFF OUR BACKS! (ahem) 

In the meantime, to help us all feel a little 

more Christmas spirit, I have composed a Tabernacle-Choir-quality 

piece entitled, “Jingle 

This!” It is to be sung to that timeless Christmas 

favorite we all enjoy. 

Let’s all sing along together now, especially 

mothers - you know, those carefree, unstressed, 

perfectly-coiffed, baking, shopping, 

entertaining, wrapping, decorating, schlepping 

mothers - who desperately need a holiday 

song of our own. Sing it LOUD, Ladies! 

A-one and a-two, and a-- 

Jingle Bells, Mommy yells “Decorate the 

tree! 

“Hang up now, no texting, and “Don’t 

take that tone with me!” Heee! 

In the yard, It’s so hard. Putting up the 

lights; 

Daddy’s shouting words that really aren’t 

too Christmas-like! 

Grandma comes to call, with cookies 

large and small, 

They’re gone so fast that Mommy missed 

her favorite bourbon balls; 

She didn’t get a bite, the kids begin to fight, 

And, Daddy’s drinking eggnog, asking, 

“Who needs outdoor lights?” Oh! 

Jing-a-ling, Caroling? Are you kidding 

me? 

The baby and the dog have both thrown 

up beneath the tree! Heee! 

In the mall. What a ball, Swimming 

through the throngs; 

Waiting hours for Santa while they’re 

blasting Christmas songs! 

At home, unknown to all, the teen’s still 

on her call, 

So, Mom cannot reach Dad to ask, “So, 

base- or basket- ball?” 

She’s got a giant list, and she is getting pi- 

-...uh...mad, 

She buys a dozen fruitcakes for the people 

she might miss! Oh! 

Home she’ll go, Through the snow, Hungering 

for peace; 

She gets there; tree’s still bare, Christmas 

spirit ceased. Hey! 

Jingle bell, “What the hell? “Someone do 

the tree! 

“Where is Baby Jesus? “Do you know 

you’re killing me?!” 

Teenager is bored, “What extension cord? 

“This is lame! Can I go out?” She’s so hard 

to ignore. 

The stockings must be hung; the tinsel 

must be flung, 

The presents wrapped, the candles lit, and 

carols must be sung! Oh! 

Jingle bells, no one yells, Kids are fast 

asleep; 

Mom and Dad are on the floor assembling 

“G.I. Jeep.” Hey! 

Clock strikes one, finally done, 

Check 5 little beds; Now, it feels like Christmas, 

as you 

Kiss 5 little heads... 

And, God bless us, one and all. With love, 

from Vicki. 

Vicki Wentz is a writer, teacher and speaker living in North Carolina. Readers may 

contact her - and order her new children’s book! - by visiting her website at 

www.vickiwentz.com.

Beverly Washburn 

Love Letters 

Hollywood Memories 

Hard to believe it’s December already and 

the Holidays are here! Whatever you celebrate, 

may it be filled with love, happiness, good 

health, prosperity, peace and much laughter. 

Thanks to so many of you who responded 

and reached out to me about my last column 

regarding the loss of my little “fur baby” Reggie. 

Your thoughts and kindness were much 

appreciated. 

I’d like to write this month about a recent 

play I did with my good friend Tony Dow 

(Wally) from “Leave it to Beaver.” 

As you can see by the first photo, Tony and 

I go way back, almost 60 years when we were 

just teenagers. 

The year was 1959 and I, along with every 

other teenage girl in America had a huge 

crush on “Wally.” As fate would have it, I was 

filming a TV show which just happened to be 

next to the stage where Leave it to Beaver was 

filming. 

I knew Barbara Billinglsey ( June Cleaver), 

because I did a sitcom with her at CBS in 1955 

in which I played her daughter. Leave it to 

Beaver was a closed set, but because I knew 

Yvonne Cloutier 

her, they let me on the stage to say hello. 

I was thrilled to see Barbara again, but not 

only that, it was the perfect excuse for me to 

meet the man (ok, make that boy) of my 

dreams! 

The casting director happened to be on the 

set and asked me to come back the next day to 

read for a role in an episode called “The Blind 

Date Committee.” I was fortunate enough to 

be cast and 

thus began 

our lifel 

o n g 

friendship. 

Now all 

these years 

later, we 

were reunited 

in a 

two-person 

play called 

“ Love Letters.” 

It was 

a delight to 

do it with 

Tony. He is 

not only a 

wonderful actor, but a dear friend. You may 

recall that he wrote the foreword for my book 

A Rock Singer with Horn-Rimmed Glasses 

as well. 

The play is about two people who start out 

as friends in grammar school and continue 

their friendship for more than forty years until 

the time of her death. We performed it in 

Moraga, California to a sold out audience, for 

which we were very grateful. 

We’ll be performing together again this 

coming January along with Paul Petersen 

( Jeff Stone from “The Donna Reed Show”) 

at the Orleans here in Las Vegas. This time 

we’ll be doing re-enactments of old time radio 

shows. Paul is another dear friend of mine so 

I’m really looking forward to it. 

Until then, Happy Holidays to all of you. I’d 

like to thank all of you for being loyal readers 

of my column and I wish each and every one 

all of life’s blessings. 

Until next time, remember that the best 

thing to hold onto in life is each other. 

Beverly Washburn graced the silver screen as a child actress and is the author of Reel 

Tears which can be bought online at Amazon.com or ordered through Barnes & 

Noble bookstores. You can contact Beverly at: bjradell@hotmail.com. Check out her 

awesome, new website: www.beverlywashburn.com. 

Musical Moments 

“That’ll be the day… when I die.” And he 

did. 

He was only 23, in a plane crash during a 

snowstorm with a pilot not qualified to fly by 

instruments. Also on that fateful trip, Ritchie 

Valens and The Big Bopper, J.P. Richardson. 

Along with the pilot, they all died. 

Waylon Jennings, scheduled to be on that 

flight, allowed the “Big Bopper,” to take his 

place. The plane, headed for Moorhead, Minnesota, 

crashed in Clear Lake, Iowa soon after 

departure. 

Buddy Holly, renowned rock and roller, left 

this earth way too soon. 

Rolling Stone magazine voted Buddy Holly 

(who wore horn-rimmed glasses and sang 

with a musical hiccup) the 13 th greatest “rock 

n roll” artist of all time. His original name was 

Charles Hardin Holley. The E was dropped out 

of his last name when it was omitted on a recording. 

He was born in Lubbock, Texas in 1936 and 

died in 1959. Buddy’s date of death was immortalized 

as The Day the Music Died from 

Don McLean’s hit song American Pie. 

A life-sized statue of Holly is located at the 

Lubbock, Texas Convention Center. The statue 

depicts him tapping his heel while playing his 

Fender Stratocaster. He always tapped his heel 

to the music. 

Holly’s first million-seller That’ll be the 

Day, was from that expression John Wayne 

used in 1956 movie, The Searchers. Holly’s 

group was called The Crickets because after 

recording, I’m Gonna Love You, Too, a real 

chirping cricket was heard on the recording at 

the end. And so they used that name. 

Holly parted with studio owner, producer, 

and his longtime manager Norm Petty, because 

Petty insisted on co-credit song royalties 

that he recorded with The Crickets. Petty withheld 

the royalty money owed to Holly. After the 

split, Holly moved to New York. 

Finances forced Holly to go on his final 

tour, the Winter Dance Party. He made his 

only appearance on The Dick Clark Show in 

1958 when he performed It’s So Easy, with The 

Crickets. 

He had many hit songs. He also performed 

using two different guitars and drums. 

Holly was married to Maria Elena Santiago. 

She was pregnant at the time of his death and 

couldn’t go to his funeral because she suffered 

a miscarriage. She still owns rights to his 

name, image, trademarks, and Holly’s other 

intellectual properties. 

He wrote and co-wrote most of his songs. 

Bob Dylan said he was influenced by Buddy’s 

music. Paul McCartney eventually purchased 

Holly’s publishing rights. 

Many books and articles have been written 

about Buddy Holly. He has been inducted into 

many musicians’ Halls of Fame and was posthumously 

awarded a star on the Hollywood 

Walk of Fame. 

Yvonne Cloutier, a former teacher/principal, with a music background, specializes 

in ragtime piano. She is an author and has written an easy-to-read book on Scott 

Joplin. She reports about music on SCA-TV.com/Anthem Alive! You can contact her 

at www.mytimeisragtime.com. 


$4 MOVIE TICKETS & MORE IN DECEMBER! 

