February 2017
Oct. 2012
...for
today’s active
seniors!
Entertainment and
Travel Options for
all Valentines
Guys, Gals...,
don’t forget your
sweethearts!
HEY LAS VEGAS,
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Save the
Date!
See Page 27
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The world is changing, the economy is changing and the rules
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2 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
Rick
Veteran / Republican
WORKMAN
For Henderson Mayor
REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE -- TESTED, PROVEN LEADER
20 Year Military Veteran 23 Year Public Safety Service
- Noncommissioned and
Commissioned Officer
- Nuclear Weapons Manager,
Inspector and Technician
- F-117 Stealth Fighter aircraft
maintenance commander,
operation Desert Storm
- Managed nuclear weapons
and aircraft over $2.5 billion
LEADERSHIP NEEDED
Community Safety - Henderson has suffered a rise in burglary, home
invasion, robbery and other crimes. Rick will make our community safety
a top priority to help prevent unnecessary victims of crime.
Property Taxes - Stop any efforts to raise annual property taxes, while
avoiding opportunities to eliminate waste and inefficient practices.
Friends and Family Plan - Stop awarding contracts, paying consultants,
and granting positions to friends and family.
Paid for by Committee to Elect Rick Workman
- Developed and manages the
Henderson Police Department
crime lab and Crime Scene
Investigation (CSI) section
- Obtained international accreditation
for the forensic lab (October 2016)
- Former police officer
www.RickWorkman.com
3
Are You Intimidated
By Art?
by Crystal Czerkas Sarbacker
Art is meant to be enjoyed by people
Crystal Czerkas-
like you and me.
Sarbacker
Y
ou’re entitled to have your own likes and dislikes.
Whatever your tastes, whether it’s Andy Warhol’s “Campbell
Soup Can”, the infamous “Dogs Playing Poker”, or Monet’s “Water Lillies”, you’ll
find countless styles and subject matters to delight, challenge, inform or entertain
you. So relax. Art should be fun. There are some simple techniques which can really
enhance your viewing experience, too.
For starters, don’t stand too close to a painting or even a sculpture. When I was
a little girl my Dad, the artist known as Czerkas, told me to stand back from a
painting about six to eight feet. He said, “if you stand too close, you may see the
actual brush strokes, but you won’t be able to take in the whole scene and might
miss something.” He continued that “this is especially important when you’re
looking at modern artworks or impressionistic paintings”, like those he painted.
And I found he was right. Up close many of his artworks looked to me to be just a
colorful jumble of strokes. Though when I stepped back a few feet, I was amazed at
how clearly I could see people, landscapes, waterfronts, buildings, or even portraits
emerge from the watercolor or oil painting.
And there’s another little trick my Dad taught me. If you’re in a cramped space
California Strolling
with no room to step back to get a better
view of an artwork, just squint your
eyes and you’ll get almost the same
effect. That’s the technique modernists
and impressionists often use when they
are painting so they can visualize how
the finished painting will look without
having to step away from their easels. In
fact, the American colonial genius, Ben
Franklin, used this concept when he invented
an early pair of spectacles made with narrow horizontal wood slats instead
of glass lenses. You would think they would have blocked the wearer’s vision.
Instead, they made him squint and amazingly he could see better. You might try the
squinting technique by looking at a painting in your house when you’re quite close,
but don’t try it while you’re moving about. Remember this is a trick and you don’t
want to stumble over something.
For more information on my Dad, Victor Czerkas, please call Ray Sarbacker at
702-463-0966 or go to www.Czerkas.com.
Ship Shape
You shouldn’t be…
Watercolor
Watercolor
2880 BICENTENNIAL PKWY. SUITE 100-244
HENDERSON, NEVADA 89044
Phone 702.251.4441 . Fax 702.666-0427
Volume 13, Issue 12
PUBLISHER/EDITOR . Dan Roberts
PRESIDENT . Ray Sarbacker
VP MARKETING . Debbie Landry
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
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Richard Black
Yvonne Cloutier
Dianne Davis
www.thevegasvoice.net
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Alice Edwards
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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
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And whatever you do, don’t forget our website. Read about the latest
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4 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTED
BY OUR COMMUNITY
“In terms of what you want in a Mayor, Debra March is the real deal – the
complete package. It is a trifecta. Debra is intelligent, thoughtful and she
is fair. In my opinion any community in the country would be proud to
have Debra March as their Mayor.”
THE HONORABLE RICHARD BRYAN
“If I had to typify Debra March’s career, it is one of caring. She is a natural
leader who listens to people and wants to do what is right for people.”
STATE SENATOR JOE HARDY
“Debra has demonstrated great leadership. The people’s interests have
been Debra’s interests. She believes public policy should be transparent.”
THE HONORABLE BRUCE WOODBURY
“Debra March is very knowledgeable and works tirelessly to create
public policy that benefits the future needs of our people. She is the
embodiment of a dedicated public servant.”
CLARK COUNTY COMMISSIONER LARRY BROWN
COMMUNITY ENDORSEMENTS
PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF DEBRA MARCH FOR MAYOR
PAID FOR DebraMarch.com
BY FRIENDS OF DEBRA MARCH FOR MAYOR
5
On My Soap Box
Rana Goodman
Have You Done Your Part?
Dan Roberts
It’s the Hypocrisy
Roberts Rules
We really hoped
that the start
of 2017 would
herald the start
of big changes in
guardianship reform.
However, as in the
last two plus years,
the wheels of justice
move much slower
than we who fight
for “lady justice”
would like.
Therefore, once
again we are taking
the fight to the
Nevada legislature.
We are counting on
you, our readers,
to back us up by
submitting the
(that could have been purchased
guardianship reform petition on this in a single visit), and the many bad
page.
jokes that he thought were, oh so
We are not asking for much - just funny. For him, it was extra time that
the blessing of the legislature to put we spent together. For me, I would
our volunteers to work doing what love to have that time back with him
no one else wants to do - Looking today.
out for our own!
The very idea that someone I love
As of this writing, we have over could end up in guardianship - where
500 such petitions. Also I want to that guardian has the right to make
add that we are very grateful for your vital decisions, (which they do), - not
support and kind words in our Vegas only financial, but also health care
Voice guardianship reform efforts. and end of life decisions, terrifies
Last month, tucked in with a me. And it should make you feel that
petition was a note from a reader. It way too.
simply read, “Thank you for all you do, Despite such ridiculous
but it must be very hard hearing only the contentions, we are not trying to
echo of your own voice.”
scare people. But it is so important
The response to that question is for seniors to have a reality check.
a resounding YES. It is however, Everyone needs to make sure every
when I hear that echo, I also hear the I is dotted and T crossed in their
question I am so often asked: “Why advanced directives and to make sure
do I keep doing this?”
that your FAMILY has copies of
I always get mental pictures of what you want, and who you want to
my parents, and especially of my care for them, in the event that the
grandfather pictured here who worst-case scenario occurs.
passed away a long time ago. I The Vegas Voice continues to
adored him. As much as he was provide a guardianship nomination
assigned the job of being my “caretaker”
the first year I was in college; to do is go to our web site (www.
forms FREE to anyone. All you have
I became his during the last years of thevegasvoice.net) and down load
his life.
it, fill it out and have your signature
It was from this dear man that notarized.
I learned to ignore the repetitions And please be sure you lend your
of the stories seniors tell, the many name to the guardianship petitions.
trips to the grocery store for items Let’s end the guardianship scandal
once and for all!
6 www.thevegasvoice.net
“It’s not the BS that drives me nuts, it’s
the hypocrisy,” I shouted. Even I was
surprised by my loud reaction.
For loyal readers, it’s no secret
that The Vegas Voice (despite my oftmentioned
reservations) continues to
press for guardianship reforms. While
the political editor (and my Ladylove)
Rana Goodman remains ever vigilant
in her Don(na) Quixote quest to
clean up this cesspool, I did not want
this newspaper to be labelled as the
“guardianship paper.”
It remains our mission that the
publication be much more than that;
namely: to be the voice for your health, wealth
& good times.” As one example - our
entertainment shows that are nothing
short of phenomenal.
We are not talking amateurs on
stage, but first rate, Las Vegas Strip
entertainers. Credit goes to our
entertainment and nightlife editors
Evan Davis and Sam Wagmeister.
They have strongly suggested that
although the guardianship issue
is “somewhat” important, it’s the
entertainment and the performers that
should be the paper’s main focus.
And then there’s our travel
columnists, Stu Cooper, Crystal
Sarbacker and now Marilyn Sirna.
What other “senior paper” provides
fantastic travel opportunities they
ask? From bus trips to “bucket list”
destinations, they continuously urge
Yours Truly to focus The Vegas Voice on
vacation locations.
But with Rana’s “pillow talk”
advantage, she keeps bringing me
back to guardianship. To make matters
worse, she doesn’t argue, yell or
demand. Rana simply shows me some
paperwork and asks, “What do you
think?”
Hence my opening sentence. This
time, it was in response to two press
releases from Nevada Attorney
General Adam Laxalt.
We have previously and will continue
to call Laxalt “Mr. Irrelevant” for his
guardianship (non) actions. Despite
The Vegas Voice (and others) presenting
his office with compelling and
numerous victims (along with a ton of
medical and financial documentation)
february 17
Attorney General Adam Laxalt, “Mr.
Irrelevant”
the Attorney General still refuses,
or remains paralyzed to touch the
guardianship scandal in Clark County.
In all candor, if it wasn’t for his
hypocrisy, I would leave it alone.
However, his “look-at-me” insistence
that he is working for seniors is
disgraceful.
You can only imagine the other New
York words I used when Rana handed
me the press release from the Attorney
General last month. In it, Mr. Laxalt,
proclaimed how “thrilled” he was in
announcing his “record-breaking”
campaign report.
He reported he now has a $1.5
million campaign war chest. Laxalt also
reiterated that despite speculation as to
whether he will run for Governor in
2018 (he states that he has not made
a decision, but, SPOILER ALERT:
he’s running) the Attorney General
had the audacity to advise, “…I will
continue to fight on behalf of all
Nevadans to protect our state and our
citizens.”
This announcement came one week
after the AG, without any shame
had the gall to release the following:
“Attorney General Announces Third
Elder Exploitation Guardianship Abuse
Prosecution.”
While Laxalt pats himself on
the back for such action, I remain
astonished that these cases are all in
Northern Nevada – as if all the noise,
public outcry and scandal is unheard
of in the Las Vegas Valley. “Is there a
guardianship problem in Clark County?” he
must be asking his staff.
By the way, the total amount of
money stolen in these 3 cases combined
are what private guardians April
Parks and Jarad Shafer and their coconspirators
call “pocket change.” Such
prosecutions are not just “low-hanging
fruit” but crumbs on the ground.
Mr. Attorney General: If you
don’t have the guts to go after the
real bad guys; the ones that caused
you and your office to ever hear of
guardianship problems in the first
place, spare us the “good news” of
prosecuting two-bit, BS cases.
