Oct. 2012
2O17
December
For your Health, Wealth,
and Good Times!
FOR TODAY’S ACTIVE SENIORS
Share the Joy!
2
December 2017
3
4
December 2017
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
PRESIDENT
VP ADVERTISING
POLITICAL EDITOR
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
NIGHT LIFE EDITOR
TRAVEL EDITOR
RADIO HOST
VIDEO DIRECTOR
GRAPHICS EDITOR
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Marty Allen
Adrea Barrera
John Bielun
Victoria Boyd
Yvonne Cloutier
Dianne Davis
Chuck Dean
Jan Fair
PROUD
MEMBERS OF:
Volume 14, Issue 10
OUR COLUMNISTS
Linda Gomez
Ali Guggenheim
Dan Hyde
Mike Landry
BJ Killeen
Kathy Manney
Kyo Mitchell
Mary Richard
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
Crystal Sarbacker
Victoria Seaman
Jim Valkenburg
Beverly Washburn
Devon Wickens
Vicki Wentz
James White
What Do You Think?
What do you think about our publication? Did
any of our columnists get you angry, make you
think or simply put a smile on your face? Please tell
us by forwarding your comments, thoughts
suggestions to Publisher Dan at: dan@
thevegasvoice.net.
And whatever you do, don’t forget our
website. Read about the latest information
about us grown-ups so you can keep up to
date with everything going on. Check out all
our good stuff at: www.thevegasvoice.net.
o r
God Rest Me, Merry Gentlemen
By: Vicki Wentz / Vicki’s Voice
may have mentioned that the days between
I Halloween and New Years are my favorite
time of year, especially this little stretch from
Thanksgiving to Christmas. However, speaking
as a parent, I am betting that if your home contains any children
under the age of twenty, life around now is just a big bowl of chaos.
And, as the 25th approaches, the havoc will rise until you are spending
Christmas Day hiding under your computer desk, chugging Jack Danielsspiked
eggnog behind a big frozen turkey you forgot to defrost...not that
I ever did that.
But, really, this time of year is all about the children - the thrill on
their faces, the awe and wonder in their eyes, the adorable way they hurl
your newly decorated Christmas cookies at each other during that dandy
candy-cane sugar high… yes, that’s what’s important.
It’s about hiding a scooter, a trampoline, a life-size dollhouse, and
a turtle, from kids who suddenly have the uncanny ability to morph
into a liquid and slither through locked, chained, and barred doors. So,
eventually, you will tell them that Santa wears a “peeking” beeper, and
that if any children see their presents before the big day, he will get beeped
and go into cardiac arrest and there will be no Christmas.
It scares the fruitcake out of them, which is a good tool during the
holiday season. (One year, my children were so savagely persistent, I
finally climbed up and threw their unwrapped gifts down from the
attic. Then, I pulled the steps up behind me and sat in the rafters all
day, remembering when they were tiny and had that new-baby smell and
would never have thought of peeking at their presents because all they
really wanted was a good box lid to chew on.)
It’s about taking the whole family merrily off to buy the tree at the
Methodist church (where you don’t belong, but hey, they’re cheaper!) but
everybody wants a different tree, and mother rules, so they sulk all the way
home and nobody wants to decorate “such a stinky, cruddy tree.” But, you
haul it inside and jam it into the tree stand to find that it’s six inches too
tall and you’ll have to climb up on a kitchen chair and hack at it with
your only good steak knife.
Finally, when you double-check last year’s lights to find that not even
ONE strand is working, you blow. You warn the sulkers that after you get
the non-working lights on the hacked-up, stinky tree, everyone better get
their behinds to trimming or there will be NO PEACE ON EARTH!
Christmas is also about visiting Santa at the mall. Why?
Everyone knows that kids only love Santa Claus until they are plunked
into his lap. You could be doing a complete Olympic gymnastics routine
to make little Junior smile for the camera, but trust me, he’ll take one
look at that massive beard and scream like you’ve handed him to Fidel
Castro. Yeah, good times.
Finally, it’s about Christmas Eve, when the children are at last asleep,
and you spend the next nine hours assembling a tricycle, a pinball
game, and a snow cone machine, following directions on a box that read
“Assembly should take no longer than 30 minutes.”
(Everyone knows you never believe boxes. Boxes lie. Boxes watch us
happily settle down to assemble stuff and laugh hysterically; eager to tell
the other boxes at the landfill about the doofus who bought the tricycle,
and believed the stuff on the box.)
Meanwhile, you scoff at “It’s a Wonderful Life”, eat Santa’s cookies and
drink Santa’s milk, and at 4:00 am you drift off to sleep, slumped on the
floor against the couch, bits of tinsel clinging to your hair, a piece of
scotch tape stuck to your lower lip, your hands curled in frozen wrapping
spasms…and God bless us everyone.
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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Happy Holidays
from the Egg Works Family!
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5
Rana Goodman w/ NAMPA Executive Director
NEVADA
CONSERVATORY
THEATRE
NEVADA PRESS
ASSOCIATION
Oct. 2012 September 2016
...for
today’s active
seniors!
Bring the family,
let’s learn to fly! 16
2017
SEASON
Peter Pan
See pgs 17-21
rtainment hosted by
wick Johnson See page 18
The Vegas Voice presents:
FREE
SPONSORED BY
See page 9
Rana with NPA awards
And the award goes to…
There is nothing more gratifying than to be honored by your
peers. With that humble sentiment, we’re very proud to announce
that The Vegas Voice has received a total of 8 national
and state awards.
Feature Writing
First: The Vegas Voice, Senior Guardianship
To Rana Goodman and Dan Roberts: “The Vegas Voice is on a mission and judging
by the tone and contents of these articles, it means to succeed.” For our guardianship
articles – “It’s a terrific journalistic effort. Readers are well-served by this
section.”
General Excellence
Second: The Vegas Voice,
“The Vegas Voice switched from a newspaper to a magazine, but it didn’t leave behind
its investigative teeth…its investigative piece on guardianship fraud resulted
in indictments of one of the most scandalous abusers. The Voice should be proud of
this work.”
Front Cover/Illustration
First: The Vegas Voice
To Ray Sarbacker: “The cover illustration captures the mystique of several elements.
Peter Pan is such an imaginary tale. This cover illustration captures the mystique of
several elements. Flight, darkness, sea and exploration come through for an event
telling readers to bring their family and learn to fly.”
Topical Issues
Second: The Vegas Voice
Dan Roberts doesn’t hold back. His state’s attorney general is “Mr. Irrelevant.” The
local district attorney is “Mr. Incompetent.” There’s no missing his meaning.
Overall Design
Second: The Vegas Voice
“The Vegas Voice is primarily a compilation of columns. Each is in a module, which
keeps the pages uncluttered. Each is treated the same with the name and with red
and black type at the top. This magazine is an easy scan.”
Wait there’s more.
The Nevada Press Association (you know the big guys – Las Vegas Review Journal,
LV Sun, etc.) followed with 3 awards; including Best Print Ad by Ray and;
Best Investigative Story by Rana and Dan (“Great reporting and coverage on
a subject. Thanks for your determined efforts to bring to light abuse of those most
vulnerable in our society.”);
And to top it all off, The Vegas Voice was chosen for the “Freedom of the
Press” award for upholding the principles of the First Amendment and protecting
the public’s right in exposing the scandal. (“The fervor to expose a major problem
with guardianship led this senior’s publication to take extraordinary steps – including
overcoming attempts to silence it…to see that reforms were addressed.”)
To say that we’re honored and proud would be an understatement.
And wait to you read what we have planned for 2018!
A Very Rewarding Year
By: Dan Roberts / Publisher
It’s been a very rewarding year.
Now I don’t mean financially; be assured
that no one will ever confuse The Vegas Voice with
any Fortune 500 Company. My partner Ray and I proudly continue our
business practice of being the “best there is” in not making any money.
No, I mean a rewarding year in wanting to wake up every morning and
“seize the day.” And looking back, its amazing what we accomplished in
2017.
After 14 years of being that “little throw-away senior newspaper” we
finally made the upgrade to this glossy magazine. For a guy who likes
to change as quickly as an iceberg melts, I hope you can appreciate this
publisher going “kicking & screaming.” But even I admit, (and hope you
do too) the new look is great.
Our entertainment shows this year were spectacular. Entertainment
editor Evan Davis deserves a standing ovation for producing outstanding
and fabulous “strip” shows; not only our “Summer of Love” 50 th
anniversary concert, but bringing top-notch performers right to your
clubhouse and centers.
Plans for next year? Just wait until we announce it next month. Three
words: “Bigger & Better.”
And how this for rewarding? Our three-year effort to expose and achieve
meaningful guardianship reform came to fruition in 2017.
With my Rana leading her Don(na) Quixote crusade, and with monthly
articles shaming and harassing the Nevada Attorney General and Clark
County District Attorney; they finally did the right thing for those victims
(and families) emotionally and financially ruined by this scandal.
After our (it seemed) never-ending columns about that “poster-child”;
private guardian April Parks was indicted, arrested and remains behind
bars. To see her handcuffed, wearing that prison jumpsuit was rewarding
beyond any words.
Without doubt, there is still an uphill climb to permanently eliminate
this guardianship gulag system, but at least this occupant of the cesspool
will never prey on seniors again. Plus, as those TV commercials claim:
“Wait there’s more.”
After running back and forth to Carson City, early morning and
late-night telephone calls, texts and emails too numerous to count
with various Nevada Assemblymen and Senators, The Vegas Voice was
successful in getting new legislation for guardianship reform.
To stand with Rana, Ray, project manager Bill Caserta and Nevada
Senator Becky Harris when Governor Brian Sandoval signed our
Guardianship reform bill into law, remains and will always be, one of the
most rewarding moments in my life. To shake the Governor’s hand (and
even receive the ceremonial pen) while watching my Rana (and all of us)
smile made it all worthwhile.
For 2018, The Vegas Voice intends to place another “nail in the
guardianship coffin” when we’ll make the annual guardianship tour
across the valley (see page 9) starting in January.
We’ll be explaining the new laws (they go into effect on January 1 st ) and
provide the “official” guardianship nomination forms. Our plans call for
these forms, along with an on-site notary as well as representatives from
the Nevada Secretary of State to complete and file your form in the new
guardianship “lockbox.” A complete “one-stop shopping” – all FREE.
