2O17
JULY
Oct. 2012
For your Health, Wealth,
and Good Times!
FOR TODAY’S ACTIVE SENIORS
Summer’s Here!
Go have some fun!
Summer of Love
50th Anniversary
Concert - Pages 20-21
Nevada Guardianship
The Good Guys Won!
Pages 5-9
2
July 2017
3
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
PRESIDENT
VP ADVERTISING
POLITICAL EDITOR
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
NIGHT LIFE EDITOR
TRAVEL EDITOR
TV HOST
VIDEO DIRECTOR
GRAPHICS EDITOR
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Volume 14, Issue 5
Dan Roberts
dan@thevegasvoice.net
Ray Sarbacker
ray@thevegasvoice.net
Debbie Landry
debbie@thevegasvoice.net
Rana Goodman
rana@thevegasvoice.net
Evan Davis
evan@thevegasvoice.net
Sam Wagmeister
Stu Cooper
Rich Natole
Ary Mirochnik
Michael Roberts
Lou Lozitsky
lou@thevegasvoice.net
Bill Caserta
bill@thevegasvoice.net
4
July 2017
Marty Allen
Adrea Barrera
John Bielun
Yvonne Cloutier
Dianne Davis
Chuck Dean
Jan Fair
Linda Gomez
Ali Guggenheim
Dan Hyde
Mike Landry
BJ Killeen
Kathy Manney
Kyo Mitchell
Mary Richard
Crystal Sarbacker
Victoria Seaman
Jim Valkenburg
Beverly Washburn
Devon Wickens
Vicki Wentz
James White
The Good
Guys Won
By: Dan Roberts - Publisher
And with a stroke of a pen, it was done. All the work and effort
by The Vegas Voice acknowledged by Nevada Governor Brian
Sandoval when he signed Senator Becky Harris’ SB 229 into law last
month.
Happily watching the Governor sign our Vegas Voice guardianship
reform bill, we couldn’t help but wonder how many readers were saved
(we’ll have the “protection” details in future editions) and will never have
to worry about being “taken.”
As I looked at Rana and she at me (along with the rest of our Vegas
Voice family) our smiles were as wide as a child on Christmas day. The
good guys won.
Pictured: Looking on as Governor Brian Sandoval signs the bill
are (left to right): Political Editor Rana Goodman, guardianship
advocate (and family victim) Julie Belshe, Publisher Dan Roberts,
Project Director Bill Caserta, advocate Barbara Grostick, Senator
Becky Harris and Vegas Voice President Ray Sarbacker. Photo Credit:
Graphic Editor Michael Roberts.
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5
”
Thank You
”
Nevada State Senator, Becky Harris
6
FOR
CARING
ABOUT
AND
PROTECTING
NEVADA’S
SENIORS,
AND REFORMING THE
GUARDIANSHIP LAWS!
July 2017
The Fat Lady Sings!
By: Dan Roberts / Publisher
“
Hey Rana, you hear that? It’s the fat lady singing.”
The opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings is one of my favorite
clichés. Pertaining to our Vegas Voice guardianship reform efforts, it may
not be “over” but even if the Diva is not singing her final solo - she sure is rehearsing loudly.
It’s now one-month shy of 3 years that political editor (and my Ladylove) first approached
yours truly to discuss guardianship. As I previously opined, I had no knowledge (or interest) in
this subject.
When I finally “gave in” (looking back on it, I probably never had a choice anyway) Rana and
I had no idea that this would become the main focus in our lives. From our lack of understanding
the scope and depth of this scandal to the final legislative passage of our Vegas Voice reform bills,
it’s been an incredible journey.
To sum up the result - protections (and increased criminal penalties) are now in place that
will guarantee that you, your loved ones, friends and neighbors will never be “taken.”
One new law (SB360) provides for a “Ward’s Bill of Rights” (including assistance from
“a person of natural affection” and/or “an advocate for the ward”) while another (SB 229)
establishes an official “Guardianship Nomination Form” with Secretary of State lockbox
protections.
The Vegas Voice will have (a lot) more information and details in future editions. We’ll also be
doing our traveling seminars across the valley come the fall/winter months and will provide all
the paperwork that will ensure that you will never be a guardianship victim.
As you can expect, many “thank yous” are in order. First and foremost, Senator Becky
Harris was as determined and dedicated to guardianship reform as was my Rana. I cannot
begin to tell you how many late night (and early morning) telephone calls, texts and emails
transpired between them during the recent legislative session.
Harris’ actions were not of a politician, but as a committed public servant. The Nevada senior
community owes a huge, unconditional and ever-lasting thank you to Senator Harris for her
non-stop efforts in cleaning up the guardianship debacle.
Supreme Court Justice James Hardesty, despite criticism from reform advocates (including
this publisher) was outstanding. As the Chairman of the Nevada Guardianship Commission,
he not only made sure that its recommendations were placed in Continued on next page
Former private guardian April Parks in handcuffs
Supreme Court Justice James Hardesty with Rana
7
By: Dan Roberts / Publisher
This was my moment.
It was now almost three years of daily
guardianship research, investigations, writings,
conversations, telephone calls, seminars and meetings. Serving as the
faithful assistant to The Vegas Voice political editor (and my Ladylove)
Rana Goodman, we were on a mission to expose the private guardianship
industry.
We remained steadfast in our crusade; to not only seek guardianship
remedies, but to come up with solutions so this scandal never happens
again.
This year The Vegas Voice instituted and collected over 1,600 petitions
(and a big “thank you” for those who participated) for our guardianship
reforms. We met with numerous state and local government officials as
well as lobbied Nevada senators and assemblymen. We even travelled to
and from Carson City at our own cost to continue this Don(na) Quixote
quest.
And now, it all came down to our testimony before the Nevada
Legislature. I was as prepared as I was when I sat for the New York bar
exam a lifetime ago.
I was a walking encyclopedia on guardianship – knowing the relevant
sections of the Nevada Revised Statues as well as the tragic circumstances
of (far too) many family victims caught in this cesspool. I was loaded
with facts & figures to answer any question, or provide any information.
Continued from last page the reform bills, but was there testifying
and advocating for them before the legislature.
That’s just one reason why he’s called “Your honor.” Thank you, Justice
Hardesty.
Our Vegas Voice family, including Sandy Lewis, Bill Caserta, Barbara
Grostick and my partner Ray Sarbacker were there every day and assisting
in every way. If you ever wanted to know the meaning of “unsung heroes”
just look at them.
Last, but always first, to my PILL (partner in love & life). I cannot
8
One Final Thought: My Hair-Raising Realization
July 2017
I wrote, re-wrote, revised and edited my 90 second presentation to the
Legislative Committee. I wanted to use whatever (albeit limited) oratory
skills I had to urge, cajole and ultimately convince our elected officials
that the various Senate bills needed to be passed now to eradicate this
guardianship disgrace and to achieve meaningful reforms.
I sat in the chair – ready, willing, able and eager to proceed. And as the
Committee chairman gave me the go-ahead to begin my testimony, out
of the corner of my eye, I caught my image on the video screen and was
overcome with a new, overriding singular thought that I could not shake
– Where’s my hair?
What happened to my freakin’ hair? I was in complete shock. I
wanted to end my statement in mid-sentence, demand a quick recess and
stop everything until I found my missing follicles.
Did I leave it at the hotel? Did Rana take it for safekeeping? What
the…?
While I have been called many names, I can’t believe (or accept)
that “balding” is one of them. But at that moment, I realized that the
idealistic, young future attorney who needed a hairpic for his “Afro” no
longer existed.
Looking at the screen (and you better believe subsequent viewings) I
was overwhelmed with another inescapable conclusion – I now look like
my father.
So, as I completed my testimony and even received some congratulatory
compliments, I graciously thanked them… and started searching for my
dad’s baseball cap.
adequately express my admiration, respect and sheer joy in what Rana
accomplished. (Of course, I’ll take credit for putting up with her for the last
35 months, but will save that tale for another time).
No one was more outraged than our political editor by this scandal and
more dedicated, determined and obsessed to not only expose and clean-up
the private guardianship gulag, but to achieve permanent solutions.
All I (and everyone else) can, and should say, is simply:
“Congratulations Rana. You did it!
Cue the fat lady…
We Still Need to be Vigilant
By: Rana Goodman / On My Soapbox
Publisher Dan says the guardianship
issue is over thanks to the passage of our
guardianship bills we have pushed these past two
plus years. I’m however, far more cautious than he.
