“ASK LAURA ABOUT REAL ESTATE”
‘Aging in Place’
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)
NAWRB Certified Delegate Spokeswoman
Distinguished Real Estate Broker ® (DRB)
Laura@HarbisonRealEstate.com
www.LauraHarbisonRealEstate.com
Call Laura Today!
702-777-1234
As the baby boomer generation has aged, it has also stayed put. And for all the
innovations that builders and product manufacturers have come up with to help
seniors “age in place,” they may have also made it difficult for would-be
homebuyers, causing a lack of overall housing inventory.
This year we will see a significant shortage of available homes here in the United
States, failing to meet housing needs by more than 2 million homes. At the same
time, millennials are buying fewer homes at this point in their lives compared
with previous generations at similar periods.
As seniors continue to prefer to stay in their homes to live out their remaining
years, housing inventory has tightened nationally. For people between the ages
of 67 and 87, homeownership rates dropped by almost 12 percent for previous
generations but less than 4 percent for the current generation of seniors.
New advances in information technology may be the main influencing factor, as
well as accessibility to better healthcare and education, with those advancements
boosting and extending the housing demand among seniors. So, it's no
surprise that the current senior generation has become much slower in
transitioning out of homeownership than prior generations.
While this may not bode well for home shoppers today, it will likely boost
spending on home renovations. It makes sense that the demand for
homeownership from seniors aging in place will increase the relative price of
owning versus renting, making renting more attractive to millennials. However,
those in a position to purchase the limited number of homes available may well
see their property values increase more quickly than anticipated. That is good
news for the property values in our age-qualified 55+ communities. That may be
the 'silver lining' that homeowners in these communities are happy to see.
Are you curious about your home's value? Call or email me today for a
confidential analysis of where you stand in today's market. I'm looking forward
to hearing from you!
Sharing your goals,
Laura Harbison
ABR, AHWD, BPOR, BS, CDPE, CRS, DRB, GRI, RSPS, SRES
Broker/Owner
Realty Executives Southern Nevada Properties
770 Coronado Center Drive, Ste. 100
Henderson, NV 89052
Office: 702-777-1234
2
March 2019
Sold Is Our Favorite Word...Let Us Make It Yours!
Laura Harbison
ABR, AHWD, BPOR, BS, CDPE, CRS, DRB, GRI, RSPS, SRES
Broker/Owner
770 Coronado Center Dr., Suite 100
Henderson, NV 89052
Office (702) 777-1234
Laura@HarbisonRealEstate.com
www.LauraHarbisonRealEstate.com
Realty Executives Southern Nevada Properties
Is Independently Owned and Operated
379 Cascade Mist Ave
AGATE GILESPIE Spacious 3BR, 2 BA, 2 car garage
townhome w/ approx. 1535 sqft located in a gated
community. Kitchen w/ breakfast bar, island and
pantry. Master w/ 2 closets. Community amenities
include pool, spa and tennis courts! $295,000
2306 Valley Cottage Ave
SUN CITY ANTHEM Gorgeous Lincoln model in
gated community w/ 2BR, 2BA, approx. 2096 sqft
and 2 car garage. Island kitchen w/ corian counters,
breakfast bar, pantry and recessed lighting.
Master w/ door to patio, walk-in closet and sitting
area. Too much to list! $425,000
2285 River Grove Dr
SUN CITY ANTHEM 1 Story upgraded Madison floorplan
with views! , 2BR, 2 BA, 2 car garage w/ approx. 1836 sq
ft. Kitchen w/ granite countertops, nook, breakfast bar.
Master bedroom w/ walk-in closet. Master bath has
dual sinks, shower and separate tub. Covered patio,
BBQ stub and much more! $389,000
2182 Tiger Willow Dr
SUN CITY MACDONALD RANCH Upgraded 2 BR+den/ 2
BA, 2307 sqft Grand floorplan on a premium view lot and
2 car garage! Island kitchen with nook and breakfast bar.
Living room with coffered ceiling. Den with double doors
and recessed lighting. Master suite with door to patio.
Junior master suite with door to courtyard. $428,800
2746 Craigmillar St
ANTHEM HIGHLANDS Beautiful 2 story, 3BR, 2.5BA,
1898 sqft home w/ 2 car garage. Kitchen features
granite counters, nook, breakfast bar, maple cabinets
and pantry. Formal living room w/ vaulted ceiling.
Master has walk-in closet and balcony. Much more!
$312,500
16 Rue Mediterra Dr
LAKE LAS VEGAS Spectacular views from this .80
acres custom lot in guard gates Marseilles at
South Shore Lake Las Vegas! Golf course
frontage, panoramic views! The developer
spared no expense when creating Lake Las Vegas.
$799,900
2408 Ozark Plateau Dr.
SUN CITY ANTHEM Popular Jackson Model! 2BR, 2
BA, 2 car garage in approx. 2012 sqft. Island kitchen
w/ granite counters, pantry and pot shelves. Master
suite w/ walk-in closet, ceiling fan, and door to patio.
Plantation shutters, raised panel doors, tile on diagonal.
Too much to list! $419,800
2503 Libretto Ave
SUN CITY ANTHEM 2 BR/2BA, 1160 sqft 1 Story Home
with gated courtyard. Sunny kitchen w/ pot shelves,
recessed lighting and eating nook. Master suite w/
window seat, ceiling fan and walk-in closet. Covered
patio w/ BBQ stub. Mountain views! $275,000
200 Huntly Rd.
CHARLESTON RAINBOW Upgraded 1180 sqft
single story home w/ RV parking, 3BR, 1.75BA, 2 car
oversized garage. Spacious great room, dining area.
Stepsaver kitchen w/ tile flooring and breakfast bar.
Master w/ mirrored doors and private bath.
Premium corner lot! $265,000
3
Volume 16, Issue 1
BRINGING
BACK THE
HOUSE CALL
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NIGHT LIFE EDITOR
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RADIO HOST
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DIGITAL MEDIA
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John Bielun
Yvonne Cloutier
Jerry Creed
Dianne Davis
Chuck Dean
Jan Fair
Howard Galin
Linda Gomez
OUR FANTASTIC COLUMNISTS
PROUD
MEMBERS OF:
Ali Guggenheim
Morris Heldt
Dan Hyde
Mike Landry
Heather Latimer
Joey Kantor
BJ Killeen
Kathy Manney
Kyo Mitchell
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 / Jon Lindquist
Michael Roberts
Ross Roberts
Bill Caserta
bill@thevegasvoice.net
Judy Polumbaum
Mary Richard
Crystal Sarbacker
Jim Valkenburg
Beverly Washburn
Vicki Wentz
Earl Wilson, Jr.
About The Vegas Voice
In 2018, The Vegas Voice received 9 national awards from the
North American Mature Publishers Association for our publication
- including our guardianship special efforts, editorial and column
reviews, front page
graphics, overall design
and “General Excellence.”
We proudly agree with the
Judge’s decision that The
Vegas Voice is “a brisk,
bold, upbeat and
effective publication.”
4
March 2019
Her New Windmill, My New Mistress
By: Dan Roberts / Roberts Rules
“
Don’t blame me! It was your idea.” That
was what my Rana claimed as she, oh so
sweetly smiled.
Last month, The Vegas Voice published its “Guardianship Special
Feature”; proclaiming victory in our 4+ years effort to investigate,
clean-up and ultimately reform this scandal. I slowly gazed into the
political editor’s eyes, gently held her hand and lovingly suggested that
it might be time for Don(na) Quixote to “look for and start chasing
another windmill.”
I really meant committing herself into making home-cooked meals.
But after much pillow talk discussions, she decided to “throw her
hat into the ring” for the Board of Directors in our Sun City Anthem
community.
“Are you out of your mind?” I raised my voice in response. But as
only my Rana can, she rattled off the various reasons why she “had to
run.”
Make no mistake, I’m the first to claim that she’s crazy. But I also
thought she was insane over the guardianship problem and look what
she did in that regard. Only difference this time is that while I will of
course support her, she will chase that windmill without her live-in
“Sancho Panza.”
No need for this publisher to list her issues and causes to make SCA
a better place to live. My Ladylove is more than capable in doing that
herself.
Now I know what you’re thinking. How is yours truly going to
spend his days and evenings without my PILL (partner in love & life)
constantly by his side? After pushing the hamster in my brain to spin
that little wheel to the point of exhaustion, I came up with a fantastic
answer.
I’m taking a mistress.
No kidding, a new unconditional love for me. Her name is Sam. Last
name, Sung. And even Rana admits she has quite the body.
Sam Sung is an 82 inch 4k UHD QLED LCD TV. Truth be told, I still
don’t know what all that means, but when she’s “on” I can stare at her
all day.
And to add to my macho fantasy becoming reality, Sam has a
family member more than willing to make it a threesome during the
upcoming Golden Knights hockey playoffs and major league baseball
season – Cousin Vizio.
Cousin Vizio is a 5.1.2 home theater sound system with Dolby Atmos.
I don’t know what this means either but I can listen to her for hours.
Her measurements include a 36 inch sound bar, two upward firing
speakers, six inch wireless subwoofer and two rear surround speakers.
Talk about your male chauvinistic dreams coming true!
Once again and as always, I will need our Vegas Voice Project
Director, Sir 5B (Bronx brother, best buddy Bill) Caserta to very, very
slowly teach me how to work the remotes so I don’t break anything.
However sooner or later, and definitely before the football season kicksoff,
I’ll get the hang of it.
While I thank readers for your concerns about Rana leaving me due to
her (assuming she wins the election) endless duties and responsibilities
to improve residents’ lives, between all the sports, Netflix and that
Amazon stick, I’ll be fine.
So as she returns the never ending phone calls, answers emails and
participates in monthly Board meetings, you’ll happily find me on my
big-butt recliner selecting that evening’s take-out food… especially if
they deliver.
Run Rana run!
What the….
Our Las Vegas Valley received a rare surprise last month – snow!
Unlike my former New York home town, it was all gone by midafternoon.
Best of all - no shoveling required.
5
6
Old signs. New technology.