Quite a rewarding year, but Rana has even bigger plans to get me out
of bed next year! Until then, our entire Vegas Voice family wishes your
family unlimited joy, happiness, and exceptional health in 2018.
6
December 2017
7
8
The Windmills are Tilting
By: Rana Goodman / On My Soapbox
Looking back as 2017 comes to an end, I
realize what an extraordinary year it has
been.
Our years of investigating the criminal conduct of private
guardian April Parks, our non-stop hounding of the Attorney-
General and the Clark County District Attorney to “prosecute
the bad guys” is finally becoming a reality.
I look back and laugh at the many times Publisher Dan
and I called each other “Woodward & Bernstein”, out of
bravado (like whistling through the graveyard) pretending
we were not the least bit afraid of the DA or AG, or even Ms.
Parks’ (more than) politically connected lawyer coming after us.
We truly believed that one day there would be a knock on the door and
someone, with either a warrant alleging a drummed-up charge for some
crime, or perhaps an overwhelming law suit would be sneering at us.
While we were never concerned about a charge alleging defamation, (the
truth covered us for that) we were well aware what a big-time lawyer(s)
can do – truth be damned!
But, hey, Dan has a poster of “Woodward and Bernstein” from the
movie All the President’s Men above his desk…. and he claimed he
always looked a little like Robert Redford (talk about delusional!).
At least David had a sling shot when he went up against Goliath, but
when Dan told The Vegas Voice biggest advertiser that we would not
December 2017
comply with its demand to stop investigating their doctors’ involvement
in the guardianship scandal, they followed through on their threat to pull
all advertisements - as well as notified their affiliates to do likewise.
As you can imagine, the financial consequence for our ‘free publication”
was devastating. But, in time, the good guys won, and we rebounded. Not
only did The Vegas Voice survive, but in April we “graduated”
from newspaper to magazine.
And this year, our lobbying efforts to Carson City were
successful. Along with others, we were able to get new laws
from the Nevada legislature; including our Vegas Voice
guardianship reform bill (SB 229).
This bill was a follow-up to our previous lobbying efforts
in 2015 to have an official guardianship form and to file it with the
Nevada Secretary of State’s “lock-box” program.
Who would have thought that our “little senior publication” could
be the David against Goliath? As for me, (and despite Dan’s sardonic
remarks) when it comes to an issue I really believe in, well, I will certainly
keep on tilting those windmills.
I am very proud, yet humbled that Don(na) Quixote accomplished
quite a bit in 2017. And next year? Can you say more of the same… and
Nevada Elder Hub?
Those windmills are tilting just fine, thank you!
New Guardianship Lockbox in January
By: Rana Goodman / Political Editor
In April 2016, after expressing my outrage with the “red tape,”
Publisher Dan and I took matters into our own hands. I was
beyond frustrated that a simple idea of using the Secretary of State
lockbox to store and record seniors’ guardianship preferences could
not be accomplished until the next Nevada legislature convened and
passed the necessary legislation.
We formed our own Vegas Voice/Nevada Association to Stop
Guardian & Elder Abuse lockbox to make sure that no one that took
the time to record their guardianship preferences would be “taken” by
private guardians, or the courts.
Over 1,000 people heeded our suggestion, and despite snide remarks
from certain ambulance-chasing attorneys, NOT ONE person who sent
in the form was ever touched by this scandal.
Fast forward 19 months. The GOOD NEWS is that the Nevada
legislature passed the required law (effective January 1, 2018) to use
the Secretary of State lockbox protections. And there is NO CHARGE for
this protection.
The (semi) BAD NEWS is that you MUST prepare a new
guardianship form to do this. To fully comply with the new law and
avoid any complications, our temporary lockbox program will
come to an end in January. All copies will be shredded
and destroyed.
To get everyone the latest information and to fully guarantee that
you will never ever be a part of this sordid scandal, we’ll be holding our
2018 guardianship seminars (see next page) in January. We hope to see
everyone at one of our seminars!
FOR YOUR HEALTH, WEALTH, AND GOOD TIMES
GUARDIANSHIP
Sun City Aliante
Tuesday, Jan. 9, @ (10 am)
* Sun City MacDonald Ranch
Wednesday, Jan.10, (10 am)
Sponsored by NV Senate candidate
Byron Brooks
*Siena
Thursday, Jan. 11, @ (10 am)
Sponsored by NV Senator
Becky Harris
*Sun City Summerlin
Monday, Jan. 15, (10 am)
Sponsored by NV Assemblyman
Jim Marchant & Congressional candidate
Victoria Seaman
Solera @ Anthem
Wednesday, Jan. 24, (10 am)
*Sun City Anthem
(Independence Center)
Wednesday, Jan. 31, (6:30 pm)
Sponsored by the SCA Havurah Club
LIMITED
SEATING!
NEW LAWS
NEW REFORMS & PROCEDURES
NEW GUARDIANSHIP
NOMINATION FORMS
SAME PREDATORY LAWYERS & SYSTEM
NOW IS THE TIME TO (FOREVER)
PROTECT YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY,
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
INFORMATION
UPDATE!
For more information and
to RSVP, Contact The Vegas
Voice at: 702/251-4441 or
www.thevegasvoice.net
9
1
. There will be an unfulfilled
Christmas tradition this year
in Washington. They couldn’t find
three wise men.
2. One woman talking to a friend: “I noticed you’re wearing your
wedding ring on the wrong finger?” “Yes, I am” was the reply. “I married
the wrong man!”
3. Something to consider: If a married man is talking in the woods but
no one hears him, is he still wrong?
4. Hot new country hit: “There was only one horse for the two of us -
and that’s how I got saddled with you!”
5. You know you’re getting old (Part I) when it takes you two hours to
undress and another hour to remember why.
6. You know you’re getting old (Part II) when your friends compliment
you on your alligator shoes and you’re walking around barefoot!
7. Bumper sticker I: “The meek shall inherit the earth – if that’s all
right with you!”
8. Bumper Sticker II: Lead us not into temptation. Just tell us where it
is, and we’ll find it.
9. I saw an accountant who lost his job standing on a corner holding a
cardboard sign that said: Will certify that 2 + 2 = 5 for food!”
10. What’s the difference between a lawyer and a herd of buffalos? A
lawyer charges more!
10
December 2017
Marty’s Top Ten
By: Marty Allen / Hello Dere
For over the past decade, Marty Allen has performed with his on
and off stage singing partner Karon Kate Blackwell.
Christmas Tales
By: Bill Caserta / Bill’s Blurbs
*
A father took his son Billy to the Penney's
mall to see Santa. They stood in line awhile,
and finally the boy was able to meet Santa and sit
on his lap.
“What would you like for Christmas, Billy?” asked Santa. “An X-Box
and a Hobbit game,” Billy said. “Okay, we’ll see what we can do about
that,” said Santa with a big smile.
Later that day, they also went to see Santa at the Sears mall. When
Santa asked Billy what he wanted for Christmas, Billy said, “An X-Box
and a Hobbit game.” “Will you be a good boy and do what your daddy
tells you?” Santa asked.
Billy turned to his dad and said, “Let’s go back to the other Santa, Dad.”
“Why Billy?” asked his father.
“Because I didn’t have to make any deals with that one.”
*A guy goes into the post office and asks the clerk for some new holiday
stamps. The clerk behind the counter asks, “Which denomination?”
The guy thinks for a minute, then says, “Give me 5 Jewish, 2 Lutheran
and 7 Catholic.”
*When a father asked his little boy what he wanted for Christmas, the
boy replied, “A baby sister.” As it turned out, the wife was pregnant, and
delivered on Christmas Eve. On Christmas day she brought home a new
baby sister for their son.
The next year, when the father asked his little boy what he wanted for
Christmas, the boy said, “If it wouldn’t make mommy too uncomfortable,
I’d like a pony.”
*Dear Santa: This year, please give me a big, fat bank account and a
slim body. Last year, you mixed them up.
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: Evan Davis / Entertainment Editor
As 2017 comes to an end, we need to not only
look at the ups & downs, but to look ahead
at what’s coming up in 2018.
Between the renovation of Downtown, the expansion of Tivoli Village,
the additional entertainment at Downtown Summerlin and Town Square
(just to name a few spots) it seems that a lot of the growth is on the
West side of town. Of course, “The Strip” is also reinventing itself almost
daily. The last quarter of 2017 however, has taken its toll on our emotions
12
Our Vegas Voice family has great entertainment plans for 2018!
Big, Big Plans for 2018
December 2017
with the tragedy of October 1st and the heartbreak with the Scinta Family.
Our final show of the 2017 season for The Vegas Voice will be most
graciously hosted by Frankie Scinta and will include a dozen or so of
our best local entertainers. The show will be held on Tuesday, December
19 th in the Veil Pavilion at the Silverton Hotel. Take a look at the wonderful
entertainers (Pages 20 – 21) who will be performing.
Now let’s look at our 2018 venues and shows. At the end of January, The
Vegas Voice is sponsoring a Phat Pack Cruise. You have one last chance
to join the fun (all information on page 25).
In February, we hit the stages running. We will be hosting shows
everywhere; including, Sun City MacDonald Ranch, Starbright Theatre
in Sun City Summerlin, Solera at Anthem, Sun City Aliante, The Silverton
Hotel - and possibly a few other venues before the year is up.
We’ve added a “Ticket Hotline” (702/755-3799) and a link to
purchasing tickets on line. You will be able to find this information on
my web site, emails and Facebook page as well as The Vegas Voice’s web
site, and Facebook page.
Some of the productions will be directed and produced by Bill Fayne,
Bruce Ewing and others, and will include stars such as Randall Keith,
Philip Fortenberry and many more. The shows will range from Cole
Porter to Classic Broadway and are guaranteed to be the best quality
entertainment you’ll find anywhere in town.
I’ll have more information next month. Until then, I wish everyone a
very happy holiday and a wonderful New Year.
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.
The Christmas Story
By: Beverly Washburn / Hollywood Memories
The year was 1954, and I was cast in a show
called "The Ray Milland Show: Meet Mr.
McNulty." The weekly sit-com ran for 3 seasons;
from 1953 until 1955.
The episode was called "The Christmas Story." In it, I played a “bratty”
orphan who comes to stay with the McNulty's.