We were indeed holding our breath right up to the very last day for
passage of SB229, (the nominated guardianship bill with the Secretary
of State lockbox provisions) and then dancing on cloud nine when
Senator Becky Harris phoned within five minutes of its passage.
Dan and I were in the car when we heard the great news. I wanted to
roll down the car windows and scream YES, WE DID IT!
Nevada also made a huge, positive step by hiring attorney Homa
Woodrum.
The Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and
Disability Services Division, pursuant to newly implemented AB 31
created the “Attorney for the Rights of Older Persons and Persons
with a Physical Disability, an Intellectual Disability or a Related
Condition” (Say that 3 times fast).
The short title is “Chief Advocacy Attorney” and we have total
confidence in her abilities and dedication. The only downside for us is
that she is based in Carson City.
But let’s face the fact that there will still be a portion of our society
that will need to be cared for by a guardian, private or public. Many
of them are not fortunate enough to have either family or a friend to
fill that gap.
If they have the needed funds to hire help and have the capacity to
choose wisely, that is a huge plus. If not, they won’t have the protection
that will now be available to the rest of you by nominating who you
wish to care for you if, and when the need arises.
They most likely will fall into “the system.” This is where I have
concerns that the process still has a way to go.
Seniors with no nominated guardian who are reported by someone
as needing help, will most probably fall under the Clark County Public
Guardian’s Office. In my opinion, this is akin to falling head first into
“the rabbit hole.”
Although newly appointed Public Guardian Karen Kelly attended a
few of our Nevada Guardianship Commission meetings, apparently,
she has failed to grasp the meaning of one of that Commission’s most
important recommendations to the legislature. That recommendation,
unanimously passed (and soon to be law) was “to use the least
restrictive means necessary in guardianship.”
I am hearing and been advised that the procedure the public
guardian has implemented for several ladies (one 85 years old, and
the other who is 90) is isolation in a locked down facility. Sadly, the
90-year-old can easily afford full time care in her home.
Placing her in a facility away from all the things giving her comfort
at her age is cruel and not needed. Since she has no family, friends
are getting ready to attend her family court hearing and try to take
this on.
Let’s enjoy our guardianship reforms, but total victory is still on the
horizon.
Rana with Senator Becky Harris
All Smiles with the Governor and Senator Harris
9
Marty’s Top Ten
By: Marty Allen / Hello Dere
1
. You know you have a
problem when you meet
a friend on the street and he
says: “How are you?” and your
answer is “Why, what did you hear?”
2. Family Values thought: How come children grow up so fast – but
leave home so slow?
3. You know you are at a wealthy person’s home when you flush the
toilet and you see a rainbow!
4. Bill tells his friend Fred: “I met this very attractive girl but she’s not
that bright. She spent all weekend reading my four T shirts!”
5. A certain Congressman is taking on the American Orthopedic
Society. He wants to know why artificial limbs cost an arm and a leg.
6. Therapist: “What makes you think you have multiple personalities?”
Patient responds: “You talking to us?”
7. A fool and his money get to meet a lot of great women.
8. It is very unwise for a husband to say to his wife: “How can you
blame me for our marital problems? I’m never home!”
9. A veterinarian and a taxidermist went into business together. Their
sales pitch: “Either way, you get your pet back.”
10. What does a woman; a tornado and a bank have in common? Any
one of them can get your house!
For over the past decade, Marty Allen has performed with his on
and off stage singing partner Karon Kate Blackwell.
Politically Incorrect Humor
By: Bill Caserta / Bill’s Blurbs
Definition of an Irish husband: He hasn't
kissed his wife for twenty years, but he
will kill any man who does.
*Murphy told Quinn that his wife was driving him to drink.
Quinn thinks he's very lucky because his own wife makes him
walk.
*The man phoned the maternity ward at the hospital.
"Quick!" he said. "Send an ambulance, my wife is going to
have a baby!" "Tell me, is this her first baby?" the intern asked.
"No, this is her husband, Kevin, speaking."
*"Bob," asked the druggist, "did that mudpack I gave you
improve your wife's appearance?"
"It surely did. " Replied Bob. "But it keeps falling off!"
*John: My wife has a terrible habit of staying up 'til two o'clock
in the morning. I can't break her of it. Paul: What on earth is she
doing at that time? John: Waiting for me to come home.
*Phil went to trial for armed robbery. The jury foreman came
out and announced, "Not guilty."
"That's grand!" shouted Phil. "Does that mean I can keep the money?"
* To my non-Jewish friends, this may explain a lot. To my Jewish
friends, just nod in agreement.
Things I Didn't Learn in Hebrew School
1.The High Holidays have absolutely nothing to do with
marijuana.
2. No meal is complete without leftovers.
3. According to Jewish dietary law, pork and shellfish may be
eaten only in Chinese restaurants.
4. A shmata is a dress that your husband's ex is wearing.
5. After the destruction of the Second temple, God created
Nordstrom’s.
6. Never take a front row seat at a Bris.
7. Next year in Jerusalem. The year after that, how about a nice
cruise?
8. Never leave a restaurant empty handed.
9. Spring ahead; fall back - winters in Boca.
10. WASP's leave and never say good-bye; Jews say good-bye and
never leave.
11. Always whisper the names of diseases.
12. If it tastes good, it's probably not kosher.
13. Without Jewish mothers, who would need therapy?
14. If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it. But if you can
afford it, make sure to tell everybody what you paid.
15. Laugh now, but one day you'll be driving a Lexus and eating
dinner at 4:00 PM in Florida.
And one final thought. What do you call a man who knows how
to control a wife? Answer: A bachelor.
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July 2017
Bill Caserta is the Project Director for The Vegas Voice and
has a very “unique” sense of humor. He welcomes all funny
submissions at: bill@thevegasvoice.net.
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11
By: Adrea Nairne-Barrera / 60s to 60
Once upon a time, making simple decisions
about hanging a picture or what to make
for dinner was easy.
Now it’s a whole process and takes ten times longer than it used to. By
the time I’ve figured it out, I’m too tired to do it.
Hanging a picture requires a hammer, hook and usually a ladder.
Climbing up the ladder is not my best event.
In fact, I tremble each time I have to change an air filter in the house.
I’ve learned to put pillows on a desk, table or whatever is nearby so I
can get up and kneel on the pillows in the hope of reaching the spot to
hammer in the hook.
It’s very calculated and exhausting. Several pictures have been leaning
on the floor for about 2 years now.
The dinner question is ridiculous. On workdays, the conversation
usually goes from “What do you want for dinner?” to “I’m not hungry
because I ate an egg sandwich at 2 pm” to “So what should I do?” etc.
It’s a never ending cycle of nonsense and indecision usually ending at
one of three local places. Neither one of us can actually make a choice.
We have little spats about whether to leave the car windows open in
the garage or if turning light switches on and off uses more electricity
or not. As for the car windows, we keep the trash bins also in the garage
and sometimes they smell at the end of the week. (A little trick I once
learned is to freeze your food garbage until trash day and then forget
12
Decisions & Spats
July 2017
it’s there.)
Open the car windows and
everything stinks on 100+ degree days.
Keep them closed and the car is really
warm. What to do? He says open and I
say close.
To solve the electricity problem, I
did my research and unfortunately
that answer is more complicated than
I anticipated. Is your lighting fluorescent, energy saving or traditional?
Some lighting has to warm up and it may not be a savings, but overall
we should turn them off. I lost that argument in 2017, however years ago
I was right. Progress got me again.
So how many times has anyone gone to the back yard and left the door
open only to hear “How long do you think it will take to air condition the
yard?” I don’t know. Shall we put it to the test?
Now we have solar lights on the property and to make them look pretty,
you have to pick a spot where the sun will reach them. This spat involves
morning sun, afternoon sun or setting sun.
And so it goes.
Adrea Nairne-Barrera’s writing focus these days are on
observations, celebrations and complaints about life in the 1960s
to being in your 60’s. You can contact her at: sixties2sixty@
yahoo.com
All Dogs Go to...Uh...Me?
By: Vicki Wentz / Vicki’s Voice
It’s just that I didn’t know you
could inherit a dog. I mean,
a necklace, a set of china, even a
savings bond...but a dog?
Don’t get me wrong, she’s a really cute dog. A tiny white
Maltese who was named by her first “mother” obsessed
with the British royal family.
Hence, I’m now the proud - if slightly reluctant - owner of Lady Diana.
The name is longer than the actual dog.