And if “Mr. Incompetent”, Clark
County District Attorney Steve
Wolfson is not capable or smart
enough to do his job, just let him
continue to appear and smile before
the various TV cameras. Do what’s
right for the Clark County families
financially and emotionally destroyed
by the still corrupt and rigged
guardianship system.
Oh, and one more thing. Kindly
stop promoting that “$400,000 of
non-taxpayer” monies you were able
to transfer to the Legal Aid Center
of Southern Nevada to “boost their
capacity to fight guardianship abuse.”
First of all, that amount of money
(which is already gone) would have
funded approximately four years’
worth of our proposed budget to
totally resolve and erase guardianship
as an issue. More importantly, unless
this money came from your $1.5
million campaign war chest, or,
perhaps some loose change under your
seat cushions, ALL money from your
office is taxpayers’ money.
Until then, good luck in your
Governor’s campaign, but I’m begging
you to drop the hypocrisy of asking us
to believe and trust you. Believe me - if
you stop, I’ll get Rana to back-off and
The Vegas Voice will concentrate on our
entertainment and travel stuff.
7
Robert Telles
Seeking Assistance for a Ward
Vicki Wentz
The Post-Christmas Letter
Vicki’s Voice
You may have a friend who has had
a guardianship ordered over him or
her. This person may have complained
about the fact that he or she did not
have the opportunity to ask why the
guardianship was ordered.
In my own practice, I have come
across circumstances where people
over whom a guardianship was awarded
never actually received the opportunity
to object to the guardianship.
This can result from a doctor’s erroneous
opinion that the person could not
speak his or her own opinion in court.
This may result from the doctor’s
belief that the person would not have
the physical ability to attend court,
would be unable to voice his or her
opinion, or for some other reason.
However, the guardianship court is
concerned with ensuring that any person
over whom a guardianship has
been ordered have the ability to speak
to the court.
Really, only those who should be excused
from attending court hearings
would be a person who is unable to
safely leave a hospitable bed or is truly
a danger to him or herself or others.
Those who have had a guardianship
ordered over them are known as wards
or protected persons. These folks are
those who have shown to be a danger
to him or herself or to others.
This may include an inability to
manage one’s own financial affairs or
the inability to adequately maintain his
or her own health without the assistance
of others. This often includes
those who have unfortunately been
diagnosed with a disorder that erodes
the memory, such as Alzheimer’s or
dementia.
Other circumstances may involve
something more physically severe,
such as an illness that confines that
person to a hospital bed. The former
circumstances, Alzheimer’s and dementia,
may not necessarily call for an
immediate confinement to involuntary
commitment in a memory care unit.
A memory care unit is a place where
people are placed and are monitored
on a 24-hour basis. As previously
mentioned, this may not be the first
option.
Often times, the protected person
has the money and the health necessary
to continue living at home. Unfortunately,
even loved ones can jump
the gun and determine that the first
option should be commitment to a
memory care unit.
What can be done? If you know
someone who has not had the opportunity
to address the court in his or her
guardianship, that person can contact
an attorney who can petition the court
to allow the protected person to speak
to the court. This can often result in a
re-evaluation of the case and whether
that person meets the necessary criteria
to return home or a less confining
arrangement.
Unfortunately, even well-meaning
family can jump the gun and move
straight to a restrictive living arrangement
for that person even when that
person might be able to live in his or
her own home with the assistance of
some paid help.
If you believe you know someone
living in restrictive living arrangement
unnecessarily, be sure to have that person
contact a qualified guardianship
attorney.
Rob Telles is the founder of Accolade Law, a law firm that serves clients in
guardianship, estate planning and probate. His office can be reached at (702) 337-
3000
Dear Santa:
Thank you so much for all of the
wonderful things I received for Christmas
in 2016. Having said that, even though
it’s been a month (or two), I thought you
should know:
When I asked for clothes, I kind of
meant something…well…nice? I do
love the Christmas sweater that my little
girl gave me because she asked to go
shopping with her Dad and picked it out
by herself.
The fact that it’s a Petite Small and I
could only wear it as a hat isn’t important;
she obviously sees her mother as a Petite
Small, and I have no argument with that!
And, I will wear that sweater one day - or
there’s no God in heaven.
My husband gave me a lovely dress…
(he was just standing over my shoulder
reading this, but he’s gone now) …which
would be perfect for his MOTHER!
Honestly, it looks like one of my
grandmother’s old “brunch coats”, you
know? Like a glorified robe with short
sleeves, and it’s about 3 sizes too big for
me.
Is that how HE sees me? A fat old grayhaired
un-sexy robe-wearing walker-using
grandmother? I mean, I pay attention
to his sizes, don’t I? And to his personal
style - somewhere between big hunk
woodsman, affluent Wall Street banker,
and hot sexy rock star?
And, that is NOT easy, Santa! But, when
it comes to my own style preferences, it’s
not: “Well, maybe she’d like a dress like
Mom’s!”
And, Santa, speaking of grandmothers,
can you even believe what his mother gave
me? “How to Be the Perfect Homemaker
in 10 Easy Steps?” Seriously? She gives her
son a new grill and a flat-screen TV for his
office.
Our children get the latest electronics
and toys. Me? I get a book on how to be
better at cleaning, cooking, decorating, and
sewing everything by hand!
(The last thing I sewed myself was
a dress in a Singer Sewing class in 7th
grade, and all I remember is the sound of
the teacher screeching repeatedly, from
all points in the room, “Victoria, you’re
holding the scissors backwards AGAIN!”
Never mind that it took me several
minutes to figure out what she meant…I
mean, I knew you weren’t supposed to
hold them by the blades…right?)
I should have figured that my adorable,
morose, reclusive middle-schooler - who
would rather be dropped naked into Mt.
Vesuvius than be seen as attached to an
actual family - would give me something
that reflects his own style, but Santa,
purple nail polish and lipstick? Really? Has
he EVER seen me in purple lipstick?
Has he ever seen any color on my nails
except Pale Pinky Pearl? Does he even
look at me? I doubt he could even pick
me out of a lineup.
And, then there’s my stupid sister,
Kathy, who’s been married all of twenty
minutes, giving me “The Marriage Go-
Round” - a book on how marriage is like
a carnival ride…please. The fact that she’s
been “riding high on love” for a whole sixand-a-half
months, I mean, doesn’t that
take some huge brass, Santa?
You know, at six months, your spouse
can leave toothpaste all over the sink,
throw his dirty clothes on the floor
BESIDE the hamper every night, and
sip his coffee like a dog slurping from the
water bowl, and you will think he is the
most delightful, enchanting sex-god in the
universe.
But, after 13 years, some of that
“enchantment” will wear off, Sis. At
some point, I promise you, he will lose
that “new car smell”, if you know what I
mean.
Suddenly, his impromptu stabs at
cleaning the kitchen won’t be funny, you
will be seriously ticked off that he did the
laundry and now all your clothes are babypuke
green, he will stop telling you that
you look fantastic and start demanding
that you be simply on time…or, he’ll
buy you a dress that reminds him of his
mother.
Hoping for just a little better Christmas
this year, Santa, please…
Love, 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.
5
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8 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
9
Beverly Washburn
Shane, Shane Come Back
Hollywood Memories
Well here it is, February already. I’d like
to wish all of you a Happy Valentines’ Day
and I’m hoping your 2017 is starting out
on a positive note.
I thought I’d write this month about
another favorite film of mine: “Shane.” For
those of you who have seen it, how could
you not remember those famous words:
“Shane, Shane, come back.” It was spoken
by the wonderful child actor Brandon De
Wilde playing the part of Joey.
The year was 1952, and I was cast as one
of the Lewis children whose father was
Edgar Buchanan. That’s me, the little girl
on the right in the photo.
Although I only had a small part, it was
a thrill for me since we filmed most of
it in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We were
on location for three months. It was so
beautiful with the Teton Mountains.
Everything about the movie serves as
one of my most treasured memories. The
film was released in 1953 and has remained
Sam Wagmeister
one of the most popular Westerns of all
time.
It was directed by the legendary George
Stevens - but as I have mentioned in prior
columns, working with such a famous
director had no meaning to me at the time
as I was only nine years old. It wasn’t until
my later years as an adult, that I realized just
how fortunate I was to have been directed
DaSilva Mystifies Bally’s Audiences
Six afternoons a week, about 225
people enter the “Twilight Zone.” After
experiencing Fredric DaSilva’s 90-minute
family-friendly “Paranormal” show, some
don’t ever completely escape.
Categorized as a magic show (although
rabbits don’t appear and nobody gets
sawed in half) audiences are drawn into
the powers of DaSilva’s mind.
“Santa brought me a magic box when
I was five,” DaSilva says in his thick
French accent. “I started performing
immediately.”
Thirteen years later, a trip to Las Vegas
inspired his goal to perform on The Strip,
“But I didn’t know how. I had to find
something that nobody else can do,” he
said of his “mind reading magic.”
Audiences who flock to traditional
magic shows ultimately know most tricks
are illusions of lights, mirrors, smoke and
technology. DaSilva’s participants, chosen
randomly by tossing Frisbees into the
audience, often are skeptics at first.
Reducing the show to this printed page
diminishes the astonishment DaSilva
creates and can’t approach its impact.
“Paranormal” must be experienced.
“Tricks” come rapid fire with audiences
breathless as one astonishment after
another fires from his cannon of
mysticism. DaSilva adds new twists to
old standards leaving audiences thinking
first, “I’ve seen that” …then the “holy
mackerel” moment explodes with a
creative new element.
“A magician tells you to pick a card. I
tell you to think of a card.” Even DaSilva
says, “If I didn’t create that, I would be
by such a movie icon.
The film starred Alan Ladd, and as a
little tidbit, I thought I’d share something
with you. On our day off, we all decided
to go up the mountain on a chair lift. Well,
apparently Alan Ladd was afraid of heights
and once he got up to the top, he refused
to go back down.
The studio had to send a helicopter
to pick him up! Here he was, Alan Ladd,
this famous, macho western hero and he
was too afraid to go back down!
What made matters worse is that the
next day, the entire cast and crew kept
teasing him and then added: “Little Beverly
didn’t seem to have a problem.” I was
totally embarrassed by that and was afraid
he would be upset with me.
Thankfully he took the ribbing in stride.
And he even gave me a hug. I was so
relieved! He was so nice and I’m grateful to
have been a part of such an iconic film.
Sadly, Brandon De Wilde was killed
in an accident in 1972 at the age of 30.
He was such a typical, little boy when we
were filming - always pulling at my pigtails
and teasing me.
He was nominated for an Oscar for that
role as best supporting actor and I’m sure,
had he lived, that he would have gone on
to major stardom. It makes us all realize just
how fragile life can be.
Until next time, remember: “It only takes
a smile to make a dark day seem bright.”
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.
fooled.”