When they take me to a Christmas party, I decide that there is no such
thing as Santa Claus. I spend the whole evening trying to pull off Santa's
beard to prove it.
At the beginning of the show, I have a little raggedy doll named Amy
to whom I talk and tell my troubles to. At the party, Santa gives me a
package, and when I open it, it's now a new beautiful Amy - no longer
raggedy and now wearing a new dress!
Santa then leaves, and in walks the guy who Mr. McNulty had hired to
play Santa, apologizing for being late! It was such a sweet story, and one
that might not work in today’s world, but this was the 50s, and things
back then were a lot simpler and innocent.
I loved working with Ray Milland. He won the Academy Award for best
actor in 1945 for his performance in "The Lost Weekend." Milland got
that role by default, since Cary Grant turned it down.
It is reported that he didn't want to go to the Awards show. His wife
however, called him a coward and told him he would be attending even if
she had to put him in a strait-jacket! He is the only recipient of an Oscar
to have uttered not a single word during his acceptance speech, opting to
simply “bow" his appreciation before casually exiting the stage!
I feel so fortunate to have worked with so many wonderful people in
my career, but sadly, in a way, I wish I could have appreciated them a
little more at the time.
I guess when you are
just eleven years old
it's hard to understand
that they are famous.
To me, they were just
ordinary people, but
perhaps that's a good
thing too.
Ray Milland died of
cancer at the age of 81
in 1986. He was truly a
dear man and a joy to
work with.
Until next time,
remember: You are
never too old to set
another goal, or to
dream a new dream.
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.
People have
always come here
looking for a sign.
Gangsters, pranksters, vixens,
visionaries, rascals, ranchers.
They all came, along with thousands
of ordinary people, with either a
fortune to find or nothing to lose.
They all made history. Our history.
Come take a walk through it.
BOOK A TOUR
NeonMuseum.org
13
Scinta’s Show Carries On
By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places
Although the Scinta’s New Year’s Eve show at
The Plaza will be different this year, Frankie
Scinta guarantees that the performance will live
up to their reputation that has earned the group a headlining spot for
17 years.
Joe Cocker won’t be there, nor will Mick Jagger or Neil Diamond. Joey,
the Scinta brother who plays the long-necked bass and portrays those
icons will be absent. After suffering a massive stroke, Joey was in hospice
fighting for his life as The Vegas Voice went to press.
In his corner were his close-knit family and tens of thousands of fans
who hold The Scintas dear in their hearts. In four days, fans pushed a
GoFundMe account to twice its goal.
Drummer Pete O’Donnell, long considered a Scinta family member
who had Mama and Papa Scinta stand up at his wedding, assures fans
that the performances will continue. Four years ago, sister Chrissi was
forced to the sidelines with a career-ending throat problem.
The Italian-tough brothers punched their way back to the top, adding
the versatile vocalist Janien Valentine as a compliment to their goodnatured
bantering show. “Shows continue,” O’Donnell said, “even when
father Scinta was in a Cleveland hospital. We’d drive 9-hours each way
every day from upstate New York to visit.”
O’Donnell promises that audiences will continue to feel a part of
the Scinta family for the 90-minute shows. “We leave our heartbreak
backstage.”
Joey’s role has been the
comedic foil to brother
Frankie’s good-natured
Ralph Kramden-like
rants of “You’re breakin’
my balls.” Off stage,
O’Donnell credits Joey for
his showbiz instinct. “Joe
can read an audience,”
O’Donnell says. “Joe
would say, ‘No, that’s
not getting a laugh’ and
it would be out of the
show.”
Describing Joey,
O’Donnell says, “He’s
always the guy who asks
you about you.”
From the Scinta’s Family
Album, Frankie (left and Joey)
In theater parlance, “The Show Must Go On.” Tickets are available for
the Scintas 7:30 pm New Year’s Eve show at The Plaza, winner of 6 Best of
Las Vegas awards, 1 Main Street, www.PlazaHotelCasino.com.
Editor’s Note: Joey Scinta died Nov. 17th, two hours before showtime.
Everyone at The Vegas Voice extends their heart-felt condolences to
Frankie, Janien and the entire Scinta Family.
14
Time for Magic in Las Vegas
By: Dianne Davis / That’s Entertainment
December is a magical time when family
and friends visit - and want to see shows.
Where to go? The good news is that there are
many family friendly shows.
Back to the magic part. What kid of any age doesn't like magic! Jarrett
& Raja's show, Magic vs. Music (4 pm) at the Stratosphere is what it says.
Raja, a Julliard trained musician tickles the ivories during the show.
What's magic about that? He does it after Jarrett saws him in half. Voila
– music and magic. The show includes many standard tricks, but the
addition of the piano playing and singer JP Morgan are a nice touch.
You can't go wrong with Murray the Magician at Planet Hollywood (4
pm, dark until December 16 th ) His on stage guy “Lefty” is a delight.
Xavier Mortimer's Magic Dream (7 pm), also at Planet Hollywood
incorporates some pantomime features. For down home charm, there's
Mac King (1 and 3 pm) at Harrah's with his “Cloak of Invisibility.”
Nathan Burton's polished act is at the Saxe Theater. (4 pm but also 2 pm
Xmas week)
David Goldrake's show, Imaginarium(7 pm) brings big magic to the
Tropicana. His act is sponsored by a country – Luxenbourg and includes
being cut by huge blades and the traditional woman who seems to be
floating on air.
There's Adam London's Laughternoon (4 pm at the D and Mike
December 2017
Photo courtesy Denise Truscello
Hammer with his sharp wit at the 4 Queens (7 pm). Matt Franco (7 pm),
winner of America's Got Talent is at The Linq (dark December 3 – 13).
Chris Angel is at 7 and 9:30 pm at the Luxor.
Master's of Illusion, which has been entertaining audiences on the CW,
is opening at Bally's featuring a blend of magic and showmanship. Penn
& Teller (9 pm) at Rio and David Copperfield at 7 and 9:30 are excellent.
MAGIC!
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.
VegasVoiceFullPagewBleed.indd 1
Only $34.50 $35.00*
Mention Code BWLOCAL
*premium seating•regular price $79.99
Performing Nightly!
Call 702.777.2782 or Visit Bally’s Box Office
For show information, visit BallysLasVegas.com
additional fees may apply
11/21/2017 11:32:35 AM
15
COLLECTION
702/463-0966
The paintings shown here are by Crystal’s Dad, the award
winning artist Victor Czerkas, the only known private student of
the great Russian impressionist, Nicolai Fechin. Want more info?
We’d be delighted to arrange a private showing...
16
and the Award
goes to...
You might be surprised to find that
Crystal Czerkas- the art world is really competitive.
Sarbacker Just like athletes, artists compete
for awards and prize ribbons.
When my Dad, the artist known
as Czerkas, was alive he won over
100 ribbons for his individual oil
and watercolor paintings. In fact he
had so many, he trimmed the entire
40’ roof line of his art studio with
the pretty silk awards in shades
of white, gold,
red, yellow, and
blue. All this color
really enlivened
the room and
we’ll be showing
many of these
ribbons along
with a display of
his Southwestern
paintings at a
special retrospective
hosted by
Arte’, one of the
oldest galleries in
St. George Utah.
Refreshments will
be served at an
evening reception
on Thursday,
November 30,
to launch this
special showing.
If you would like
to attend or have
more information,
please call
Ray at 702/463-
0966
December 2017
Mercury Retrograde
By: Ali Guggenheim / Psychic Phenomenon
If you are reading this article between December
2-22, 2017, then you are experiencing Mercury
Retrograde right now!
Everyone knows about the Moon's impact on Earth and how the ocean's
tides and many of our life cycles are based on its rhythms. Mercury rules
all communication.
Those that are familiar with Mercury in Retrograde know it can be
merciless, and that it too, impacts Earth significantly. Its cycles occur three
or four times a year, for about three weeks at a time. Although, its effects
may be felt a couple of days prior, you absolutely must add a couple of days
at the end, for its dust to settle.
Mercury Retrograde got its name because during these cycles, Mercury
appears to be traveling in reverse. However, this is only an illusion. Mercury
is actually snoozing.
Since Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and travels at the same
speed as Earth, it speeds past us every three months. Therefore, it stops all
its “controls” and goes into “limbo” while waiting for Earth to catch-up.
Unfortunately, like an airport with no air control, it leaves its dependent
communication systems to fend for themselves amidst chaos and
confusion. That is why it's quite common to experience lots of breakdowns,
misunderstandings and losses with regards to any communication
system - i.e. cars, computers, satellites, contracts, electronics, travel, new
beginnings of any kind, etc.
You can avoid the wrath of Mercury Retrograde by heeding its popular
and well thought out check lists. DO double check everything; back-up
computers, reschedule, renegotiate, repair, prepare, revise, It’s also a great
time for changing habits.
DO NOT take things personally, A promise made in Mercury Retrograde,
is a promise never made! Don't start new, redo. Don't buy big ticket
items (flaws, issues occur frequently). Don't make plans or book trips
(rescheduling will follow), etc.
Empower yourself by following the Farmer's Almanac's Mercury
Retrograde forecasts. Track these cycles and alter your life accordingly.
You will increase your productivity and alleviate a lot of heart-aches.
However, if there's an emergency Do what you gotta do!
To learn more about Ali, spiritual consultations, coaching, classes,
workshops, and readings, call, give her a call: 702/373-9081.
Retro Christmas List
By: Adrea Nairne-Barrera / 60s to 60
What if you made a list of all your favorite
things from past Christmas holidays and
left it on the table for Santa. What would be on it?
I didn’t have a Barbie. I had a Revlon doll with blonde hair. She was my
friend and lived in an apartment building that was the bookcase in my
room. It was hard to find clothes for her, so I had to ask Santa. After all,
he could find everything!
Pez dispensers and candy! Need I say more?
Of course, where there’s candy, there are little pellets that would snap in
your mouth and, although I can picture the bag, I have no idea what they
were called. They were the real snap, crackle & pop of treats.
We didn’t ask for expensive computers or cell phones. But I was outof-my-mind
happy when I got a pink princess phone. OMG it even lit
up the dial at night! Wow! I could stuff it under my covers and have
conversations late at night and no one would know. Or so I thought.
Then I got a real hair dryer once. The kind that had a cap that would
blow up with hot air from a big tube attached. I would have to sit under
it for about an hour with these huge rollers, but it was worth it. I felt so
grown up.