Anyway, no one was able to take Lady Di, and I do love her, and so does
my dog, Gabby. But, Lady Di has a real Napoleon…or, Napoleonella…
complex, and she will bark like she’s going to friggin’ take you apart,
limb by limb. In reality, I don’t think she could take apart one actual
limb.
So here we are, back to two dogs. Just when Gabby thought she’d be an
only child for a while. Being the oldest of five children, I was hoping the
same thing myself, for about thirteen months before my brother Jimmy
came along. I saw no need for another child in the house - we were
getting along just fine.
Yesterday, I introduced Lady Di to the folks at the veterinarian’s office.
They were, of course, wonderful and Dr. Digadog made a huge fuss over
her (why shouldn’t he; her care, along with Gabby’s, will help take his
family to Cancun this summer).
We had her first check-up, and she needed a couple of shots, some
itch medicine, and eye drops. Dr. D looked a tad disappointed that she’d
recently had her teeth cleaned, but even if she hadn’t, I would have had
to let a few fall out before I could afford another visit.
It’s all good now. I’m happy to have little Di in the house. She’s sleeping
at the foot of the bed along with Gabby, who accepted the inevitable.
Plus, after fourteen years of having two dogs, it’s easy to fall back into
the choreography it takes to walk them without becoming a tangled-up,
self-strangulating cartoon character - not that I ever did that.
Having lived for years with one elderly lady, Di isn’t used to all the
exercise and excitement at my house. There’s always someone coming
and going.
Always someone taking her for a hike, or to a nearby dog park, and
folks are over for dinner, or the grandchildren are wanting to pick her
up and put her on beds, on couches, in the sink…in the doll buggy…
in flowerpots.
Yes, Di spends her downtime sacked out - like me.
But, I’m happy. Two doggies. Life is good. Then, the phone rang
yesterday.
My sister said, “Remember when you said that if ever Mom and Dad
weren’t able to take care of Rosie any more, you wanted her? Well, I think
that day is here. It’s just too much for them now, and we aren’t able to
take her. When can you come to get her?”
OMG. Dr. D’s office is going to get a whole new wing.
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.
Breaking through Medicare
Insurance expert hosts community service events
to provide answers to Medicare questions.
Is Obama Care out and Trump Care in? How will the new
insurance regulations affect my Medicare plan?
Those are just a couple of the questions that are asked
when Rick Bronstein answers his phone at GreenSky
Insurance Services. Bronstein is an independent insurance
agent with nearly 40 years of experience, and his specialty is
understanding all of the intricate nuances of Medicare.
As a community service, Bronstein has decided to hit the
road and answer questions about Medicare and medigap
insurance for anyone in the Las Vegas Valley.
What is better than free advice? How about free advice
with a free cup of coffee and a snack?
Valley residents are invited to meet Bronstein on
July 11 th or 25 th any time between 9:30a and 11:30a
at the Great Harvest Bread Co. ® in the Siena Town
Center shopping center (corner of West Tropicana and
Hualapai) to have a casual conversation about Medicare
while being treated to answers that make sense, a drink,
and one of Great Harvest’s delicious breakfast snacks.
Did you know that Nevada offers ten different types of
supplemental insurance plans (A through N) with different
levels of standardized benefits and coverage? Wading
through the written documentation for each of these plans
can be a daunting task. However, by asking questions
about your specific needs, Bronstein can help you take the
guesswork out of choosing the right plan.
Bronstein can explain, in easy to understand terms, how
Medicare Part A and Part B works, and give you the tools to
decide if you need to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan,
also known as Medicare Part C.
As an independent agent, Bronstein works with United
Healthcare (AARP), Humana, Cigna, and other leading
insurance providers and can tell you how each company
works so that you are better be able to choose what’s right
for you.
If you don’t care for coffee or pastry, you can always
call Rick Bronstein at 702-479-1971, and he will be
happy to speak with you at your convenience.
MEDICARE & MEDIGAP INSURANCE SPECIALIST
Richard (Rick) Bronstein
702-479-1971
Call Rick today, or meet him at a FREE
“Medicare Answers & Coffee” event:
July 11 or 25, between 9:30a-11:30a
Great Harvest Bread Co.
10180 W Tropicana (at Hualapai)
FREE insurance review FREE competitive quotes
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www.SilverStateMedicare.com • 800-550-0155
13
Kemo Sabe
By: Beverly Washburn / Hollywood Memories
previously written about Clayton Moore, who
I played the Lone Ranger. I thought this month
I'd write about Jay Silverheels who was his
faithful sidekick, Tonto.
The year was 1956 and I was cast in the Warner Bros. feature film "The
Lone Ranger." I was quite fortunate back in the 50s, because for the most
part, scripts would just be sent to me without an audition.
However, I had never worked at Warner Bros. so they didn't know me
and I was asked to go out and read for the role of Lila, the little girl who
gets kidnapped by the Indians and yep, you guessed it - gets saved by the
Lone Ranger.
When I got there, there were about 20 other little girls also reading for
the role. I really didn't think I had a chance, so when I got the call the
next day, I was very happy and grateful.
The experience was a wonderful one and I was delighted to work with
both of them. They were as nice as they could be.
When you think of Tonto, you automatically think of the words Kemo
Sabe. In fact, it became such a known phrase, it was added into the
Webster's Dictionary in 2002.
Over the years there have been many definitions of Kemo Sabe, but the
most common ones are "faithful friend " or "trusty scout."
Although Jay was a full blooded Indian and a member of the
Mohawk Tribe, his real name was Harold J. Smith! It has been said
that he came up with the name "Jay Silverheels" because he thought it
sounded more authentic as an
Indian name. Gee, ya' think?
Jay was quite the athlete, a
middleweight boxer and also
played lacrosse. He was the
highest paid and highest
scoring lacrosse player in
Canada.
At a game he was playing
in Los Angeles, the famous
screen comedian, Joe E. Brown
spotted him and thought he
had potential. Brown helped
Jay get his start in Hollywood; first working as a stuntman and then into
small roles.
It's been said that he never liked the role of Tonto as he felt it made him
look stupid, but he always played Tonto gracefully and with good spirit.
If it's true that he didn't like playing Tonto, I never saw that on the set.
I looked up to him and loved every minute of my time with The Lone
Ranger and Tonto.
Until next time, remember to sing when the shadows fall, for in time,
the sun will shine again.
Beverly Washburn graced the silver screen as a child actress and
is the author of Reel Tears. You can contact Beverly at: bjradell@
hotmail.com. Check out her awesome, new website: www.
beverlywashburn.com.
By: Yvonne Cloutier / Musical Moments
It is the miracle of Austrian Franz Schubert.
Despite almost continuous near-poverty,
the drabness and struggle of his daily life, the
lack of true recognition in his own time, and the poor health that
prematurely ended his life at age 31, he graced the world with a body of
work of astounding proportions and lasting value.
These include 16 works for theatre, 8 symphonies, including his
best-loved Unfinished Symphony, 15 string quartets, 21 additional
chamber works, volumes of piano solos (including those for 4-hands)
numerous works for chorus, a 3-act opera, and probably his greatest
single contribution to literature - hundreds of songs that are still sung on
the world's concert stages.
Schubert composed anywhere and everywhere. He even developed the
habit of sleeping with his glasses on should he awaken with a sudden
inspiration!
His favorite working hours were dawn till noon, but it was midnight
when he wrote his 1st version of his famous song The Trout. He sleepily
poured ink over the page instead of the customary sand used for blotting!
That ink-blotted script is still preserved.
Schubert wrote with fanatical speed and still had many works of the
highest quality. One of these pieces is his Ave Maria.
14
Franz Schubert
July 2017
This simple moving piece
so well-known and loved,
was written about 1825
when he was 28 years old. It
was part of a group of songs
from Walter Scott's Lady of
the Lake.
Schubert stood only slightly over 5 feet. He was, like his father, a school
teacher for a while, but quit to write music.
He was the last composer of the classical era and one of the first of
the Romantic era. His music is known for its beautiful melodies and
harmonies. No question - he was considered a musical genius.
Amongst his easier well-known piano solos are: Marche Militaire,
Serenade, Excerpts from Symphony in B minor, The Trout, and The
Erlking.
Three years after he wrote Ave Maria, on November 19, 1828, Franz
Schubert died. He was buried in Vienna, near the graves of Strauss,
Brahms, and his beloved Beethoven.