This revolutionary art uses
sight and sound to transport
you through time and bring
long dormant signs back to
life. You literally have to see
it to believe it.
BOOK A VISIT
NeonMuseum.org
March 2019
Deadly Terms Used by Women
By: Bill Caserta / Bill’s Blurbs
Now that we are past the Valentine’s Day
“fluff” permit me to remind all men as to
the “real definitions” from their better half.
FINE: This is the word women use to end an
argument when she knows she is right and you
need to shut up.
NOTHING: Means something and you need to be very worried.
GO AHEAD: Warning! Warning! This is a dare, not permission.
Don’t do it!
THAT’S OKAY: This is when she is thinking long and hard on how and
when you will pay for your mistake – and trust me, you will.
WOW: Don’t be fooled. This is not a compliment. She is expressing
her dismay as to how you can be so stupid.
WHATEVER: The scariest word used by women. It is her way of saying
“screw you.”
*A wife got so mad at her husband she packed his bags and told him
to get out. As he walked to the door she yelled: “And I hope you die a
long, slow and very painful death!”
He turned around and replied, “So you want me to stay?”
*And Finally: Do you ever wake up, kiss the person sleeping besides
you and feel glad that you are alive?
I did and apparently will not be allowed on this airline again.
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.
The Man With 3,000 Pens
By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places
Cooperstown has the Baseball Hall of Fame,
Hollywood has its Walk of Fame and now
Las Vegas has its Wall of Honor paying tribute to
a growing number of the city’s current and up and coming movers
and shakers. Since arriving in Las Vegas three years ago, caricature
artist Neal Portnoy has parodied and honored the likenesses of scores
of entertainers, politicians and others including Mayors Oscar and
Carolyn Goodman.
“He thought it was the best drawing ever done of us,” Portnoy recalls
Her Honor saying of her husband’s reaction. Vera Goulet promised
to hang the Portnoy work of her and late hubby Robert next to the
Hirschfelds’ that appeared in the New York Times.
“I get more joy from the response to my artwork,” he says, a fact
borne out by the surprised faces in coffee shops and cafes around town
when an across-the-room diner is surprised with their likeness on a
placemat or napkin.
Unlike Hirshfeld’s intricate black and white line drawings, Portnoy’s
studio works are full color, created from his collection of over 3000 felt
tip pens…Magic Markers. Portnoy’s works have appeared on hundreds
of media guide covers, fund raiser and athletic programs and 197 times
in the Las Vegas Review-Journal including the front page presidential
inauguration issue judged one of the country’s 10 best.
His passion for the art began at five years old copying newspaper
photos. Early in
his career, he
enlarged photos by
hand for an east
coast newspaper,
sometimes spending
100 hours with pen
and ink. “It gave
me an opportunity
to develop my
illustration skills.”
Neal Portnoy and wife Dorothy
The original artwork and numbered lithographs of Portnoy’s
program cover illustration of Duke University’s basketball coach Mike
Krzyzewski helped raise $473,000 for Children’s Miracle Network. His
four illustrations for the Mandarin Oriental’s lounge menu illustrate
four decades of Las Vegas history.
Portnoy travels the country helping companies draw crowds to trade
show booths, offering drawings and patter to lure attendees to view
product lines. He also produces commissioned works of people, pets,
buildings and events.
The Portnoy Gallery… “It’s really a museum,” he says is at 1537 W.
Oakey, Las Vegas. (702) 685-2929.
Sam Wagmeister is The Vegas Voice Nightlife Editor. He loves to
hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact him via email:
LasVegasHomeTeam@Gmail.com.
Tell Your Kids the
Guest Room is Taken
It takes a special person to open their heart and home
to an animal in need. Foster care is a lifeline for animals
who may be having difficulty adjusting to shelter
life, need a little extra care to recuperate from
an injury, or who are young and simply need more
time to grow before being ready for adoption.
No special skills are needed.
You provide the love and care, we provide everything else.
Apply now at
animalfoundation.com
(702) 384-3333 | animalfoundation.com |
655 North Mojave Road,Las Vegas, NV 89101
©2019 The Animal Foundation
7
Xavier Mortimer’s Magical Dream
By: Dianne Davis / That’s Entertainment
Mortimer’s Magical Dream will keep
you wide awake as you think, “How
does he do that?” The show, which opened last
month in Bally’s 250 seat Windows Showroom is
a delight for all ages. It’s 6 pm time slot means early risers and children
can enjoy the sense of wonder and delight that this multi-talented
Frenchman brings to the stage.
Xavier Mortimer is more than a magician. He brings unique
illusions that you most likely have not seen previously. He is an artist
who combines illusions, music, comedy and a bit of drama.
The thin plot line of a man who pursues a woman works well, as
talented performer Allie Sparks, aka Belle, his dream girl and love
interest, crosses paths with him throughout the show.
If you have seen Mortimer’s previous show (Planet Hollywood) go
see him again. He has brought many new segments of magic, music
and fun to the new production. Along with some traditional tricks.
This young man honed his skills as part of Cirque du Soleil’s Michael
Jackson One. He brings a myriad of talents to the showroom.
I was not surprised to discover that the magician studied ballet as I so
appreciated the way he moves gracefully about the stage as he astounds
us with his sleight of hand. And he brings his musical talents as well on
various instruments.
There are no lions or tigers or bears, but I love the hand in the suitcase
that has a life of its own - actually two hands. You’ll understand when
you see the show.
Mortimer has brought along the white screen from his previous
production. He appears at various times on both sides, as does Belle, as
they slide gracefully from reality to dreams and back.
His levitation and jump rope routine renders me speechless. It’s gotta
be magic.
The 70 minute show flies by in this well-paced presentation. Some
audience participation adds to the fun. And don’t rush off. He’ll be there
to take photos and chat as well.
Dianne Davis is also a reporter for Sun City Anthem TV (SCA-
TV) specializing in entertainment, and LV Associate Editor of
lasvegassplash.com. She hikes, travels with her husband Burt, and
works on her stand-up comedy.
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8
March 2019
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9
Entertainers along with Vegas Voice guys at our February “Vintage Vegas Variety Show” at Sun City MacDonald Ranch. The show was
spectacular and we will do it again at Starbright Theater in April.
So Many Great Shows
By: Evan Davis / Entertainment Editor
It’s now March and the first quarter is almost
over. Our first show of the year was just a few
weeks ago and our next one is only a few days
from now, March 8 th at the Italian American Club.
Michael Shapiro has put a terrific group called “Reckless in
Vegas” that consists of singers and dancers. An extraordinary evening
of rockin’ renditions of the best Las Vegas acts and songs ever written.
Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis, Tom Jones,
Frankie Valli, Sonny & Cher, and many more!
There are many other wonderful performers that are world class and
are right here in our little town. Angela Teek, the grand prize vocalist
on the original “Star Search” has been playing at many venues around
town, and I’m hoping she will be able to do a show for The Vegas Voice
soon.
Her resume includes opening for Don Rickles at the Golden Nugget,
singing in a musical called “Beehive” at the Sahara Hotel, performing
the leading roles in “Sophisticates Ladies”, the world premiere of “Ray
Charles Live” and the list goes on.
Another world class performer is from Venice, Italy Giada Valenti.
Her career started in Europe where her recordings climbed to the top
of the charts.
She has received critically acclaimed awards, such as the prestigious
San Remo Giovanni Talenti Nel Mondo and Festival di Castrocaro.
That’s a mouth full, but you get the idea.
She’s been featured on morning shows, cooking shows and has a new
PBS special. You can see her perform at The Smith Center on March
28 th . I hope she’ll have some time to make a guest performance on our
next variety show in April at the SCS Starbright Theatre.
Other show you can expect to see, presented by The Vegas Voice and
produced by yours truly: Love Songs by the Great Songwriting Duos
starring Michelle Johnson and Jeff Neiman at Sun City MacDonald
Ranch on Saturday, May 18 th . On June 7 th at the Italian American Club,
Randal Keith and Philip Fortenberry will astound you with their
Robert Goulet show.
And for a sneak peek into the summer look for our Woodstock 50 th
Anniversary Show. IT WILL BE BIG!
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.
Community Service Award
Red Rock Canyon Chapter Regent, Susan Gormley; Community
Service Award Recipient, Tony Fountain; Community Service
Award Chapter Chairman, Katie Henzel
Anthony “Tony” Fountain, founder of the Las Vegas-based
nonprofit, “Support America’s Teachers,” was recently awarded
the 2018-2019 Community Service Award by Red Rock Canyon Chapter,
National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. This award
is presented to worthy individuals and organizations for outstanding
voluntary achievements in cultural, educational, humanitarian,
patriotic, historical, citizenship or environmental conservation
endeavors.
Tony Fountain lives in Las Vegas and is a retired Senior Vice President
Business Operations, Project CFO and Business Manager for URS
Corporation. He has received multiple awards for his commitment to
the community, including the 2018 University of Pittsburgh Volunteer
Excellence Award in October.
With a mission to promote historic preservation, education and
patriotism, the Daughters of the American Revolution is composed
of nearly 185,000 members, all descended from a Revolutionary War
patriot. The DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service
organizations.
The State of Nevada is home to 15 DAR Chapters. To learn more
about the Nevada DAR, visit http://nssdar.org.
10
March 2019
11
Little Inconveniences
By: Adrea Nairne-Barrera / 60s to 60
We all have little things that irritate us every
day. We get used to them and find ways to
either problem solve - or just ignore it all.
If you have your nails done regularly (and have acrylics) you cannot
pick up a coin from the floor. And you absolutely have no chance of
picking up a business card either. However, if you take a business card
from your desk, you can slide it under the coin on the floor.
If your hair has changed texture over the years, or a new cowlick has
sprung up, no matter how much time you spend, a bad hair day is a
regular thing. In fact, a good hair day is a cause for celebration.
Whatever hair style you may have had for umpteen years doesn’t
work anymore. If you decide to let your hair grow, you chance looking
ridiculous for your age. I tried and my friends made that clear, so I cut
over 8 inches off after the summer.