At 13, DaSilva received a government
permit to perform in the pubs, lounges
and restaurants near his small French
village. “It allowed me to buy props and
advertise.”
He climbed the show business ladder
in France. Hosting a television interview
program provided him with contacts,
recognition and opportunity.
Fifteen years of trans-Atlantic flights
finally brought an opportunity that nearly
bankrupted him. DaSilva was swindled
out of $25,000 by a fake promoter. News
of the fraud leaked out, offering him yet
another break, a meeting with Bally’s.
Ken Walker, owner of the Windows
Showroom at Bally’s, signed DaSilva.
“Ken told me, ‘I threw you to the sharks
and waited for you to die; you just learned
how to swim.’”
People & Places
The show struggled, selling just two
tickets its first week with comps filling the
other seats. “I did six shows a week,” he
remembers, “four in Las Vegas and then
flew back to France for two shows before
5,000 people each.”
Those French shows covered the
Vegas costs. Now, nearly five years later,
“Paranormal” ranks #8 on TripAdvisor’s
Top 10 Las Vegas list with near sellout
audiences daily.
“Each time I think about the struggle I
get emotional. It was really, really hard.”
DaSilva’s stage is barren of props that
could cause skepticism of electronic
assistance. Controlling the environment
- lights, music, sound is the key. “I put
people in a trance when they think they
are awake.”
Windows Showroom at Bally’s, 4 pm.
Dark Tuesdays.
Sam Wagmeister, a local Realtor specializing in Las Vegas senior communities, covers
the hidden gems of Las Vegas Entertainment for The Vegas Voice. He would love to
hear what you think. Contact Sam at: GreatLasVegasMusic@Gmail.com or (702) 245-6556
10 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
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11
Marty Allen
Marty’s Valentine’s Dozen
1. I got a telephone call from my
friend Paul. He told me: “Sex, sex,
sex! Everywhere I go is sex. The
only place I’m safe is at home.”
2. Ladies: Sometimes the easiest
way to get your husband to do
something is to simply suggest that
he’s too old to do it anyway.
3. Many couples break
up because it looks like
the marriage is going to
last forever!
4. Love is the wine of
life...and marriage is the
morning after.
5. There is only one way to handle
a woman. The trouble however, is
that nobody knows what it is.
6. In the circus, the acrobat
told everyone that he married the
tattooed woman because if he woke
up in the middle of the night and
couldn’t sleep, he would turn and
Hello Dere
just look at the pictures.
7. I know a guy who left his wife
because of another woman - her
mother!
8. All marriages are happy. It’s
the living together afterwards that’s
tough.
9. I have another friend who
really has a problem. He
does not know how to
get his car started in the
morning...and his wife
at night.
10. Sex before
marriage is okay if it doesn’t
interfere with the ceremony.
11. Everybody has to get married
sometime. After all, you can’t go
through life just being happy.
12. When a man holds a woman’s
hand before marriage, it’s really
love. After marriage, it’s called selfdefense.
For over the past decade, Marty Allen has performed with his on and off stage
singing partner Karon Kate Blackwell.
Bill Caserta
You Gotta Laugh
In honor of Valentine’s Day,
I have prepared a quick list of
guidelines and reminders for all
husbands, significant others and
loving men to follow so that they
may happily live in harmony with
their mate.
1. Never make your woman mad.
She can remember stuff that hasn’t
even happened yet.
2. If your woman says: “First
of all…” during an argument, run
away as quick as you can, as she has
prepared research, data and charts -
and will destroy you.
3. Every time you talk to your
woman, your mind should always
remember that “This conversation will
be recorded for training and quality
purposes.”
4. Arguing with your woman is
like reading the software license
agreement. In the end, you just have to
ignore everything and click “I agree.”
5. Behind every angry woman,
stands a man who has absolutely no
idea what he did wrong.
And from my perspective: Some
things are indeed just better left unsaid.
And unfortunately for me, I usually
realize it right after I say them!
(A big Bill Blurb thank you to Marcia
Kosterka for her contribution)
True Valentines: The old man
ordered one hamburger, French
fries and a drink. He unwrapped the
hamburger and carefully cut it in half,
placing one in front of his wife.
He then carefully counted out the
fries, dividing them into two equal
piles and placed one pile for his wife.
He took a sip of the drink, his wife
took a sip and then set the cup down
between them.
As he began to eat his few bites of
hamburger, the people around them
were looking and thinking, “That poor
old couple. All they can afford is one
meal for the two of them.”
As the man began to eat his fries,
someone came to the table and
politely offered to buy another meal
Bill’s Blurbs
for the elderly couple. The old man
said they were just fine. They were
used to sharing everything.
People soon noticed the old lady
hadn’t eaten a bite. She sat there
watching her husband eat and
occasionally taking turns sipping the
drink.
Again, someone came over and
begged them to let him buy another
meal for them. This time the old
woman said: “No, thank you. We are
used to sharing everything.”
Finally, as the old man finished and
was wiping his face neatly with the
napkin, a third person again came over
to the old lady who had yet to eat a
single bite of food and asked: “What
is it you’re waiting for?”
She answered: the TEETH.
(A big Bill Blurb thank you to Renee
Riendeau for her contribution.)
Why, Why, Why? Why do we
press harder on the remote control
when we know the batteries are getting
weak?
Why do people constantly return
to the refrigerator with hopes that
something new to eat will have
materialized?
Why is it that whenever you attempt
to catch something that’s falling off
the table you always manage to knock
something else over? AND
And whatever happened to
Preparations A through G?
Evan Davis
Performers and Venues
It’s time to watch 2017 fly by just like
2016 did. As we get up in age, it seems
that the months and years get shorter. So
why wait until next year? Do it now.
Go out and experience life and what
Las Vegas has to offer. That’s probably
why you’re reading my article now; to see
what you could do to stay active.
Although most of the activity would
be sitting at a bar listening to music and
saying “Wow, that was great.” That’s
about as active as I’m going to get too,
although I do have to visit many bars,
restaurants and clubs to bring you this
information.
A tough life I have, I know, but
someone has to do it! Let’s follow a few
of my favorite performers and some new
venues in town.
I stopped by the newest hotel/casino
called the Lucky Dragon. An Asian
inspired hotel and casino with a half a
dozen delightful restaurants where you
will find a price range for lunch or dinner
that will fit any budget.
Starting to perform there is the
charming and gracious singer Rita Lim.
She is also performing at places like
Osaka Japanese Bistro in Henderson
every 1st and 2nd Tuesdays of the
month, the Bootlegger Bistro located
on the south side of the Strip on
Wednesdays, and the El Cortez Hotel
every Friday night (along with Joey
Ugarte and the Jazz Vibrations). All her
performances are at an early start time.
But what about the night owls that
are out there? Las Vegas is definitely a
24/7 city. Catch late night jazz at The
Dispensary, at Ferraro’s Italian restaurant,
in the Golden Tiki, at Fuso Nightclub,
Legend’s Bar & Grill, plus numerous
other restaurants, clubs and bars.
All have no cover or a one drink
minimum. Oh yeah, FREE parking to
boot. That’s another subject for another
time.
You can also see wonderful entertainers
at places like the Suncoast Hotel, the
Rampart Casino, Rocks Lounge in the
Red Rock Hotel, Salute, which is also
in the Red Rock Hotel, Siena Italian
Restaurant on Sahara and now Blue Fire
on Durango. You can hear Jazz, Pop,
the Great American Songbook and just
about every other genre.
Other places to check out would be
The Barrymore, E-String, Piero’s, (where
Pia Zadora, my favorite entertainer
I Know a Place
makes everyone feel at home) Cabo
Lounge in Fiesta Rancho, Texas Station,
Piazza Lounge in the Tuscany, Eastside
Cannery, the Lounge at the Palms… and
the list goes on and on.
I also have to mention that The
Vegas Voice will be scheduling over a
dozen shows this year in places like
The Silverton’s Veil Pavilion, the Siena
Community in Summerlin and Sun City
MacDonald Ranch in Henderson. I will
be producing the shows as well as hosting
them.
We are actively seeking other venues
so that we can bring you the best in live
entertainment to our readers. Ideas?
And in next month’s article, I will be
exploring some of the restaurants, bars
and clubs on Downtown Freemont
Street. I know a place, do you?
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.
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.
12 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
13
Rich Natole
Looking for a Great Show?
This month I’d like to shed the spotlight
on some of my personal favorite shows in
Las Vegas.
One of the great things about this town
is that the shows are always changing. A
tourist can return here in six months and
see totally different shows then they did on
their previous visit.
I think however, there are some shows
worth seeing again. Donny & Marie would
be one I would highly recommend.
While seeing their show, you will clearly
see why this brother and sister duo
have proven to be one of the greatest
entertainment acts in the world. They
perform regularly at Flamingo on the strip.
Beatles Love is another great show. I’ve
seen this show 3 times and enjoy it equally
each time. Even the two living Beatles,
Paul and Ringo along with Yoko gave it a
thumbs up. The show plays at the Mirage.
If it’s Elvis you like, come see All Shook
Up, A Tribute to The King in the upstairs
Dianne Davis
Wayne Newton - Mr. Las Vegas. “This
show is not about me,” Wayne Newton
says, “It is about Las Vegas.”
This icon of Sin City is not in Bally’s
Windows Showroom to belt out songs,
rather to talk about stories and history.
Wayne Newton is an integral part of that
history.
It really is Wayne Newton – Up
Close and Personal. The 230 seat
theater gives you the feeling of sitting in
the living room listening as Wayne shares
memories and insights about the people
he knew in the entertainment world.
Wayne expertly weaves his life story
with the history of Las Vegas. He tells us
that his family moved to Phoenix due to
his bronchial asthma.
He recalls that he and his brother
performed in a lounge act in Vegas,
but flew back to Phoenix where Jackie
Gleason saw them and invited him to be
on his variety show. The story is especially
poignant as Wayne shows us numerous
Hanging out with Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton
theatre in the Miracle Mile Mall at Planet
Hollywood. Travis Allen does a great job
of recreating both the 50s through 70s
Elvis. I emcee and perform comedy and
impressions a night (or two) a week in this
show as well.
If it’s magic you’re into, David
Copperfield seems to be a mainstay at
the MGM Grand. He has built a quality
reputation as one of the greatest magicians
Wayne Newton Shares Memories
pictures of Gleason from the early days.
If you are a fan of the man known as
“the Midnight Idol” and a lover of Las
Vegas, a visit to this show is time well
spent. The vintage photos and film clips
alone are worth the price of admission.
A video of a very young Wayne
Newton and the legendary Jack Benny
is priceless. Photos and footage from his
trips to entertain the troops are precious
with memories of so many famous
entertainers.
Wayne spends a good portion of the
show answering questions. He mentions
of all time. Go see his show and you’ll see
why.
Chris Angel is also very popular. He
performs his magic show at the
Luxor. Murray Sawchuck AKA The
Celebrity Magician offers a great afternoon
show of magic in the Sin City Comedy
room at Planet Hollywood.