Yvonne Cloutier, a former teacher/principal, with a music
background, specializes in ragtime piano. She reports about
music on SCA-TV.com/Anthem Alive! You can contact her at www.
mytimeisragtime.com.
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15
The US Open
By: Mike Landry / Golf Fore Ever
The US Open is the most prestigious golfing
event of the year! If you were fortunate
enough to watch it at Erin Hills, Wisconsin last
month, you were in for a treat.
A host of players battled it out for four days to determine the best golfer
in the world. 27-year-old Brooks Koepka took home the trophy with a
final round 67, winning the event by 4 strokes.
The biggest event of the year sponsored by the USGA is the men’s US
Open. This is the one event where amateurs can qualify for and play
along with the pros.
If you have a handicap index of 1.4 or lower, you can apply to play in a
local qualifier, pay your entry fees and try and qualify. There you could be
joined by touring
professionals who
don’t qualify for
this year’s US Open,
but wish to.
This year we saw
Steve Stricker go out
and qualify. Steve
did not disappoint
shooting 73, 72, 69
& 69 to earn him
a tie for 16 th place
– not bad for a
50-year-old player.
See you on the
links!
Mike Landry resides in Sun City MacDonald Ranch and is a member
of both the Nevada State Seniors Golf Club and Winterwood Men’s
Group. He can be reached at: airmikel1@cox.net
Eureka!
By: Charlie Christy / Executive Director
- Ms. Senior Nevada
The
Senior
Nevada Pageant
Family is busier than ever. With three to five
shows at Assisted Living Centers each month,
we are now returning to Eureka, Nevada
to raise money for the Meals on Wheels
program.
The trip will be August 14-16, with “show time” at 5 pm on August
15, in the Historic Opera House Theatre. This restored treasure is a joy to
behold. Built in the 1800’s (before the advent of sound equipment) it is
so beautifully engineered, a singer can project to the audience without
any amplification.
If you’d like to join this “gaggle of gals and guys” we’ll help you
arrange transportation and accommodations. We stay at the Best
Western, (includes breakfast) and Ms Senior Nevada will provide two
picnic lunches, making the trip quite inexpensive and a great way to see
“middle Nevada.”
This is truly a charity event. We print the tickets and send them to the
Senior Center to sell. They keep 100% of the revenue, while we pay our
own expenses; including rooms, gas and food.
We are a true “non-profit” and we give to better seniors. Come join
us if you’d like to see Nevada as it was many years ago and be a part of
something special.
Give us a call: 702-458-9899
Lights, Cameras & Action
By: Rich Natole / Voices of a Generation
As I previously mentioned, along with
fellow Vegas Voice columnist Evan Davis
(and with thanks to the wonderful people at
Humana) we are back on the air.
Evan is the host for the “Celebrity Interviews” at the Summerlin
location and I have the honors at the Green Valley Humana
Neighborhood Center. And I am so fortunate to have as my announcer/
sidekick, the man with the golden voice, Nevada Broadcaster Hall of
Fame Jon Lindquist.
And what a line-up for our respective shows! Last month, Evan
had the beautiful, talented (and co-host of The Vegas Voice August
“Summer of Love” 50 th Anniversary Concert Genevieve Dew.
My guest was the best Neil Diamond impressionist in the world – Rob
Garrett. Think that lineup was fantastic?
Our respective guests this month will be Frankie Scinta (Evan’s
show) and I’ll be joined by Clint Holmes. Come on down and be a part
of our studio audience - it’s always free!
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.
16
July 2017
SCMR Participates at Senior Idol
Members of the Sun City MacDonald Ranch Variety Club
auditioned for Las Vegas Senior Idol and four acts made the
cut. In all, 78 acts auditioned and 24 were chosen.
The Senior Idol Showcase was held last month at the Charleston
Heights Art Center. The showcase is an annual event for all seniors
ages 50 and over from the Las Vegas Valley area.
The four acts from SCMR performed the routines they perfected for
our 2017 SCMR Spring Variety show, “A Blast from the Past.”
The four acts are: The Sunsations (jazz dancers), Treasures of the
Nile (belly dancers), Marilyn and Irv Atkins (George Burns and Gracie
Allen skit) and Bill Reiss (soloist).
17
By: BJ Killeen / Down the Road
Did you know the average delivery time for
a new car at the dealership can be up to
three hours?
There’s so much more technology today than just learning how to
adjust the seats and program radio stations.
Dealerships have multi-page delivery checklists that are broken into
sections as far as basic and expanded operations. The basic operation
items cover how to start the vehicle (push button, hybrid starts, etc.),
how to shift (push button, rotary knob), and how to adjust seats and
mirrors.
While this may sound simple, sometimes it can be complicated to
understand. For example, the 2017 Lincoln Continental offers 30-way
power seats on its high-end models!
The goal is to get the most comfortable position for driving. Once
dialed in, these seats (which include a massage function) are more
comfortable than any recliner you have at home. And they do include a
few memory presets to retain what you’ve programmed.
Keep in mind that you don’t need to stay at the dealership for three
hours. Many dealers have car clinics once a month to give you more
information a little at a time, or will help teach you something else
every time you come in for service or a lesson.
This way, you can learn about your vehicle over time, and practice
using the technology before your next visit. The goal is to not overwhelm
you with information, but to make you comfortable so you use it.
18
How Much Do You Know?
July 2017
Features like parking assist (will parallel or perpendicular park
the vehicle for you), adaptive cruise control (keeps your distance
automatically from vehicle in front of you), and rain-sensing wipers
are all designed to help keep you safe on the road.
The best advice is to read your owner’s manual. Everything you need
to know about your vehicle is in that book in your glovebox. Also in the
glovebox is a quick reference guide for instant help.
And, of course, you can ask me via email at bjkdtr@gmail.com. I’m
always happy to help!
BJ Killeen has been an automotive journalist for over 30 years.
She welcomes all questions and inquiries, and can be reached at
bjkdtr@gmail.com
Where Do We Start?
By: Evan Davis / Entertainment Editor
As we come halfway
through the
year, I ask myself, “Self,
is the year half empty or half full?” Just as
Vegas reinvents itself almost daily, so do the
entertainers.
Chris Phillips (Zowie Bowie) in the
Grandview Lounge at the South Point,
Chadwick Johnson’s new band, LV Retro Vibe,
now playing once a month in Rock’s Lounge at
the Red Rock Hotel and Casino, Martin Kaye
in the Parlor Lounge at the Mirage and the list goes on and on.
Chadwick Johnson
That’s why I put a list out every week of local entertainment. Things
change constantly and new venues keep opening up as old venues close.
How can we keep up with all that’s going on? We can’t. That’s why we
have to pick and choose what we want to see and where we want to go.
Let’s start on the east side of town. Jazz on Monday nights at The Bradley
on East Sahara. The great American song book at the Italian American
Club Wednesday through Sunday. And Saturday afternoon for some big
band jazz at Sun City MacDonald Ranch in Henderson.
Let’s look at the Strip and surrounding areas. Rich Little at the
Tropicana, Clint Holmes at the Venetian, The Scintas at the Plaza
Downtown, Michael Monge at the Encore, seven nights a week
entertainment at the Bootlegger, entertainment nightly at the Tuscany, the
Barrymore on Convention Center Drive and Pia Zadora at Pia’s Place in
Piero’s on the weekends. And that’s just to mention a few.
Go west young man, and so we will. Where do I start?
Downtown Summerlin has brought many restaurants and shops with
a few choices of entertainment. There are places like the Golden Tiki
on Spring Mountain with jazz on Thursday nights, Salvatore’s Italian
Restaurant in the Suncoast with a piano bar nightly and singers on
Tuesdays and Thursdays, Siena Deli, Marche’ Bacchus, the Sand Dollar for
blues and jazz, Addison’s Lounge at the Rampart Casino, Rocks Lounge at
the Red Rock Hotel and Casino, the Vintner Grill and many more.
So how do we get to see all the entertainment and entertainers at all
these venues? Slowly. Not that we have an unlimited amount of time to
see it all, so we pick and choose based upon location, day of the week,
time the entertainment starts, the type of music/entertainment and who
is performing.
We all have favorites, but by getting around to see performers that we
haven’t seen before, it gives us the opportunity to expand our tastes and
develop new favorites. It also allows us to meet new people and make new
friends.
Having the tendency to hang out at the same old venues week
in and week out doesn’t allow us to make those new connections.
Plan on going to one new venue every other week and you’ll see what a
difference it will make in your life. Maybe a “Musical Crawl” could be good!