As for body sculpting for all those unwanted bulges if you’re young
and you still have elasticity in your skin, you have a pretty good shot at
success. If you’re older and have folds from on-again off-again diets,
your chances diminish greatly. I’m part of the last group so it’s not an
option.
12
March 2019
And have you seen the price list for a treatment? Takes investing in
your body to a whole new level!
On to body hair. I cannot speak for men but after the dreaded change,
I can certainly speak for women. For most of my life I’ve done the usual
shaving in the normal places and then, without warning, the places
began to change. Hairs sprouted up out of nowhere and the places that
always had them don’t anymore. Go figure.
The worst for me is the pillows under my eyes. I investigated that too
and was told by a family member who is a doctor that laser surgery
doesn’t always produce lasting results. That was a big letdown since I
actually would spend the money to get rid of them.
Now it’s looking like I am what I am. Pillows, hairs, folds and all
topped with perfectly manicured nails that can’t pick up anything.
Adrea Nairne-Barrera writes of celebrations, observations &
complaints of life in the 60s to being in your 60s.
What’s In a Name?
By: BJ Killeen / Down the Road
As cars become more technologically
advanced, understanding that technology
becomes more difficult. To make matters worse,
each manufacturer has created its own set of names for these new
technologies.
According to a recent report from AAA, out of 34 different vehicle
brands sold in the United States, there are over 40 unique names for
automatic emergency braking, and 18 unique ones for automatic high
beams. And that’s just those two.
While we applaud all the new technology, if you’re new-car shopping,
trying to understand which features are called what will send you
screaming from the room (or the dealership, if that’s how you shop).
AAA is proposing a set of standardized names and definitions to describe
these advanced driver-assist systems, something I have been advocating
for years.
I can understand why the manufacturers want to claim their own
names; it builds brand identity; and while most of these systems are
nearly identical, there are small differences that are unique to each
manufacturer.
If these systems weren’t so important, it would almost be comical. I’d
love to be in the room when the marketing team decided what to call
some of these technologies.
For example, Adaptive Cruise Control at Mercedes-Benz is called
Active Distance
Assist - DISTRONIC;
at BMW, it’s Active
Cruise Control,
and at Infiniti it’s
Distance Control
Assist. No wonder
people are confused.
And don’t get me
started on car color
names!
AAA has identified
the segments: Automated Driving Tasks, Collision Alerts, Collision
Mitigation, Parking Assistance and miscellaneous Driving Aids, as well
as uniform definitions for each feature in these segments. As more new
vehicles arrive and new technologies introduced, AAA will update the
list to make sure everyone who purchases a new car understands what
the technology means across all vehicle makes and models.
We agree that this is a good idea but have yet to hear from the
manufacturers if they choose to go along with the suggestion. Car
branding a big business, and no company will want to give up what it
perceives as an advantage quite so quickly.
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
13
By: Yvonne Cloutier / Musical Moments
Ernesto Lecuona’s composing and pianistic
styles were compared to George Gershwin’s.
His compositions influenced recognition of the
Latin American world, raising Latin music to classical status.
This most important Latin/American musicologist, composer and
entertainer of the early 20th century was born in Cuba in 1895. As with
so many composers and musicians, he was a child prodigy.
At age 3, his
oldest sister gave
him piano lessons;
by 5 he gave his
first piano recital;
at 11 composed his
first song; age 16,
graduated from the
Havana National
Conservatory with
a gold medal for
interpretation; and
at 24, composed his first operetta - eventually composing 50 staged
musicals. They ran the gamut of musical styles.
Early on, though trained classically, Lecuona’s interest in pop
music led him to compose La Comparsita. It was a beginning of his
amalgamating Spanish/European music using Cuban and African
rhythms (similar to ragtime) in blending this music.
He then became a prolific composer of song/music for stage and
film, composing over 600 musical pieces. His greatest hit, Always in
My Heart, was nominated for an Academy Award, but lost to Irving
Berlin’s White Christmas.
Some of his other hits were: Sibone and The Breeze and I. Its
music taken from Andulucia, was made famous by the Jimmy Dorsey
Orchestra. His renowned piano piece, Malaguena, was written in a
Flamenco dance style.
A possible influence on Ernesto’s pop interest was when his father
died. In helping support the family, he worked playing the piano at
silent movie bistros.
Lecuona founded the Havana Symphony Orchestra; helped set up
a piano roll factory of Cuban music; started a copyright company for
preservation of Cuban music; founded the Cuban Institute of Musical
de la Habana and wrote the magnificent Rapsodia Cubana.
Lecuona became a wealthy man, didn’t drink alcoholic beverages,
never married and owned and maintained a farm in Cuba. He moved
to the U.S. when Castro took over Cuba.
In 1963, at 68, Lucuona died of an asthma attack. He was inducted
into the 1997 Songwriters Hall of Fame. His 1954 Ultimate Collection
album is a collection of his own well-known piano recordings.
Yvonne Cloutier, a former teacher/principal, with a music
background, specializes in ragtime piano. She researches and
reports about music on SCA-TV.com/Anthem Alive! You can
contact her at www.mytimeisragtime.com.
14
The Cuban Gershwin
March 2019
A Classic Film
By: Beverly Washburn / Hollywood Memories
thought I’d write this month about a strange
I little film I did in 1964 called “Spider Baby.”
It was a very low, (and I mean low) budget film.
Right around eleven dollars. Ok, I’m exaggerating, but it was about
$65,000.00 which in the film world is nothing!
It was filmed in only 13 days. The reason I opted to do this film was
because it starred Lon Chaney Jr. I was a big fan of his and thought it
would be fun to work with him.
Boy, was I right! He was wonderful and I adored him.
There is a scene where he is supposed to cry, and should you ever
see it, those were REAL tears! He was passionate about doing this little
film, but sadly he never got to see it because he died before it was ever
released.
And I kid you not, a couple of weeks ago, they actually showed Spider
Baby on Turner Classic television. Can you believe it?
I would hardly call it a “classic” given the fact that the budget was
so low, the time frame of making it was so short and it was all very
“campy” and “tongue in cheek.” In fact, if you Google “Spider Baby
the movie” you’ll see the trailer and in it, they even left in an “out take”
of me making a face - which they also left in the movie!
Spider Baby featuring (left to right) our Beverly, Sid Haig, Jill
Banner and Lon Chaney,
The movie sat dormant for many years until Quentin Tarantino saw
it. He is a friend of Jack Hill, the writer/director and he was instrumental
in getting it released.
It now has a huge cult following, along with its own website. They
have even made Spider Baby t-shirts, dolls, cartoons etc. and to my
surprise, has fans from all over the world! Who knew?
Interestingly, without doubt, one of the most classic and memorable
films of all time “Casablanca” received a Rotten Tomatoes score of 97.
And Spider Baby received just under that, at 92! What?
At any rate, Spider Baby remains one of my favorites, simply because
of working with Lon Chaney Jr. I am blessed indeed.
Until next time, remember you’re not fully dressed without your
smile.
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.
Presents
Beverly Washburn
&
MOVIE, RADIO & TV STAR!
Magic Moments
Hollywood
Memories
TICKET HOTLINE
Join us for a delightful evening filled with
Conversation, Clips and Chuckles with
Beverly Washburn, movie, radio & TV star, and
our very own Vegas Voice columnist.
Hosted by Jay Nagle
702 755-3799
www.thevegasvoice.net/tickets
Sun City
MacDonald Ranch
Sat. Mar. 23, 2019
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Doors at 6:30 pm.
Show begins at 7pm.
Tickets: $
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$
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TICKET HOTLINE
702 755-3799
www.thevegasvoice.net/tickets
15
Remembering Marty Allen
By: Earl Wilson, Jr. / Golden Age of Show Business
Publisher’s Note: One year ago Marty
Allen, our Vegas Voice columnist,
national treasure and my “uncle” passed
away. Marty touched so many lives in so many
ways. The following is another (previously
exhausting.
unknown) story involving our new columnist Earl Wilson, Jr.
was
Comedian Marty Allen had created a successful TV and stage comedy
emotional.
act that booked in major clubs worldwide. What people didn’t know about
Marty was that he was a very patriotic and generous man. He put his
especially
money where his heart was.
In the late sixties, there was virtually nobody visiting the veteran’s
hospitals to entertain and comfort wounded veterans returning from
Vietnam. While entertainers were eager to bring shows to the troops in
the field (a wonderful thing to do), the men suffering through their
were
wounds were left forgotten.
Except Marty Allen.
Marty decided to take it on himself to tour veteran’s hospitals across
the United States, spending his own money. He invited me to join him,
and I eagerly accepted.
I really don’t know why he invited me. Perhaps Marty was prescient
enough to realize how important an experience it would become for
me; one I’ve treasured over the decades of my life.
Marty and I spent
a month traveling
from one hospital
to another six days
a week, visiting
with hundreds
of wounded vets
confined to their
beds. Marty would
tell a joke, then I
would sing a song,
strumming my
guitar.
Along
the way we would
bring local beauty
queens to cheer
the men. It was
It
incredibly
It was funny…
when
Marty would ball out
some general about
the poor medical
treatment the vets
receiving.
Marty was fearless;
generals would hover in a corner because Marty didn’t hold any
automatic respect for them when he witnessed inadequate care.
We would make our way from ward to ward and often be told that
some of the soldiers were not expected to survive the day. We’d be the last
person or two they would see. We saw burn victims who had received
divorce notices because their wives couldn’t deal with the incredibly
difficult wounds their husbands had suffered.
Every day was a draining encounter. We went back to our hotel rooms
in the evenings ashamed that most Americans had forgotten our vets.
I was especially sensitive to them because I was in the New York
Army National Guard. But I never encountered one vet who looked
at me with an angry, “Why am I here… and you’re not?” attitude.
On the contrary, they were delighted to be visited by people who were
passionate about them.
One Friday afternoon, toward the end of our tour, I entered a private
infirmary with a soldier who was blind. (In order to reach more vets,
Marty and I had agreed to split the visits, each going off to different
wards.)
Realizing that the wounded veteran was completely without sight, I
introduced myself and asked if he’d like a song. He replied, “Sing The
Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
I didn’t realize the effect the song would have, until I started to sing
it while I looked at the sun setting out the window. How did he know to
ask for that song?