SENIOR 50+ 

WEDNESDAY 

• 10X SLOT POINTS / 6X VIDEO POKER 

• $4 MOVIE MATINEES 

• 1/2 POINT BINGO & BOWLING 

• FREE STARBUCKS TALL COFFEE 

• $108,000 FREE SLOT TOURNAMENTS 

• 15% OFF PIZZA ROCK AT 

GREEN VALLEY RANCH 

BOB 

1/2 POINT DINING SPECIALS 

DECEMBER: 

CAFÉS, BUFFETS, OYSTER BAR, 

TIDES SEAFOOD & SUSHI BAR, 

8 NOODLE BAR 

STN 

GET THE APP FOR HOT DEALS AND MORE 

Cannot be combined with any other offers. Must have a 

Boarding Pass and valid ID. Must be 50 years of age or older. 

Movie matinees before 6pm. Complete details at Rewards 

Centers. Sign up for Station Casino’s MyGeneration today! 

december 16 

9

Marty Allen 

Marty’s Top Ten 

Hello Dere 

Bill Caserta 

You Have to Laugh 

Bill’s Blurbs 

1. A lot of kids want to join the Diplomatic 

Corps. Why? Every day you can pick up a 

paper and read about some Embassy getting 

stoned! 

2. Husband while having 

a terrible fight with his 

wife, yells: “You’re 

going to drive me to 

my grave!” In two 

minutes, she had 

the car in front 

of the house. 

3. In Hollywood, 

a silver 

wedding anniversary 

means 

the 25 th husband. 

4. My friend Benny said he’s the luckiest 

man in the world. He’s got a wife and a cigarette 

lighter – and they both work! 

5. My other friend Max complains about 

how his wife looks. He told me that “if all 

the girls are sisters under the skin, he wished 

she’d go back under there and send out her 

sister.” 

6. My buddy Sherman said he lost a fortune 

overnight. He went to bed feeling 

like a million bucks and woke 

up feeling like two cents. 

7. The reason it takes 

women longer to 

get dressed is because 

they have 

to slow down at 

the curves. 

8. Don’t drive 

with one arm 

around your girl. 

Let her drive and 

you can then use both arms. 

9. Did you hear about the man who 

crossed a chicken with a racing form? It laid 

odds. 

10. New country song: “When Skirts Look 

Shorter, The Men Look Longer.” 

For over the past decade, Marty Allen has performed with his on and off stage 

singing partner Karon Kate Blackwell. 

A (Different) Christmas 

Tale: It was coming up to 

Christmas and Sammy asked 

his mom if he could have a 

new bike. She told him that 

the best idea would be to write 

to Santa Claus. 

But Sam, having just played 

a vital role in the school nativity 

play, said he would prefer 

to write to the baby Jesus. His 

mom told him that would be 

fine. 

Sam went to his room and 

wrote: “Dear Jesus, I have been 

a very good boy and would like 

to have a bike for Christmas.” 

But he wasn’t very happy when 

he read it over. 

So he decided to try again. 

This time he wrote: “Dear Jesus, 

I’m a good boy most of 

the time and would like a bike 

for Christmas.” He read it back 

and wasn’t happy with that 

one either. 

He tried a third version. “Dear Jesus, I 

could be a good boy if I tried hard and especially 

if I had a new bike.” He read that one 

too, but he still wasn’t satisfied. 

So, he decided to go for a walk while he 

thought about a better approach. He passed a 

house with a small statue of the Virgin Mary 

in the front garden. He crept in, stuffed the 

statue under his coat, hurried home and hid 

it under the bed. 

Then he wrote this letter. “Dear Jesus: If 

you want to see your mother again, you’d 

better send me a new bike.” 

Don’t Mess with the Mrs. The police 

officer pulls over a speeding car. The officer 

says, “I clocked you at 80 miles per hour, sir.” 

The driver says: “Goodness, officer, I had it 

on cruise control at 60. Perhaps your radar 

gun needs calibrating.” 

Not looking up from her knitting the wife 

says: “Now don’t be silly, dear. You know that 

this car doesn’t have cruise control” 

As the officer writes out the ticket, the driver 

looks over at his wife and growls, “Can’t 

you please keep your mouth shut for once?” 

The wife smiles demurely and says, “Well 

dear you should be thankful your radar 

detector went off when it did or your speed 

would have been higher.” 

As the officer makes out the second ticket 

for the illegal radar detector unit, the man 

looks at his wife and says through clenched 

teeth: “Woman, can’t you keep your mouth 

shut?” 

The officer frowns and says: “And I notice 

that you’re not wearing your seat belt, sir. 

That’s an automatic $75 fine.” 

The driver responds: “Yeah well, you see 

officer, I had it on but I took it off when you 

pulled me over so that I could get my license 

out of my back pocket.” 

The wife says: “Now, dear, you know very 

well that you didn’t have your seat belt on. 

You never wear your seat belt when you’re 

driving.” 

As the police officer starts writing out the 

third ticket, the driver turns to his wife and 

barks: “WILL YOU PLEASE SHUT UP?” 

The officer finally looks over at the woman 

and asks, “Does your husband always talk to 

you this way, ma’am? “ 

Her response: “Only when he’s been drinking.” 

Bill Caserta is the Project Director for The Vegas Voice and has a very “unique” sense of 

humor. He welcomes all funny submissions at: billbuck52@hotmail.com. 


Evan Davis 

Holiday Shows 

I Know a Place 

It seems like every month there is another 

holiday or a “theme event” to occupy our 

time. For December, we all know the major 

holidays and there is, of course, a majority of 

entertainment revolving around these themes. 

Let’s forget for a moment about the theme 

shows and concentrate on what’s happening 

on the local scene. Most of the local entertainment 

seems to be in restaurants and a few 

lounge. 

On the west side of town, there are a few 

Italian restaurants with music. Let’s start with 

Salvatore’s in the Suncoast with a piano bar 

and a singer on Tuesday and Thursday nights. 

Lots of local talent stop by to sit in for a number 

or two. 

Siena Italian Trattoria on Sahara has entertainment 

on Thursday nights. Kent Foote 

brings his Vegas Goodfellas to perform to a 

huge crowd that loves to dance and drink. 

They made Siena a weekly hangout for us active 

adults on the west side of town. 

As you party your way closer to the strip, you 

will pass Club 7777. There Reno Bellamy puts 

his mojo to work with many musicians and 

Legendary singer Sonny Charles of the 

Checkmates will be performing at our 

Vegas Voice Twilight Affair 

singers coming in to hone their skills until 

2 am. This place is perfect for late comers to 

dance all night. 

Keep going east and you’ll find the Tap 

House. It also displays an open mic atmosphere, 

dance floor and reasonable food and 

drink prices on Monday nights. 

Downtown and the strip area hosts places 

like The Lounge at El Cortez. It features Rita 

Lim with Joey Ugarte and the Jazz Vibrations. 

Kenny Davidsen performs at the Tuscany 

and Pia Zadora at Pia’s Place in Piero’s Italian 

Restaurant - all happening on Friday nights. 

By the way, Pia sings both Friday and Saturday 

nights. 

Slide along the strip and catch live entertainment 

at places like The Barrymore, Ferraro’s 

Italian Restaurant, Bootlegger Bistro 

and, of course, the Silverton Spa & Casino. And 

don’t forget our free Vegas Voice Twilight Affair 

show on Tuesday, December 13 th at 6 pm. 

Go west young man and you’ll find entertainment 

Wednesday through Sunday at the 

Italian American Club or Ichabod’s Lounge 

7 nights a week. Both have dance floors and 

Ichabod’s touts gaming 24/7. Good food and 

reasonable prices are indeed a welcomed surprise 

in these local restaurants and clubs. 

You can also find me at the Peppermill on 

Tuesdays at 1 pm taping a podcast with Ninon 

De Vera De Rosa. It features the Evan Davis 

Jazz Corner where I tell everyone what’s going 

on in town at the local scene. 

Allow me another quick plug for our Vegas 

Voice Twilight Affair on Tuesday, December 

13 th . It will be our very, very special Holiday 

Show. (See page 13.) 

I have the great pleasure of hosting a star 

studded lineup. Scheduled to perform include 

the lead singer of the Checkmates, Sonny 

Charles, a wonderful group JazzMin and a 

young star, Chloe, and many more entertainers. 

Come on out and enjoy a fantastic show! 

Evan Davis is the entertainment editor of The Vegas Voice. You can 

read his entertainment blog and sign up to receive his free email weekly 

Calendar of Events at www.EvanDavisJazz.com. You can also email 

him at: evan@thevegasvoice.net. 

december 16 

11

Adrea Nairne-Barrera 

The Great Grape Incident 

This month’s title refers to a specific evening 

and event, but to be more explicit, I am 

writing about what NOT to feed your pets during 

this holiday season of treats and goodies. 