You can read Evan’s entertainment blog and sign up to receive his
free email weekly Calendar of Events at www.EvanDavisJazz.com.
Email him at: evan@thevegasvoice.net.
19
If you’re thinking, “What was I smokin’...?”
The Vegas Voice Presents The 50th
Anniversary Concert of the
A groovy
tribute to
the songs
of the
‘60s !
SPONSOR &
Vendor Space
Available
Call Debbie
702/592-4818
SPECIAL
TRIBUTE
TO OUR
VIETNAM
VETS!
You’re in the right place!
S C H E D U L E D T O A P P E A R
Frankie Scinta
Sonny Charles
Elisa Fiorillo
Be sure to wear some
flowers in your hair!
JOIN US IN
THE VEIL PAVILION
Sun. Aug. 20.
3-5pm/Doors:2pm
Sponsor & Vendor Info
Email: Debbie@thevegasvoice.net
702/592-4818
Hosted by
Mark Giovi/Genevieve Dew
Music Director
Gary Anderson
and The
Vegas Voice Band
Chase Brown
Chadwick Johnson
Jonathan Karrant
Travis Cloer
Ashley Fuller
Rich Natole
For tickets and
more info call
Evan Davis
702/630-6111
3333 Blue Diamond Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89139
Aaron Fuller
Additional
Performers to be
Announced!
Tickets
$ 19.67
Proceeds to benefit the Nevada Guardianship Association and The Las Vegas Show Biz Network
Want to Volunteer?
By: Victoria Seaman / Victoria’s Corner
Changes on the Las Vegas City Council may
mean changes to Senior Board
The Las Vegas City Council will have two new
representatives in July: Steve Seroka and Michele Fiore. These new
council people will help oversee the range of senior services offered by
the City of Las Vegas.
Most of these services are evaluated by the city’s Senior Citizens’
Advisory Board. Members are appointed on the recommendation of
the city council, with one individual representing each ward and two
members representing the city at large recommended by the mayor. Each
must be a resident of the City of Las Vegas.
This board currently has two vacancies for Wards 2 and 4, but others
may be shuffled around as a result of the city council elections.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to get involved and want to
improve or change the services that are offered by the city - especially
those offered by senior centers, this is a great opportunity to serve your
community and help make Las Vegas a better place to live, work and
play.
The city operates six active adult and senior centers. These facilities
offer classes, social groups and services, computer labs, small libraries,
access to media programs and low cost room rentals. The Las Vegas
Senior Center, located in downtown Las Vegas, also organizes excursions
and groups of seniors who travel together known as Tripsters.
All of these programs rely on citizen involvement in government
and the board to make wise recommendations to the City Council for
guidance and direction. We need Las
Vegans of all ages represented to the
council.
If you’ve got the urge to serve,
Project Director Bill Caserta
with Victoria
you can apply on the Boards and
Commissions page located at www.
LasVegasNevada.gov.
Victoria Seaman is a former Nevada Assemblywoman,
businesswoman and currently a Realtor in Las Vegas. You can
contact Victoria at: victoria@victoriaseaman.com.
Nelson Sardelli and His Troops
By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places
The dining hall had been transformed into a
war-era cabaret. Their years of service and
historic battles long behind them, the troops in
attendance are residents of the Nevada Veterans Home in Boulder City, a
state-owned facility for veterans needing skilled nursing care.
Each Father’s Day, entertainer Nelson Sardelli enlists his troops - the
singers, magicians and comedians who christened Las Vegas as the
Entertainment Capital of the World. Sardelli himself was a contributor
to that culture.
At 21, he emigrated from Brazil. “Two months later, I was drafted.” He
was drafted again in 1965, but this time to headline in Girls ala Cart in
Vegas, the town he never left.
This Father’s Day, nearly 30 performers answered Sardelli’s call;
including comedian and Tonight Show veteran Pete Barbutt, retired
magician Lance Burton, the familiar face-that-nobody-knows, 3’11”
Felix Silla who starred as Cousin It, Robby the Robot and roles in Star
Wars, Spaceballs and others.
The event has become a true Vegas-style impromptu lounge show.
“Our residents look forward to this all year,” said a Veterans Home staffer.
Drummer Gary Olds has served as musical director from the beginning.
The singers reach into a musical era that enriched these soldiers,
sailors, pilots and front-line guys who ducked bullets and bombs. Most of
them are now confined to wheelchairs and walkers.
The program included what Diane Lopez called an era “when songs
actually meant something”: It Had to be You, When You’re Smilin’, I
Can Only Give You Love and Jeannie Brie’s tear provoking rendition of
Vera Lynn’s World War II classic, We’ll Meet Again.
Sardelli’s program of entertainers who give up the Father’s Day
mornings included current headliners Carmine Mandia, Michael Monge,
George Bugatti, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Gary Anderson on
saxophone and more. Many have a long history with the event.
Retired comedian/singer/musician Peter Anthony who helped establish
the Entertainment Capital moniker is a 14-year member of Sardelli’s
troupe. “I’m grateful for what these guys and gals did for us.”
Sardelli, whose roots include opening for Judy Garland, agrees, “This is
my way to give back. What my father taught me.”
Honoring Our Founder
During this patriotic month as we celebrate our
109 fighters on December 19, 1944, during the Battle of
Independence, we at Miracle-Ear want to honor
the Bulge. Dahlberg accounted for, four enemy planes that
War Hero and our Founder, Kenneth Dahlberg. May he
rest in peace.
Dahlberg Electronics manufactured the first Miracle-
Ear hearing aid in 1948. Kenneth Dahlberg started
Dahlberg Electronics after he left a position as an assistant
to the president of Telex Communications.
Kenneth Dahlberg was drafted into the army in 1941
and became an aviation cadet in the United States
day.
He himself was shot down and rescued by American
soldiers. On February 14, 1945, Dahlberg’s plane was shot
down for the third and final time near Bitburg, Germany.
He was a prisoner of war for the duration of World War II.
While designing a wireless hearing aid, Mr. Dahlberg’s
friend said, “it will be a miracle if that device works…”
and the rest is history! Miracle-Ear products and services
Army Air Forces (USAAF). One of his instructors was Kenneth Dahlberg are the most advanced in the hearing aid industry.
future Senator Barry Goldwater.
For over 70 years, Miracle-Ear, has specialized in
After training, Dahlberg flew the P-47
Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang with
the USAAF 353rd Fighter Squadron,
and 354th Fighter Group Ninth
Air Force in Europe. A fighter
ace, Dahlberg was credited with
14 aerial victories.
Mr. Dahlberg’s plane was shot down
three times. The first time, he bailed out
near Paris, and was sheltered by the French Resistance.
designing and manufacturing customizable
hearing solutions that feature discreet,
comfortable products designed to
meet each individual’s hearing
loss needs. Miracle-Ear boasts
the largest and only nationwide
network of hearing care centers.
Miracle-Ear has been servicing
the Las Vegas Valley for over 30 years as a
trusted resource for hearing health care, offering state
He received numerous awards and decorations, including of the art technology and outstanding customer service at six convenient
the Distinguished Service Cross for leading a flight of 16 P-47
Thunderbolts (354th) against an attack of 70 German Messerschmitt Bf
locations.
What will your Miracle SOUND like?
22
July 2017
Jeanne Brie; (L-R) George Bugatti, Felix Silla, Nik Mastrangelo,
Michael Monge, Carmine Mandia; Sardelli with Felix Silla
23
24
Vegas Voyagers Cruise Options
By: Stu Cooper / Happy Destinations
Phat Pack Cruise Update: The response
to our Phat Pack cruise January 27 -
February 3, 2018 has been fabulous. There are
close to 100 people already booked and we're still eight months away
from the cruise! This is going to be a fantastic and memorable
trip.
Think about it. What could be better than
combining a seven night Mexican Riviera
cruise with the music of the Phat Pack? The two
private (for Vegas Voyagers only!) command
performances together with our own private
cocktail party will make for one exciting and unique vacation
experience.
No doubt this trip and experience of a lifetime will definitely be sold
out. And the only way to enjoy the Phat Pack performances and special
plans is to book this cruise solely through the Vegas Voyagers.
Please note that if you book this cruise through any other travel agency
or directly with Carnival Cruise Line you will not be part of our exclusive
group, and will not be eligible to attend any of the Phat Pack shows or
functions.
So be sure to call Vegas Voyagers at 800/698-1101 and be part of the
fun!