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord…
I could barely get the words out as I felt myself tearing up. By the end
of the song, I was destroyed. I sat with him quietly for a few moments
and then wished him well. I thanked him.
Then I left. I was never quite the same.
Earl’s Pearls: Isn’t it a shame that future generations can’t be here
to see all the wonderful things we’re doing with their money?
16
March 2019
Earl “Slugger” Wilson, Jr., son of Earl Wilson — archivist, author,
playwright, raconteur, song stylist and Grammy-nominated
composer/lyricist singing his truth. Truth needs to be sung.
17
Handicap Parking Placard
By: Heather Latimer / Heather’s Self-Help Tips
Attaching the handicap placard on the
post behind the car’s rearview mirror can
be a bugbear to those suffering from painful
shoulders, arthritic fingers and/or poor eyesight.
In their fumbled attempts, the hook part of the cardboard placard often
becomes crumpled or torn.
Caregiver Bobbi Ellis, who drives patients to medical appointments
has listened to many of the above complaints. One day she hit upon a
solution. She:
(1) Noticed a sturdy rubber band on a bunch of asparagus;
(2) Attached that band to her rearview mirror vertically and on the
far right;
(3) Placed the placard hook through the rubber band so the hook
was protected between the band and the mirror.
You can also purchase a handicap parking holder from Amazon. It’s
made of plastic and has a sturdy hook for fitting over the mirror post.
Perfect? Yes - if you have good dexterity. And yes in cooler states; not
year-round in Nevada and Arizona. Our scorching temperatures cause
the body-part to crumble and the hook to break off.
As you know it’s illegal to display the placard when there’s no disabled
person in the car. It’s also forbidden to keep the placard visible while
driving. This latter isn’t enforced often but it’s a possibility.
Heather Latimer is a nationally recognized specialist in making
difficult subjects easy and author of 17 books.
“A Fabulous Night Out”
By: Carol Chapman
The Foundation Assisting Seniors, in
association with The Independent
Senior Foundation, is pleased to invite you to
join us for our Inaugural Gala on March 16,
at 6 p.m. at M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson.
This event promises to delight, and we look forward to coming
together for a truly fabulous evening. Our vital work for the
seniors of the Las Vegas valley depends on fundraising, and what
better way to show your support than a night out with friends
benefitting The Foundation Assisting Seniors.
The event includes live and silent auctions, dinner and
entertainment by Mark OToole and culminates with the
presentation of the Centenarian of the Year award. The Foundation
Assisting Seniors was founded with the mission of improving the
quality of life for the senior community by assisting them in times
of illness, recovery, confinement at home, coping with the loss
of a loved one and other senior challenges, as well as providing
assistance with everyday tasks such as household maintenance
and transportation. Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation
has responded to more than 100,000 requests for assistance
services.
To purchase individual tickets for $100 or to donate
auction items, please call the office at 725-244-4200 or visit
FoundationAssistingSeniors.org/inaugural-gala.
In association with The Independent Senior Foundation
Cremation benefits and services available for
United States Veterans and their families.
Call today
for special discounts & promotions
(702) 407-0848
11 South Stephanie Street , Suite 140
Henderson, NV 89012
Peter Prah, Sales Manager
www.NationalCremation.com
Presents the
INAUGURAL GALA
Honoring the
CENTENARIAN OF THE YEAR
Dinner & Show with
Mark OToole
M Resort Spa Casino
Milan Ballroom Cocktail attire 6:00 PM
MARCH 16, 2019
VIP Table for eight $800, Dinner & Show for one $100
For tickets call 725-244-4200 or go online to
FoundationAssistingSeniors.org/inaugural-gala
18
March 2019
Quantum Communication & Consciousness
By: Ali Guggenheim / Psychic Phenomenon
In the film Quantum Communication it
mentions the Solvay Physics Conference
(1927) in Belgium which was attended by the
world’s greatest physicists. In hopes of resolving
the inexplicable behaviors over Quantum Mechanics, a new proposal
of “mind over matter” was submitted for discussion.
Physicists Heisenberg and Bohr approached Albert Einstein,
theorizing that the minds of the researchers were affecting the results of
the experiments. They claimed, “the mathematics of predictability was
unrepeatable and unreliable enough to explain what was happening.”
Einstein responded that: “Because it violated all mathematical
models, he couldn’t accept their theory.” This should not surprise
anyone, because most scientists are very uncomfortable with not
knowing how things work.
However, a few years later Einstein announced that: “Anyone who
becomes seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced
that there is a spirit manifest in the laws of the Universe; a spirit vastly
superior to that of man.”
Dr. Claude Swanson, M.I.T. physicist explains, “The wave function
that in mathematical construct describes the waviness of probabilities
of events at the quantum level, collapses when consciousness waves
interfere. Like a bull in a china store, it destroys all the information and
basically forces the wave to start-up again from zero.”
“Our physics is incomplete,” he continues. “This goes back to when
Quantum Physics
was originally built
(approx.1910 -1930’s).
When an observer is
in the ‘loop’, it has
a chaotic effect on
trying to describe the
outcome.”
This is why scientists
are separated from
their experiments and
cannot even observe them. They must wait for their completion before
re-entering the lab.
Unfortunately, when it comes to these consciousness and mystical
theories, most scientists remain skeptical, insisting that there is “no
conclusive evidence to support such claims.” Luckily, some scientists
insist on more research.
Author Dean Radin (Entangled Minds and senior scientist at
the Institute of Noetic Sciences) has stated, “I have little doubt that
the scientific worldview will eventually expand to comfortably
accommodate those experiences we now call psychic,”
So with the understanding that consciousness waves impact over all
things, what does it say about our personal and collective consciousness?
To learn more about Ali, spiritual consultations, coaching, classes,
workshops, and readings, call, give her a call: 702/373-9081.
Endorsed by Firefighters and Police
PAID FOR BY FRIENDS FOR DAN K. SHAW
19
By: Joey Kantor / Vegas Retrospective
Grant Philipo is a tall man, 60, with jet black
hair pulled back into a pony tail. He has a
piercing stare aided by what seems to be a touch
of mascara.
He comes from the world of the most fabulous
aspect of old Vegas; the world of the showroom spectacular where
showgirls reigned supreme. It is mostly gone now, cheesy imposter
shows selling sex but not sexy, according to Philipo.
He has been a producer and designer and is now the keeper of one
of the most important museum collections in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas
Showgirl Museum has over 40,000 artifacts, a collection worth millions.
“We are the only showgirl museum in the world. There is no other.
We knew how important showgirls and showboys are and we didn’t
want that to die,” Philipo said, sitting in his living room/museum
surrounded by the cloth, feather and bejeweled reasons for some of Las
20
The Showgirl Must Go On
March 2019
Vegas’s most shining
moments.
The museum is in his
six-bedroom house and
open by appointment
only. The collection
is worthy of a bigger
venue and he dreams
of the day when his
pieces can be displayed
for everybody to see.
Upon entering you
are seduced into the
fabulousness of it
all. Throughout the
museum are outfits
from some of the
greatest spectaculars
ever produced;
including those from the Las Vegas versions of Lido de Paris, Folies
Bergere, Hallelujah Hollywood, Jubilee and others.
Philipo believes Vegas shows today simply cannot compare. “Most,
not all, but most showgirls were topless. So you had to not only be a
trained professional dancer, but you also had to look flawless without
clothing. And there were restrictions on their breast size, their body
types and their body size and everything else,” he said.
“A showgirl can wear a costume valued anywhere between $5,000
to $50,000 for one costume. And of course in a show she’s wearing
probably up to fifteen to twenty costumes. So you start doing the math
and you realize there is a difference.”
But the museum is not only showgirl costumes. Walk through this
sacred space and you’ll see Shirley MacLaine’s favorite dress - wireless
mic and all, a costume from Donny and Marie’s television show in the
1970s, Omar Sharif’s costume in the film Hidalgo, draperies from Las
Vegas showrooms of old, Carol Channing’s necklace in Thoroughly
Modern Millie, a hand-made gown for Ann Margret and designed by
Bob Mackie, a wax Greta Garbo.
A crop of world class designers filled the need for more and more
fabulousness: Bob Mackie, Michael Travis and Jose Luis Vinas were a
few of the names. The shows mesmerized Philipo as a young man,
basically charting his course.
“If you would have been here in the 1970s, you’d have had no idea
how they did what they did.”
He remembers the flying carpet with the beautiful woman atop it,
white steeds running at full speed on stage, a waterfall with thousands
of gallons of water gushing wildly towards you before disappearing at
the last minute down a chute just inches from the audience.
“You never left a show where you didn’t feel a million times better
than when you went in.”
Joey Kantor is a journalist and novelist. He writes fiction
under the name Fargo Kantrowitz. His Las Vegas based novel,
Babybirds, is available at Lulu.com.
21
Desert Willow Golf Course
By: Mike Landry / Golf Fore Ever
decided to do something a little different in
I my column and write about a golf course
that is near and dear to my heart.
Desert Willow (DW) Golf Course at Sun City MacDonald Ranch
(SCMR) is where I live and play golf so it’s only fitting that I speak to
it. I recently met with the Director of Golf Operations Doug Sipe and he
provided some interesting information.
Opening in 1997, Desert Willow is a challenging 3,811 yard par 60
course designed by Billy Casper and Greg Nash. The course features
22
March 2019
elevation changes rising and falling from tee to green.
Don’t think for a minute that because it’s an executive course that it
will be easy - it’s not. I have seen low handicap players struggle the first
time they play the course.
With plenty of strategically placed sand and grass bunkers, water that
comes in play on holes 5, 9 and 18, accuracy is a must. Fast, undulating
greens with the valley effect puts a premium on putting.
Another aspect I like about Desert Willow is how well players are
received by their top notch professional staff. Everyone is always
informative, helpful and friendly.
DW’s policy to allow non-SCMR resident players to participate in
leagues and tournaments is another key to its success. I know players
from Anthem and other parts of the valley enjoy being involved in these
events. If interested, check in with the pro shop and they will guide you.