If you would like to see the best female
magician look for Ariann Black. She will
dazzle with unbelievable illusions.
Of course there’s “Mr. Las Vegas”
- Wayne Newton. Wayne is currently
performing a few nights a week in
the upstairs Windows Showroom at
Ballys. His show takes you on a nostalgic
journey through his extraordinary career.
Another show I would recommend
in the Windows Showroom at Ballys
Bobby Darin and Glen Campbell and
tells us that they were not competitors
back in the old days. There is a wonderful
story about what Bobby Darin did for
Wayne Newton, but you’re going to have
to go hear it for yourself.
Along with Gleason and Darin, Jack
Benny played a crucial role in Wayne’s
career. See this show and learn more
about these iconic entertainment stars
and numerous others that are mentioned
during the evening including on Don
Rickles, Louie Prima, Sophie Tucker,
Jayne Mansfield, the Rat Pack, especially
Frank Sinatra.
It is no secret that Wayne’s singing
voice doesn’t approach what it once was.
But it is still a treat to be there as he sings
along with a video of his younger self
is The Bronx Wanderers. This band is
Hot! They seem to be catching on quickly
in Las Vegas as they play nightly to packed
houses.
Legendary Impressionist Rich Little
is always a crowd pleaser. He performs
nightly at 7 pm at The Tropicana
Hotel. He incorporates great video clips as
well as live bits for all to enjoy.
And if you like stand-up comedy, The
Laugh Factory at The Tropicana would be
my pick. Three different stand-ups each
week.
Whatever your entertainment needs
may be, Las Vegas seems to have a wide
variety of choices. I hope to interview
many more of these star acts as we plan
to launch our new “Watching The Vegas
Voice” Podcast TV Show.
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.
That’s Entertainment
and does a duet with a video of Sammy
Davis, Jr.
Wayne plays thirteen instruments and
you are sure to get a sample of a few
during the evening. And yes, you’ll hear a
bit of Danke Schoen.
Wayne Newton might just be the last
of the great Las Vegas entertainment
icons. I have seen the show more than
once and can say that although the
format is the same, the film and video
clips and comments about various
performers differ. You will leave feeling
like you’ve had a great visit reminiscing
with a pal about mutual friends.
For ticket information and dates,
visit https://www.caesars.com/ballyslas-vegas/shows/Wayne_Newton#.
WIfzLLYrJ-U or call 702-777- 2782.
In addition to The Vegas Voice, Dianne Davis is a reporter for Sun City Anthem TV (SCA-
TV) specializing in entertainment and is a columnist for www.lasvegasroundtheclock.
com. She is the Las Vegas Editor of lasvegassplash.com , She also bowls, hikes, scuba
dives, travels with her husband Burt, and works on her standup comedy routines.
PRESENTED BY
Musical Director
Philip Fortenberry
Sat, Feb. 25, 2017
MacDonald Ranch
Tickets: $ 20 in advance
$
25 at the door
A Tribute to
Robert Goulet:
Broadway
Beyond&
Starring
Randal Keith
• Lead Singer of “Showstoppers”
• Jean Valjean from “Les Miserables”
• Star of “The Phat Pack”
Special performance by The Phat Pack
For more info/purchase tickets:
Call/Text Evan Davis 702/630-6111
The Vegas Voice 702/251-4441
www.thevegasvoice.net
Sun City
Doors open at 6:30pm Show begins at 7pm
Community Center
14 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
15
Charlie Christy - Executive Director
Adrea Nairne-Barrera
60’s to 60
Something to Think
About
It’s time to start thinking about our
annual Ms Senior Nevada Pageant (our
32 nd year), to be held August 23, 2017.
Applications will be available mid-month
and we urge all senior ladies that have
reached the “Age of Elegance” to
consider joining this
event.
It is a great
opportunity to meet
other active seniors
and make new
friends. We regularly
do events at assisted
living centers.
It is a total “winwin”
as our pageant family members
donate their time and talent and the
residents see a great show. We provide
lots of music, dancing, comedy and
story-telling.
Being a senior is a special time of life.
Most have finished or at least “dialed”
back on their work life allowing time to
travel, volunteer and reassess what is and
isn’t important.
As seniors we know serving our fellow
man is vital. We know the joy we give is
also the joy we get from being able to
brighten another’s day.
Ms Senior Nevada
also travels the state
and will again attend
the legislative session
in Carson City and
time permitting (his,
not ours) meet briefly
with our Governor.
We plan to make
it a longer trip this
year allowing time to visit the Nevada
Historical Museum and other museums.
If you have reached the “age of
elegance”, (that’s 60 years or better)
consider being part of something that
brings out the best in you. Please contact
me at: charlieclasvegas@aol.com. Check
us out at www.msseniornevada.com.
Feeling Inspired (Sort Of)
Back in the good old 60s age of
hippies, free spirits and an occasional
diet pill, you could fake a natural size
7 and moments of great inspiration
were easy. If you hadn’t eaten in
3 days and were a little goofy, a
creative surge could happen.
Now we refer to it as delusion and
irresponsibility. We now say that if
you remember the 60s, you weren’t
there. Either way, I had a few of
those moments back then.
As I was doing another one of my
great sorting projects, I found poetry
written by me. It was so profound
that I can’t understand it, although I
was able to remember the exact day
I wrote it.
Tedious and much too long,
double digit pages, handwritten, I
sat by the window in a 10 th floor
apartment in New York City on
a fairly pleasant afternoon. I lived
in that apartment on the upper
east side of Manhattan with two
roommates and my whole NYC
future was looking pretty good.
As I’m sure everyone knows by
now, I am not a professional writer.
I have ideas about things and get
motivated to express myself as each
new chapter unfolds in my life.
They’re interesting to me and a
few friends, but I think the most fun
is when I discover things I’ve written
20+ years ago.
I can sometimes picture where
I was, and other times, I have
absolutely no idea who wrote it or
why. It’s strange how time alters
your memories and perspective -
even when it’s a personal expression
captured on paper.
Decade by decade I wrote in
different styles.
When my parents passed, I found
boxes of memorabilia that now,
some 20 years later, I am finally
sorting. Among the collections, I
discovered letters to my parents and
Godmother sent from my boarding
school in Switzerland. (And no, I
was not a trust fund baby!)
Apparently I wanted comic books
and American candy bars. Not much
has changed on the candy bar front,
but the comic book thing didn’t last
very long. That was 1959 and for the
life of me I will never know why I
wanted candy bars when I was sitting
in Swiss chocolate country!
My sister found some old letters
from the 60s and even has the only
photo of me ever taken in a 2-piece
bathing suit. It was yellow with big
orange polka dots, but since I wasn’t
“itsy bitsy,” neither was the bathing
suit. It’s amazing how I thought I
was fat at the time and the truth is I
looked pretty good!
The one collection of writings I
did find and will treasure forever
brought back memories of my
parents and how I would write to
them as life events were happening.
Long distance calls were expensive
back then. The letters, the
handwriting and the choice of paper
are so telling when I look at them
now.
Reading all those little gems is a
great way to spend an evening.
Mike Landry
Golf Fore Ever
Improving Your Game
We all want to improve our golf
game but how? We can take lessons,
we can buy gadgets that are advertised,
and we can purchase clubs that are said
to provide more accuracy off the tee
etc. but guess what? You still need to
practice! Practice! Practice!
We all know what the pros do to
prepare for a tournament, but what
can the average golfer do to improve
his/her scores, to build confidence and
ultimately enjoy the game more?
Some golfers need to improve their
tee shot; others may need to improve
their 2 nd or approach shots. All are
important parts of the game and none
should be ignored.
No matter the issue, if you wish to
shave strokes off your score card and
improve the quality of your game,
the quickest way to get there is by
improving your putting and chipping.
Golfers are expected to hole out
2 putts every hole for 36 per round.
A golfer can improve by lagging
long putts to the hole for tap ins and
occasionally make a ten footer and
avoid the dreaded 3 putts.
Chipping is another area of the
game that can be improved relatively
quickly by chipping once to each green
and avoid chipping twice to get to the
green. While at the practice facility,
challenge yourself and make your
practice sessions fun and you’ll see a big
difference in scoring in short order. I
promise!
See you on the links!
Mike Landry is a retired airline manager of maintenance residing in Sun City
MacDonald Ranch and a 40-year resident of Las Vegas. Hobbies are golf, day trading
and brewing craft beer. He can be contacted at: airmikel1@cox.net.
16 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
17
New device stops a cold before it starts
USA — New research
shows you can stop a cold
in its tracks if you take one
simple step with a new device
when you first feel a
cold coming on.
Colds start when cold
viruses get in your nose.
Viruses multiply fast. If
you don’t stop them early,
they spread in your airways
and cause misery.
But scientists have
found a quick way to kill a
virus — touch it with copper.
Researchers at labs
and universities worldwide
all agree — copper
is “antimicrobial.” It kills
microbes, such as viruses
and bacteria, just by touch.
That’s why ancient
Greeks and Egyptians used
copper to purify water and
heal wounds. They didn’t
know about viruses and
bacteria, but now we do.
Researchers say microbe
cells have an internal
electric charge which
copper’s high conductance
short-circuits. This destroys
the cell in seconds.
Tests by the Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA) show germs die fast
on copper. So some hospitals
switched to copper
touch surfaces, like faucets
and doorknobs. This
cut the spread of MRSA
and other illnesses by over
half, and saved lives.
The strong scientific
evidence gave inventor
Doug Cornell an idea.
When he felt a cold coming
on he fashioned a
smooth copper probe and
rubbed it gently in his
nose for 60 seconds.
“It worked!” he exclaimed.
“The cold went
away completely.” It
worked again every time
he felt a cold coming on.
He reports he has never
had a cold since.
He asked relatives and
friends to try it. They said
New research: Copper stops colds if used early.
it worked for them, too,
every time. So he patented
CopperZap and put it on
the market.
Soon hundreds of people
had tried it and given
feedback. Nearly 100 percent
said the copper stops
their colds if used within
3 hours after the first sign.
Even up to 2 days, if they
still get the cold it is milder
than usual and they feel
better.
Users wrote things like,
“It stopped my cold right
away,” and “Is it supposed
to work that fast?”
“What a wonderful
thing,” wrote Physician’s
Assistant Julie. “Now
I have this little magic
wand, no more colds for
me!”
Pat McAllister, age 70,
received one for Christmas
and called it “one of
the best presents ever. This
little jewel really works.”
People often use CopperZap
for prevention,
before cold signs appear.
Karen Gauci, who flies
often for her job, used to
get colds after crowded
flights. Though skeptical,
she tried it several times
a day on travel days for 2
months. “Sixteen flights
and not a sniffle!” she exclaimed.
Business owner Rosaleen
says when people
are sick around her she
uses CopperZap morning
and night. “It saved me last
holidays,” she said. “The
kids had colds going round
and round, but not me.”