*I never thought I'd go to Cuba once, and I am just back from my
Jan. 7-14, 2018
7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise,
from Miami
Cozumel, Isla Roatan, Belize & Grand Cayman
Inside Cabin $600 pp, / Ocean View $660 pp,
Balcony $990 pp
Price based on double occupancy, subject to availability and
includes the cruise and all port charges, taxes and fees. Airfare
to Florida is additional
July 2017
second visit within one year. I escorted a group of 70 adventurous tourists
last month.
Cuba is still as fascinating as ever. And it is safe to say that the easing of
U.S. citizen requirements to visit the island has had a positive economic
impact on Cuba.
While we were there, no fewer than four cruise ships visited Havana in
the two days we were there. The first "luxury" mall
opened in downtown Havana. Tourism was booming.
Still no McDonalds or Starbucks, and in my
opinion, that's a good thing. I hope Cuba will retain
its unique charm and atmosphere - including
all those great vintage 1950s automobiles.
*Take a look at the new "Bus to the Boat"
cruises we added with our good friends at
Princess Cruise Lines for 2018. We're going to Alaska again
round trip from Los Angeles, September 19 - October 1, 2018 on the Star
Princess.
We also have a Coastal California November 3 - 10, 2018 (also on
the Star Princes) and a 15 night Hawaiian Island cruise December 4 -
19, 2018 on the Ruby Princess. If you book by August 30 th , you might be
eligible for the Princess Cruise Line "SIP AND SAIL" promotion. Be sure
to ask us for all the details when you call.
We are also adding some great Royal Caribbean Trans-Atlantic
cruises and a northern Pacific coast cruise for 2018. Take a look at
upcoming Vegas Voice editions for specific information.
Mix and Match
Jan. 14-27, 2018
13 Night Panama Canal
Cruise from Miami to LA
Carnival Splendor
Cartagena, Columbia; Panama Canal Transit;
Punta Arenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal,
Guatemala; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Inside Cabin $1,716 pp,
Ocean View, $2,016 pp,
Balcony $2,665 pp
Price based on double occupancy, subject to availability
and includes the cruise and all port charges, taxes and
fees. Airfare to Florida and back from Los Angeles to
Las Vegas is additional
800/698-1101
www.Vegasvoyagers.Com
Email: Fairtravel@Aol.Com
Belize Cast its Spell
By: Kathy Manney / Around Our World
The ad was tantalizing. “Be one with
Belize…Mother Nature’s best kept secret.”
That was all the enticement needed to see for
myself this tiny sun-speckled country sheltered
between Mexico and Guatemala.
The only country in Central America where English is the official
language, Belize is positioned on the Caribbean coast off Central America
and is one of the few remaining unspoiled places on earth.
Palms wave while the soft colors of purple and tangerine warm the
skyline as we set off to discover Belize. The country enjoys an average
temperature of 79-degrees.
It is a beautiful unspoiled country, unspoiled in part because Belize has
the lowest population density in Central America. The literacy rate is one
of the highest in Latin America
Spain ruled Central America from the 1500s to the 1800s. Officially
Belize became the colony of England in 1854 and was known as British
Honduras until 1973.
Territorial disputes between the United Kingdom and Guatemala
deferred the independence of Belize until 1981. Tourists now come with
the promise of relaxation and the richly rewarding authenticity sought in
a genuine Caribbean getaway.
Inland there are ancient Maya sites, both excavated and jungle-covered.
Belize is a gateway to the Mayan world and was the site of many Mayan city
states before their wane at the end of the first millennium A.D.
Today you can climb Belize’s highest Maya temple. For the less
adventuresome, there are Mayan artifacts to be seen in Belize museums.
Guided trips go into lush tropical rainforests filled with exotic tropical
birds and plants. The Belize rainforests are home to a wide range of bird
species.
While here, we listened to foot-tapping music, shopped colorful stores
and learned local traditions. Whatever your interest, the friendly people
aim to ensure that your experience is positive and memorable – enticing
you to return again and again.
There are more than ten friendly, English-speaking and diverse cultures
of Belize. Coming together as warm Belizean hospitality, visitors are
exposed to a unique natural and cultural heritage.
Yes, come and be one with Belize - oasis of fun and adventure.
Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an
Adventure Diva. Her “Must See” travel journeys continue - always
with enthusiasm.
25
Cruise with the Phat Pack
7 night Mexican Riviera
Jan. 27- Feb. 3, 2018 “Bus to the Boat”
26
July 2017
Never Too Late to Protect Your Skin
By: Linda Bateman-Gomez / Timeless Beauty
For those of us over 50, baby oil and iodine
may be an all too familiar memory of our
20’s. Throw in a reflector followed by a top notch
sunburn and that’s how I attained that perfectly bronzed body during
my younger days.
Knowing what we all know now, the idea isn’t quite as appealing these
days!
As a consequence of the era where we baked until we were a fine golden
brown, many of us are now keeping our dermatologists busy. And if you
haven't visited your doctor yet, you may want to consider it!
Skin cancer has different types, but as with many others, the earlier you
catch it, the better options you have for treatment.
From my own experiences, don’t ignore anything. I recently noticed a
very tiny spot in the small of my back.
A quick biopsy determined it was squamous cell carcinoma and I had
MOH surgery to remove it. A tiny scar that’s now hardly even noticeable
is a small price to pay.
Had I waited, it would have been larger and could have spread. A spot
on my face was also suspicious and frozen off.
Left a slight white mark, but again far better than waiting and needing
a more invasive procedure. While none of us want scars, the techniques
used for these removals when caught early are minimal and certainly
better than the alternatives!
For scars on your face, long-lasting coverage concealers work
beautifully, and using one with sunscreen is even better. Hats, sunglasses
with UV protection (very important) and sunscreen are a must.
And being covered doesn't mean you can't still have that sun-kissed
look with your favorite bronzer. My current favorite is Benefit’s Hoola
Matte Bronzer in a powder and of course, tanning moisturizers will work
too!
As always, it's never too late to protect your beautiful skin so please use
that sunscreen! If it's exposed and the sun is out, you’re at risk.
And make that call to the doc for your skin check. The sooner the better!
Linda Bateman-Gomez has an international beauty company
based in Las Vegas that specializes in cosmetics and other beauty
products. Contact Linda at TimelessBeauty2020@gmail.com or
through her website www.fullips.com.
Featuring TWO Special Private
Performances and Cocktail Party
The Phat Pack
Bruce Ewing • Kevan Patriquin
Randal Keith • Philip Fortenberry
(Musical Director)
This extraordinary group of artists met while performing
in “PHANTOM: The Las Vegas Spectacular” and
together formed their own highly-acclaimed spectacle
that continues to thrill audiences everywhere:
THE PHAT PACK!
Destinations: Cabo San Lucas,
Mazatlan & Puerto Vallarta
Inside Cabin $ 869 pp,
Ocean View $ 999 pp,
Balcony $1,169 pp
Price based on double occupancy, subject to availability and includes
the cruise, all port charges, taxes and fees and Round Trip Bus Transportation
from Las Vegas to the pier in Long Beach, CA.
800/698-1101
www.Vegasvoyagers.Com
Email: Fairtravel@Aol.Com
27
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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 Antonio, 5 days
San Antonio Holiday, 5 days
New Orleans, 5 days
South Dakota, 7 days.
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28
July 2017
Collette’s latest booklets are
available now.
Call Crystal now for your
copy at
*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. 702 419-0550
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I’m Reading You
By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet
like readers, and as a writer I’m always
I interested in what readers are up to. Writing
to be read…that’s the name of the game.
Recently I heard an interesting statistic that stress can be reduced by
as much as 26% by reading. Sounds like great therapy for those who like
to read.
As for writing, one day I went to the VA to find out what was wrong with
me. After reading their PTSD literature, a light came on, but unfortunately
the content was way over my head. Ordinary G.I.s needed something
simpler to read to understand what the hell is going on.
I put together a sizeable mailing list of veterans from all over the
U.S. and began publishing and mailing this little rag newsletter called
“Reveille.” Before I knew it, veterans were coming out of the woodwork.
I was getting stacks of letters and phone calls telling me how much
they could identify with what I was writing. They told me how they could
closely relate to what I was writing about regarding the transitional issues
and emotional challenges of coming home after Vietnam.
Well, one thing led to another and my first book, Nam Vet: Making
Peace with Your Past was published. 2017 marks the 30 th anniversary of
that book being in print.