A few weeks ago, I was carrying a plate of 

white seedless grapes to the couch to munch 

on while watching TV. I piled too many in the 

dish and some rolled off to the floor. 

Everything happened so fast. I barely had 

the chance to pick up what I thought was only 

4 or 5 grapes. 

I grabbed them immediately, but realized 

the 13-pound Shih Tzu had something in his 

mouth. He would not give it up. He growled 

when I tried to open his jaw. 

Then I looked at my other dog, Louie. He 

was just waiting for more to drop. 

Knowing in the back of my mind that 

grapes and raisins are bad for dogs, I looked 

it up on the computer. I found out my dogs 

could actually die from it. 

Our vet had late hours that evening and I 

almost ran red lights getting there with two 

stunned dogs. They induced vomiting and 

Sam Wagmeister 

She Married a Wanderer 

discovered that Louie had eaten 3 

big grapes and Tyler had crushed 

one. 

This is the one time I was glad 

that Louie inhales his food because 

they were still whole! My poor dogs 

had no idea what hit them, but 

thank goodness our vet handled the 

situation before anything was fully 

digested. 

Below is a list of foods that can be 

poisonous to pets and I would like 

to share it with you this holiday season. 

You may be surprised at a few 

of these. 

We don’t always think about how 

their systems are different from 

ours, but it is. This list is taken from 

the Humane Society website and 

for more information, you can also 

google many other sources. 

In alphabetical order, they are: 

Alcoholic Beverages, Apple Seeds, 

Apricot Pits, Avocados, Cherry Pits, 

60’s to 60 

Candy (particularly chocolate and any candy 

containing the toxic sweetener Xylitol) Coffee 

and Chocolate-covered espresso beans, Garlic, 

Grapes, Gum (can cause blockages and contains 

artificial sweetener), Hops, Macadamia 

Nuts, Moldy Foods, Mushroom Plants, Mustard 

Seeds, Onions and Onion Powder, Peach 

Pits, Potato Leaves & Stems (green part), 

Raisins, Rhubarb Leaves, Salt, Tea (because 

it contains caffeine), Tomato Leaves & Stems, 

Walnuts, and Yeast Dough. 

There are additional sites that provide more 

extensive lists, so I urge everyone to watch all 

that holiday candy and avoid people food 

treats for your pets. Even little kids with candy 

canes can innocently poison your pet. 

It only takes one mistake and a small dog’s 

kidneys could shut down or they become lethargic 

and sick. In our house, Superman has 

nothing on our Louie when it comes to moving 

“faster than a speeding bullet” if there’s 

food involved. He must get that from me. 

Wishing everyone a holiday season filled 

with love and happiness! 

People & Places 

The joke that’s making the rounds is that 

going to work for producers Terry Cashman would knock on restaurant doors and say 

the founder of the hottest new show on The 

and Tommy West. He worked nights and ‘would you hire us?’” Then an opportunity: 

Strip, The Bronx Wanderers, is Carol Adinolfi. 

weekends playing guitar and singing in “She pushed me to do a play on Broadway. 

As wife of lead singer Vinny Sr. and 

“weekend warrior” bands. 

The fact that I did opened a lot of doors. 

mother of drummer Nicky and versatile 

After helping produce and sell millions of Thank God that she pushed. She’s always 

musician/singer Vinny Jr., the tongue-incheek 

records “when the record business was the believed in me.” 

line is, “Without her, it would be a 

record business” for the likes of Dion and Since the band’s residency at Bally’s Win- 

one man show.” 

the Belmonts, The Earls, Partridge Family dows showroom, responsibilities for the 

Truth be told, without her there very possibly 

and Jim Croce, the industry hit a brick wall wife-mom have expanded. In addition to 

would be no Bronx Wanderers, the 

and their company was closed. “Things got those original tasks, she sits on the elevat- 

band whose show is drawing rave reviews 

rough.” 

ed platform at the back of the showroom, 

and loyal fans from their east coast, Florida, 

Carol, who had become a stay-at-homemom 

mouthing the music, commanding the vid- 

and Midwest festival tours. 

to raise young son Vinny, picked up eo screens and performing on the air guitar, 

Before their Vegas residency, they were a 

the ball and went to work while Dad Vinny air keyboard, air saxophone while dancing 

touring band playing summer events and 

became a stay-at-home-dad to raise eventual 

drummer Nicky. “She jumped right in. fan attending for the first time. 

up a storm treating each performance as a 

thing not music,” credits husband Vinny, 

celebrations in cold weather cities and 

“even laundry.” Then, reflectively, he adds, 

heading to Florida for the winter months. 

She was just about the family’s sole support. It took Vinny 40 years to land on The Strip 

“It was always a family business. I make the 

Their dynamic presentation of Baby Boomer 

It was a rough time. I had been the bread and each night during the show, he pays 

music.” 

oldies drew first timers who quickly carved 

winner,” he recalls. 

homage to his bride, adding, “Welcome to 

They met on a blind date 35 years ago 

notches on their attendance scorecards. 

In those lean days, Vinny recounted, “I my dream.” 

and married two years later. “Carol Mackenzie,” 

Vinny reminisces of the dark haired 

With up to 225 travel dates a year, it was 

Mom Carol who glued the schedule together, 

“travel plans, payroll, schedules, book- 

the hidden gems of Las Vegas Entertainment for The Vegas Voice. He would love to 

Sam Wagmeister, a local Realtor specializing in Las Vegas senior communities, covers 

beauty with Italian roots, “I thought I was 

getting a redhead.” 

keeping, internet and social media…any- 

hear what you think. Contact Sam at: GreatLasVegasMusic@Gmail.com or (702) 245-6556 

Music has been Vinny the Dad’s life since 


Holiday Edition 

Tues., Dec. 13th 

Scheduled to Appear 

Chadwick Johnson 

Chloe Adelaide Watson Jonathan Karrant Sonny Charles 

JazzMin Vocal band 

Dangerous Curves 

Gary Anderson 

Musical 

Director 

In the beautiful Veil Pavilion 

Tue., Dec. 13 th , 2016 

Doors at 5:30 pm. Show begins at 6 pm. 

For reserve seating 

call/text Evan Davis: 702/630-6111 

First 100 peopledecember 

16 

Or call The Vegas Voice at 

702/251-4441 

Your Host: 

Evan Davis 

50% 

Off Buffet 

coupon 

and it’s FREE! 

13

Tiffany Fairfax 

It’s the end of the year and the war is 

over. 2016 has been a yearlong brutal political 

battle for the presidency. 

I had predicted the winning party from 

the get-go based on my astrological formula, 

but even I have to admit I had my 

doubts. Now I am totally validated knowing 

for sure that Astrology doesn’t lie. 

Pollsters, pundits, media propagandists 

will fabricate and fudge, but the science of 

Astrology is spot on. 

A new season begins. December is known 

for its Winter Solstice, the beginning of the 

winter season when the Sun reaches 0° 

Capricorn very early on the morning of the 

21 st . That’s the shortest day of the year with 

the least amount of daylight. 

Luckily, the holiday lights and decorations 

will add brightness to the darkness. 

This year, Hanukkah begins the same 

day as Christmas – a double holiday. The 

25 th is a very interesting day from an astrological 

point of view because Venus, the 

planet of money, love, beauty and desire 

makes very favorable aspects to Jupiter, 

Uranus and Saturn. 

The day looks merry, jubilant, surprising 

and top notch. Santa is bringing some 

luxurious presents with the Venus/Jupiter 

trine. 

Foods also look rich and indulgent with 

stately presentations. A very bountiful, 

beautiful holiday it promises to be. 

However, with all of this celebration and 

festivity, there is one little kink: Mercury is 

Retrograde! This last Mercury Rx of 2016 

Cosmic Jackpot 

Time to Celebrate! 

falls during our holidays. 

It begins on the 19 th and extends into the 

New Year to January 8, 2017. Mercury Rx is 

déjà vu all over again. 

“Haven’t I already done this?” is the 

question we ask ourselves. Apparently not, 

or it wouldn’t resurface. Repeat...re-do… 

resolve! It will happen again during the 

retrograde period. 

The New Moon on the 28 th at 7° Capricorn 

plants the seed for the coming month 

of work, responsibility and achievement. 

Emotions are more serious and playfulness 

comes to an abrupt halt. 

As the month ends, the impending new 

year nudges us to make sensible resolutions. 

2017 is only a few days away and the 

party is practically over. 

Except, there’s a last burst of energy: 

Uranus, the planet of surprises, individuality, 

independence and brilliance turns Direct 

to forge a pathway for personal genius 

and uniqueness in the coming year. There 

is always a silver lining! 

Happy Holidays and a Very Happy New 

Year to All. 