And speaking of grown up, when I transitioned from socks to stockings,
I could dress up on holidays with new shoes and wear them. Back then
they had seams and you had to wear garters. I didn’t mind.
I got a brownie camera too. It took great pictures for its time and I
still have them. I found some of the negatives in a box, so maybe I’ll give
myself a present and have them digitized.
I also wanted a cat. I already had a bird. That cat was awesome and
liked to sneak out the window of our 8 th floor NYC apartment to walk on
the ledge. Surprisingly though, nothing ever happened to him. He would
just come in the other window until we figured it out and blocked him. I
think he gave us dirty looks but who can tell with a cat?
There were always the familiar pajamas, sweaters, gloves and scarves,
but when I got the saddle shoes, I knew I had hit the jackpot! So, you can
only imagine a few years later what the penny loafers meant.
I found the shiniest matching pennies and inserted them in the slots
of my sable leather shoes with pride. It was a defining moment and I was
part of the “in” crowd.
Yay! It’s Christmas!
Adrea Nairne-Barrera writes of celebrations,
observations & complaints of life in the 60s to being in
your 60s.
17
To Give or Not
to Give
By: Carlene Cohen /
Guest Column
“
Brother Can You Spare a Dime" was the most
popular song of the Great Depression. People
down on their luck resorted to begging on street
corners for spare change. Sadly, that has once again
become a common occurrence in Las Vegas.
A young man stands on a street corner holding up
a sign that says: "It's my birthday. Can you spare any
change?" And in the parking lot of a grocery store, a
young woman walking with a child asks for money.
"My car broke down and I have no money for bus fare."
The reasons are many. The question remains: To give
or not to give?
One store owner, who has grown tired of chasing
beggars away from her front door says: "The same
people are in the same spot every day. Some have more
money than you or I." One suggestion is to offer food or
a drink instead of money.
So, what is the right thing to do? From a clergyman
Beloved by Many
By: Yvonne Cloutier / Musical Moments
He wasn't thought of as a classic movie
dancer like Fred Astaire, nor athletic like
Gene Kelly, but he surpassed them both with his
6'4" smooth masculinity, charming charisma and good looks. This
was song and dance man, Daniel James Dailey Jr, better known as Dan
Dailey.
He was an elegant, versatile dancer, actor and singer, born into a show
business family. He had 3 siblings, his sister, Irene Dailey, became an
actress.
Dailey has more than 48 movies to his credit. In 1948, he received an
Oscar for his role in When My Baby Smiles at Me.
His most notable role was in Irving Berlin's There's No Business Like
Show Business. It starred Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable and Donald
O'Conner, (whose wife divorced him and became Dailey's 3rd of his 5
wives, all ending in divorce. His comment: "A little success and then
divorce").
Dailey working with Betty Grable and did many musicals with her,
including: My Blue Heaven, Give My Regards to Broadway, Meet Me
at the Fair, Meet Me in Las Vegas, The Pride of St. Louis, (playing Dizzy
Dean,) and The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover.
Daily was a heavy drinker and in the early 1950s, after heavy drinking
bouts, he'd come to parties as a cross-dresser. Thus, his reputation for
being a cross-dresser.
Movie musicals in the 50s were
slowing down, but he continued to be
successful with comedic and dramatic
roles, moving back to the stage, TV,
night clubs, and even Las Vegas. In
1962, he won a Golden Globe award
for his TV show The Governor and J.J.
Although Dailey never wrote an
autobiography, he loved story-telling.
He described his waltzing procedure
as steering the girl with right hand
pressure on her waist, and never waving the left hand in the air like
directing traffic. He claimed dancing was easy.
Dan often suffered from depression which deepened after his only
child, Dan Dailey III, in 1975, at age 29, committed suicide.
In 1976, Dailey appeared again on Broadway, breaking his hip
performing in The Odd Couple as Oscar Madison with Elliot Reed as Felix
Unger. He then worked for a while in a wheelchair.
Dan Dailey died a wealthy man in 1978 at age 62, from hip surgery
complications. His tombstone reads: Beloved by Many.
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.
comes this advice: "It is better to give money to someone
who doesn't need it, than not to give to someone who
does."
In making your own personal decision, it may
be helpful to know that Las Vegas is home to many
organizations dedicated to helping the poor and
homeless. Three Square Food Bank and the Las Vegas
Rescue Mission are two examples.
This year alone, more than 300,000 people
(including 40,000 children) will rely on Three Square
Food Bank and its emergency partners for help. The
Las Vegas Rescue Mission offers shelter, basic needs and
other services to the homeless, hungry and hurting.
Additionally, the city's churches and synagogues
operate food pantries and donate clothing to the poor.
Meanwhile, it is still a personal choice whether to give
or not to give.
It may not be 1929, yet it is still hard to ignore the
plea of a brother who asks, "Can you spare a dime?”
Carlene Sabath-Cohen is an award-winning news
and feature writer. She lives in North Las Vegas
with her husband, two cats and a dog.
18
December 2017
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A Time to Reflect
By: Dan Hyde / Call to Action
am eternally grateful, as I hope you are, to
I live in such a great and wondrous state. I
am blessed to have a fruitful and successful
retirement that affords me the opportunity of living a happy and
bountiful life!
The holiday season is the time to reflect on how I, and hopefully
you, can help improve the quality of lives of those less fortunate! I
know there are many worthy organizations soliciting your support in
helping those in need.
Unfortunately, there are so many that need help it is often difficult
to discern which to support. My passion is to support those who
experience hunger as I believe there is nothing more basic to the
human need than the ability to feed oneself.
Please consider financially supporting, at whatever
level you are comfortable with, catholiccharities.com or
goodnessgraciousministries.com. Remember, for as little as $5 you
will feed 2 hungry seniors! That’s not too much to ask, is it?
Wishing you and yours a blessed Holiday Season!
PS: To answer those who have inquired - YES, I financially support
both of these organizations.
Dan Hyde is a passionate and effective advocate for the senior
community. He served as Chair of the City of Henderson’s Senior
Advisory Commission. He can be reached at: dhyde9@cox.net.
IF THIS DESCRIBES YOU, then you may be a candidate for an
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Join for Free & Speed of Play!
By: Mike Landry / Golf Fore Ever
The Nevada State Seniors Golf Club (44
years in existence) has reduced their
yearly membership fees to zero to join for the
remainder of 2017 and all of 2018.
So, if you wish to play organized golf with
members over 50 years of age (once every month at various venues
and formats) now is the time to join - “it’s free.” Visit NSSGC.org for
more information and sign up now.
Did you know that speed of play can be improved by these simple
rules?
1. Staying close behind the group in front of you;
2. Be ready to play when it’s your turn;
3. Drive to the first ball on the fairway and drop off the nearest
player and proceed to your ball;
4. When a lost ball occurs, have all players play their shot first and
then go help the individual whose ball is lost;
5. When in doubt as to your ball being in play, hit a provisional ball;
6. Once on the green, putt until you hole out, unless you will stand
on a player’s line and;
7. Don’t leave your clubs and cart in front of the green. Place them
where you will exit the green!
As always, enjoy the game!
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
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December 2017
R_AD_171106_VegasVoice_THUR.11.16_3.5x4.625.indd 1
11/8/17 1:04 PM
23
Last Chance for Our Phat Pack Cruise
By: Stu Cooper / Happy Destinations
There was a movie a few years ago titled:
"We Bought a Zoo." It starred Matt Damon
and it told the story of a family that purchased a
working zoo and all their trials and tribulations.
Nearly 30 years ago, Sharon and I bought a travel agency. And to say
we really didn't know that much about the travel business would be an
understatement. We certainly had our trials and tribulations.
One of our challenges was to build the business and client base.
Every cruise line and tour operator told us that the best way to build
our business was by developing groups. That's the "ticket" we were
told.
The day we opened our agency, we did not have any group business.
We were booking families to Disney or the Caribbean. We had couples
cruising on Carnival or Royal Caribbean, but there was no group
business.
It took time and it was a difficult process, but today, with special
thanks to The Vegas Voyagers, a large percentage of our business is
group travel. And on January 27 th , we will escort the biggest group in
our history.
We will sail on the Carnival Splendor on the PHAT PACK cruise with
close to 200 passengers. The Phat Pack will give two “command”
performances, host a karaoke session, conduct a music workshop and
hold a “meet & greet” at our private cocktail party. It is going to be an
outstanding fun-filled cruise.
Here's the good news - for those who have not yet booked
and might still be interested in attending, there is still some space
available. Call for details.
Please be aware however, that if you want to participate
in the Phat Pack events described above you must book
through The Vegas Voyagers. These events are strictly
private and not open to any other passengers on the ship.
It seems we have come full circle. From a travel agency that, new
nothing about promoting group travel, to 200 "Vegas Voyager Phat
Packers." We couldn't have done it without you - our readers.
We look forward to welcoming you on board… and many more
years of Vegas Voyager group travel.
Carnival Horizon
Apr. 22-29, 2018
7 Night European Cruise,
from Barcelona
Sardinia, Naples, Rome, Florence, Marseille
Inside Cabin $810 pp, /Balcony $1295 pp
Price based on double occupancy, subject to availability and
includes the cruise and all port charges, taxes and fees. Airfare
to Barcelona is additional.
Jun. 13-21, 2018
8 Night Caribbean Cruise
from NYC
San Juan, Amber Cove, DR
Grand Turk
Inside Cabin $1,066 pp,
Balcony $1,500 pp
Price based on double occupancy, subject to
availability and includes the cruise and
all port charges, taxes and fees.
Airfare to NYC additional.
800/698-1101
www.Vegasvoyagers.Com
Email: Fairtravel@Aol.Com
24
December 2017
25
Crystal
Merryman-Sarbacker
The Travel Company Designed Especially for Active Seniors!
Enjoy 8 Days of Luxury in Cool and Charming French Canada! July 20-27, 2018
Montreal, Quebec City,
Charlevoix & Montebello
And the stunning Le Centre Sheraton Montreal!
featuring 3 historic luxury hotels:
Fairmont Chateau
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Fairmont Le Manoir
Richelieu, &
Fairmont Le Chateau
Montebello
Plan NOW to
Beat the Vegas Heat
Next Year,
July 20-27, 2018!