Finally, I wanted to touch on the fact that DW is being groomed to
perfection by new course superintendent, Steve Smith and his assistant,
Greg Stevens. With 20 plus years of world wide experience, Steve and his
crew have made a positive mark with manicured landscape and some
of the best greens in the valley.
Keep it up guys; the course is in great shape. Doug: you deserve a lot
of the credit for your vision and guidance.
See you on the links!
Mike Landry resides in Sun City MacDonald Ranch and is a member
of both the Nevada State Seniors Golf Club and Winterwood Men’s
Group. He can be reached at: airmikel1@cox.net
Shoe Solutions!
By: Linda Bateman-Gomez / Timeless Beauty
As an inventor, people often ask me how
I came up with my Fullips lip plumpers
and the answer is: necessity! So when I run across
other types of products that are simple and solve a problem I face, I
can’t help but wonder, why didn’t I think of that?
And one area where I tend to run into plenty of issues is with my
shoes. I love, love, love shoes, but just because they look great doesn’t
always mean they feel or fit great!
Heels (especially pumps) are my favorite, but they often slip off my
feet while walking which is never a graceful situation. I add those
commonly sold inserts, but many times they don’t make enough of a
difference, so the shoes just sit in the closet.
Recently my daughter gave me the perfect solution. They’re shoe
straps that wrap around the bottom of the shoe and then around your
ankle, instantly turning pumps into shoes with an ankle strap.
Or, you can wrap it twice around the top of the foot and shoe creating
a cute strappy look. Simple, effective, and inexpensive too!
They can be found at www.closecret.com and also sell on Amazon for
$10.99 for 2 pair. The straps come in black and beige leather and they
also offer clear, but I’m not really a fan of those.
A quick little extra tip that I had not heard of before - hair spray. Give
your heel and/or the inside of your shoe a light spray for some extra
tackiness to keep you in your heels.
My second new
find is an upgraded
gadget to the
traditional shoe tree
called Forme Shoe
Shapers. Shoes too
tight? Numb toes,
wrinkled shoes?
These Forme are
great!
Unlike the old
shoe tree, this one is
designed to expand
as much or as little
as you need with the
push of a button. So
for the shoes you just can’t break in or those that easily lose their shape,
you can easily do it at home with these.
They are a little pricey at $48.95 for the pair, but if you own shoes
you have invested good money in just sitting there, these just might be
worth the investment! Their website is www.formecomfort.com.
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.
Endorsed by Firefighters & Police
Paid for by Committee
to elect Dan Stewart
23
Watch What You Say
By: Rana Goodman / On My Soapbox
Before you pick up that phone, think of the
possible ramifications.
This incident happened to a Henderson senior.
It was traumatizing to say the least and it could have been avoided with
a simple discussion. Instead it became two days of hell for her.
Imagine if you were in her place.
During a conversation with a friend back east, our lady was ranting
about some political issues that were frustrating her. Commenting that
she sounded depressed, her friend advised that she was going to call the
police. Our lady stated that she was not depressed, she was just venting.
Once off the phone, she continued going about her normal routine.
She cared for her pets and tidied the home, but then came a knock on
the door. Answering the door, she found herself face to face with two
police officers.
The three chatted a while and suddenly our lady spotted an
ambulance through the screen door parked directly behind the police
car. “What is the ambulance for” she asked. The officers told her that
she needed to go with them willingly - or she would be carried to the
gurney.
It was a short ambulance ride to the hospital and as she waited, she
asked a nurse how long she needed to be there since she had pets that
had to be cared for. “Just until the doctor arrives to speak with you” she
said. “It should be by 3:00 pm.”
The doctor finally arrived at 11:00 pm and they spoke for a while.
Previous and Current Chief Judge of Henderson Municipal Court
Founded Henderson Veterans Treatment Court in 2011
Past President of Nevada Judges of Limited Jurisdiction
Marine JAG/Defense Attorney & Company Commander
VFW, American Legion, Military’s Officer Association
“You certainly don’t belong here” he said, “but I
cannot sign off on this. You need to go to Seven
Hills (a mental facility) to talk to their doctor.”
Arriving at that facility via ambulance, she
was checked in as a patient and again told she
must wait for the doctor. By then it was the wee
hours of the morning. Worried about her pets,
she asked to use the phone. “No, you have to
wait until 6:00 am” the nurse replied.
No sleep came that night and promptly at 6 am she walked out to the
nurse’s station and again asked to use the phone. A neighbor, with a key
to her home was called and took care of her pets.
Two doctors eventually came and one by one they interviewed her.
Both agreed that there was no reason to hold her and they would sign
the release papers immediately.
The problem was “a legal 2000” (mental evaluation) had been
issued. Under this procedure, they were legally required to hold her for
48 hours.
Bottom line: that friend had called the police claiming that she feared
the senior might try to take her life. Yet, with no doctor’s verification,
no interview by a mental health professional, the police jumped the
gun and apparently got the paperwork resulting in an unnecessary
mental hold.
This stress could have been avoided if the police were accompanied
by such a professional on the first visit to her home. Meanwhile, trying
to be helpful, her friend from thousands of miles away, forged ahead
and made a phone call, in the process, leaving a painful scar on a
senior that she will never forget.
Again, I ask: What would you do if it happened to you?
You can contact Rana by email: Rana@thevegasvoice.net. Also
check out her blog about life in Sun City Anthem at:
Anthemtoday.com
Favil West, Foundation
Assisting Seniors
Chairman with our
Rana Goodman.
The Foundation
surprised Rana with
their “Special Award
Presentation” for her
efforts in protecting
seniors at their
annual appreciation
dinner last month.
Congratulations
Rana!
FAS Special Award
24
March 2019
25
Eat or Medicate
By: Dan Hyde / Call to Action
As hard as it is to believe, one in three seniors
in this country routinely have to choose
between eating or taking their doctor’s prescribed
medications on a daily basis!
In this land of “plenty”, nobody should be forced to make that choice.
When a doctor prescribes a specific medication, the cost of the drug is
so outrageously high, the patient cuts the pill in half (or in quarters)
so that they can still have a meal for the day.
Obviously, the drug’s ability to cure the patient fails and the senior
continues down a sickly path. This can in extreme cases, requires a
senior’s hospitalization, which results in much higher costs!
This begs the question: WHY? The drug companies that profit from
our medical maladies and have a monopoly and control all drug
pricing, are the culprits. This is no surprise to anyone as we are aware
of these stories for decades.
The question then is, WHAT THE HELL CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?
The answer: Holding your elected officials’ feet to the fire by legislating
action and force the drug companies to do what should be apparent to
anyone.
My Magic Carpet Ride
By: Sandy Lewis / Guardianship
My incredible adventure with Dan Roberts
and Rana Goodman began about five
years ago. Rana called and asked if I would like to
accompany them to the Grant Sawyer Building to hear testimony from
two women who were the adult daughters of two guardianship victims.
Both experienced the horror of parents being “legally abducted” and
placed into guardianship by private guardian April Parks.
After hearing their shocking testimony, I felt horrified, numb and
then angry. I knew then that I wanted to be part of their journey.
Up close, I began to see the clever and somewhat genius ideas Dan
& Rana formed to amend and reform Nevada’s guardians laws. These
two kind and brave people took on the worst and scariest people I had
ever heard of.
The next stop was the Clark County Commission meeting, chaired
by our now new governor, Steve Sisolak. Both Rana and I gave a three
minute speech to the commission, which ended with the removal of
Judge Charles Hoskin and Hearing Master John Norheim from hearing
adult guardianship cases.
Over the next two years, I allowed my life to revolve around Dan and
Rana. I became their eyes, ears and research person. I assisted whenever
needed. I watched Dan deliver petitions to the legislature in Carson City
and assisted in their Vegas Voice seminars all over the Las Vegas Valley.
All of us have seen their amazing results.
How could I facilitate recognition for these two magnificent people?
I nominated Rana for Senior Citizen of the Year 2016 and she won that
I certainly
understand
the profit
motive of a
drug company
and of course,
be profitable
to stay in
business! But
when a drug
patent ends
that company has had ample time to not only recover their investment
costs but reap huge profits.
It should be law, that when a patent runs out, these drugs must revert
to generic status with a guaranteed cost to the patient not to exceed $10.
That is not only the right thing to do, it is the most humanely thing
to do.
Those we elect are there to serve US. So far, they seem to be serving
the interests of those who profit from our misery.
Dan Hyde is a passionate and effective advocate for the senior
community. He can be reached at: dhyde9@cox.net.
With my friend Rana
award. Dan was later recognized and honored by the state and national
media for their Vegas Voice reporting of the guardianship scandal.
In closing, let us all continue to support the reform efforts by The
Vegas Voice and Dan & Rana - The Guardian Gladiator and her
Knight.
26
March 2019
27
I’ll Take a Dull Day
By: Judy Polumbaum / Our View
It started mid-morning with sounds of
commands being barked through police
loudspeakers.
Then piercing gunfire? In our placid little suburban enclave?
I sprinted upstairs and looked out a front window. A team of sturdy
men in helmets, body armor, and behind shields was pointing heavy
weaponry at a car in a driveway across the street.
It turned out that detectives had tracked a man suspected of “violent”
crimes to a house that faces mine. Ordered to produce himself,
the suspect instead came backing out of the garage in a red sedan,
slamming several times into unmarked vehicles that were blocking the
end of the driveway. That’s when officers opened fire.
An arm emerging from the car hung limply out the driver’s open
window. The loudspeakers continued to squawk instructions. The arm
remained inert.
The team gradually edged its way up to the car. Two officers reached
into the open window and hauled out the clearly incapacitated driver.
An ambulance arrived and took him away.
The loudspeakers ordered anybody else in the house to exit. The
woman who lives there and her grown son and another man came out
with hands up. They were cuffed and taken aside.
The Greatest Sunset
By: Morris Heldt / A Senior’s P.O.V.
Having just experienced a terrifying event
with my wife’s health (a huge blood clot in
her right lung) and then just waiting for several
days as I watched the sun set from her hospital window I remembered
back to another time. My wife and I have been very fortunate and lived
in a beach house in southern California for over 25 years.