Some users say it also
helps with sinuses. Attorney
Donna Blight had
a 2-day sinus headache.
When her CopperZap arrived,
she tried it. “I am
shocked!” she said. “My
head cleared, no more
headache, no more congestion.”
Some users say copper
stops nighttime stuffiness
if they use it just before
bed. One man said, “Best
sleep I’ve had in years.”
The handle is sculptured
to fit the hand and
improve copper contact.
Tests show it kills germs
on fingers to help you stay
well and not spread illness
to your family.
Copper may even help
stop a flu if used early and
for several days. In a lab
test, scientists placed 25
million live flu viruses on
a CopperZap. No viruses
were found still alive soon
after.
The EPA says the natural
color change of copper
does not reduce its ability
to kill germs.
CopperZap is made in
the U.S. of pure American
copper. It carries a 90-day
full money back guarantee
and is available for $47 at
CopperZap.com or tollfree
1-888-411-6114.
Linda Bateman-Gomez
There’s the old saying: “You are what
you eat.” If that’s the case, I’m currently a
giant piece of pie.
When we’re younger, foods often
affect growth and development. Sugar
and caffeine are obviously not good for
growing youngsters and when young, you
may not need the daily caffeine boost.
As we age, however, that morning cup
of coffee can be our biggest reason for
getting out of bed! Luckily for us, getting
older has its perks.
Recent studies have shown caffeine
to be beneficial for us grown-ups. From
reductions in cardiovascular disease and
diabetes, to psychological pick-me-ups, it’s
proving to be quite curative!
While many of our nutrition habits are
often established in childhood, as adults,
we have much more information for
easy ways to be healthier and adapt better
habits! These habits can improve our
physical as well as our mental health.
Sugar is one of the biggest saboteurs
to our good intentions and unfortunately,
seems to pop up in anything that doesn’t
grow out of the ground. It’s a plague for
those at risk for diabetes or struggling
with weight gain.
And while it’s easy for some to suggest
cutting it out altogether, it’s sometimes
easier to figure out what “good” you
can add to your diet, rather than subtract
from it. So, what are some things we can
Timeless Beauty
You Are What You Eat
all easily do to get results from the inside
out this year?
Here are a couple of tips to make you
feel and look better for 2017, without
needing a gym membership or a crash
diet!
Grab an Omega-3! Aside from the
amazing brain-boosting properties (like
helping to reduce Alzheimer’s risks and
depression) fatty acids are also connected
to lowering heart disease and raising
Vitamin D levels.
If that wasn’t enough, it contributes to
the healthy skin and shiny hair we all want
more of! Adding one or two servings a
week of fish (like Salmon) into your diet
can provide all these worthwhile results
without any giant lifestyle changes.
Take an evening stroll after dinner
and enjoy the winter season. If you’re a
foodie, find a way to try out some things
that are making the news.
Many swear by anti-aging fruits like
papaya which helps breaks down proteins
and ease digestion. And the currently
popular coconut oil and avocado have a
whole host of uses and benefits.
Obviously diet is a huge factor for
weight, so if you just want to start
somewhere, change just one thing at
a time and go slowly. Maybe ditch the
soda at lunch or replace your morning
doughnut with a quinoa-oatmeal blend.
Over time, little changes add up!
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.
18 www.thevegasvoice.net
I’m encouraged to see U.S. House of
Representative Speaker Paul Ryan and
our new President Donald J. Trump
willing to take on Obama Care, as I have
heard from so many business owners
and individuals that health insurance
is not more affordable under the
Affordable Care Act. It is hurting jobs
and our economy.
Now I hope that the President and
Speaker will take on another issue that
adversely impacts our economy: Federal
tax reform.
Nevada is seeing a slow but steady
economic recovery. But there is one
thing that could really help stimulate
job growth here: reforming the overlycomplex
and confusing Federal Tax
Code.
Everyone in Washington, D.C. agrees
that tax reform is necessary, but nobody
seems to agree on what it should look
like. This is especially frustrating for
businesses, because the path forward
is so clear to those of us outside the
february 17
Victoria Seaman
Federal Tax Reform Needed
Capitol beltway: simplify the code and
lower the corporate rate!
But taking on corporate lobbyists who
love their tax loop holes has allowed
politics to get in the way of tax reform.
Every day that goes by without
meaningful tax reform is another day
that Nevada companies fall further
behind their global competition. At
39%, the United States has the highest
corporate tax rate among Organization
for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) nations. That
means Nevada businesses pay higher
corporate taxes than similar companies
in notoriously high-tax nations like
France and Sweden.
In the marketplace, this means U.S.
products and services are often too
expensive to compete with those made
in other countries. This fact - multiplied
millions of times every year isn’t just
hurting these companies’ bottom lines,
it’s hurting our overall economy and job
growth
At the same time, our gargantuan tax
code creates additional costs for U.S.
businesses. Massive, convoluted, and
even contradictory, it seems designed to
ensnare honest businesses and hit them
with fines and other penalties.
That is why most small businesses pay
for expensive tax preparation services
or hire tax attorneys and CPA’s. For
businesses that are already paying the
highest taxes in the industrialized world,
Victoria’s Corner
this is a cost that they simply can’t
afford.
The path ahead is clear: lower the
corporate tax rate down to the OECD
average of around 25%, if not lower.
Simplify the tax code so that it isn’t so
costly for businesses to comply. Make
the tax code more favorable to the small
businesses that create the vast majority
of jobs in this country.
If the President and Congress take on
meaningful tax reform, we could finally
unleash the massive, pent-up economic
forces that currently lie dormant,
waiting to create millions of jobs. If we
don’t, Nevada will continue to suffer
from lackluster growth and an anemic
economy as our competitors dominate
an ever larger portion of the global
commercial marketplace.
Victoria Seaman is a former Nevada Assemblywoman, businesswoman and currently
a Realtor in Las Vegas. She and her daughter, Tatiana are managing partners for 2
Vegas Chicks, a full event planning business catering to any type fundraiser or event
worldwide. You can contact Victoria at: victoria@victoriaseaman.com.
19
Yvonne Cloutier
Stan Kenton was Artistry in Rhythm
Musical Moments
Stan Kenton, a remarkable band
director named his band, “Artistry in
Rhythm.”
He featured a strong brass section
with trumpets, trombones, clarinets
and a strong drumbeat. Along with his
own piano skills, the music made them
sound like a “Wall of Sound.”
Metronome magazine said “kids
are going haywire over the sheer
noise of this band. Its a danger of
an entire generation growing up
with the idea that jazz and the atom
bomb are, essentially, a sane natural
phenomenon.”
He kept the swing sound, but
Kenton had a vision. It was not of a
swing dance band, but of a concert
band featuring progressive jazz, using
unusual rhythms and harmonies.
Kenton was developing a new
era. Band members came and went.
Amongst them were Maynard
Ferguson, Stan Goetz, and Buddy Rich.
In the 1930s, Kenton played in
several big bands. In 1940s, amongst
his many hits, he had success with
Ali Guggenheim
Every February 14th, all over the United
States (and a handful of other countries),
people celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day by
spending billions of dollars. Nearly 50% is
spent on candy alone.
Last year, an estimated 1 billion cards
and 198,000,000 roses were bought - not
to mention the gifts, romantic getaways,
dinners, etc., all in the name of St. Valentine.
But, wait! Does anyone really know who or
what we’re celebrating?
St. Valentine’s Day’s history is yet another
historical event that’s shrouded in mystery
and has many versions of its evolution. One
theory claims that Valentine’s Day, evolved
from the Pagan, Roman, “Lupercalia Fertility
Festival.”
Others attribute it to “Juno Day”, the
Queen Goddess of women and fertility.
Both of these holidays began on February
“Eager Beaver” followed by having
his new singer, June Christy, (replacing
Anita O’Day, whom he married) come
out with “Tampico” and “Across the
Alley.”
His hits helped him finance his many
ambitious projects. Kenton also owed
much of his success to Pete Rigolo, his
chief arranger.
His “Peanut Vendor” was radically
different from other band’s swing
music. He also delved into a Cuban
beat such as his “Machito”, “Cuban
Fire”, and arrangements for “West Side
Story” and “Send in the Clowns.”
Celebrating St. Valentine
14th and were observed for an entire month.
Ritualistically, young maidens’ names were
written on slips of papers and placed in a jar.
The men would pick their evening’s mate
from the jar. This love partnering could last
a night, up to a year, and at times, even led to
marriage.
Pope Gelasius banned the Lupercian
festival (494-96). However, he retained the
lottery and replaced the women’s names with
Saints.
Once picked, both men and women
were expected to live up to their chosen
saints’ attributes for an entire year. As time
progressed, more and more Romans strayed
from this custom.
Instead, young men wrote notes to the
girls of their choosing. It became a tradition
to give the beloved and admired one
handwritten messages of enamored and
He did a beautiful rendition of
“Laura” for that film. Joe Green wrote
the lyrics for his hit songs such as
“And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine” as
well as “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You
Cryin’.”
Kenton experimented with
mellophoniums, (similar to bugles or
French horns,) but had trouble with
keeping them on pitch. He worked
with young musicians, gave them his
charts, taught them in seminars, wrote
music for school bands, and employed
many young musicians in his bands.
He also left his music collection to the
University of North Texas.
Kenton was born “out of wedlock”
in 1911, not 1912 as often cited. His
parents kept it a secret, even from Stan,
until years later. He learned to play the
piano at age 4.
Kenton was consistently
controversial - a polarizing pianist/big
band leader. Although a top jazz cult
figure, he couldn’t last with Bob Hope
as his backup radio band, but was
beloved on college campuses.
Kenton had a new vision. Young
people latched onto his sound and it
started a new era.
Stan Kenton had three marriages and
they all ended in divorce. His second,
to Ann Richards, his singer for a while,
shot herself at age 46.
Kenton also had a long battle
with alcoholism. In 1977, he fell and
fractured his skull. He died two years
later in 1979, after a stroke. He had
three children.
Stan Kenton, who has a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame, is also in the
Big Band and Jazz Hall 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.
romantic intention, containing St. Valentine’s
named inscribed.
There are many more versions to the
Valentine’s Day story. In fact, the Roman
Catholic Church counts at least eight saints
by the name of Valentine, three of the eight
having February 14, as their feast day.
The most popular lore comes from the
third century in Rome where Emperor
Claudius II was defeated by a humble
Christian martyr, Priest Valentinus. The
Emperor was convinced that single men,
without emotional anchors, made better
soldiers. So he outlawed marriage for young
men.
Priest Valentinus thought this to be wrong
and unfair. He therefore continued to
Psychic Phenomenon
secretly wed young couples.
Emperor Claudius II became enraged
when he found out and had Priest
Valentinus beheaded. Legend states that on
the day he died, February 14th, Valentine
left a note for one of his many supporters,
thanking her for being there for him. He
signed it, “Love from your Valentine.”