Our French Canadian Group
Tour includes Round Trip Air
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to and from McCarran Airport!
With our Early Bird Special,
Book Now & Save $100 pp.
Double $3,999
reduced to $3,899
Single $5099
reduced to $4,999
For bookings made after January
19, 2018, please call for rates.
Call for the new brochure on
this exciting Collette Vacation!
702/419-0550
OR UNPACK JUST ONCE!
With any of these 14 stress free
getaways! They’re Collette “Spotlight”
Vacations to one remarkable
city at a time!
London, 7 days
Paris, 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.
Call for info on any of these Spotlight Tours!
This brand new Collette Vacation is being offered for
Wow! Local professional airport
the first time and features Montreal, Quebec City and
transfers provided by
more. Plus you’ll enjoy the best of the best with two night
Vegas Vacationers
stays in each of three elegant Fairmont Hotels and the
for every Collette
famous Le Centre Sheraton Montreal, too. There will be
Vacation with air!
just enough grand touring to show you the beautiful city
and rural sights of French Canada plus there’ll be the excitement
of whale watching in the St. Lawrence as well as
soaring over the Montmorency Falls in a cable car. Also -
and this is really important - there’ll be time for exploring
Collette’s latest 2018 booklets are
on your own or enjoying your favorite touring activities.
NOTE:
available now.
This is a Person!
You can linger in a sidewalk cafe or browse through
Call Crystal for your copy at
fascinating shops where you’ll find art galleries, antique
702
malls, and gift stores filled with keepsakes. This is one of
419-0550
Collette’s new “Leisure Stays” which allows you to enjoy
*All prices subject to change.and are based on per person,
your destinations at a more relaxed pace. Tres Bien!
double occupancy. Single room upgrades available at extra cost.
2 August 2017
Montmorency Falls
Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre’
MasterCard, VISA, Amex accepted or private checks. 3
26
November 2017
27
28
December 2017
Land of Engineering Marvels
By: Kathy Manney / Around Our World
“
You will travel in a land of marvels” - Jules
Verne. Unquestionably, the Panama Canal is
an engineering marvel.
Upon opening in 1914, the Panama Canal was the world’s largest
canal lock system. The nearby dam and man-made Gatun Lake built in
accompaniment with the canal were correspondingly the world’s largest.
Cutting through harsh jungle terrain (where it rains every day) the canal
joins North and South America.
More than 25,000 workers were lost, many to yellow fever or malaria.
Their sacrifice is underscored daily. You cannot see it without admiring the
determination and farsightedness of the men who built the canal. “They
dared their lives for a mud-mired dream.”
The 50-mile canal crosses the Continental Divide, trimming 8,000
nautical miles off the voyage between the Caribbean and the Pacific. It
became the world’s most acclaimed shortcut. Without it, there wouldn’t
be much to Panama.
For more than a century, travelers have come to witness the canal for its
structural phenomenon and immensity. The majority come by cruise ship.
To sustain demand and increasing ship sizes, a new lane of traffic
allowing for a larger number of ships expanded the locks and began
commercial operation in 2016. The expansion doubled the capability of
the canal by increasing the width and depth of the lanes. The improvement
included two new sets of locks, (one each on the Atlantic and Pacific sides)
while raising the maximum operating water level of Gatun Lake.
The trip through the canal takes 10-hours and mega cargo ships pay
$900,000.00 for a one-way passage. Interestingly, in 1928, innovator
Richard Halliburton received permission to swim the canal for a toll of
36-cents.
Breakfast in the Island Princess dining room was humming with
excitement as passengers were eager for their first glimpse of the Panama
Canal. None were disappointed. A week later, the ship pulled into port and
disgorged its passengers onto the bustling California concourse.
All agreed, we had traveled in a land of remarkable engineering marvels.
Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an
Adventure Diva. Her “Must See” travel journeys continue - always
with enthusiasm.
Hands
By: Linda Bateman-Gomez / Timeless Beauty
Our beautiful hands. They spend countless
hours working, holding children,
gardening, cleaning, making family dinners and
much, much more. They are a representation of
everything that we handle in a day. And they also show it over the years!
While much of the aging process is out of our control, we can be
proactive with certain measures. First things first - sunscreen.
Your hands are just as prone to skin cancer as anywhere else. They are
also often forgotten when it comes to UV protection. It’s never too late to
start this as part of your daily routine!
Your nails are also a huge part of your hands’ appearance. If you wear
jewelry, eyes are more drawn there, so having nice nails is a must.
I love the pampering of a manicure, but don’t always have the time. I
spend so many hours a day on the computer, I prefer keeping them short
and nondescript. I also don’t like to draw much attention to them since
I happen to have my Dad’s hands - great for a man, not so much for a
woman!
Over the summer I decided to give gel polish a try (since it’s stronger
and lasts longer) but it does come with some warnings! First, most gel
polishes are cured with UV-light.
Some salons now use LED lamps which help cut down the UV exposure,
but not all polishes work with these, so they aren’t as widely used. And
unfortunately, UV exposure in any form is never healthy.
So, if you’re going this route, apply sunscreen to the tops of your hands
800/698-1101
www.Vegasvoyagers.Com
Email: Fairtravel@Aol.Com
“Trans Atlantic Adventures”
(1) BRILLANCE OF THE SEAS
15 NIGHTS - APRIL 5-20, 2018
TAMPA TO AMSTERDAM
Ponta Delgada, Azores, Cork,
Dublin, Waterdord, Ireland,
Amsterdam
FROM $
2,579* pp
(2) RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS
14 NIGHTS - MAY 6-20, 2018
TAMPA TO BARCELONA
Key West, La Palma, Tenerife,
Canary Islands, Malaga &
Barcelona Spain
FROM $
1,953* pp
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, subject to availability
and include the cruise, all port charges, taxes and fees and round trip air transportation
before curing. There are also now protective gloves you can wear too!
Second, tempting as it is to peel the polish when it starts to lift, it will
peel the top layers of your nails with it. Even after soaking mine off, the
filing process to remove the rest of the polish afterwards left them thin
and fragile, and it will be a couple of months before they grow out to their
normal strength. I am one to try almost anything once, but I think I will
stick with my go-to OPI Bubble Bath polish.
Whatever and however you do it, be sure to pamper those lovely hands
for all that they do. They are models of accomplishment!
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.
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13 NIGHTS - OCT. 18-31, 2018
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29
30
December 2017
Avoiding the Car-Crash Scam
By: BJ Killeen / Down the Road
We know that seniors are often the target of
scammers. We’ve all read about the IRS
fake calls and the grandkids being kidnapped
and held for ransom, but there’s a new, equally scary and dangerous
scam taking place on the highway.
I’m sure you’ve all seen on the news the recent arrest of a group of
women who targeted people on the road, making them pull over and
telling them they hit their car, and then shaking them down for money,
or stealing valuables out of the vehicle while they distract the driver.
While we all try to be responsible and believe that people are mostly
good, we have to be diligent and protect ourselves first. If something
like this happens to you while you are on the road, here are some
reminders as to what you should (or should not) do:
1. Never pull over on the freeway. It’s dangerous. Only do so if
instructed by a police vehicle.
2. If you must get off because someone is waving at you, take the
nearest exit, then find a safe, well-lit parking lot where there are people
around; preferably at a police station or fire department.
3. If you do pull over, only lower your window an inch. Keep your
vehicle in Drive and your foot on the brake, so if you have to take off in
a hurry, you’re ready to go.
4. Always lock your doors when you get in your car anytime you
drive.
5. If you feel unsafe, call 911.
6. Never head directly home, as it will give them an opportunity to
follow you. If you feel as if someone is following you, drive directly to
the nearest police station, or call 911.
7. Don’t be afraid to be mean or aggressive. They know seniors are
more likely to be trusting and polite, and will use it to their advantage.
8. Never leave your purse unattended. This is true even at a gas
station. Keep it on you or lock the car when filling your tank.
Be aware, be smart, and be safe out there.
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
Enjoy, But Watch What You Eat
By: Victoria Seaman / Victoria’s Corner
The Holidays are just around the corner and,
for most people, that means indulging in
large family-style meals and holiday treats. While
moderation is a time-tested method of keeping
your health during the holidays, there is emerging evidence that
avoiding processed and refined carbohydrates (especially white sugar)
can help you enjoy this special time to the fullest.
Gary Taubes, a science writer at the New York Times and author of
The Case Against Sugar, has been focusing on the intersection between
refined sugar and chronic illnesses. His research should be of note to
those who believe they may be at risk for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Scientists describe a “tipping point” that occurs after extended intake
of too much sugar. Those who have a high sugar diet over a long period of
time have been found to be at greater risk of developing the degenerative
neurological condition.
Focus on getting your nourishment this holiday season from whole,
unprocessed foods that your grandparents would recognize. There is little
wrong with having delicious meats, vegetables prepared any number of
ways and all the rest that nature’s bounty provides, just as long as you
remember to limit your intake of processed foods and periodically give
your body a break from overindulging.
Victoria Seaman is a former Nevada Assemblywoman,
businesswoman 8977_VegasVoice_PrintAd.pdf and currently a Realtor 2 in 10/18/17 Las Vegas. 12:26 You PM can
contact Victoria at: victoria@victoriaseaman.com.
The Light Side of Insurance Claims
By: Jim Valkenburg / Insurance Insight
Insurance is a serious business and all year
I have been giving you serious advice. For a
change, I thought I might end 2017 with a smile,
so here is some insurance humor to end the year.
The following are actual statements placed on auto insurance claim
forms. When asked to summarize the details in the fewest possible words
these are some of the descriptions received:
*I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way.
*The guy was all over the road, I had to swerve a number of times
before I hit him.
*I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law
and headed over the embankment.
*I had been driving for 40 years when I fell asleep at the wheel and
had an accident.
*My car was legally parked as it backed into the other vehicle.
*An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my car and vanished.
*The pedestrian had no idea which direction to run, so I ran over him.
*I saw a slow moving, sad faced old gentleman as he bounced off the
roof of my car.
Happy holidays to all!
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.
31
By: Pat Warren / Happy Gardening
From time to time, most of us have to deal
with unwanted critters in our yards. It’s
really not surprising.
We build our homes in their natural habitat and then provide them
with reliable food sources through our gardens and garbage. The biggest
offenders seem to be rabbits, and while there is no way to get rid of them
permanently, there are ways to discourage them from making your
property theirs.