We were given the gift of watching the sun set into the ocean from
our deck every evening. At that precise moment when the sun slowly
disappeared into the water where the sky met the ocean, I remember
thinking I alone had discovered an oasis in my mind nestled in the
sanctity and security of my own psyche.
Unlike Hollywood’s ability to replicate it on film through special
effects, the actual event demonstrates natures’ power over us . . . and
the gift we have to witness it.
When I phoned police to ask what I should do, dispatch sent an
officer to my door. Politely, he told me I could get escorted out on foot
but could not drive out. Or I could “shelter in place.” The area would
be bottled up at least into the afternoon.
“I’m just an old lady who moved here from Iowa,” I said. “I never
expected this!” His response, delivered with confidence, made me feel a
bit better: “It’s not common.”
More Metro officers arrived; CSI folks photographed, measured,
took notes. Given the “officer-involved shooting” the investigation was
especially involved. It was after dark when the crime tape came down.
The next morning, I was free to walk or drive out as I pleased. I still
felt rattled.
Several Las Vegas natives assured me that indeed it’s unusual for
a quiet residential street to become a war zone. Then I figured it out:
Nothing happens in Las Vegas that couldn’t happen elsewhere in these
United States. It just happens more dramatically.
Judy is a professor emerita of journalism and a transplant to
Las Vegas from New England via China, the West Coast and the
However, the greatest sunset of all was when I was allowed to bring
my wife home from the hospital and we watched the sun set from our
small patio in Green Valley. There was no dramatic moment of the
sun disappearing into the ocean, but rather simply going behind a
mountain.
Nevertheless being with one you have loved for over 48 years, that
sunset was equally magnificent.
I can only suggest that the next time you have a chance to watch the
sun set on this country’s breath-taking landscape with someone you
love, do so. Like me, it might bring a perspective to life.
In these trying times, with so many changes for “we” seniors it’s
reassuring that the sun still rises and sets. Nature is more powerful
than governments or individual dictators.
Regardless if it’s on a wheat field, a mountain range or skyline of one
of our many cities, enjoy that moment. Take that time to enjoy what
was given to you.
Remember the people that came before you and the ones that will
come after you. Because that is what creates a great country, a better
world - the sun setting on generations of families as time goes on. The
power of sunsets.
Morris Heldt is a retired award winning film and television
producer and published author. He and his wife moved to the Las
Vegas valley from the beach in 2004.
Midwest.
28 March 2019
28
What is C.L.U.E.?
By: Jim Valkenburg / Insurance Insight
C
.L.U.E stands for Comprehensive Loss
Underwriting Exchange and its
information affects each and every one of us who
drive a car or owns property.
Back in “the day” the only thing that really mattered on our auto
insurance was our tickets and if we got one, we paid for it. And, worse, it
“counted” on our auto insurance for the next 3 years. Well, times have
changed!
Those 3 years are now 5 for the majority of insurance companies.
Every (and I mean every) claim made on your auto insurance shows
up on C.L.U.E. An example would be an at-fault accident where you
rear-end someone, the vehicles are damaged and the occupants are
hurt. C.L.U.E. could show:
BI (bodily injury) - $50,000; PD (property damage to others) -
$7,500; CO (collision) - $6,000;
RR (rental reimbursement) - $350.
If you keep letting those kids at the car wash call in a claim for a
windshield chip, it would be reported as “CP” for comprehensive. I’ve
seen as many as 25 comp claims on one report which effectively kept
me from insuring that family.
Frequency is more important to an insurance company than severity.
Your company will not cancel or non-renew your insurance if you have
a not-at-fault accident that cost them $20,000, but they will cancel/
non-renew for 3 small claims totaling $1,000.
I once had a
lady call saying
she was being
non-renewed
because of 3
claims; none of
which exceeded
$250. Her
statement was, “that’s
why we have insurance.”
To be candid, you have
insurance for the things you cannot
afford to fix yourself. So when I dented my
car, I fixed it. If you report it to your company,
it will go on C.L.U.E. even if nothing is paid so be
very careful. Even those zero paid claims “count.”
C.L.U.E. is also used for property claims. When
looking to purchase a home, have your agent order a report to see if
that home has had claims. Many companies also count claims you
have had on property you have owned in the past and those claims
follow you even when you move.
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.
29
The Growing Season Begins
By: Howard Galin / Happy Gardening
March brings us the start of our growing
season. It is also the time when desert
gardeners begin to spruce up the appearance of
their yards.
Since we no longer grow “real” grass in our yards, we use instead
“inorganic (rock) mulch, synthetic grass or a combination of both.
Each choice presents us with both positives and negatives. Before
making this decision, we should fully understand these options.
Most homes in Southern Nevada use varieties of rock mulch. Let
us look at the choices presented when using this form of landscaping
material.
Rock mulch comes in varying sizes and shapes. The best material
is crushed granite rocks. This material can be found in sizes ranging
from 1/8” or 1/4” pieces used as a base to larger chucky rocks (2” to
4”) to augment or contrast areas of your yard.
These rocks are usually sold by the ton and come in various muted
colors (the most common being Rebel Red or Vista Gold). Large
“boulder sized” rocks can also be used to focus attention to specific
parts of your landscaping.
The small crushed rocks cost between $25 to $40 a ton depending
on the size, shape and coloring and it lasts between 5-10 years before
augmenting. Larger rocks and boulders are priced by the pound at the
point of purchase.
It is important to get a “weigh receipt” from the landscaping supplier.
This is obtained by weighing the truck before and after being loaded at
the facility.
How much do you need? One ton will replenish 1” depth for 240
square feet; 2” depth for 120 square feet, etc. The drawback of rock
mulch is that the rocks are hard to rake clean and the rocks get
extremely hot in the summer sun reaching over 160 degrees!
Synthetic grass is another alternative. It ranges in price from $1.25
to $3.00 a square foot plus installation. The more expensive “grass”
reflects the sun’s heat well while the cheaper brands do not (heating up
into the mid 100 degrees during the hot summer afternoons).
Have a gardening question? Contact me at: ThePlantWhisperer28@
gmail.com.
Howard Galin, a/k/a: “The Plant Whisperer” is a retired NYC
school administrator, transplanted in Las Vegas who devotes his
time to communicating with and lecturing about our native
plants.
30
March 2019
31
When Sciatic Pain is Not
Sciatic
By: Kyo Mitchell / A Healthier You
Many people have suffered from sciatica.
It is usually a sharp pain in your lower
back, buttocks, thigh, lateral leg or foot.
For anyone who has had to endure this, you never forget it. Simple
tasks like walking to another room or turning over in bed can be
extremely painful. What’s even worse is when your doctor does X-Rays
or an MRI and then tells you that they do not know why you are
experiencing sciatica.
One potential cause for this type of pain that will not show up on
an X-Ray or an MRI is called Piriformis Syndrome. The syndrome
is named after the piriformis muscle which is found underneath
the muscles of your buttocks stretching from your sacral area (just
above your tailbone) to your lateral hip area. The sciatic nerve passes
through the piriformis muscle.
If you spend a fair amount of the day in a sitting position, the
piriformis muscle can tighten up and begin to squeeze and irritate
the sciatic nerve; giving rise to pain. One of the indications that the
pain is due to piriformis syndrome is that the “sciatic” pain gets worse
when you go from a seated to a standing position.
This is due to the fact that the piriformis muscle is used to help
you stand up. As you do, the muscle squeezes the nerve even harder
increasing the level of pain.
Because this is a muscle, it will not show up on an X-Ray or MRI.
A Piriformis Test can check for this but many times it is not done on
patients. Most painkillers will not work since the problem is not one
of inflammation, but rather the nerve being squeezed and irritated.
The goal is to get the muscle to relax. While medical treatment may
help, many times there is a simpler solution.
When you sit or lay down, get a soft tennis ball and place it just
behind your hip bone (where it is sore) so that your body weight is
pressing the ball against this painful area. If this is due to piriformis
syndrome, the pain should begin to ease up in about 5 minutes. If this
does not work, seek out medical help.
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.
32
March 2019
It’s Never Too Late!
By: Mary Richard / Health Fitness
If you made some “New Year’s Resolutions”
and didn’t keep up with them, it’s not too late
to begin again with your goals. Sure, it’s tough to
lose some weight, but begin slowly.
Try not to set goals too high or you will become discouraged. I’ve
been there - so I know it well! If you want to lose 10-15 (or more)
pounds, start off slowly and reach for 1-2 pounds. You will find that you
will not set yourself up for failure if you do this.
Another item that I struggle with on a daily basis - getting a good
night’s sleep! Do you find yourself having difficulty falling asleep? A
good night’s sleep can also help decrease the risk of dementia.
How much sleep is enough? There is no magic number, but the
National Sleep Foundation suggests adults aim for at least seven hours
of uninterrupted sleep per night.
First, make sure you are setting yourself up for bedtime success.
Stick to a regular schedule, trying to get to sleep and waking up at
approximately the same time each day.
If sleep escapes you, don’t toss and turn in bed. Get up, read a book,
or listen to some soothing music until you feel sleepy. Avoid eating or
drinking anything with caffeine or highly acidic foods at least two to
three hours before bedtime.
Exercise is terrific, but if you work out too close to bedtime, you may
find it interferes with falling asleep.
Still wide awake? If you experience chronic insomnia, make sure to
tell your doctor of your concerns so that you may be able to rule out
more serious causes, such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a breathing
disturbance that wakes the sufferer throughout the night and can
cause some serious consequences.
When you sleep poorly, your mood, memory, creativity and problemsolving
capabilities suffer.
Try different methods to relax at least a few hours before bedtime and
with proper sleep, you’ll wake up more refreshed, feel better and have a
greater lookout on life.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND HAPPY HEALTH TO ALL!
Mary Richard is a long term supporter of senior fitness. She
teaches Zumba, toning and dance classes throughout the Las
Vegas Valley. She can be reached at zumbaqueen@cox.net.