We will never know for sure the exact
details of how this legend transpired. What
we do know is that in 1969, the Roman
Catholic Church removed Valentine’s Day
from their list of holidays.
If you do not have someone “special”
to celebrate this year, don’t despair! Instead,
celebrate you! After all, the world will always
treat you, the way you treat yourself.
To learn more about Ali, spiritual consultations, coaching, classes, workshops, and
readings, call, give her a call: 702/373-9081.
20 www.thevegasvoice.net
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21
Crystal
Merryman-Sarbacker
The Travel Company Designed Especially for for Active Seniors!
Enrich your life in 2017!
Have you ever wondered what it it would be
like to to be in in the Spotlight?
Find out with Collette Vacations…
One of my clients, who has traveled all over the world, recently selected a
9 day “Spotlight On Tuscany” vacation from Collette. She’s been to Italy
before, but she was really attracted to the “Spotlights” concept, which
focuses on a more inclusive, more relaxed style of traveling. And she was
really pleased to find that throughout her entire trip, she’d be staying in a
four star hotel in one of Tuscany’s famous spa resort towns, Montecatini
Terme... Seven nights of Italian bliss and she would only have to unpack once.
Que Bella!
Tuscany
Find yourself in Tuscany on this
relaxing sojourn through the Italian
countryside. Experience its rolling
hills with sprawling vineyards,
medieval hill towns and enchanting
cities steeped in Tuscan history,
culture and legend.
Starts at
$ 1399. pp dbl.
occ.
Air avail., but
not included
She was also impressed with the terrific itinerary which
includes personal time to explore the area, as well as tours
to Florence, Lucca, Siena, Pisa, and San Gimignano.
Collette has arranged for local guides to provide all the
interesting background information that only they would
know. And then, of course, her Collette tour manager will
also be available throughout her vacation to handle any
special concerns or requests, like “which spa is the best
in Montecatini?” just in case she wants to enjoy an afternoon
or even a day of luxury.
Could this visit to Tuscany get any better?
Only if you want to experience the optional excursions
which are amazingly well priced. You can choose from a
Dinner and Entertainment at a Tuscan Villa, a Tuscan Cooking
Class & Dinner in Montecatini, or a picturesque day
trip to legendary Cinque Terre, or why not choose all three?
Call 702-419-0550 for more information on this exciting
“Spotlight on Tuscany” and all of the other 16 “Spotlights”
featuring City Stays & Quick Getaways from Collette including:
London, 7 days; Christmas in London, 7 days; Paris, 7 days;
Paris Holiday, 7 days; French Riviera, 8 days; Rome, 7 days;
Venice in Winter, 7 days; Madrid, 8 days; Barcelona, 7 days;
New York City, 5 days; New York City Holiday, 5 days; Washington,
D.C., 6 days; San Antonia, 5 days; San Antonio Holiday,
5 days; New Orleans, 5 days; South Dakota, 7 days.
*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.
Collette’s latest booklets are available now.
Call Crystal now for your copy at
702 419-0550
22 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
23
Stu Cooper - Travel Editor
Options, Options, Options
Happy Destinations
As I previously advised, the most
popular program we have at the
Vegas Voyagers is our “Bus to the
Boat.” We have been doing it for
close to 15 years and always have
between 15 to 50 Voyagers on our
bus.
This wonderful coach
transportation takes everyone
right to the pier of the cruise we
are promoting. It’s a “HUGE” (a
la President Trump) hit with our
Vegas Voyagers.
However, not far behind in
popularity, is the array of exotic, if
not downright unique cruises we
also offer. For example, we are now,
for the second year offering a 23
night trans Pacific cruise on Royal
Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas.
This is a cruise departing October
6, 2017 from Seattle, Washington
and arriving 24 days later in Sydney,
Australia. Along the way there will
be stops in Hawaii, Fiji and various
other South Pacific Islands. It’s
unique (to say the least) and just
about sold out.
Over the years, we have also had
great success with trans-Atlantic
cruises, commonly known as
repositioning cruises. We’ve known
about them for a long time and now
the rest of the cruising world has
jumped “on board.” They also sell
out quickly.
Typically speaking they start in
Europe, (usually Rome, Barcelona or
London) and end
somewhere along
the east coast of
the U.S. or the
Gulf coast. We
are always looking
for great value for
these cruises as
well.
Possibly the
most exotic of
all was the cruise
a few years ago
that started in Rome and ended
in Singapore. We had a very nice
group that transited the Suez Canal,
and then visited Dubai, India and
Indonesia.
I wish I could have escorted this
group but I got a firsthand report
from possibly our best traveled
Vegas Voyager Harkley Boak who
viewed it as a trip of a lifetime. And
during his life he traveled all over the
world.
It is these types of unique voyages
that the Vegas Voyagers will
continue to be on the lookout for.
Our good friends at Princess Cruise
Lines as well as Royal Caribbean and
Celebrity offer these longer cruises
that are always a lot of fun.
**Our next Vegas Voyager
meeting will be Friday, March 10th at
9:30 am at Buckman’s Restaurant at
the Revere Golf Course in Anthem.
Continental breakfast will be served.
At this meeting we will introduce
a number of new trips and cruises
for 2017 and even 2018. We are
even working on a number of
exotic destinations that might be of
interest. Please RSVP by emailing to
fairtravel@aol.com or calling 1-800-
698-1101.
I will also be speaking at The Vegas
Voice Elder Empowerment Event
on Thursday, March 9 th at Sun City
McDonald Ranch. The topic of my
presentation will be “Don’t leave
your brain at home when you go on
vacation.”
This informative talk will give you
all the tools you need to enjoy a fun
and safe vacation. Come on by and
say “hello.”
24 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
25
Kathy Manney
Needn’t Be a Swinger to Enjoy Savory Date
Around Our World
Regale Harris
Caregiver Burnout
Your Kindred Team
Date palms are commonly seen
in Southern Nevada and Southern
California, therefore many have
probably heard of the Date Farm
near Tecopa, California or the annual
Riverside County Fair and National
Date Festival and probably don’t
consider a name misunderstanding for
either.
But what comes to mind if you are
not familiar with date palms?
I was texting with my cousin in
Oregon recently, mentioning that my
husband and I were going to attend
the annual “Date Festival.” Quickly,
she texted back, “Date?” I replied,
“Yes, dates like the ones you eat.”
She texted again and was glad I
clarified this. She was wondering if
“Date” meant that we were swingers.
John and I had never thought of
the Date Festival or the Date Farm in
that context, but if you aren’t familiar
with date palms, understand how the
word “date” could be confused with
something other than food.
Savory delights wait at China Ranch
Date Farm where date milkshakes and
freshly baked date nut bread can be
purchased. As you round the last curve
on Furnace Creek Road, soon after
leaving Old Spanish Trail, the road
abruptly ends. You have arrived at an
extraordinary refuge on the fringe of
Death Valley.
“Hidden Oasis” the sign reads.
China Ranch is an oasis where date
palms not only grow, they thrive. It is
the largest producer of dates in the
United States.
Like apples, dates come in different
varieties. A single tree can have as
many as 300 pounds of fruit per year
and can live one-hundred or more
years. Date palms have been cultivated
since about 6000 B.C. for their sugary
fruit.
A tree started from seed takes
about seven years to produce fruit.
It requires one male tree to pollinate
fifty female trees. Their pollen
usually carried by wind or insects, but
growers’ hand pollinates their groves
to assure a crop.
Dates are rich in antioxidants, fiber
and potassium. California’s Date
Industry covers 8,500 planted acres.
“Palmeros” are the people who are
hoisted into the trees to cut the ripe
fruit, while workers below shake off
the dates into bins.
Though Death Valley’s average
annual rainfall is little more than
2-inches, the Armagosa River Valley
offers a surprise near China Ranch.
In this barren desert, a river runs year
round despite scorching temperatures.
It ranks among the few rivers in
the world flowing below sea level.
Originating near Beatty, the river
What a pleasure it is to write this
travel article for The Vegas Voice.
My name is Marilyn Sirna and I am
the Activities and Fitness Director at
Sun City MacDonald Ranch.
My husband and I have been
married for 50 years, and yes I was
a child bride! And I have been so
fortunate to have travel much of the
world.
I am happy to share my love of
adventure and travel with Vegas
Voice readers. Most of our travels
are done by bus and we have lots of
fun on these trips.
We have some awesome travel
adventures in the works. Take a look
for yourself. And such opportunities
are not just for Sun City MacDonald
residents - they’re for all Vegas Voice
readers.
We hope this helps in planning
future trips. Remember: these trips
winds southward through the valley,
then disappears into the ground.
The Riverside County Fair and
National Date Festival is located in
Indio, California and held annually in
February. The Fair and Date Festival
began more than 70-years ago to
celebrate the end of the region’s date
harvest.
Ironically, the Date palms are not
native. They were transplanted here
in 1903 from Algeria. Today, the
“Date Festival” portion of the fair has
diminished and disappoints as there
are few vendors selling fresh dates and
date items.
But if you enjoy the fairground
atmosphere or have never been to
a county fair with their grand stand
entertainment, exhibits, rides and food
vendors, this is a good place to come
and visit.
Bon appetite to your next date.
Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an Adventure Diva. Her
“Must See” travel journeys continue - always with enthusiasm.
Marilyn Sirna
Let’s Go With Marilyn
Let’s Go!
are open to all Vegas Voice readers.
March 21 & 22 – Verde Canyon
Railroad
This is a 2-day trip. Cost is $219
Dbl. occupancy and $279 pp single.
The price includes bus fare, railroad
ticket, admission to Montezuma’s
Castle National Monument Hotel
and one breakfast.
June: Yosemite National Park,
Solvang and Santa Barbara
July: Hearst Castle
July: Del Mar Race Track, La
Jolla, California and San Diego
August: Pageant of the Masters –
Laguna Beach, California
September: Temecula Winery
Tour
Give me a call and I’ll be happy
to get you all the information. I can
be reached at 702/270-7006 or:
msirna@scmronline.org.
Come on, let’s go!
You probably know all the details
about the health of the person for
whom you’re caring. You’re on top of
what medications must be taken, you
can even spot minor changes in their
mood and attitude.
Are you as aware of what’s going on
with you? When caring for a loved one,
it’s easy to forget about your own needs.
1.The rollercoaster of emotions.
Whatever you call it - second-hand stress
or the more serious caregiver burnout,
the mix of physical and emotional
exhaustion strikes many caregivers.
The fix: Your life has changed in
profound ways, so it’s natural to feel
frustrated and to grieve for what you
have lost. You can’t take good care of
anyone if you don’t take of yourself.
Remind yourself that while you are
doing everything you can, you will never
do everything; and that’s OK too.
2. You catch every bug that comes
your way. Stress can take a toll on your
immune system. If you are getting sick
DON’T
MISS IT!