P.S. Do you remember (when I wrote the 

February column) that 2016 is the Year of 

the Monkey? I said, “The Monkey likes to 

play tricks on us.” 

That certainly was the case this year. A 

lot of monkey business going on. The good 

news - it ends on Jan 28 th when the Year of 

the Rooster takes over. 

Until then, I’m ready for a long winter’s 

nap. Wake me when the rooster crows. 

Tiffany Fairfax is a Professional Astrologer with 30 years experience. She is 

certified in both Traditional and Magi Astrology. You can contact Tiffany 

at: QueenOfAstrology@aol.com. 

Psychic Phenomenon 

Ali Guggenheim 

The Fractal Phenomenon 

“The Universe is built on a 

plan, the profound symmetry 

of which is somehow present 

in the inner structure of 

our intellect.” Paul Valery 

Fascinating, intriguing, 

thought provoking, profound 

and infinitely complex its discovery 

is a phenomenon that 

has significantly impacted our 

perception on many different 

levels of our existence. Yet, 

brow-raising is not a response 

you’ll get when mentioning 

the word. 

That’s because, most people 

don’t know of its existence, or, 

how much of an intricate part 

it plays in every realm of our 

existence; geometry, art, consciousness, nature 

and even the Universe itself. 

When, mathematician Benoit Mandlebrot 

discovered, and coined the name fractal 

in 1975, the mathematical community 

snubbed him. However, it didn’t take them 

long to figure out how wrong they were. 

They found that Fractal geometry is unparalleled 

at measuring and modeling the 

world of natural phenomena. “It seems to be 

true,” said one scientist, “since nature continually 

follows this form.” 

Simply put, fractals are a mathematic 

structure generated by a geometric sequence 

that is reproduced over and over again to 

create intricate large, small, and eventually 

even microcosmic sized replicas of the same, 

infinitely. Much like the ripples from a stone 

thrown into a pond, the ripples continue beyond 

our perception. 

Fractals confirm Einstein’s theory: “If 

there is one of anything, then, there are infinite 

amounts of the same.” 

Fractal means a never ending pattern. 

Since numbers are everywhere, everything 

is a part of a pattern which is reflections of 

reflections, wheels within wheels. Life itself is 

a Fractal. 

Based on this principle it makes sense, because 

we can witness it in every aspect of our 

reality. In nature we see fractals over and over 

again, showing up in many different ways, 

clouds, butterflies, snowflakes, broccoli, animal 

furs’ colors and markings, trees, etc. 

Once we realize that everything is made 

up of a series of numbers, we can recognize 

how intricately fractal affects everything we 

know. Therefore, it is a crucial part of our 

evolution when we understand how it affects 

consciousness. Otherwise, as the saying goes, 

“history repeats itself.” 

Everything in this universe comes 

equipped with its very own echo of the originating 

pattern - a Unit of Consciousness. 

Units of Consciousness make decisions on 

behalf of the material to which they are attached. 

In consciousness, we see the same patterns 

repeat themselves. We all have experienced 

those annoying reoccurring thoughts and 

repeat the same good and not so good actions. 

Each and every conscious observation is a 

microcosmic butterfly effect that has macro 

cosmic consequences. A fractal brain begets 

a fractal consciousness begets a fractal cosmology. 

Conscious observation is a water drop 

interpretation of an infinite wave. Without 

conscious observation, there is merely an infinite 

wave function with only the potential 

to be collapsed into an objective reality. 

The good news is that we do have some 

control. By changing our thoughts, we can 

change our vibration, ourselves, and even 

our world. I wish us all good thoughts for a 

wonder-filled new year. 

To learn more about Ali, spiritual consultations, coaching, classes, workshops, and 

readings, call, give her a call: 702/373-9081. 


december 16 

15 

Our Hometown Holidays... 

Four performers from four different backgrounds, 

sharing their funny stories & memories from Holidays Past... 

Favorite songs from the season, as well as some new, original music! 

Bruce Ewing 

Joan Sobel 

Rhonda Carlson 

Musical Theater 

Composer/Lyricist, 

Musical Director, 

Coach & Author 

Las Vegas Performer 

from “Forever Plaid” 

“Phantom” and “THE 

PHAT PACK” 

Kevan Patriquin 

Las Vegas Performer 

from “EFX at MGM” 

“Phantom” and “THE 

PHAT PACK” 

World-wide Concert 

Soloist & Opera 

Singer, as well as 

Carlotta in Las Vegas’ 

“Phantom” 

Friday, Dec. 16th, 2016 

Doors open at 6:30pm • Show begins at 7pm 

Sun City 

MacDonald Ranch 

For more information call: 

The Vegas Voice 

702/251-4441 

www.thevegasvoice.net 

Community Center 

Tickets: $ 20 in advance 

$ 

25 at the door

Charlie Christy - Executive Director 

Bringing Joy 

Alice Vo Edwards 

Las Vegas: Home Sweet Home 

Ms Senior Nevada is composed of seniors 

(most were in a MSN Pageant) working 

within the organization to bring joy to other 

seniors. We share our message of healthy, 

happy, active ageing. Our group continues to 

find ways to share 

our blessings. 

Another Christmas 

is upon us 

and the fact most 

of us still have a 

few things not 

finished from this 

year should not 

discourage us from going full steam ahead 

for Christmas 2016. 

In November we were privileged to contribute 

to Life Long Dreams. It is really our 

honor to participate with this wonderful 

group. The annual production (see photo) is 

held at Sam’s Town, under the leadership of 

Genevieve Dew and Danny Titus. 

Their goal is to help “challenged” children 

and young adults fulfill their dreams 

of performing (this is its ninth year). Their 

motto is: Our only “special need” is to perform. 

This production is a yearlong effort 

with training and practicing; they make 

the props, they learn the songs and dances. 

Until you’ve witnessed 

someone 

in a motorized 

wheelchair, racing 

across the 

stage, microphone 

in hand 

and singing, or 

their selected 

“beautiful” girl (Queen) being assisted on 

her royal walk, you can’t imagine the joy this 

brings to them, and to all of us that are fortunate 

to witness it. 

By the way, MSN keeps growing. Seniors 

have so much to contribute. Contact us to see 

how you can become involved. 

This is your opportunity, there is room for 

all to promote health and happiness. Happy 

holidays. 

I was talking to an 

out-of-towner who 

was just visiting for an 

event and they referred 

to Las Vegas as the city 

of Babylon. They didn’t 

know it, but a gauntlet 

has been thrown down 

and I accepted the 

challenge. 

Outsiders often view 

Vegas as a party town. 

Those of us who live 

here and have come to 

think of Vegas as home see much more 

than the glitz and glamour of the Strip. 

Take a moment to stop and appreciate 

the life we have here. We breathe clean 

air, enjoy gorgeous sunsets, take jaunts 

to Red Rock, Mt. Charleston or Valley of 

Fire, or perhaps make a day trip of it and 

head to Utah, Phoenix, or California. 

We enjoy the relatively low cost of living 

and more spending power due to no 

state income taxes. Life can be very good 

here. 

Unfortunately, it is far from perfect. 

We have problems with healthcare, with 

safety, with lack of adequate provisions 

for the overall well-being within the 

community. 

People are lonely, sad, depressed, anxious, 

scared and commit suicide so regularly 

we are the 8th highest nationwide 

for suicide. There are issues that need 

to be addressed to help Vegas continue 

to evolve in a positive direction for the 

good of her citizens. 

And that is why Lift Up Vegas was born. 

I started the Lift Up Vegas movement 

on the premise of wanting to improve 

life for Vegas residents; to explore issues 

of happiness and well-being, and 

provide education and actionable items 

that can improve our happiness. We call 

ourselves “Happiness Advocates.” 

I’d like to think we are not the first 

happiness advocates. In fact, I might go 

so far as to speculate that Thomas Jefferson 

may have been our nation’s first 

happiness advocate. 

In the Declaration of Independence, 

our founding fathers emphasized the 

importance of happiness when they 

wrote that individuals are endowed with 

these unalienable rights, “life, liberty, 

and the pursuit of happiness.” 

There are plenty of organizations out 

there fighting for your rights as they relate 

to life and liberty. But if one is not 

happy, where will the joy be in that life 

or liberty? 

In this column, my goal is to share 

with you issues that affect the “pursuit 

of happiness” in our community, and 

action items you can take to get involved 

in positive change - for yourself, 

for others and for future generations of 

Las Vegans. 

I hope you will join me on the exciting, 

every day journey of lifting up Vegas, 

being the best version of yourself, 

and helping Vegas be the best version of 

herself, also. I dream of a day when our 

out of town friends no longer view Vegas 

in Babylonian terms, but can instead see 

the good we are doing here and admire 

us. 