Supplemental Needs Trust
By: Jerry Creed / Trust Jerry
It sucks, and there is no easy way to say it…
In a marriage, chances are one of you is
going to die before the other. Even worse, in most
marriages it’s going to be the man that is going to die first.
One of the top worries for a man is will my wife have enough money
to get to the end of her days without running out of money?
What if my wife gets Dementia, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s and has
to go into a memory care facility or skilled nursing facility and I’m no
longer around to see she is taken care of. They cost an average of $8,000
a month or about $100K a year.
Medicaid will help but only after my surviving spouse had spent
down to less than $2,000 in assets. My wife will be impoverished before
the government helps.
Is there a way to protect your spouse, a way to ensure she never runs
out of money before she runs out of days? Is there a good way to protect
your spouse against creditors, bankruptcy, Medicaid?
Good news! There is a way, and if you’re married, you’ve already
taken the hard step. Most married couples should take advantage of
this Medicaid loophole, but haven’t yet.
There is a Medicaid provision that allows a Supplemental Needs
Trust created by a testamentary instrument by a spouse for the
surviving spouse to be exempt from the 5 year look back and from
Enhanced Medicaid Recovery.
Said in nonlawyer
speak,
your estate plan
should be based
on a revocable
living trust and
a pour over Will.
The pour over
Will can create
a supplemental
or special needs
trust for your
wife using your half of the community assets when you die. This is a
Trust created by you, for your wife’s benefit.
Your wife’s creditors can’t reach the assets because the assets in the
Supplemental Needs Trust are not your wife’s they are your assets set
aside to be used for your wife, not “controlled” or “owned” by your wife.
Better yet, if your wife needs to go onto Medicaid to pay the memory
care or skilled nursing bill, Medicaid doesn’t count those assets when
your wife is trying to qualify and will not be able to recover those assets
when your wife dies. Your assets will be there for your wife and then go
to your children or heirs.
To learn more, contact an Elder Law Attorney or come to one of my
free seminars.
33
Parkinson’s Disease (Disorder)
By: Eric Farbman, M.D. / Friends of Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic
and progressive neurological movement
disorder, meaning that symptoms will worsen
over time. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder.
Over one million people in the United States are living with
Parkinson’s Disease. In most cases there does not appear to be a genetic
component. There is a slight male predominance.
The exact cause of PD is unknown, but it involves the death of brain
cells, particularly cells in the area of the brain called the substantia
nigra. These cells produce a chemical called dopamine.
When enough of these brain cells are lost, the motor symptoms of PD
begin to develop and include the following:
1. Tremor, mainly at rest, usually in the limbs. The tremor will often
disappear when the patient uses the limb but will re-emerge upon the
cessation of movement;
2. Bradykinesia – this is slowness of movement such as reduced
facial expression and/or reduced arm swing when walking;
3. Limb rigidity – this is seen as stiffness in the affected side;
4. Gait/balance problems – this is often more of a problem later in
the disease course.
The symptoms slowly develop over years and are often different
between patients. Usually the presentation is asymmetric, although
there does not appear to be any pattern as to which side of the person
is affected.
Although there is no cure,
treatment options include
medications and surgery, and
these can greatly improve
the quality of life. While PD
itself is not fatal, the disease
complications can be serious.
PD does not shorten life
expectancy; however, it can
create a decline in the quality
of life. Exercise can help the
quality of life in PD, and studies suggest that it may also work on the
brain to slow the progression of the disease.
Throughout the course of the disease there may be non-motor
symptoms. Loss of smell is often one of the first symptoms. Depression is
very common. The physician will assist in the treatment of both motor
and non-motor symptoms.
Although nobody wants to be diagnosed with anything, there are
reasons to be optimistic with PD. There are many treatments currently
available, and there are many research trials examining future
medications and interventions.
Eric Farbman, M.D., is the Associate Professor of Neurology, Chief
of Movement Disorders at Roseman University.
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35
A Strait Shooter
By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet
got more than an amazing concert by George
I Strait last month at T-Mobile Arena. I’ve
never seen any entertainer use his intermission
time the way he did.
Most always they head to the dressing room for rest and refreshment,
but not George. He took that time to present a mortgage-free home to a
disabled veteran and his family.
He stole my heart again with more than his timeless music, and we
just can’t let this cowboy ride away any time soon. George himself spent
3 years in the U.S. Army.
It was incredible when he introduced Retired Lt. General Leroy Sisco,
the CEO of the non-profit organization, Military Warriors Support
Foundation. The General came on stage and joined George in honoring
Staff Sergeant Christopher Hardesty for his service and sacrifice to this
country.
When George handed Hardesty the key to his new home in Colorado
there was not a dry eye around. There on that stage I witnessed many
things, and compassion and love were at the top of the list.
I think Willie once sang a song titled, “My Heroes have Always Been
Cowboys.” I now have a new hero and he wears a Stetson, ropes calves
in his spare time and gives houses to disabled veterans.
I found out that each year George raises millions for wounded warriors.
Now he is partnering with Wells Fargo and Military Warriors Support
Healing Through Faith
By: Thomas Mammaro / Vet Voice
“
One year in Vietnam stained my life with
pain and deep scars, 10 days with Heroes
to Heroes in Israel brought me home for the
first time.” Joe Walters
Many of our brave men and women are returning home from
combat with invisible wounds. Not knowing how to heal or reintegrate
into civilian life, some resort to taking medications, others bottle up
their feelings inside, while some resort to taking their own life.
This led New York City area businesswoman, Judy Isaacson Elias,
to do something about it. Inspired by her father, a U.S. veteran of
WWII, and her own faith experiences, she founded Heroes to Heroes
Foundation 501(c)3 in March of 2010 to heal combat veterans through
spiritual trips to the Holy Land (Israel).
“Israel provides outlets to put perspective on what they (military
veterans) were asked to do by their government. It’s where they can
reconnect with themselves, others, and their Creator. If God can forgive
them, they can forgive themselves. People who are connected with their
faith and attend any church, synagogue, or mosque are five times less
likely to die by suicide than the rest of the country.” Elias said.
Each 10-day Heroes to Heroes trip is led by professional tour guides
and coaches, which consists of 12 American veterans who are joined by
Israeli Defense Force (IDF) veterans. Participants get to visit famous
religious sites, as well as sites related to Jewish, Zionist, and IDF
36
March 2019
Foundation with their
Homes4WoundedHeroes
program to make homes
available for them as well.
Hats off to him for not
taking that refreshment
break so it could happen.
It’s an example of what a
caring heart can do with
what they have been blessed with.
Not all of us have the money and influence that George has, but we
do have other valuable gifts to give - even if it’s our time. General Sisco
may be retired and could be spending all his time on the golf course,
but he has chosen to continue serving those who serve to keep us free. I
salute the man in a special way.
As a final note: Military Warriors Support Foundation has several
other important programs for our veterans in their transition from
war to peace. Seems like a pretty good outfit to support. https://
militarywarriors.org.
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
history. Participants also have the
opportunity to get baptized in the
Jordan River.
To date, 244 American combat
veterans suffering from moral injury
have taken the journey. When asked
about the trip, the most common
phrase spoken by alumni is “lifechanging.”
The all-expenses-paid
trip is made possible only through
tax-free donations.
Moral injury: damage done
to one’s conscience or moral
compass when that person
perpetrates, witnesses, or fails to
prevent acts that transgress their
own moral and ethical values or
code of conduct.
If you or someone you love
is suffering from moral injury
or to learn how you can help a
wounded veteran, go to http://www.
heroestoheroes.org/ or call 201/851-
2409.
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37
38
This is one of my favorite classic movies. And why
not? The film is full of Italian style and grace. The
scenery is breathtaking. The villages are lovely. The
people are charming..., And the pasta, and wine...
Delicioso!
Early Bird
Special!
$ 3499.
Air included
pp dbl. occ
So when my husband Ray and I decided
to host a European tour, Collette’s Spotlight on Tuscany
tour with Florence, Lucca, Siena, and more was a
natural choice. Plus, we’ll actually be under the Tuscan
Sun, and there’ll be no pesky packing and unpacking.
We’ll be staying in the delightful spa resort town
of Montecatini in a four star hotel just a short walk
from the charming city center. In fact, one of my best
friends, Iris Newman, who already had the good sense
to take this trip, has told me that exploring Montecatini,
meeting its locals, and enjoying spontaneous casual
gatherings at the end of the day were unexpected trip
highlights. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy
the Tuscan lifestyle. Call us at:
702/463-0966.
Wow! Local professional airport transfers
provided by Vegas Vacationers for every
Collette Vacation with air!
March 2019
Join Us
“Under The
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Ready, Set, Go!
By: Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker /
Out & About
Don’t miss your reunions or dream vacations
just because you’re not as strong or vital as
you used to be. Today few people even notice other’s disabilities. So, find
a trip which pleases you, and is available soon.
Touring and cruising companies encourage making reservations up
to two years in advance. But unless you currently need medical care,
you are less likely to cancel due to unforeseen health issues, if you
consider going as soon as possible.
There are always last-minute availabilities, which are great for
seniors. A land trip like one of Collette Vacations “Spotlight” tours has
stays of four to seven days in America’s or Europe’s most exciting cities.
Daily sightseeing is included, and here’s the best part. Each itinerary
uses a single 4-star hotel throughout, so there’s no packing and
unpacking!
Or you might try Globus’ Monogram Tours, which offer private
vacations in very popular locations. You get the services of a local guide
who provides your trip orientation, escorts you to your luxury hotel,
and may help you with special needs.
Speaking of special needs, regardless of the trip you select, don’t
be embarrassed to request help with devices necessary to your health.
Special needs items are rapidly becoming travel essentials, so rental
companies now provide and set up the personal health items you need
in your hotel or cruise ship.
Motorized scooters and wheelchairs are in demand, along with
portable oxygen tanks, raised toilet seats, and hospital style beds. And
the number of available items and serviceable locations is expanding
rapidly.
One unforeseen complication is hotels and cruise lines have trouble
keeping up with the demand for special needs accommodations, and
regular hotel and cruise ship doors may not be wide enough to allow
wheelchairs or scooters. NCL’s “Pride of America” circles Hawaii every
week with over 1,000 passenger staterooms but only 64 are wheelchair
accessible. Guess which staterooms are being booked first?