Even today it keeps right on finding veterans and their loved ones
in need of more understanding. (Over the years I believe more family
members have read the book than veterans simply because they want…
or need…to know why their vet is the way he is.)
What continues to encourage me is that there are still so many people
who still find reading a way to get those answers. Currently there are
tons of books available on the subjects of PTSD, TBI (traumatic brain
injuries), and the many transitional concerns of military personnel and
their families.
I’m just honored to have contributed (at a time when not much was
happening) to show them the way. Keep reading, it’s good for the soul.
Chuck Dean served as an Army paratrooper in Vietnam and
through that experience was led to address the many transitional
issues veterans struggle with. He is the author of several important
books for veterans. All can be found on Amazon at: http://www.
amazon.com/author/chuckdeanbooks
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July 2017
Levitation
By: Ali Guggenheim / Psychic Phenomenon
For ages, magicians have tried fooling us
into believing that their levitations were
due to their "magical powers."
Scientists however, have figured out how to levitate insects and
even mice for hours at a time, by means of powerful electromagnets
utilizing superconductors, producing diamagnetic repulsion of body
water. But, what about all the historical accounts of many worldwide,
diverse religions that have documented such events?
Though science claims no proof of this, the spiritually motivated
theory of levitation is explained as, "Being in a state of mind where a
person is abstract and spiritual in relation to the material or physical
world on which he stands. To the levitator, the abstract is as real as the
ground and earth is to others."
The most documented records of levitations come from Christianity.
Who hasn't heard about Jesus walking on water to join his disciples
on a boat?
In fact, there are over 200 Catholic Saints that have been credited
with levitation; including St. Francis of Assisi who was known to
suspend a few feet "above the earth."
In Judaism, they discuss two kinds of levitation - magic, which uses
self-pride and ego instead of God, and non-magical, which uses God's
intervention, and was practiced throughout the ages by many Jewish
sages.
They even explain that, "the forehead is the most important part of
the body for levitation, since, it's responsible for the source of "energy"
bringing about the levitation.
Most of us have been exposed to images of Hindu Sinddhi mystics
floating above ground, named after the power of siddhi to levitate. They
too have always claimed to do this by sheer will power in conjunction
with God's intervention.
Buddhism recounts many such occurrences as well; including
Gautama Buddha who walked on water and levitated cross-legged
over a stream to convert a Brahmin to Buddhism. There are records of
Milarepa and other yogis from Tibet, Japanese Ninjas, and even some
talk about using rock levitation to build the pyramids in Egypt, and
there are many more accounts.
Apparently, staying grounded is only due to our beliefs.
To learn more about Ali, spiritual consultations, coaching,
classes, workshops, and readings, call, give her a call: 702/373-
9081.
Bad Habits and Your Teeth
By: James J. White, D.D.S. / Your Dentist
“
Stop it! You're driving me crazy!" How
often has someone asked you to cease and
desist from doing something that you had no idea
you were doing in the first place?
Unpleasant habits can be as tough to break as
they are annoying to those around you. However, the degree to which they
tend to drive others up the wall could very well pale in comparison with
the havoc they are wreaking on your teeth.
The truth is that some habits have a talent for landing people in a
dentist's chair far sooner than they might have expected. The worst
offenders in this regard include:
Ice-chewing. Apart from making a crunching noise that's guaranteed
to irritate anyone nearby, the mindless and hard-to-break habit of eating
ice presents a special set of dangers.
This custom has driven more than one individual straight to the
dentist's office for help with teeth that have broken or cracked as a result.
“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
M
astering the art/science of dentistry takes
experience, extensive post-graduate education,
and a passion for the art of dentistry.
We offer:
• Implants
• Cosmetic crowns/bridges
• Turbyfill dentures
• Bridges on implants to replace dentures with
permanent teeth (what a concept!)
• Restorative care
• Experienced registered dental hygienists
• TMJ problems
• A full service office
Today’s senior dentistry is amazing!
CALL for a complimentary consultation.
Learn more about Dr. White at:
www.jameswhitedds.com
Even if your teeth should manage to survive the onslaught, the practice
can also irritate dental tissue to the point at which toothaches and
sensitivity to hot and cold foods turn into a common occurrence.
Fingernail-biting. People who like to chomp on their nails don't
always know that they're doing it. However, when the habit persists on a
regular basis, your dental health may start to feel the heat. The practice
has been known to cause teeth to wear down, crack, chip or even shift
from their normal positions.
A grinding habit. Although some people do it during the day, tooth
grinding or “bruxism” normally takes place during the night when a
person is deeply asleep. Apart from complaints by others who share your
room, your only indication of a problem may be the pain you feel in the
morning. At 250 pounds of pressure per square inch, the habit can cause
the teeth to wear down and eventually disintegrate.
Habits like these are difficult to break. And I’ll have more bad habits
next month.
Unfortunately, I see these horrible consequences all the time. Don't let
your teeth fall victim to these unhealthy habits.
Remember: One is not in good health without good oral health.
Actual patient
James J. White DDS
1140 Town Center Drive, # 170, Las Vegas, NV 89144
702/562-8833 • 702/562-7910 Fax
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By: Regale Harris / Your Kindred Team
Hospice care is commonly misunderstood,
but many patients and their families say
they wish they had chosen hospice sooner to get
the maximum benefit from the specialized services offered. While no
one wants to think about this care until it is needed, it’s important to
learn what hospice really is, and how it can help before the time when
you need it.
When a person living with a chronic, life-limiting illness or disease
does not have the quality of life they and their family hoped for, the focus
may shift toward increasing it by emphasizing comfort
instead of recovery.
This is where hospice may be able to help. When
medical treatment cannot provide a cure, hospice is a
realistic and positive choice because it can support
both the patient and the family for weeks and months, not just the final
days.
What Is Hospice Care? People who approach the end of life are often
less afraid of death than they are of what may come during the dying
process. Hospice care addressees this issue by offering a personalized plan
of care based on each individual’s progress and needs.
Care is coordinated by the primary physician along with the hospice
team, made up of family, nurses, social workers, aides, volunteers,
physicians, spiritual care advisors and others.
This specialized treatment focuses on pain and symptom management
and provides critical help to both the patient and family to help the
patient: Maintain independence, take control of his/her illness or disease,
complete important tasks, organize personal affairs, complete spiritual
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Hospice Care: What You May Not Know
Homeowners Policies - Part II
By: Jim Valkenburg / Insurance Insight
Here are some endorsements that you could
have (and some you should have) as part of
your home policy.
Dwelling. Most insurance companies require you insure 100% to
the value to replace. However, almost all companies allow you to have
additional replacement coverage for 25% or 50% more than that amount.
This will protect you when the cost to rebuild increases.
Other structures. Typically, the only time you need to consider
increasing this number is if you actually have another structure on your
premises, such as a casita. You usually get 10% of the home coverage. But
if the cost of rebuilding the casita is more, you need to increase this value.
Personal Property. You always get 50% of the coverage on the
home. Most companies give you 70%.
If you have an exceedingly high value in your contents, this can be
increased. The most important endorsement or coverage is replacement
coverage on your contents.
Liability. All policies come with $100,000 but for only a few dollars,
this can be increased to $300,000 or $500,000, and in our litigious society
it is recommended.
July 2017
services and have a comfortable, dignified and peaceful passing
What You Can Expect from Hospice Care. Hospice care can be
provided at home or in a comfortable home-like environment, such as
a nursing center or assisted living facility. Patients and families receive:
Coordination between a patient’s primary physician and the hospice
Medical Director who oversees the plan of care;
Nurses available around the clock;
Social workers and spiritual care coordinators to care for the emotional
and spiritual needs of both patient and family;
Medications, medical supplies and equipment related to patient’s
diagnoses;
Ongoing grief counseling and bereavement support
for 13 months following the loss of a loved one.
How Is Hospice Paid For? Medicare pays 100% of
hospice care for those who qualify. Medicaid and many
private insurance plans will also cover hospice care; however,
benefits vary per policy.
People will be granted hospice regardless of their ability to pay.
Choosing hospice is one of the most difficult decisions anyone can
make. At such an important time, it’s comforting to know that you have
people close by who can help, support and lift some of the emotional
weight that can come with caring for a loved one.
If you have healthcare questions or want to learn more about hospice
care, call 1.866.KINDRED to speak to one of our Registered Nurses
anytime.
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.
Coverage F – Medical Payments to others. You always get $1,000
but can usually increase to $5,000.