Action Steps: 

(1) Pay it forward. Buy the unsuspecting 

stranger at the drive through or restaurant 

a meal anonymously. 

(2) Do something nice for someone 

today. You’ll feel good, and so will they. 

(3) Hug someone. Physical touch is 

amazing in how healthy it can be when 

used appropriately. 

(4) Like and share Lift Up Vegas at 

www.facebook.com/LiftUpVegas. 

Alice Vo Edwards is the author of “My Best Friend Died” and “Put Away The Razor,” 

and founder of the Lift Up Vegas project for inspiring Happiness and Wellbeing in Las 

Vegas. Contact Alice at alice@liftupvegas.org 


ecember 16 

17 

Rich Natole 

Singer Rita Lim 

Each month, I get the privilege of writing 

about someone in our entertainment community. 

A person who I think is worthy and 

deserving of more attention. 

My hope is to get entertainers some exposure 

to help their careers. Too many talented 

artists have to fight for a fair chance. 

We’ve all seen and heard many singers in 

Las Vegas. Whether it’s in a small club or a 

large showroom, there seems to be many of 

them who call this town home. 

Here’s an exceptional one who’s name you 

should write down as a must see! Rita Lim is 

an extraordinary talent. A singer with all the 

star elements. 

As I have written in previous articles, surviving 

in this entertainment business can be 

difficult, no matter how good you are. We have 

to be smart in order to overcome all the obstacles. 

Rita Lim seems to be doing everything right. 

The key is to keep working and growing. 

The experienced performer learns not to 

focus on fame. Although it can certainly lead 

to bigger dollars, it doesn’t usually last, as careers 

tend to be like roller coasters. 

Fame should be looked at as the icing on 

the cake. If you concentrate on working as 

much as you can, it will lead to increase exposure 

and open up other opportunities. 

Singer and entertainer Rita Lim is working 

all the time. A few months ago, I was a guest 

on one of my favorite live radio shows, 

The Dennis Bono Show. 

Rita performs regularly on Dennis’ 

program. That’s where I first noticed 

her talent. 

I also invited her to be my guest on 

our TV/podcast show, “Watching The 

Vegas Voice.” I found her to be a very 

down-to-earth and sweet person to interview. 

She is a great talent who is definitely 

on her way to a bright future. 

Rita grew up in Los Angeles and spent 

some of her youth in many Asia countries. 

She also always had a natural gift 

for singing. 

Whether its smooth jazz or the classics, 

Rita has a style all her own. Her 

voice has been described as being “Rich, 

Warm and Throaty.” 

She can sing anything - from Cole Porter 

to the most contemporary standards. In my 

opinion, that’s what makes a great singer. You 

can never be too versatile in this business. 

Rita has performed at such venues as The 

Italian American Club, Southpoint Hotel, Tuscany, 

and the Suncoast to name just a few. Rita 

has also performed and wowed the audience 

at our Vegas Voice Twilight Affair hosted by my 

fellow columnist (and entertainment editor) 

Evan Davis. 

You can catch her currently singing with 

Joey Ugarte and the Jazz Vibrations. They perform 

regularly at the El Cortez Hotel in the 

Parlour Bar and Lounge. 

Rita also works with Carolyn Freeman of 

the American Jazz Initiative. She is dedicated 

to keeping Jazz alive and vibrant in Las Vegas. 

Look for the talented Rita Lim in a venue 

near you. She is, without any doubt, a real 

singer and so much more. 

Rich Natole is a comic/impressionist headlining entertainer & host of The Vegas Voice 

Television/Podcast Show. For more information visit: www.richnatole.com. You can 

also contact Rich at: rich@richnatole.com.

Stu Cooper - Travel Editor 

This and That to End the Year 

Happy Destinations 

Kathy Manney 

This time of year, many accept as true, 

stories of miracles. And this story advocates a 

miracle. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico is rich in culture and 

well-kept with plenty of sky overhead. Settled 

in 1610, Santa Fe is a historic town with a 

bustling Spanish style plaza at the heart of its 

compact walk-able downtown. 

Near the plaza sits Loretto Chapel. Completed 

in 1878, it had no access to the choir 

loft twenty-two feet above, other than a ladder. 

Churches of this time often used ladders 

rather than stairs. The Loretto Sisters however, 

were uneasy using a ladder due to the long 

habits that they wore. 

They requested carpenters to build a 

staircase to the loft, but it was determined 

that entry to the loft would have to be 

by a ladder - as a staircase would interfere 

with the chapel’s small interior space. 

The Sisters prayed to St. Joseph, the patron 

saint of carpenters, for a staircase. On their 

final day of prayer, a man appeared at the 

chapel with a toolbox asking for work and offered 

to build a staircase. 

Locking himself in the chapel with a small 

Every time I think I have heard it all in the 

travel business, there seems to be something 

new. Iceland was the new and upcoming destination 

twenty years ago. Today, it is an accepted 

and most interesting travel destination. 

Same can be said for Cuba. And today, it is a 

growing destination that Americans are clamoring 

to visit. 

So I shouldn’t be surprised when a representative 

from a company called Natural 

Habitat Adventures stopped by our office recently 

and recommended a tour called “Classic 

Polar Bear Adventure.” Every October and 

November this company sends travelers on a 

six or seven-day adventure to Churchill, Manitoba, 

Canada to witness the great polar bear 

migration from Canada up to the Arctic once 

the pack ice forms. Who knew? 

This soft adventure, “semi” luxury trip to 

the far north seems to provide over 1,500 travelers 

during the migration season one of the 

great wild life experiences in North America. 

It is a “semi” luxury trip because the best accommodations 

in Churchill (a city of 900), is 

a Holiday Inn. 

But polar bear sightings are absolutely 

guaranteed and naturalist tour guides accompany 

the group for the entire trip. Groups are 

limited to 16 and personal attention is paid to 

every traveler. 

The trip starts in Winnipeg with round 

trip private charter flights to Churchill. This 

is wildlife, natural habitat eco-tourism at its 

absolute best. 

If you are interested in a trip like this, give 

us a call at 800/698-1101 and we can send 

you a brochure. Like I said, when I think I 

have heard it all, there is always something 

new. 

Loretto Chapel’s Miraculous Staircase 

*Publisher Dan, Rana, Sharon and I had 

a great inspection cruise on the Royal Caribbean 

Harmony of the Seas. The Harmony of 

the Seas is now the world’s largest cruise ship 

and seems to have every conceivable bell and 

whistle a ship can have. 

Water slides, zip lines, an ice skating rink 

and a seven story sliding pond highlight the 

features on the ship. If big and WOW is what 

you want, then the Royal Caribbean Harmony 

of the Seas is the ship for you. 

*Our next meeting(s) for the Vegas Voyagers 

is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of 

January 28 - 29. We hope to have two meetings; 

one at Buckman’s at the Revere Golf Course at 

Anthem in Henderson and the other one at the 

Sun Coast Hotel and Casino in Summerlin. 

Hold the date and be sure to look in the 

January edition of The Vegas Voice for the exact 

times. 

** From the Vegas Voyager family, we want 

to wish all of you a Happy Hanukah, Merry 

Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. 

Around Our World 

number of primitive tools, the stranger requested 

absolute privacy. What he created is 

a stunningly elegant circular staircase standing 

20 feet tall with no center support. 

The staircase rests uniquely on its base 

against the choir loft. The risers of the 33 

steps are perfect and are from an extinct wood 

species. 

It is a staircase built without nails, only 

wooden pegs. The structure has two 360 degree 

turns and no visible 

means of support. 

Its construction continues 

to mystify architects, 

engineers and 

master craftsmen. They 

marvel at the number of 

stair risers relative to the 

height of the choir loft, 

the types of wood and 

other materials used in 

the staircase. 

The itinerant carpenter 

disappeared without 

payment or thanks. The 

sisters searched for him. 

They even ran an ad in 

the local newspaper. Still, there was no trace 

of the man. 

Believers claim that he was St. Joseph who 

came in answer to the sisters’ prayers. 

Built on a much smaller scale, the Gothic 

Revival style Loretto Chapel was patterned after 

King Louis IX’s Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. 

The convent chapel, complete with spires 

and buttresses, was to be named “Our Lady 

of Light Chapel” and be under the care of the 

Sisters of Loretto. 

To build the beautiful Gothic chapel, it is 

said that the sisters pooled their own inheritance 

money to raise the $30,000 needed. The 

ornate stained glass windows were purchased 

in 1876 from the DuBois Studio in Paris. 