2 LOCATIONS!
Sun City MacDonald Ranch
Thursday, March 9th, 10am-12 noon
Sun City Anthem
Saturday, March 18th 10am-12 noon
Learn about new technology in staying safe
• Safety tips from the experts
• New Nevada programs to keep safe
Speakers will include experts on all aspects of
staying safe including:
• Henderson Police Department
• Henderson Fire Department
• Nevada Regional Transportation Commission –
“Yellow Dot Program”
• Guardianship Protection – Nomination forms
so you or your loved one will never be taken.
• Travel Safety – “Don’t Leave Your Brain at
Home While on Vacation”
• Latest tools to protect you and your home
more often, your body is trying to tell
you something.
The fix: Eating a nutritious diet
and getting proper sleep boosts your
body’s natural
defenses.
3. You’re
snapping at
everyone.
When you feel
helpless and
overwhelmed, you’re
more likely to overreact to the things
people do, or don’t do. You need a
timeout.
The fix: Don’t set the bar so high that
you can never meet it. Try to find ways
to ease the tension.
4. You know you should exercise;
you don’t have the time. No one can
function well in crisis mode day after
day. Caregiving is a marathon, not a
sprint.
The fix: Force yourself to get moving.
Exercise is the best stress reliever.
For more information and to RSVP for seats,
contact The Vegas Voice at 702/251-4441 or
www.thevegasvoice.net
5. You can’t remember the last
time you met a friend for dinner or
a movie. Everyone needs a break from
time-to-
time, so why
don’t you give
yourself one?
The fix: We are
not suggesting a twoweek
Caribbean cruise,
though that would
be lovely, right? A few
hours while you read a
book or watch reruns of your favorite
sitcom, can be restorative. NOTE:
Taking a break doesn’t mean running
errands or doing chores. It’s YOU time.
6. You’re the go-to caregiver. This
may be the hardest job you’ll ever have,
and it can take time to adjust and come
to terms with it. Don’t try to do it alone,
you’ll hit bottom.
The fix: Establish a network of
relatives, friends or people you can call
on. Schedule a family meeting or video
chat about who does what and who pays
for it.
Let everyone know you will not be
available to host activities that you’ve
normally handled. Keep a to-do list with
you and whip it out when others ask if
they can help.
Your neighbor might be happy to
spend a few hours at your house while
you go to the gym. A friend can buy
groceries when she’s at the store.
Meanwhile, join a local or online
support group.
If you would like to speak directly
with a Registered Nurse about how
Kindred can help, just call our Kindred
team. Our telephone number is:1.866.
KINDRED.
Regale Harris is the Manager of Volunteer Services and Community Liaison for
Kindred. She welcomes all questions and inquiries and can be reached at: regale.
harris@kindred.com.
26 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
27
Jim Valkenburg
Auto Insurance Premium Part I
Insurance Insight
Here are the top 3 things that
determine your auto insurance premium.
The other two will be printed next
month.
1. YOU. Your age, gender, marital
status, driving record, and record of prior
claims play a major role in determining
your risk level and therefore, the premium
you will pay.
Traditionally, males under 25 years
of age represent the highest risk, while
married, middle-aged, non-smoking
couples represent the lowest. The second
highest rates go to drivers 75-80 and
older.
The most favored rates and the target
market of all insurance companies are
drivers aged 50-64. Statistically they have
the fewest incidents and incidents.
Drivers under age 25 are involved in
more accidents than any other age group,
and car crashes remain the leading killer
of people ages 15 to 20. And amid these
accident-prone younger drivers, it’s the
male drivers who tend to cause more of
the accidents. Therefore, young males pay
higher rates than young females.
Many people say that male drivers drive
more than female drivers but for statistics,
insurance companies use 1,000,000 driven
miles for each category. Unfortunately, the
young men have not only more accidents,
but dramatically more accidents causing
deaths than young females. It’s based on
data, not prejudice.
2. WHERE YOU LIVE AND
DRIVE. The country is broken down
into areas and every insurance company
keeps statistics on the number of claims
reported in what geographical areas. The
Post Office broke our country down
geographically by zip code – and that is
generally what insurance companies use.
As the claims go up in certain zip
codes, the rates follow. But the change
isn’t instantaneous.
In most states (like Nevada),
the insurance company has to file
proposed rates with the state insurance
commissioner and they have to be
approved before they can change. So, it
might take many months or even years
for rates to change dramatically.
Rates also tend to be higher in urban
areas because of the higher density of
traffic, increased likelihood of theft and
vandalism, and greater incidence of fraud.
The risk factors vary, of course, but if you
lived in places like Detroit, Philadelphia or
Los Angeles, you would pay much higher
rates that you would in rural Montana.
As insurance claims rise, they are
followed by legal battles. Nevada has one
of the highest litigious costs per capita in
the nation and is therefore in the top 10
states for highest insurance rates.
Your zip code matters! If you move
across the street and find yourself in a
different zip code your rate can increase
or decrease. Many insurance companies
can actually narrow down claim incidents
by city blocks within zip codes.
3. THE TYPE OF VEHICLE
YOU DRIVE. This is a very important
element and one that is often overlooked
when car shopping. Vehicles that have a
high frequency of claims or are expensive
to repair are prone to higher premiums.
Jim Valkenburg is a retired military officer and insurance executive. He and his wife
owned and operated their own insurance agency for over 16 years. His primary
purpose is to give out real information that can be used to make intelligent insurance
decisions.
Happy Birthday June!
June Gordon was born
January 16, 1917 in New
York City. She lived in New
York until 1948 and was
married 44 years to the
love of her life, Harvey
Gordon.
June is an amazing
woman who looks at least
20 years younger than she
is. She attributes this to the fact that
she worked until the age
95 as a manicurist. She still
does nails for her friends at
Atria Sunlake.
June has spent most of
her life traveling, shopping,
and being a friend to many.
June is a real lesson to all
of us that you can live to
be 100 and still be vibrant,
active and full of energy.
28 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
29
Kyo Mitchell
A Healthier You
Shoulder & Arm Pain
Mary Richard
Health Fitness
Save & Work Your Heart!
James J. White, D.D.S
Cheap Dentistry Will Cost a Fortune
If you are
experiencing pain
in your upper arm
and/or your neck and
you cannot lift your
arm through its full
range of motion, you
may have a problem in the
shoulder. One of the easiest
ways a doctor can check this
is called the “Hawkins
Test.”
The doctor will bring
your arm up so that it is parallel
with the floor and then bend your
elbow to ninety degrees so that
your fingers are facing forward
and your palm is facing down. The
doctor then starts to rotate the
The inflammation
irritates the local nerve and
since the nerve also passes
down through the neck
and arm, the pain may
radiate here as well.
For anyone who
has experienced
shoulder
impingement
syndrome, this
problem can be
both painful and
debilitating. It can become chronic,
making it painful to use the arm
during the day and painful to sleep
at night.
Patients may be given drugs or
advised to have surgery. Yet, in
Since February is “Heart Month”
here are some medication-free
strategies to help prevent heart
disease.
Heart disease may be a leading
cause of death, but that doesn’t
mean you have to accept it as your
fate. Although you lack the power to
change some risk factors - such as
family history, sex or age, there are
some key heart disease prevention
steps you can take.
You can avoid heart problems in
the future by adopting a
healthy lifestyle today.
Some heart disease
prevention tips to get
you started:
1. Don’t smoke or
measures, such as maintaining a
healthy weight, the payoff is even
greater.
Physical activity helps you control
your weight and can reduce your
chances of developing other
conditions that may put a strain
on your heart, such as high blood
pressure, high cholesterol and
diabetes. It also reduces stress,
which may be a factor in heart
disease.
Try getting at least 30 to 60
minutes of moderately
intense physical activity
most days of the week.
However, even shorter
amounts of exercise
A denture technique so sophisticated,
shoulder joint so that your hand/ many cases shoulder impingement
offer heart benefits, so
forearm move in a downward/back syndrome can easily be resolved in use tobacco. Smoking
if you can’t meet those
ward direction.
a matter of weeks without surgery or using tobacco is one of
guidelines, don’t give up. You
If you experience pain, it is or drugs.
the most significant risk factors can even break up your workout
highly likely you have what is As stated previously, the problem for developing heart disease. time into 10-minute sessions.
called “Shoulder Impingement is that the arm bone is too close Chemicals in tobacco can damage And remember that activities such
Syndrome.” Shoulder impingement to the shoulder bone. Exercises your heart and blood vessels, as gardening, housekeeping, taking
syndrome is fairly easy to
can be given to strengthen certain leading to narrowing of the arteries the stairs and walking the dog all
understand.
muscles (Infraspatus, teres minor (arteriosclerosis), which can count toward your total.
Your upper arm bone (humerus) and subscapularis) which pull the ultimately lead to a heart attack. 3. Eat a heart-healthy diet.
hangs down from your shoulder arm down away from the shoulder In addition, the nicotine in Eating a diet with foods that are low
bone (the acromion aspect of the bone.
cigarette smoke makes your heart in fat, cholesterol and salt which
scapula). There are two structures Massage may also be necessary work harder by narrowing your is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole
between these two bones which for certain muscles (trapezius and blood vessels and increasing your grains and low-fat dairy products
are the tendons of a muscle called rhomboids) which, when they are heart rate and blood pressure. can help protect your heart. Beans,
supraspinatus and a bursa which too tight, will pull the shoulder Carbon monoxide in cigarette other low-fat sources of protein and
serves as a cushion between the bone downward decreasing
smoke replaces some of the oxygen certain types of fish also can reduce
bone and the tendon.
the space between the arm and in your blood.
your risk of heart disease.
When these structures are all in shoulder bones.
This increases your blood pressure 4. Maintain a healthy weight.
the proper places, the shoulder Where exercises and massage by forcing your heart to work harder As you put on weight in adulthood,
joint moves easily. If, however may help open the space
to supply enough oxygen. Even socalled
“social smoking” - smoking than muscle. This excess weight
your weight gain is mostly fat rather
something happens to decrease the between the arm and shoulder
space between the arm bone and bones, additional measures
only while at a bar or restaurant can lead to conditions that increase
the shoulder bone, the tendon and may be necessary to resolve the with friends is dangerous and your chances of heart disease, high
bursa get squeezed every time you inflammation and reduce the pain. increases the risk of heart disease. blood pressure, high cholesterol and
raise your arm.
Anti-inflammatories in the form of 2. Exercise for 30 minutes on diabetes.
Over time, this movement will drugs or herbs and acupuncture can most days of the week. Getting As always, if you have any health
damage the tendon and bursa help in this regard.
some regular, daily exercise can issues, it is wise to discuss any
causing inflammation resulting in While shoulder impingement reduce your risk of fatal heart exercises with your physician.
tendonitis or bursitis. (Any word syndrome may be a painful
disease. And when you combine POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND
ending in “itis” means inflammation problem, it need not be a
physical activity with other lifestyle HAPPY HEALTH TO ALL!
of that structure.)
permanent one.
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.
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.
When you’re in need of dental
work, one question may come to
mind: How much is this going to
cost?