Here is a short list of a few of the other coverages you may want to
consider:
Backup of sewage or plumbing – Some companies give you
$5,000.
Scheduled personal property – All companies limit LOSS BY
THEFT of several items but the most notable of these is jewelry, watches,
furs, money, silverware and firearms. Except for money, you can add
coverage with appraisals or descriptions (depending on value) for an
additional cost. If you have very valuable items – schedule them!
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.
Celebrate Our 20th Anniversary
Saturdays in July
POP UP PARTIES
JULY 1 - SWAY POOL PARTY
from 11am– 4pm with Free Giveaway
(while supplies last)
JULY 8 - FREE CAKE
from 11am–2pm in the Slot Tournament Room
JULY 22 - FREE SHAVED ICE
from 11am–2pm on The Green
JULY 29 - SWAY POOL PARTY & BBQ
from 11am–2pm
SWAY POOL IS FREE FOR LOCALS 21+ EVERYDAY
Print your coupon at the kiosk to redeem. Must be a Silverton Rewards Club
Member to participate in the Anniversary Events.
FAMOUS
$1
TALL CAKE
IS BACK!
I-15 & BLUE DIAMOND • 702.263.7777 • SILVERTONCASINO.COM
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Postage stamps on
your walls?
It’s A Beautiful
Up!
by Crystal Czerkas Sarbacker
Frame
next page
P
Crystal Czerkas-
Sarbacker robably not, unless they were really
unusual and greatly enlarged. Because determining the
right size of the art you want to hang on your walls is an
important factor in decorating your home. Fortunately, in
today’s world your art can be sized to order and remain
as crisp and clear as even a small original. That’s one
of the reasons giclees (pronounced gee-clays) are so
popular in home decor and the art markets. These extraordinary
copies are the result of computer technology
which can photographically capture even the most
minute details of a piece of art. In fact, unless you’re a
professional art expert it’s usually impossible to tell the
giclee from the original. And, this is especially true
“Harborside” 22”x 28” original watercolor avail. as a giclee
when the giclee has been output on canvas or art
paper just like the artist used to create his inspiration.
To protect their value, giclees are often accompanied
by certificates of authenticity signed by the artist or
their representative. Also included is a detailed description
of the art as well as the number of the piece.
Collectors often seek a giclee which is marked as an
Artist’s Proof or bears a low number on its certificate.
This signifies the piece was one of the first giclees produced
and many believe that enhances its value.
To be sure my Dad’s art can remain affordable and
collectible, several paintings in the Czerkas’ collection
are now available as giclees.
*The painting shown here is by Crystal’s Dad, the award winning artist
Victor Czerkas, the only known private student of the great Russian
impressionist, Nicolai Fechin. If you have any questions about framing
or my Dad’s artworks, please email me at Merryman2@aol.com. Want
more info....?
Call 702/463-0966
Ask a Master Gardner
By: Pat Warren / Happy Gardening
beautiful orchard heavily laden with fruit
A is not, usually, the first image that comes to
mind when one thinks of the desert - but it could
be.
Contrary to popular belief, you can very successfully grow a wide variety
of fruit trees right here in your own backyard. There are however, a few
things you’ll need to know first.
First, not all fruit trees can be treated equally. Citrus trees, unlike noncitrus
varieties, can suffer from wind damage and they are also frost
sensitive.
Whenever you have temperatures in the low to mid 20’s for several
hours at a time, your citrus trees run the risk of the equivalent of frostbite.
While many can be planted in the ground, it is usually better to grow
them in containers in order to forestall this possibility.
Grapefruit are less cold sensitive than other citrus trees. Lemons are
your fastest growers and Meyer (not actually a lemon), Eureka, Pink and
Ponderosa lemons are types to look for.
Non-citrus fruit trees are much easier to grow here and you have a lot
of tasty options to choose from.
Apricots love our climate so you have a lot of choices that should thrive
– Blenheim, Gold Kist, Moorpark and Royal Rosa are proven winners.
Apples don’t necessarily do well here so stick to tried and true varieties
Dorset Golden or Pink Lady (aka Cripps Pink).
Figs are another good choice for our climate. Try either Black Mission
or Janice.
Peaches do very well here and have actually received top-chef praise
for their quality. Babcock, Eva’s Pride, May Pride, Mid Pride and Starks
Saturn are all proven winners.
Pears like Kieffer, Bartlett and Monterrey will produce sweet-flavored
fruit but they probably won’t be as pretty as commercially grown fruit.
Plums and some of their hybrids like pluots (an apricot/plum hybrid)
do well here.
If you have other gardening questions, you can call the UNR Cooperative
Extension’s Master Gardener Help Desk at 702-257-5555. We’re available
Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The service is free.
Pat Warren is a certified Master Gardener with the UNR
Cooperative Extension. She started her training because of the
frustration she felt trying to get something, anything, to grow in
Nevada.
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July 2017
35
By: Mary Richard / Health Fitness
So how do we keep ourselves “fit”
throughout the summer? There are all
those wonderful barbeques that entice us to
munch and drink to our heart’s desire!
And of course – EVERYTHING looks and tastes so good that you
have to try a little of each! Right? Yes, those wonderful fat-filled
goodies, yummy desserts and drinks (with hidden calories) to cool
us down while trying to fight this intense desert heat.
Whenever I’m invited to a “pot luck” or party at someone’s house,
I try to munch on a little something before I leave the house - a slice
of cheese, a few crackers or piece of fruit.
I don’t arrive starving when I get there. I also drink LOTS of water
to help fill me up.
It’s so easy to gain a few pounds throughout the summer months,
especially when the heat is on and we don’t feel like exercising. I
see so many of my neighbors taking an early morning walk or late
evening when it has cooled off.
Walking is always a great exercise. Try joining the “mall walkers”
or even an indoor walking track (if you are lucky to have one) in
your community.
The summer has just started, but please remember that it’ll be
autumn before we know it. The pounds can creep up very slowly and
you can acquire added inches to your waistline in no time. Then it’s
the wonder moment of “where the heck did that spare muffin top
come from”? And then those wonderful winder goodies are staring
at you!
I found also that using my hula hoop (yep – got one!) a few times
during the week exercising while the TV commercials are on helps
to whittle the waist.
It does take will power to avoid some of those summer goodies, but
if you crave something, do try a little of it. It’s better to have a little
of it, then none and crave.
Enjoy the summer, eat and drink moderately and you can help to
avoid the pounds creeping up!
Positive attitude and good health to all!
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Keep Fit Throughout the Summer
Mary Richard was crowned Ms. Senior Nevada 2006, was first
runner-up for Ms. Senior America 2006 and is a life-time dancer.
Mary can be reached at mary-vegasvoice@cox.net.
July 2017
Avoiding Back Pain
By: Kyo Mitchell / A Healthier You
Most people will suffer from back pain at
some point in their life. For many, it is a
chronic problem.
Back pain is one of the most common problems doctors see. Yet,
in many cases, the problem can be avoided if the person is given an
understanding of the back.
Two of the major players are the bones of your spinal column, known
as vertebrae and the intervertebral discs. The vertebrae are hardened
bone meant to provide structure and strength to your vertebral column.
The intervertebral discs are more pliable. An intervertebral disc is
found between one vertebrae and the one directly superior to it and
serves as a shock absorber between these two vertebrae.
If the intervertebral discs were not between the respective vertebrae,
every time you ran or jumped up and down, the vertebrae would slam
against each other and would eventually crack.
The intervertebral disc is designed to protect the vertebral column,
but it can cause problems when it malfunctions. To understand how, it
is necessary to understand the disc's structure.
The disc is like a jelly donut. It has a tough, fibrous exterior and a
more pliable “jelly like” center. If this structure remains intact, the
intervertebral disc is a great shock absorber.
If, however, the tough fibrous exterior is damaged, the jelly like
center can leak out and cause serious problems. Just behind and to
the sides of the intervertebral disc lies your spinal cord and numerous
nerves.
Exposing your spinal cord or nerves to the jelly like center of
intervertebral discs is like exposing it to battery acid. It irritates the
nerves severely and can cause intense pain. For anyone who has
suffered from sciatica, this is one of the potential causes.
How do you prevent this? Bending over or bending over and picking
up too heavy of a load puts extreme stress on the fibrous exterior of the
disc and can cause it to rupture.
Even more dangerous is to bend over and then turn to one side.
This creates a shearing force on the disc which easily damages it. Be
conscious of how you move and you may prevent injury.
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.
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July 2017