The helix-shaped spiral staircase was built 

sometime between 1877 and 1881. Today the 

Loretto Chapel is a private museum operated 

and maintained, in part, for the preservation 

of the Miraculous Staircase. Weddings 

may be arranged in the chapel that include a 

highlight of the wedding couple being photographed 

on the staircase 

During our visit, sunlight streamed 

through the stained glass windows, casting 

reflections of color on the hard wooden pews, 

but it was the beautiful staircase that we came 

to see and held our attention and marvel. 

Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an Adventure Diva. Her 

“Must See” travel journeys continue - always with enthusiasm. 


december 16 

19

Crystal 

Merryman-Sarbacker 

The Travel Company 

Vegas Vacationers present 

Celebrate the Reason for the Season! 

Journeys That Inspire 

from Collette Vacations 

Now come together with other like-minded travelers and 

walk in the footsteps of the forefathers of your faith. 

Each tour is very inclusive and offers amazing value while 

also focusing on service and quality, including: 

• A professionally planned itinerary with the services 

of a professional Tour Manager throughout 

• Expert local guides with religious knowledge 

• Mass offerred daily on most pilgrimage tours 

• Breakfast daily & many dinners 

• Sightseeing & admission fees 

• Much, much more! 

*All prices subject to change.and are based on per person, double occupancy. Single room 

upgrades available at extra cost. MasterCard, VISA, Amex accepted or private checks. 


december 16 

21 

Designed Especially for Active Seniors! 

Vatican 

Faith City 

Introducing 8 Extraordinary New Itineraries*: 

Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle - 

Follow one of the world’s most epic journeys 

11 days from $2209 per person, dbl. occ. Departures start March 8, 2017 

Includes 3 night cruise to Greek Islands and Turkey w/ Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, & 

Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Paul the Apostle spent three years 

during his ministry. You’ll even visit the House of Mary where she is said to have 

spent her last days. Extraordinary! 

Israel: A Journey of Faith - 

Embark on an inclusive faith-based journey into the past 

9 days from $1999 per person, dbl. occ. Departures start January 11, 2017 

Israel: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - 

Seek spiritual renewal on this epic journey 

9 days from $2099 per person, dbl. occ. Departures start February 8, 2017 

On the Trail of Martin Luther - 

Journey through Germany into the history of the Reformation 


Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes with Barcelona - 

at Spain and Portugal’s most revered sites 


Be in Fatima on 100th anniversary, May 13, 2017, of Mary’s appearance to 

the three shepherd children. Limited avail. from $2249 per person, dbl. occ. 

Pilgrimage to Poland - 

featuring the inspiring and poignant sites of Poland & Pope St. John Paul II 

9 days from $1399 per person, dbl. occ. Departures start February 6, 2017 

St. Patrick’s Ireland - 

See the Emerald Isle through the eyes of its patron saint 


Shrines of Italy - 

Find inspiration in the heart of the Roman Catholic world 

11 days from $1999 per person, dbl. occ. Departures start January 24, 2017 

Special Attention to Groups! 

* Itineraries may vary depending on departure dates, special events, etc. and will be confirmed at 

time of reservation. 

Airfare is available at some great rates but is not 

included in rates shown 

Collette’s latest booklet on these faith based tours will be mailed 

mid December. Call Crystal now to reserve your copy at 

702 419-0550


The Low Tech Solution to the High Tech TV Problem 

TVSoundScoopZ, aka SoundScoopZ, 

have been nicknamed “The Low Tech solution 

to the High Tech problem, created 

by the TV manufacturers.” 

They are The Sound Bar Alternative 

created by Winner Technologies, Inc. 

of Las Vegas, Nevada. With a customer 

satisfaction rating of 99.99%, they help 

solve the problem of muffled voices and 

difficult to understand conversations 

while watching TV. 

An independent Speech Transmission 

Index test (STI) was conducted by Freytag 

& Associates, an industry expert in 

Acoustical and Noise analysis. The STI 

test showed that TVSoundScoopZ scored 

an A+ (Excellent) with the TV’s factory 

speakers. The same TVs, without TV- 

SoundScoopZ, only scored a B (average). 

This standard audio industry test determines 

the clarity and quality of voices 

coming out of speakers. 

Rick Broida of CNET, The Cheapskate, 

said, “It’s ingenious...It works. It has 

the potential to become a zillion-dollar 

product. My only complaint is I didn’t 

think of it first.” 

Pulkit Chandna, Freelance contributor 

to TechHive and featured in PCWorld, 

states, “Sound, it seems, has literally taken 

a back seat as most current TVs have 

down- or even rear-facing speakers. In 

many cases, this can lead to muddled audio 

and an overall underwhelming viewing 

experience. TVSoundScoopZ aims to 

change this sorry state of affairs...” 

Before Winner Technologies, Inc. created 

TVSoundScoopZ the consumer’s 

only choice was to crank up the volume 

of the TV or purchase an expensive 

($150-$400) sound bar. Unfortunately, 

sound bars don’t solve the problem of 

muffled voices because they re-direct the 

Bass and Treble frequencies. TVSound- 

ScoopZ only re-direct the upper frequencies, 

Treble, where our normal conversations 

take place and not the Bass. 

Since the successful Kickstarter campaign 

TVScoundScoopZ have been available 

on corporate and reseller websites, 

Amazon, Groupon, catalogs and As- 

Seen-on-TV programs. Efforts are currently 

underway to make them available 

at many retailers in various trade 

categories. They have been the focus of 

several articles on CNET, PC World, several 

catalogs and a host of bloggers and 

journalist. 

In addition to a product that works as 

advertised, assembly and fulfillment is 

performed by Opportunity Village (OV). 

OV is the largest provider of jobs for 

people with handicaps in Nevada. Working 

with OV allows the company to help 

provide jobs and participate in providing 

meaningful lives. 

There are 300 million Flat Panel TV 

that have been sold in the US since 2008. 

That number is projected to increase by 

35 million TVs every year. 

TVSoundScoopZ are now available 

for under $20 (see ad below). This price 

includes FREE shipping anywhere in the 

United States. They are ready to install 

in just minutes and come with a 100% 

satisfaction guarantee. 

For more information, contact Steve 

Boden, President. He can be reached 

by telephone 949/533-5125. His email 

address is: stevelboden@gmail.com.

december 16 

23


Chuck Dean 

Holidays & Military Moments 

Vet 2 Vet 

The house was decorated pretty much like 

it had been when I was a kid and the smell of 

holiday food cooking filled the air. For some 

reason it all made me edgy though, and I remember 

sneaking out the back door to get in 

my car to drive away. 

It was my first holiday season at home after 

a year in Vietnam. I couldn’t understand why 

I was so out-of-sorts. 

My stress level was rising by the minute and 

I felt guilty for wanting to be alone at a time 

that had always been full of loving closeness. 

I was experiencing the effects of my military 

moments as they collided with the normalcy 

of life without the interruption of a war. 

I didn’t understand what was going on, and 

those around me knew even less. In spite of 

it all, we made it through and I’m glad that 

I can now look back and sort of put two and 

two together. 

Returning home after serving in a war zone 

has always been tough - both for veterans and 

family members. But holiday seasonal stress 

has its own complications when you combine 

it with past military moments. 

Just the loneliness of being away from home 

during the holidays is bad enough, but when 

a friend dies from a grenade/IED explosion or 

the enemy mounts horrendous offensives at 

the same time the rest of the world is rejoicing 

in “peace on earth, goodwill to men”, our life 

views get a little cockeyed. 

It can become so confusing that it’s easy to 

want to crawl in a hole until it all blows over. 

I’ve been there; believe me, it’s a stressful time. 

So, what can we do? I found that by getting 

a better understanding 

of what 

was ailing me 

was at least half 

the battle won. 

When I connected 

the dots 

- wartime service 

on holidays 

to present time 

holidays, things 

began to line 

up. It was easier 

then to recognize 

and admit 

that I was being stressed because of what I had 

gone through; at which time I could then decide 

what I was going to do with it. 

(A little stress is good for you, by the way. It 

keeps you on your toes, but how bad is high 

level stress? A recent study found that high levels 

of stress could raise the risk of heart disease 

as much as a five-cigarette-a-day habit, not to 

mention a 50-point jump in bad cholesterol. 

Who needs it?) 

Remember that life is what you end up with 

when everything else is done. A huge part of 

enjoying that life is to wind down on holidays 

and relax with those who mean so much to 

you...those for whom you were willing to be in 

harm’s way to protect. 

Try this for a new year’s mantra: Take command! 

You either have life, or life has you. 

Nice to have an option. 