First and foremost, remove any debris, overgrown brush or weeds,
structures, woodpiles or holes that can provide them with nesting or
hiding spaces.
Then, spraying or sprinkling substances like: coyote urine, bar soap,
wood ashes, powdered aloe, mothballs (in areas without children or
pets), garlic, diluted fish emulsion, or blood meal (in the warmer months
only) around plants can deter them through scent.
Physical barriers such as wire cages or mesh fences around trees
and shrubs can keep rabbits from nibbling on your favorite plants. And
wrapping the base of your trees will discourage them from chewing on
the bark.
Another tactic is to select plants that rabbits just don’t like to eat. While
there aren’t many that a hungry rabbit will ignore, here a few that will
give you a fighting chance.
32
Let’s Talk CBD
By: Dr. Victoria Boyd / Hempworx
Since my last article covered the genetics of
Cannabis and how the male and female
plants differ, I’ll continue on that same path
describing the beneficial product derived from the plant, Cannabidiol
(CBD) Oil. CBD, often referred to as a “phytocannabinoid,” represents
a group of 85+ compounds that work harmoniously in multiple ways
and are at the core of medical benefits.
Unfortunately, the market has been flooded with CBD products, so it is
important to understand how to evaluate their quality and composition.
Starting with the basics, there are two versions of CBD.
One is the highly regulated Marijuana (female) plant variety distributed
only through dispensaries because it contains THC. Because it is from the
female plant, the CBD levels are naturally lower.
Then there is CBD from the Hemp (male) plant, legal in all 50 states,
and considered an essential oil or organic supplement under the US
Agricultural Farm Act. Hemp CBD chemical difference (if manufactured
correctly) has extremely high levels of CBD (the good stuff) and no THC.
I’ll get into manufacturing later, but first you need to know why CBD is
so important for YOUR health.
Within our bodies is a complex Endocannabinoid System (ECS); a
signaling network that controls almost every bodily process by interacting
with different receptors and regulatory enzymes. CBD shares chemical
similarities allowing them to interact with components of the ECS
Ask a Master Gardner
December 2017
creating positive impact on ALL these systems.
This interaction is called an entourage effect, which means it
simultaneously benefits multiple areas affecting metabolism, pain
sensation, inflammation, thermoregulation, vision, mood, and memory.
Because of CBD’s interaction, (combined with its remarkable safety
profile and extremely low toxicity) it truly can have medical benefits at
the same time.
In addition, used as a daily supplement, it helps prevent or lower the
occurrence of many ailments. As a skeptic, I didn’t believe the hype about
the miracle oil, however I became a believer. It worked for me and will
work with your own natural system.
To learn more now about the “entourage effect” and other CBD
research topics visit: www.WeedByRock.com resource page. For products
visit: www.Hempworx.com/RocksPlace.
Got questions? I invite you to send questions or suggest a topic for an
article. Please email: DrVictoriaBoyd@gmail.com.
As an author and trainer Dr. Victoria Boyd loves sharing
knowledge in diverse areas such as nonprofit development
and research on the medical benefits of CBD as an affiliate of
Hempworx. Email her at: DrVictoriaBoyd@gmail.com.
Textured plants (think rough, spiny, hairy or leathery) aren’t
particularly palatable. Agaves, Junipers, beardtongue (Penstemon) and
Yucca fall into this category.
Aromatic plants like garlic (both ornamental & herbal varieties),
onion and flowering onions (Allium), hyssop (Agastache), lavender
(Lavandula), bee balm (Monarda), catmint (Nepeta), oregano
(Origanum), rosemary (Rosmarinus), lantana and salvia.
Caustic, acrid and toxic plants like Aconitum, Artemisia,
Milkwweed, and Digitalis. Finally, ferns and ornamental grasses repel
rabbits well.
Plant the largest specimens you can afford, because rabbits prefer
young, soft leaves. And if all else fails, get a Doberman!
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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33
Statement from the Foundation Assisting Seniors concerning the
Sun City Anthem lock-out and confiscation of durable medical
equipment and materials.
“On November 17 th , the Sun City Anthem board of directors took
possession of more than 700 pieces of durable medical equipment
owned by the Foundation Assisting Seniors. Additionally, the Board
changed the locks on all corresponding offices and the boardroom
utilized by the Foundation.
Due to a misunderstanding between the
Foundation and its attorney, the equipment and materials were not
moved within the notification period set by Sun City Anthem. The
Foundation is now working with attorneys to obtain possession of the
equipment to return to its full-service operation.
In the last five years, the FAS has grown to be a leader in senior wellness
in the Las Vegas valley. In 2016 alone, they provided more than 18,000
assists and through its HowRU TM program, five lives have been saved.
The durable medical equipment loan program has more than 1,000
pieces of DME, which are available to seniors in need, at no-cost. The
Foundation is currently on track to provide more than 30,000 assists in
2017. The Foundation looks forward to continuing to work diligently
to ensure the safety, security and independence of the elderly in the Las
Vegas valley and beyond.”
34
Sun City Anthem Lock-Out
And it Didn’t Hurt
Publisher Dan Roberts gets his flu shot at the Vegas Voice Health
Fair held at Solera at Anthem on November 11th. Thanks to the
wonderful people of Albertson’s for participating. Pictured with
Dan are Eric Van Meter, Kevin Chang and Christine Glover.
Did you get your flu shot yet?
December 2017
Understanding High
Blood Pressure
By: Kyo Mitchell / A Healthier You
Many individuals wonder why they
developed high blood pressure. Let’s start
with the basics. Blood pressure is a measure of the force exerted by the
blood on the wall of your arteries. There are two different numbers
which denote your blood pressure.
The first one, called your “systolic blood pressure” is the force on the
arterial walls as the heart ejects fresh blood through them. The second
number, your “diastolic blood pressure”, denotes the amount of force on
the arterial walls when they are at rest.
High blood pressure, or hypertension is simply when the pressure gets
high enough that it poses a danger to the blood vessel walls, potentially
damaging them.
The organ that predominantly controls your blood pressure is not your
heart, but rather your kidneys. The kidneys monitor the amount of fluids
and salts in your bloodstream.
If they sense the volume and pressure of the blood is going up, they
produce more urine to help bring the blood pressure down. If they sense
the volume and pressure of the blood is going down, they produce less
urine to help bring the blood pressure up.
However, the kidneys can malfunction. Stress causes the body to release
adrenaline (now called epinephrine). Epinephrine causes the area where
blood enters the filtering part of the kidney to thicken. This thickening
decreases the amount of fluid entering the functioning part of the
kidneys making the kidneys think there is less volume/pressure in the
bloodstream than there actually is.
The kidneys will then make less urine keeping the volume/pressure in
the blood stream higher. This increased volume of fluid and the pressure
it exerts is high blood pressure/hypertension. The message here: Keep
your stress down.
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.
December 23, 1941
By: John Bielun / Time Traveler
Commander Winfield Cunningham scanned
the sea. Although he had landed a mere
fortnight ago, he was already in his fourth day
of combat.
His tiny position was part of an atoll so small that it contained only
twelve miles of coastline. It was literally in the middle of nowhere: 2,300
miles west of Hawaii, 1,500 east of Guam.
In 1935, Pan American Airways began using it as a way station for its
China Clipper service. By 1941, it was garrisoned by 450 marines and
fortified with six five-inch shore batteries, an assortment of anti-aircraft
and machine guns plus a dozen Wildcats – eight of which having already
been destroyed in the initial attack less than a week before.
A Japanese landing force approached: Two troop carriers escorted by
three light cruisers and eight destroyers. Cunningham ordered his men
to stay low and hold fire.
Thinking that they had already eliminated all resistance, the enemy
sped forth. When they were ready to disembark, all six artillery pieces
began firing and the four remaining Wildcats took to the skies.
By day’s end, two destroyers lay at the bottom and a light cruiser limped
off. As the Japanese reversed course, the defenders rejoiced.
It was America’s first victory of the war!
During a subsequent communication, Cunningham learned that he
could expect no help. The smoke from the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor
still stained its skies. So, rather than ask for the impossible, he simply said,
“Send us more Japs.”
Unfortunately, Cunningham got his wish. The Japanese added
two aircraft carriers as well as a multitude of battlewagons and troop
ships. From afar they pummeled the helpless atoll for twelve days with
thousands of shells.
At 2:35 AM, the enemy commenced a second landing. This time they
did so with twice as many troops and ten times as many guns and aircraft.
Despite the overwhelming odds and
any hope of support, the Americans
fought back for the next fourteen
hours. While retreating from one
position to the next, the Marines set
two additional destroyers ablaze and
contested every grain of sand.
By late afternoon, the battle was
over. After overrunning the battered
survivors, the Japanese tore down
the Stars and Stripes and raised the
Rising Sun.
In doing so however, they wasted
sixteen days, suffered two thousand casualties, had four destroyers sunk,
one cruiser crippled and 28 aircraft put out of action.
Date: December 23, 1941. Location: Wake Island. The Alamo of the
Pacific.
John Bielun is a life-long student of history...and wishes
all politicians were too. His email address: reggyrifle@
yahoo.com.
“Listening to the Vegas Voice”
Introducing
our new radio
show at KSHP
1400am
Every Tuesday
10-11AM
Commander
Winfield Cunningham
Hosted by
Rich Natole
35
36
New Device Stops a Cold Before it Starts
By: Doug Cornell / To Your Health
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. That’s why Hippocrates,
the “father of modern medicine”, used copper to heal skin
ulcers, and why Civil War doctors used it to prevent infection
of battlefield wounds. They
didn’t know about viruses and
bacteria, but now we do.
Researchers say microbe
cells have a tiny internal electric
charge across the membrane surrounding
the cell. The high conductance
of copper short-circuits
this charge and pops holes in the
membrane. This immediately
stops the microbe from reproducing
and destroys it in seconds.
Tests by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) show
that copper surfaces kill germs that get on them. That way the
next person to touch that surface does not spread the germ.
As a result of this new knowledge, some hospitals switched
to copper for “touch surfaces”, like faucets, bedrails, and
doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses
in those hospitals 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 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?”
December 2017
New research: Copper stops colds if used early.
(paid advertisement)
“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.” Many users say they have completely stopped
getting colds.
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.”