Rest assured that if you put it off
or try to get it done on the cheap,
that decision could come back to
haunt you in the end. If you’re
thinking about shopping around for
a better price on dental work, here
are some things to consider.
1. Dental care is a professional
service. Although it is based on
science, dentistry is much more than
that. It is also an art, and many artists
are less than stellar.
Some paintings are ones that sell
for $25 at a flea market. You may not
object to hanging junk art on your
wall, but don’t your teeth deserve
better?
2. The quality of the lab the dentist
uses can vary. Their costs will reflect
the quality of their output. And if
you care about the caliber of what
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
ends up on your mouth, you must
pay a little more.
3. For anyone running a dental
practice, the overhead costs are
greater than you think. Between
60-80% of an ordinary charge goes
toward the cost of office space
rental, payroll expenses for assistants,
supplies, health insurance and more,
not to mention the cost of keeping
up with the latest technology.
A less-expensive dentist may skimp
on these important costs with an
adverse effect on the health of his
patients.
4. You may have dental coverage,
but before long you’re sure to
learn that it doesn’t compare to
health insurance. Most plans are
maintenance-only. They will cover
occasional x-rays and cleanings.
They may also partially pay for a
crown, but if your needs are greater
than that, their assistance on your
behalf will check out after you’ve
reached the first $1,000 to $1,500 of
your maximum coverage allotment.
5. The fact that your insurance
won’t cover 100 percent of a certain
procedure doesn’t mean that it’s
unnecessary or that you don’t require
it. It simply means that your insurer
is hoping you decide to skip it
entirely.
6. Every bite you take while
chewing subjects your teeth to 200
pounds of pressure per square inch.
Can inadequate dental restorations
stand up to this kind of assault?
Wouldn’t you be willing a pay a little
more for ones that you know can
meet the challenge?
7. When you visit the least-costly
dentist around or put off having
dental work done because you’d
rather save the money, you’re just
setting yourself up for a larger
expense down the road. Cavities and
abscessed teeth cannot get better
on their own, and it will always cost
less to fix a dental problem early on
before it becomes far worse. While
a simple filling might cost a few
hundred dollars, the cost of a larger
one could run into the thousands.
In dentistry as in everything else,
you’re going to get what you pay for.
Everyone’s mouth is different, and
as such, every bit of dental work we
perform is unique from one patient
to the next.
30 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
31
Chuck Dean
A New Day
Vet 2 Vet
Alice Vo Edwards
Is Your Home Fat Proof?
Now that we live in a state where
cannabis is legal to consume, what do
the thousands of veterans who find
relief with health issues by using it need
to know in order to seamlessly slip into
this new reality?
The first and most important fact is
that the VA will not approve of its usage,
since they operate totally within the
confines of federal regulations. The feds
still list cannabis as a schedule one drug.
Just because Nevada says its legal does
not mean your primary care physician or
other VA providers will even consider
prescribing it.
Once upon a time, when wartime
traumatic issues went from shell shock,
to delayed stress syndrome, to finally
being called post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), the only answer to the
nightmares, the depression, and hyperanxious
reactions to life, etc. was to give
veterans strong medicine in the form of
psychiatric pharmaceuticals. However, a
pill to take care of this only led to taking
another one that countered the effects
of the first one.
It was a vicious cycle. In reality, the
prescribers at the VA had no idea
what was going on. They figured that
numbing the veteran out was the best
solution.
Well, this led to a bunch of zombies
running around, and even worse -
suicide victims by the droves. “No cure
for PTSD? Let’s just keep these guys
under control before something bad
happens.” Well it did happen - in far too
many cases.
Things have not changed much. The
VA, under the constraints of folks like
the DEA, still push pills in massive
amounts and hope for the best.
It takes little imagination to realize
how much the drug companies have
their fingers in the pie. And yet,
something as harmless as marijuana (that
seems to actually work for many vets,
and can be grown at home) remains
illegal and unavailable through VA
channels.
It defies any semblance of sanity.
On a state-level, Nevada medical
marijuana has been available to those
patients possessing a state issued card for
more than a decade. PTSD has been one
of the prevailing conditions that civilian
physicians determine and sanction
cannabis usage by their patients.
So here we are. It is now legal, and
Nevada veterans can use it for both
medicinal and recreational purposes, but
they cannot talk openly to their doctor
about it.
VA providers and clinicians simply
have to chalk up a veteran’s cannabis
usage to self-medication - and cannot
legally condone it. So be it.
There’s certainly far more harmful
forms of self-medication out there than
marijuana; like opiates (prescribed) that
kill an average of 150,000 Americans
yearly, or alcohol consumption.
Both are legal, but much more
destructive. Look at it this way: when’s
the last time you heard of someone
dying of a cannabis overdose, or a
veteran beating their spouse under the
influence of marijuana?
I’m glad that self-medication is finally
getting a better rap. Hats off to the
voters of Nevada for making it happen.
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
“A man’s health can be judged by
which he takes two at a time – pills
or stairs.” - Joan Welsh.
I don’t remember when it started,
but I’m at that place in life where
I take my ibuprofen two (or
three) at a time and bounding up
staircases is a flimsy memory. My
lack of enthusiasm for exercise has
inevitably led to weight gain.
In researching healthy habits
to begin reversing that trend, I
read the work of a fascinating
food psychologist I want to share
with you. Dr. Brian Wansink, who
works at the Food and Brand Lab
at Cornell University, has proven
in multiple research studies that
many of our issues with overeating
are caused by unintentional
environmental factors that
contribute to overeating -which can
be reversed by applying some simple
psychology tricks.
Dr. Wansink suggests that rather
than worrying about complex
diets, people could change the
environment they eat in simple
ways to shave 100 or more calories
from their daily diets. By doing this,
people could lose 5-10 pounds per
year effortlessly. Sounds great, right?
Knowledge is power so I’ve taken
the 100 point home-assessment in
his book “Slim By Design: Mindless
Eating Solutions” and created a
mini-quiz so you can rate the fatpromotion
factor of your home.
Ready?
Healthy Home Fat-Buster Quiz
Questions & Points
2+ fruits easily accessible on the
kitchen counter +1
Baked goods, breads, and chips are
out of sight +1
Fruits and veggies are at eye level
and packaged within the fridge +1
Toaster not visible +1
Kitchen walls neutral, soothing
color (but not white) +1
TV in kitchen -1
Blender on counter +1
10-inch dinner plates +1
12-inch or larger dinner plates -1
12-oz cereal/soup bowls +1
14-oz or larger cereal/soup bowls
-1
I often buy packaged foods bulk at
Costco/Sam’s Club/Walmart -1
Candies are out of sight, in opaque
containers +1
No snacks or sweets kept in the
home office area +1
Scoring: If you score 8-10,
pat yourself on the back. You’re
amazing. If you score 5-7, you may
want to read the book. If you score
less than 5, please, please, read the
book.
Before I read the book, I would
have scored a -2 (This was an ahha
moment for my weight gain
problem). I would currently score as
a 4, with further improvements in
the works.
As always, I’d love to hear your
thoughts, opinions (and scores) so
feel free to reach out.
Our Columnist’s New Book
“Amongst Other Gods” is a
collection of short stories by
our Chuck Dean. He is also the
author of “Nam
Vet: Making Peace
with Your Past”
and “Some Came
Home: A Story of
Returning.”
His new book
is an absorbing
portrayal of life
from the inside out
- living amongst
us lesser gods.
From a senior
divorcee trying to
decide whether to
re-marry for love
or for money, a
drunk sailor luckily
finding refuge in Bernice’s Bar, or
a wounded soldier trying to escape
the horrors of friendly fire, each
page is full of the human soul:
Some sad, some hilarious, and
others very close to home.
Frame after
frame, each
vignette has a
message that
everyone can
identify with.
Perhaps what is
written here is what
we all have wanted
to say from time
to time, but never
had the words to
express it.
Available now
in paperback or
digital (Kindle)
formats at: www.
amazon.com. Or
visit Dean’s author’s page: http://
www.amazon.com/author/
chuckdeanbooks.
Rotary Club of Green Valley
The Rotary Club of Green Valley,
a proud participant of Rotary’s
Rose Parade
Float Committee
was awarded
the Princesses’
Trophy in the
2017 Tournament
of Roses
Parade. Green
Valley Rotarians,
Dave Jockman
and Larry Skaggs
& wives were totally involved in this
38th consecutive Rotarian entry.
The float, representing Rotarians
traveling worldwide, create and
complete projects serving people in
six areas: promoting peace, fighting
disease, providing clean water, saving
mothers and children, supporting
education, and growing local economies.
The spectacularly colorful dragon,
proudly wore a medallion marking
“100” years of Rotarians worldwide
and carried luggage
decorated
with symbols of
these focus areas.
The Rotary
Rose Parade
Float Committee,
comprised
of Rotarians
primarily from
southern California
and Nevada, is supported entirely
by voluntary contributions from
Rotary districts, clubs and individuals
across the US and Canada. It was
a gift to Rotary International, The
Rotary Foundation, and the 1.2 million
Rotarians continuously “serving
humanity” each and every day.
If you’d like knowing more or
joining the Green Valley Rotary, visit:
greenvalleyrotary.org.
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
32 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
33
Jan Fair
A No-Brainer Minute
Exercisae Your Brain with Fun February Storytelling
THE VEGAS VOICE
SERVICE DIRECTORY
AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING
Chazell A/C & Heating 702/647-3355
Servicing the valley since 1992.
www.chazellac.com. LIC#005365
ALARMS/SECURITY
Alarmco, Inc.
Nevada’s oldest/largest
locally owned and operated systems provider /
monitoring center since 1950. Burglar/Fire Alarm
systems. Access control, CCTV, Guard Services and
Locksmith Services. LIC#0008024/NPILB #608.
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.
MEDICARE PLANS
Rae Rocco 702/897-9929
Independent Agent, No charge for consultations.
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 / surrounding
areas.
PLUMBING
Sanderson Plumbing
702/610-7236
Very dependable. Lic. #78397.
To place your business listing, contact Advertising Sales
A great
(and affordable)
way to build your
business!
702/592-4818
New in the neighborhood?
You’re gonna’ need these guys...!
Power NV Energy www/nvenergy.com
Customer Service 702-402-5555
Outage Reporting 702-402-2900
Gas Southwest Gas Corp. swgas.com
Main Line 877-860-6020
Phone
Many providers including:
AT&T
att.com,
Century Link tm centurylink.com,
Cox Communications cox.com,
Equiinet
equiinet.com,
Nextiva
nextiva.com,
Sprint
sprintcom,
Verizon Wireless verizonwireless.com
Trash Republic Services General or recycling
702-735-5151
Clark Co. Sanitation cleanwaterteam.com
TV Century Link tm 702-222-4444
Cox Communications 702-933-9811
Dish 800-823-4929
Direct TV 888-795-9488
34 www.thevegasvoice.net
february 17
35
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