Chuck Dean served as an Army paratrooper in Vietnam and through that experience 

was led to address the many transitional issues veterans struggle with. In 2008 he was 

the recipient of the prestigious Hirsch Foundation Leadership Award for his writing and 

work in support of veterans and their families. He is the author of several important 

books for veterans. All can be found on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/author/ 

chuckdeanbooks 

In Our Backyard 

Debbie Landry 

What’s In Our Backyard? 

What’s in our backyard? What isn’t in the 

backyards of Vegas Valley residents? There’s 

plenty to see and do in our Silver State, but 

what about our bordering states - Utah, 

California and beautiful 

Arizona? 

This column will 

take a look at the great 

places to see, and 

things to do for the 

50+ crowd surrounding 

our Southern Nevada 

backyard. 

First stop, Newport 

Beach. I happened 

to visit this quaint beach city in Southern 

California last month. 

What a great time of year for a visit! 

The beach sand is still warm to the toes, 

the water looks and sounds inviting - but 

no doubt too cold for an afternoon swim, 

though I was tempted. 

There’s just something about the salt 

water, the salty air, the smell – it brings me 

home with wonderful memories of Nags 

Head, North Carolina and the Atlantic 

Ocean. What memories! 

Ok, back to Newport Beach. What’s happening? 

The annual 

Christmas Boat Parade 

is turning 108 years 

young this holiday season! 

The parade will be 

held December 14-18 

in the Newport Bay 

harbor. Winding some 

14 miles around the 

harbor affording viewers, 

homes, restaurants, yacht clubs and 

the public an incredible sight of lights and 

boats that have delighted millions of people 

for over a century. 

Any place on the shore is FREE to 

view. Visit www.visitnewportbeach. 

com/christmas-boat-parade for more 

information! 

Safe Travels until next time!

december 16 

25 

Kyo Mitchell 

Why Do I Still Feel Unwell? 

Many individuals have 

felt unwell or experienced 

symptoms that told them 

that something was wrong 

in their body. After seeing 

a medical professional, 

they may be told that the 

lab tests show nothing 

wrong. 

The symptoms or feeling 

of being unwell however, 

may persist. For 

individuals who have experienced 

this, it can be 

a very frustrating matter. 

Not only is your quality of 

life declining, but no one 

seems to have an explanation as to “why.” 

The human body is extraordinarily complicated. 

You can study it for a lifetime and 

still only scratch its surface in terms of understanding 

how the body works. 

To be good in medicine, you can never stop 

studying and learning. However, sometimes 

the paradigms we learn and use to medically 

treat people are incomplete. This is why many 

chronic medical problems persist. 

The current medical paradigm is based 

on cell theory, originally put forth by Dr. Rudolph 

Virchow who is considered the father of 

pathology. Cell theory states that diseases are 

due to something that disrupts the normal 

functioning of your cells. 

If your cells are healthy, you are healthy 

and feel good. If your cells begin to malfunction, 

you will feel unwell and will eventually 

develop a disease. 

Following this logic, most western lab tests 

measure what is happening in your cells. If 

the lab tests are within normal parameters, 

you are considered healthy. If the lab tests fall 

outside the normal parameters, then your 

cells are seen as malfunctioning and you 

have a disease. 

While cell theory is correct, it is not complete. 

Sometimes it is not what is happening 

inside of your cells, but what is happening 

outside of them that determines your health 

or even your ability to recover from a chronic 

disease. 

Think of your cells like yourself. They need 

A Healthier You 

nourishment to survive. They produce wastes. 

They need medicine occasionally to get well 

and toxic substances can harm them. 

Any nourishment or medicine reaching 

the cells must come to them by means of 

the blood vessels. The wastes and any toxic 

substances in their environment must be removed 

by means of the lymphatic vessels or 

veins. 

However, the cells are not directly connected 

to either the blood vessels or the lymphatics. 

There is a space between these structures 

known as the extracellular space. 

The extracellular space has a very complex 

structure providing specific pathways from 

the blood vessels to the cell and from the cell 

to the lymphatic vessels. 

If the structure of the extracellular space 

is damaged, clogged up or disrupted in some 

other manner, nourishment and medicine 

have a much more difficult time reaching the 

cell, and it is more difficult to remove wastes 

and toxins from around the cell. The cells 

malfunction, nor because of what is happening 

inside of them but rather what is happening 

around them. 

Conventional medicine, despite its 

strengths, rarely addresses problems in the 

extracellular space. This is more effectively 

addressed by traditional forms of medicine 

such as acupuncture, herbal medicine or homeopathy. 

If conventional medicine has not 

helped resolve your problem, this may be the 

reason why. 

No Gift More Compassionate 

The Holidays are supposed to be a time 

of joy, but for those facing a terminal 

illness, and their family members, this 

time of year can be especially challenging. 

Feelings of impending loss, nostalgia 

for times past and a struggle to 

manage pain and symptoms can be even 

harder to face when paired with the demands 

of the holiday season and social 

and family responsibilities that often 

can’t be ignored. 

How Can Hospice Care Help? 

The choice to pursue hospice treatment 

can be an emotional one. It’s important 

to remember that hospice is not 

about death, but rather about the quality 

of life as it nears its end – for the patient 

and their family, friends and caregivers. 

Hospice care is designed to comfort 

patients and family members when patients 

have reached a point when curative 

treatment stops, and acceptance of 

living each remaining day fully begins. 

Hospice’s mission is to meet the physical, 

emotional and 

spiritual needs 

o f 

people 

who 

have lifelimiting 

illness. 

The goal 

is to relieve 

pain and 

prevent suffering, while assisting in the 

completion of end-of-life tasks that are 

important to your loved one - including 

putting affairs in order and providing 

support to loved ones after the patient 

has passed away. This support can come 

as even more of a relief during the busy 

and stressful holiday season. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for hospice help. 

It can be the greatest gift you give your 

loved one, yourself and other family 

members this holiday season. 

Dr. Kyo Mitchell served as faculty at Bastyr University in Seattle and Wongu 

University in Las Vegas for over a decade. Dr. Mitchell practices in Summerlin and 

can be reached at 702-481-6216 or rkyomitchell@gmail.com.

James J. White, D.D.S 

Using Oral Hygiene Devices 

It may come as a shock to some, but the 

biggest cause of tooth loss in adults has 

nothing to do with decay. While cavities will 

always play a role, the biggest offender is 

periodontal disease. 

Periodontal disease is a gum infection 

that eats away the tissue and bone that hold 

the teeth in place. It begins as gingivitis, 

and as it progresses into full-blown periodontitis, 

pockets will form around each 

tooth, providing bacteria with secluded hiding 

places and dragging your pearly whites 

into a self-perpetuating cycle of doom. 

The good news is that it doesn’t have to 

be that way. Here are things you can do to 

prevent periodontal disease. 

1. Use a hard-working toothbrush. Although 

any brush is better than none, don’t 

overlook the benefits of an electric model. 

Studies show that those who brush with 

them show lower levels of plaque and fewer 

examples of gum disease. 

2. Floss. Even the most efficient toothbrush 

can have trouble reaching the narrow 

spaces between the teeth. It’s the best 

means yet of doing away with bacteriarich 

plaque that loves to build up in those 

narrow spaces. Although dental plaque is 

bound to promote gum disease and cavities, 

it has a few more tricks up its sleeve. 

Left to grow unchecked, it can cause bad 

breath, instigate heart disease, contribute 

to diabetes and even increase your body 

mass. Just a few minutes a day with dental 

floss can save you from all that. 

3. Flush that plaque away. Rinsing 

your mouth with water may wash away 

plaque that’s already dissolved, but it 

won’t do a thing to improve the health of 

your gums. That’s where the oral irrigator 

can make a difference. 

Alternatively known as a dental water 

jet, it hits the area around your teeth 

pressure at a vigorous 1,200 pulses 

each minute to remove 99% of stubborn 

plaque. 

4. Lose the fear of fluoride. The regular 

use of fluoride mouthwash and toothpaste 

can reward you with a 40% reduction 

in dental cavities. Communities that 

have added it to their water supply have 

seen a lower rate of cavities compared to 

areas that lacked this protection. 

5. Consider the use of a night guard. You 

may have the habit of grinding your teeth 

either during the day or as you sleep. The 

friction that this practice generates can do 

irreparable harm to the teeth. A custom 

night guard will provide a soft cushion to 

prevent tooth destruction. 

6. Always carry interdental stimulators. 

When you’re grabbing food on the go, it’s 

hard to treat your teeth with the after-meal 

care they deserve. 

Interdental stimulators can help. Most 

can be had in plastic or wood, and when 

used between the teeth after eating, they 

gently remove food particles and plaque 

from obscure hiding places with no additional 

fuss. These devices take up little 

room in your pocket or purse, and your 

gums will thank you for using them. 