One man had suffered seasonal
sinus problems for years. It
was so bad it ruined family vacations
and even dinners out with
friends. His wife Judy bought
CopperZaps for both of them. He
was so skeptical he said, “Oh Judy, you are such a whack
job!” But he finally tried it and, to his surprise, the copper
cleared up his sinuses right away. Judy and their daughter
both said, “It has changed our lives!”
Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness, too, if
they use it just before bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve
had in years.”
Some users have reported success in stopping cold sores
at the first sign of a tingle in the lip. One family reports it has
worked to eliminate warts as well.
The handle is sculptured to fit the hand and finely textured
to improve 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 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 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 copper. It carries
a 90-day full money back guarantee and is available for
$49.95 at CopperZap.com or toll-free 1-888-411-6114.
The Hero Perspective
By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet
Specialist 4 th Class Hunt moved first from a
mound of dirt in front of us to scramble
another ten yards that landed him behind a
splintered palm tree. Enemy bullets snapped at the stump.
Seemingly oblivious to the danger, he waited a moment before
charging once again into the open. Someone was hit and down up
front and needed his help.
That was his only focus. Hunt, a medic, was trained to administer aid
to the wounded - but no one was asking him to do what he was doing.
He was risking his life in seemingly impossible conditions to rush out
under fire and tend to a wounded soldier lying on the battlefield.
He just did it. It was beyond the call of duty; an act of selflessness that
made him a hero. Sp4 Hunt’s bravery set him apart in a truly heroic
manner…and this is what we need to keep in the right perspective.
Sometimes we can easily lose perspective of what is really important.
Then we begin to speak in wide generalities, that sooner or later, dilutes
the true meaning of things - even sacred things.
The reality is that not many individuals ever become heroes, but our
society has thrown the term around so loosely that even football players
(or a team) that refuses to respect the National Anthem (and our flag)
can be called heroes. It’s a loss of perspective that needs to be regained.
I hear “hero” all the time; especially while volunteering with military
service organizations supporting our current troops. People walk
around wearing T-shirts proclaiming that all our troops are heroes just
because they are in uniform.
Enlisting in the Armed Forces
is certainly a noble deed, and
going to war is even nobler.
Certainly, the importance of
that commitment can never be
diminished.
However, the hero category
is reserved for only a few
individuals…and if allowed
to be tossed around so lightly,
then our true heroes, and their venerated status, will be reduced or
desecrated to the ordinary. By randomly calling those who serve (or just
someone doing a good deed) a “hero” deprives the true hero of a sacred
characteristic that is reserved for them alone.
Another aspect of this, and I speak from a war veteran’s experience, by
addressing or labeling everyone in the military as a hero makes those
individuals cringe because they know the term is undeserved. It makes
them ill-at-ease, especially if they have served with (and witnessed)
someone who did go beyond the call of duty - and was awarded for it.
Let’s regain the right perspective and keep honor where honor
belongs.
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
37
As designer and friend look on, Gil Elvgrin sketches Ruth for the next painting.
America’s First Calendar Girl By: Chuck Dean / Our Neighbors
Ruth walks in one direction and I the other. Almost daily we stop
to say hello and have had some lively conversations about her
yoga, travels, art, and her life.
She’s had plenty of that for sure, because in March, she turned 90.
In great condition, physically, mentally and spiritually, Ruth Lastuvka
amazes me. There’s never a dull moment. I learn something new about
her each time we meet.
Not long ago I was blown away by another bombshell. “Chuck, did you
38
CLAY ARTS VEGAS
Pottery Classes
Workshops
Kids Classes
Ceramic Supplies
Art Gallery
December 2017
Let us know you saw this ad
know that I was a calendar girl?”
“Really?” I asked. “Yes, I was America’s first calendar girl. A long time
ago, of course.”
“Do you have any pictures?” “Somewhere, maybe.” She grinned
thoughtfully. “But I’ll bet you could go online and find it.
“The painter was Gil Elvgren. He painted the most popular one. I’m
wearing a black negligee and the title is The Honeymoon’s Over.”
I went straight to my computer, and there it was…The Honeymoon’s
Over! A sexy young redhead posed in a black negligee wearing high heels.
Ruth wasn’t joking. All I could say is wow, what a knockout! Needless
to say, a signed print now hangs on my office wall.
All this began in 1948 when Ruth won a national contest. She was
working as a swimsuit model for the Jantzen Company in Portland,
Oregon when the Brown and Bigelow Calendar Company, and Republic
Pictures (who produced the 1948 movie “Calendar Girl”), discovered her.
Unbeknownst to Ruth, her fashion designer at Jantzen secretly entered
her in the contest. Out of 3,000 contestants, she took first place, becoming
the first “Miss Calendar Girl of America.”
From there Brown and Bigelow immediately arranged for Gil Elvgren
to render a painting of Ruth. At that point, Ruth stepped into the pin-up
limelight. Her beautiful image penetrated the hearts of men all over the
world; from business executives to lonely G.I.’s in foxholes.
Letters flooded in from love struck romantics. And Ruth answered each
and every one.
Always the adventurer, she then
CONTINUED ON PAGE 40
39
40
December 2017
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39
began a vigorous pursuit of primitive art that took her to Africa, the
Australian Outback, Peru and the western frontiers of both the U.S. and
Canada. Now at 90 she is a recognized master at crossing centuries of time
with her own creative paintings and ceramics.
It is Ruth’s dauntless spirit that sets her apart from the crowd. Most of
her life she had an intense fear of horses, but decided in her early 60’s to
overcome it - and she did!
In 1991, at age 67, she set out on her first horseback safari across the wild
grasslands of Africa. That expedition kindled her desire for more mounted
excursions around the world over the ensuing years.
So what do calendar girls in Las Vegas do at 90? She may take a horseback
ride up to Mount Charleston…or into the Mojave. She may even sign one
of her posters if you can catch up with her.
She remains a bundle of inspiration for the best of us. Go Ruth!
(Ruth’s story as told to Chuck Dean, “Pinups to Paddocks: A
Century in a Nutshell” is available on Amazon).
Meet Teri Rogers
By: Charlie Christy / Executive Director
- Ms. Senior Nevada
Our
Ms
Senior
Nevada Pageant Family is a diverse
group. This month, we’d like to
introduce you to Teri Rogers, aka
Teresa Rogers Ph.D. in Holistic and
Natural Health and Healing.
Teri teaches at Englestadt School of
Health Sciences/College of Southern
Nevada, West Charleston Campus.
Her classes: Intro to the Human Body;
Anatomy and Physiology, along with
a variety of other health-related
classes.
As if that isn’t enough, Teri, former
Ms Senior Nye County Queen (2011-
2012) and Don, her husband of 47
years, have started an entertainment
group. It’s called Twilight Production
LLC, and they entertain at many venues; including health fairs, senior
centers and raising funds for local needs.
Teri has been a choreographer for 16 years, “clogging” for 15 and has
lately taken up a “bouncy shoe” called Kangoo jump shoes. While many
seniors are trying to just walk, she bounces her way to entertain others.
She also is a member of the Nevada Silver Tappers Dance group. This
busy lady has agreed to be a board member for the Ms Nevada State
Pageant. Her enthusiasm and ideas are greatly appreciated.
So, not just another pretty face or a Pageant groupie, our Ms Senior
Nevada gals contribute to society, promoting senior health and wellness
since 1985. Want to join this interesting group? Give me a call: 702/458-
9899.
If the thought of a dental visit fills you with
fear, take heart: You're not alone.
Statistics have shown that while extreme dental
phobias are uncommon, up to 38% of patients do suffer from some form
of dental anxiety, and 8% describe it as severe. Overall, researchers have
found that prior to a planned dental visit, as many as 75% of patients feel
some degree of nervousness.
The most common reasons for dental anxiety are:
Fear of discomfort. If your dental anxiety stems from a fear of pain,
don't be shy about letting your dentist know. Rest assured that pain is the
last thing he or she wants you to feel. Modern technology helps to ensure
that you won't.
Fear of needles. Many people want a local anesthetic but dread the
standard method of delivery. Others worry that the numbing effect will
kick in too late or that the dose given will not have the desired effect.
If the painkiller has failed to hit the proper spot or to make you
sufficiently numb, it's not a problem. Just be sure to let your dentist know
before he begins the actual treatment.
Fear of embarrassment. It is normal to be ashamed of your dental
condition, particularly if several years have passed since your previous
visit. Dental anxiety has caused the cancellation of many an office visit,
and most dentists have likely seen and treated patients whose mouths are
in worse shape than yours is. When a person suffers from a fear of dentists,
bad teeth are often the unfortunate byproduct.
Fear of being out of control. This is surprisingly common.
“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
M
Overcoming Fear of the Dentist
By: James J. White, D.D.S. / Your Dentist
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
However, you are more in charge here than you realize. The dentist is
not holding you prisoner. Ask him to explain what he is doing as he goes
along.
That will alleviate the powerless feeling that comes with not knowing.
It can also help if you and your dentist agree on a signal by which you
can communicate when you need a break or want the dentist to stop what
he's doing.
Fear of invasion of your personal space. In its most exaggerated
form, this involves a dislike of being touched. There are treatments for it,
but you can often handle it yourself with the realization that the person
doing the invading is trying to help you, not harm you.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, don't try to keep it a secret. Let your
dentist know. This will give both of you the chance to work together
to determine the best ways of reducing your fears and increasing your
comfort.
An always keep in mind: Any dentist who makes light of your distress or
refuses to take it seriously is not the dentist for you.
Actual patient
James J. White DDS
1140 Town Center Drive, # 170, Las Vegas, NV 89144
702/562-8833 • 702/562-7910 Fax
41
Holiday Easy Appetizers
By: Mary Richard / Health Fitness
Are we getting into the “holiday” theme
and snacking? Oh boy, with the upcoming
holiday goodies, the average person gains 5 to 7
pounds!
Shocking, isn’t it? Well there are ways to help combat those added
pounds. I found that even with exercising prior to the holidays, I still may
gain a few pounds. Where did that come from?
When you are invited to house parties, here are a couple of easy and
low-calorie appetizers. Just add some variety crackers or vegetables and
voila! You’ll be a hit of the party!
Avocado Spread
1 avocado
2 teas light sour cream
2 teas red onion, diced
1 teas lemon juice, fresh
Add salt and pepper to taste
Mash avocado in a small bowl. Mix all ingredients until well blended.