Next month we’ll take an in-depth look into innovations that can
really enhance senior travel.
Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker is the Vacation Editor and
the President at Vegas Vacationers. She can be reached at
Merryman2@aol.com
39
40
CARNIVAL PANORAMA
INAUGURAL SAILINGS
www.Vegasvoyagers.Com
Email: Fairtravel@Aol.Com
A Visit to Israel
By: Stu Cooper / Happy Adventures
have travelled all over the world. At
I last count, I’ve been to just about
every state with the exception of some
of the “deep” south states. I have been all over Europe,
including Luxemburg and Iceland. And in 2020 I hope to
finally get to Australia and New Zealand.
However, my favorite travel destination in the whole world is Israel.
There is just no other place like it. I started traveling there when I was 16
years old and honeymooned there in 1981.
I have also escorted a number of interfaith groups over the years. All
my visits to Israel have been magical.
And
ROYAL
I will admit
CARIBBEAN
I am not a religious person.
CRUISE
You don’t
LINE
have to be to
go to Israel. The history, all by itself is enough to make it
interesting and dynamic.
If you are a person of faith and are Christian, Jewish or
Muslim, than Israel takes on a different, special atmosphere.
Some of the most holy, if not holiest western religious sights
can be found in Israel.
Whether it’s the Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy
Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock, or the Western Wall, all
western faiths look to Israel and Jerusalem for wisdom, guidance and
strength.
This is why, with Bruce Ewing (music minister at Lutheran Community
BUS TO THE BOAT
CARNIVAL MIRACLE
14 NIGHT HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
OCT. 19 - NOV. 2, 2019 • BALCONY $2,499 pp
7 NIGHT MEXICAN RIVIERA
JAN. 25 - FEB. 1, 2020
INSIDE $999 • BALCONY $1,299 pp
Call Stu
March 2019
800 698-1101
Church and a member of the Phat Pack) hosting our Vegas Vacationers,
we are planning a trip to Israel from September 2-13, 2019. We will visit
Tel Aviv, Tiberias, the Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea, Masada and of course
Jerusalem.
We’ll be stopping at all the major religious and historical sites along
the way. We even have a two night stop at a Dead Sea spa for wellness and
relaxation.
Take a look at the next page, and if you need more information, we
can email or “snail” mail a full six page detailed itinerary. Of course, feel
free to call at 1-800-698-1101 if you’d like to speak with me about this
wonderful trip. Given the opportunity, I could talk about Israel all day
long. Happy adventures
to all.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE
Sept. 6 - 16,
2019
ADVENTURE
OF THE SEAS
10 NIGHT
FALL FOLIAGE
NORTHBOUND CRUISE
Departs Cape Liberty, NJ, visiting Bar Harbor, Portland,
St John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, disembark
Quebec City
800 698-1101
Inside Cabin
Ocean View
$1,739 pp
$2,029 pp
www.Vegasvoyagers.Com
Email: Fairtravel@Aol.Com Balcony Cabin $2,289 pp
Prices are per person based on double occupancy, subject to availability and
includes your cruise, all port charges, taxes, fees and roundtrip air fare from Las
Vegas to New York and back from Quebec City and airport transfers in New
York and Quebec City. A deposit of $450 per person is due at the time of booking
and is fully refundable until June 1, 2019 when the final payment is due.
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March 2019
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RUBY PRINCESS 12 NIGHT
ALASKA - BUS TO BOAT
APRIL 23 -- MAY 5, 2019
FROM $ 2,119
CORAL PRINCESS 19 NIGHT
PANAMA CANAL CRUISE R/T from
Los Angeles - BUS TO BOAT
Sept. 29 -- Oct 18, 2019
FROM $ 2,859
ROYAL PRINCESS 7 NIGHT
PACIFIC COAST - BUS TO BOAT
R/T FROM LA - NOV. 9 -16, 2019
FROM $ 1,099
STAR PRINCESS 15 NIGHT
HAWAIIAN ISLAND CRUISE
BUS TO BOAT
Dec. 4 --15, 2019
FROM $ 1,979
CALL STU
1/800-698-1101
BUS TO THE BOAT
Wagons Ho! The Oregon Trail
By: Kathy Manney / Around Our World
Thousands of pioneers with dreams of riches
made the perilous journey westward on the
Oregon Territory. The first migrant wagon train
formed in 1836.
Their determination and willingness to endure hardship set western
territory expansion into motion. And this year Oregon celebrates
160-years of statehood.
The Oregon Trail ended
at Fort Vancouver. Forts
along the trail employed
females as laundresses.
Most were single, but some
were married with families.
Their stories are
historically obscure, yet
their job essential. Few
soldiers liked washing
and mending uniforms,
making the laundress a
crucial component on the
frontier.
Laundresses were the only women officially recognized and supported
by the United States Army in the 19th century. Their work included
washing and mending clothing, nursing the sick, cleaning cabins and
lending an air of civilization to remote fort life.
Fort Vancouver’s laundry work was challenging. At dawn, she
chopped wood, hauled river water and then heated gallons of water in
large tubs before shaving lye soap from bars that she made.
Ironing involved a heavy flatiron heated over a fire. Though a soldier
might earn $13.00 a month, an industrious laundress could make up
to $40.00.
The Army officially rescinded laundresses in 1878. When one
commander was asked his opinion, he replied, “Of course these women
cost money – most women do! But I think it will be found that they, like
the generality of their sex, are worth all they cost.”
The National Park Service reconstructed the Hudson’s Bay
Company portion of Fort Vancouver and many buildings. They offer
demonstrations showing what life was like in the Oregon Territory,
which comprised segments of present day Oregon and Washington and
other stretches of the Northwest.
Up to and during World War I, Fort Vancouver was the chief military
headquarters for the Pacific Northwest. Vancouver Barracks (now in
Washington State) remains an operative base.
Among the notables stationed here was future president Ulysses
S. Grant, who served as quartermaster. Officers Row includes the
refurbished Grant house, the first residence built at the fort. A National
Historic District, Officers Row is open daily to the public.
Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an
Adventure Diva. Her “Must See” travel journeys continue - always
with enthusiasm.
Spring Cleaning & Uncluttering is Good for Your Brain
By: Jan Fair / A No-Brainer Minute
A
ccording to a terrific book by Eric R. Braverman, M.D. (see below), stress kills brain
cells. He says, "cleaning up & uncluttering is one of the easiest ways to decrease stress
and increase your ability to cope during stressful times." He says it'll boost your brain health.
So how about cleaning out those closets, drawers & boxes you never unpacked! And if you
have gently used business attire, please consider donating them to Dress for Success.
Dress for Success
This international
organization, founded in
1997, provides business
clothes, accessories, and
cosmetic/toiletry items to
disadvantaged women
looking for work. They
also provide a network of
support and career
development tools to help
them thrive in the
workplace. Go to:
www.dressforsuccess
southernnevada.org/
3400 West Desert Inn, #25
702-684-6412
Jan Fair is a writer, consultant & public speaker who has published over 40 books PLUS the
No-Brainer Brain Games series. Sign up for her FREE newsletter at www.JanFair.com
Mental Minutes
“Donations”
1. In one minute, name
things you can donate to
"Dress for Success".
2. Make an alphabetical list.
Attache case,
Business clothes,
Casual or dress shoes, …
A No-Brainer Pick
Younger Brain, Sharper Mind
A 6-Step Plan for Preserving
& Improving Memory
& Attention at Any Age
by Dr. Eric Braverman
March 2019
45
STEVE SOLOMON’S GUIDE
TO PUTTING ON A ONE-MAN SHOW
Steve Solomon has a trusted secret to keeping his voice during
repeat performances of a one-man show.
“Lots of throat lozenges, and lots of water,” he says.
The actor/comedian has built his career around writing and
performing one-man shows, beginning with the three-time award
winning “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m in
Therapy,” which he’s followed with two sequels.
There’s much more to a comedic one-man show than simply telling
jokes on stage, he says. “Some critics say it’s just stand-up. No, it’s
a theatrical piece,” he says. “There’s a process, there’s a set, there
are characters.”
STRETCHING AN IDEA INTO A SHOW
Creating a one-man show must start with an interesting topic —
something Solomon has no shortage of.
With each of his shows based on his unpredictable family, he plays
up to 30 characters on stage, including his doting Italian mother
and elderly Jewish father.
His family provides endless material, he explains. “Growing up in
an Italian/Jewish environment was hysterical,” he says. “I’m also
blessed with my memory. I can repeat dialogue from years ago.”
Taking stories and transforming them into a full show takes work,
however.
Solomon starts developing a show by penning several pages of
memories and jokes, then works with his long-time director Andy
Rogow to find a common thread and craft a script.
“I come up with the content, and (Andy) creates storylines,”
Solomon says. “He’s quit 100 times and I’ve fired him 10,000
times, and we love each other.”
NEVER FINISHED
A one-man show must be constantly refined to remain fresh,
Solomon says. He changes something for every performance, and
constantly drafts new material.
“Every single night I’m up there, I’m tweaking. I’m adjusting what
I say, adjusting the emphasis of what I’m trying to put out there.
Every word is critical.”
“Steve Solomon’s From Brooklyn to Broadway in Only 50 Years!”
runs from April 5th – 7th at The Smith Center. For tickets and more
information, visit TheSmithCenter.com.
From the three-time award winning star
and creator of “My Mother’s Italian,
My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy”
STEVE SOLOMON’S
FROM BROOKLYN
TO BROADWAY
IN ONLY 50 YEARS!
APRIL 5 - 7
Troesh Studio Theater
groups get perks
Call 702.749.2348 or email groups@thesmithcenter.com
VISIT THESMITHCENTER.COM TO SEE THE FULL LINEUP
702.749.2000 | TTY: 800.326.6868 or dial 711 | 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89106
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March 2019
THIS IS AN ADVERTORIAL PAID FOR BY THE SMITH CENTER
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Speaking to and for Las Vegas
Valley Seniors since 2003
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