7. Don’t forget regular professional 

cleanings. When it comes to the health of 

your teeth and gums, no over-the-counter 

device can come close to providing the 

cleaning you’ll get while relaxing in your 

dentist’s chair. 

Don’t let bacteria wreak havoc with your 

teeth and gums. It’s your mouth. Isn’t it 

worth a little preventative care? 

DENTAL BENEFIT MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM 

FOR SENIORS WITHOUT DENTAL INSURANCE 

This program is offered at the office of: 

James J. White, DDS 

1140 N.Town Center Dr., #170 

Las Vegas, NV 89144 

Annual fee: $280.00 

Includes: • 2 routine cleanings 

• 2 periodic examinations (including 

periodontal & oral cancer exam) 

• 1 set of diagnostic x-rays 

• 1 consultation 

• 5% discount on ALL restorative services 

• 5% discount on automatic annual renewal 

If you are one of over 100 million Americans 

without dental insurance, call now: 

702/ 562-8833 

www.jameswhitedds.com 


december 16 

27 

Linda Bateman-Gomez 

Brows 

Timeless Beauty 

Brows are one of those personal features 

that you probably either love or hate. Some 

are blessed with amazing ones and others are 

destined to a lifetime of pencils and shadows. 

I can remember in high school feeling like 

all I could see when I looked in the mirror was 

my eyebrows. They were the commanding feature 

on my face and I didn’t have a clue what 

to do with them. 

Luckily, thanks to Brooke Shields and her 

famous brows, having them thick and ungroomed 

seemed to be somewhat acceptable 

in the 70s. Similar to lashes, the many looks 

and trends that follow brows are very specific 

to each decade. 

In the forties, very thin brow lines penciled 

on were the look of the time - one which became 

popular again in the 90s too. As they say, 

things always circle back! 

Fast forward 25 years and brows have resurfaced 

as a major focus of the face and grooming 

is all the rage! There are special brushes, 

primers, shadows, and scissors. You can wax, 

tweeze, shave or dye them! 

There are salons that do nothing but brows. 

There are celebrity eyebrow artists and thousands 

of videos and photos of all the brows. 

The current trend is thick, but well-groomed 

and colored in. The shaping is very important 

and there are numerous tools and even stencils 

to help you get the perfect brow shape. 

Our brows, with age and having suffering 

through decades of varying trends, do thin. 

So aside from just brow pencils, there are also 

shadows that you can brush on. 

My company carries a felt tip 

marker to color random gray 

eyebrows like this. When the gray 

gets too heavy to color with a felt 

tip, you can have them professionally 

dyed. 

Do not attempt to do them 

at home, this is one area where 

going to a professional pays off. 

Aside from the dangers of getting 

chemical in your eyes, you 

can also come out looking like 

Groucho Marx and you are stuck 

with them for weeks! 

Some quick tips: If you try a 

professional brow groomer, take 

a picture with you just like you would for a 

hairstyle you might like to try. 

For at home: (1) Try brushing them straight 

up and trim any that are extremely long or 

uneven with the rest. 

(2) If you have curly brows or ones that tend 

to stray, try a wax primer to help keep them in 

place. 

(3) Take an eyebrow brush and a matching 

color (try one shade darker than your brows) 

and start at the area nearest your nose. Brush 

up to fill and follow to the end. 

(4) Take the brush and smooth the top over 

so as to not have them straight up. 

(5) If you see any gray hairs, take a marker 

and color them in. 

(6) Try a brow setting gel if you tend to have 

brows with a mind of their own. It works similar 

to the way hairspray does! 

And there you go - your eyes are framed and 

your brows are on fleek!! 

Linda Bateman-Gomez has an international beauty company based in Las 

Vegas that specializes in cosmetics and other beauty products. She would love to 

hear from you with questions, ideas or tips you’d like to share! Contact Linda at 

TimelessBeauty2020@gmail.com or through her website www.fullips.com.

Mary Richard 

The Goodies Are Coming, The Goodies Are Coming! 

Health Fitness 

The holidays are quickly upon us. How 

did that happen? All that hard work of losing 

weight, toning up during the year may go 

“bust” in just a few weeks if we are not careful! 

It took me several weeks to lose the 10 

pounds that suddenly “appeared” after the 

holidays last year! Where the heck did they 

come from, I asked? 

But I vow NOT to deprive myself of the wonderful 

goodies that will be enriching my life 

over the next few weeks. I’m often asked how 

do I keep my energy up and WHERE do I get 

my energy? 

I’ve been like this my whole life – full of energy, 

life to the fullest! My mother used to tell 

me that I just never stayed put! (One reason 

that she put me into dance school at such an 

early age was to help use up that bottled-up 

energy!) 

If I have a really full day ahead of me, I try 

to have a 3 egg omelet with lots of veggies, a 

little cottage cheese and some fruit for breakfast. 

I eat a light lunch and light dinner. 

With my part-time job, two volunteering 

jobs, plus teaching my six Zumba classes per 

week, there are times that I cannot have a full 

dinner, so I make my lunch the larger meal 

of the day. 

I’m constantly searching the web for lower 

caloric recipes for desserts. Believe me, I am a 

true chocoholic! GIVE ME CHOCOLATE! 

But that can surely add up calories! So, I 

try to have a little dessert whenever the time 

comes for me to indulge! 

Parties are abundant during the next few 

weeks. Temptation is there – for sure! I try to 

take one (or two) pieces of the temptation and 

then walk away! How many times have you 

been hounding around the goodies and end 

up eating more than you originally intended? 

Also, I’ve mentioned in previous columns, 

that I will munch on something at home 

before going out to a home party. A little bit 

of veggies helps to fill the tummy, so I’m not 

tempted to gobble up everything in sight when 

I get to the party. Also drinking lots of water 

tends to fill me up. 

There are so many ways to help keep off 

those sneaky pounds that creep up before you 

know it. And I try to walk more during the 

holidays. When parking my car for all my 

jobs, I try to park a little further and allow 

more walking time. 

Let’s try to burn off some calories and still 

enjoy the holidays to the fullest! 

Positive attitude and good health 

to all! 

Mary Richard was crowned Ms. Senior Nevada 2006, was first runner-up for Ms. 

Senior America 2006 and is a life-time dancer. She is one of the original columnists 

for The Vegas Voice. She is now an aerobics instructor throughout Las Vegas/ 

Henderson. Mary can be reached at mary-vegasvoice@cox.net. 


december 16 

29 

50% OFF DINING 

THURSDAYS IN DECEMBER 

SWIPE AT KIOSK FOR VOUCHER. 

Silver Members Earn 50 Points to Participate in Offer. 

Must print coupon at the Redemption Kiosk and present to your server or cashier. Maximum value of $100 off. 

Cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Not valid at Wuhu Noodle, Twin Creeks, Starbucks or Johnny Rockets. Not valid for take-out 

orders. Gratuity not included. Must be 21 years of age or older. Management reserves all rights. See Silverton Rewards Club for complete details. 

I-15 & BLUE DIAMOND RD. • 702.263.7777 • SILVERTONCASINO.COM

Jan Fair 

A No-Brainer Minute 

Jarring Brain-Healthy Gifts to Give for the HoliDAZE 

THE VEGAS VOICE 

SERVICE DIRECTORY 

AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING 

Chazell A/C & Heating/702-647-3355 

Servicing the valley since 1992. www.chazellac.com. 

LIC#0053650. 

GARAGE DOORS 

All Access Garage Door Co / 702-882-1320 

Honest pricing. No gimmicks. Broken springs replaced. 

Full service on doors and motors. $15 off for readers of 

the Vegas Voice. LIC#0066752A. 

HOME SERVICES 

Aztek Services / (702) 260-6955 

Residential repairs, installation and maintenance. 

Henderson Area ONLY. Call Lou. 

HOME STAGING & REDESIGN SERVICE 

Impressionable Spaces / (725) 200-3081 

Sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Call Judy Grove. 

Medicare Plans 

Rae Rocco / (702) 897-9929 

Independent Agent, No charge for consultations 

PEST CONTROL 

Sun Country Pest Services / (702) 263-7346 

Licensed, insured. 

PET AND HOME SITTERS 

Toni’s Pet and Home Sitters / (702) 499-8606 

Care for all needs, loving and dependable. VET recommended 

for 14 yrs. Henderson and surrounding areas 

PLUMBING 

Sanderson Plumbing / (702) 610-7236 

Very dependable. Lic. #78397. 

A great (and affordable) way to build your business! 

To place your business listing, contact Advertising Sales 

702/592-4818 

REAL ESTATE 

Francine Fields / (702) 375-2276 

Senior Real Estate Specialist Windermere Prestige Properties 


december 16 

31

December 2016

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?