Store in refrigerator, covered tightly. Spread on crackers or use as a dip
with vegetables.
Nutrition information per serving. (Servings per recipe - 4) Serving
size 2 oz. Calories: 68; Fat: 4 grams; Carbs: 2 grams; Fiber: 2 grams;
Sodium: 84 mg.
I’ve tried this recipe both ways, as a dip and spread. You can increase
the recipe for larger amounts. It’s yummy! Try various crackers, and cut
up the vegetables to arrange on a platter with this dip in the center.
Herb Dip
1/2 c. skim milk
1 c. low fat cottage cheese
2 tbs chopped parsley
2 tbs chopped chives
1/2 teas dried basil
1/8 teas. curry powder (optional)
1/8 teas garlic clove, minced
Puree all ingredients in blender until smooth. Serve with crisp raw
vegetables Nutrition information: per serving (Servings per recipe - 12)
Serving size 2 tbs.
Calories: 21; Carb:1 gram; Protein: 3 grams, Sodium: 82 mg.
Enjoy the holidays – one of the pleasures of life!
POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND HAPPY HEALTH TO ALL!
Roast 1
head of
garlic
sprinkled
with olive
oil, 35-40
minutes,
at 350°F.
Walnuts Roasting on an Open Fire for Brains from 1 to 92
By: Jan Fair / A No-Brainer Minute
W
hen we hear Nat King Cole sing “Chestnuts roasting …”, we feel good. When we eat
smart, our brains feel good. Walnuts, garlic and broccoli rabe are some of the healthiest
brain foods we can eat. “So I’m offering this simple recipe, for kids from one to ninety-two. Although
it's been said many times, many ways, Merry Brain Healthy Eating to you.” Enjoy this brain smart,
CarbSmart side dish from one of my favorite holiday cookbooks (with publisher’s permission.)
CarbSmart Broccoli Robe with Roasted Walnuts & Garlic
Steam 3
pounds of
broccoli
rabe until
tender.
Cut them
into 1 inch
pieces.
Saute 1/2 cup of
chopped walnuts
in olive oil. Add
roasted garlic
cloves. (Squeeze
roasted head and
pop them out.)
Stir in broccoli.
Heat and serve.
Jan Fair is a writer, consultant & public speaker who has published over 40 books including
the No-Brainer Brain Games series. Please check out her website at www.JanFair.com
Tuesdays 10-11AM
Mental Minutes
“CarbSmart”
1. In one minute, name
carb smart recipes.
2. Make an alphabetical
list.
Artichoke lemon dip,
broccoli bisque,
crab salad, …
A No-Brainer Pick
CarbSmart
Holiday
Entertaining
Tracey Rollison &
Misty Humphrey
carbsmart.com
“Listening to The Vegas Voice”
And anytime on:
Thevegasvoice.net
Emmy award winning
actress /producer
Your Hosts:
Rich Natole
and
Jon Lindquist
“The Announcer”
From TV’s WALKER TEXAS RANGER
Author, Former Pro
Wrestler
42
December 2017
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.
Kira Reed Lorsch
Clarence Gilvard
Sheree Wilson
Ted DiBiase
43
44
No Risk for Me
By: Todd Bauman / Financial Focus
My definition of Safe Money is any
investment that can offer you principle
guarantees. Your principle is the amount of
money that you put into the investment.
Whether the instrument makes money or loses money, with Safe
Money, you are guaranteed to get your principle back. (This, of course,
less any fees and withdrawals that you take out yourself.)
So that’s the good thing about Safe Money. The hard thing with Safe
Money is that there are not a lot of options.
Risk Money has tons of options - there are as many ways to lose your
money as there are to spend your money. But Safe Money options can be
limiting, which is why as a financial professional I make recommendations
specific to each investor where Safe Money investments are concerned.
Here is a list of a few types of Safe Money options to choose from:
• Savings, checking, and money market accounts
• CDs
• Treasuries or government backed bonds
• Fixed annuities
• Fixed indexed annuities
With Safe Money, there may not be a ton of options, but they each merit
a short explanation.
First of all, everyone needs to have an amount in savings,
checking and money market accounts. Unfortunately, these aren’t
paying that much interest these days (and they pay nowhere near enough
to live on), but you do need to have money in there for your liquidity.
I usually recommend that a retiree keep anywhere from $15,000 to
$50,000 in their emergency fund, although there are legitimate reasons
why you could need more, or less.
The second Safe Money option are CD’s or certificates of
deposit issued by the bank. I consider these to be safe because they
are FDIC insured. So, if the bank gets into trouble, you are insured for
up to $250,000. As of now, rates on CD’s aren’t even keeping up with the
December 2017
current rate of inflation, so you aren’t able to live on the interest.
The third Safe Money option are treasuries or bonds issued
by the United States Government. I’m pretty sure there are plenty
of people out there who would say that the U.S. Government could go out
of business. Personally, I don’t think it will happen - at least I hope that
it doesn’t.
And if it does, then you can go sell anything for as much as you can get
and use the cash to go buy guns, ammo, and food because you’re going
to need it! The interest rates on treasuries and government-backed bonds
are also not high enough to justify investing in them until rates go back
up. Until then, I would probably steer clear of them.
The fourth Safe Money option would be a fixed annuity. A
fixed annuity is like a bank CD, but it is offered through an insurance
company. You might say that a fixed annuity is like a cousin to the CD:
you sign up for a pre-determined time frame called a term, you get either
a fixed interest rate or one that can fluctuate, and it has no fees and is
guaranteed by an entity just like the FDIC called the Guaranty Association
Act. Each state has different guarantee amounts, but in Nevada, that
amount is $300,000.
I tend to like fixed annuities better than CD’s because they are currently
paying a higher interest rate and they are tax deferred. Furthermore,
when you pass away, any money left in the annuity will pass on to your
beneficiaries.
The fifth Safe Money option and my favorite is the Fixed
Indexed Annuity; also known as the FIA. An indexed annuity
is like a fixed annuity, but the way it earns interest for you is different.
Remember - in a fixed annuity, you earn a guaranteed interest rate every
year. It’s the same year after year, no surprises good or bad.
With an indexed annuity, you have the potential of getting a happy
surprise. Your interest earned depends upon the performance of the stock
market, but you can never lose your principle -meaning your principle is
protected from market loss.
The indexed annuity is linked to an index - the most popular being the
S&P 500 but it could be the Dow Jones Industrial Average, or any number
of indexes. So, for example, if the S&P 500 goes up, you can earn interest
above the fixed amount, and if the S&P 500 goes down, then you may not
earn anything - but you won’t lose anything either!
For more educational material or to speak with me,
please visit toddbauman.com or call 702.897.9997.
Todd Bauman, Investment Advisor Representative for Bauman
Advisory Group, LLC, a registered investment advisory firm,
licensed insurance agent for Bauman Financial Group, LLC and
licensed document preparer for Asset Protection of America.
45
“ASK LAURA ABOUT REAL ESTATE”
Happy Holidays!
Laura Harbison
Broker/Owner
Seniors Real Estate Specialist ® (SRES)
Accredited Buyer Representative ® (ABR)
Graduate, REALTOR ® Institute (GRI)
Equator Platform Platinum Certification
Equator Short Sale Agent Certification
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
Advanced Evaluations Certification
At Home With Diversity (AHWD)
Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPOR)
NVS Institute BPO Certification
Five Star BPO Designation
Certified Distressed Property Expert ® (CDPE)
Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist
(RSPS)
Laura@HarbisonRealEstate.com
www.LauraHarbisonRealEstate.com
Call Laura Today!
702-777-1234
So everyone is wondering what effect the new Summerlin stadium (for the Las Vegas 51s, $150 million, to open
in 2019) and the new football stadium (for the Las Vegas Raiders, $1.9 billion, to open in 2020) will have on Las
Vegas Real Estate. Although I don't have a crystal ball, there are a few effects that seem pretty evident:
1. Increase in construction (and related) jobs for the next few years. Definitely good for the economy, and for
local construction workers. Due to the demand, we will see some of the construction labor force that moved
away when construction in Las Vegas decreased dramatically years ago moving back to this area. With the
natural disasters that have taken place recently in Texas and Florida, construction labor is in demand, which
means higher wages for these workers as well.
2. Increase in the number of people moving to Las Vegas, although I don't think this will be as dramatic as some
of my colleagues are predicting. Obviously those directly involved with the Raiders organization will have to
move to the area, and there will be some people who move to 'follow'. There will also be those who are moving
here for the construction jobs, but many of those may only be here temporarily (2-3 years).
3. Increased tourism. Las Vegas is relatively easy to fly into from almost anywhere, and the Raiders have quite a
following from nearby California, so we can expect a LOT of additional visitors during football season.
4. Increased home prices, particularly for new homes. The additional demand for housing due to the influx of
people moving to this area will have some effect, but what will have a more profound effect for the next few
years is the cost of construction. With both stadiums demanding immediate attention, those jobs are pulling
our current construction labor force away from home construction, and new home builders are having difficulty
competing. Increased labor costs are already driving up the cost of new home construction, and that will
continue for the next few years.
5. Increased rents. Many of those who relocate to our area due to the current construction projects will
consider their move temporary (at least initially), creating more demand for rental properties. Simple supply and
demand dictates that the prices will increase with the demand, and we are already seeing that effect.
Some experts are predicting a "vacuum" effect after 2020 as the stadiums are completed and we no longer have
the construction jobs, that work force will have to find new employment, and a large percentage of those
workers will leave this area to do so. Although it will have some effect, I don't predict that it will be the "bubble"
or "crash" that some fear, as we will still be enjoying the positive influence on our economy that all of this is
bringing about.
2018 is going to be a very strong year for real estate in Clark County. So, if you are looking to purchase a home,
or do a "move up" sale and purchase, it's time to move forward with that. If you are curious about what your
home might be worth today, call or email me today and I will do a detailed analysis for you of what you could
expect, specific to your property. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Laura Harbison, ABR, AHWD, BPOR, BS, CDPE, CRS, GRI, RSPS, SRES
Broker/Owner, Realty Executives Southern Nevada Properties
770 Coronado Center Drive, Ste. 100
Henderson, NV 89052
Office: 702-777-1234
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46
December 2017
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December 2017