Winner of
9 Awards!
2O19
May
For your Health, Wealth,
and Good Times!
FOR TODAY’S ACTIVE SENIORS
with apologies to
my hero, Norman...
Our 1OOth cover designed by
our President, Ray Sarbacker
“ASK LAURA ABOUT REAL ESTATE”
What Features are Potential Home Buyers Looking for?
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
I am asked all the time what specific features current home buyers are looking for, so I have
compiled a list of features that seem to be requested the most these days. Those popular features
are:
1. Chef's Kitchen / Gourmet Kitchen
2. Specialized rooms like a Theater Room, Home Gym, or Home Office
3. 3 Car Garage
4. Solar Panels (owned)
5. Quartz Countertops (Natural or Engineered)
6. Exterior Lighting (important for safety)
7. In-Ground Pool &/or Spa
8. Security/Alarm System and Smart Home features
9. Fireplace (yes, even in the desert)
10. Closet Space - Walk-In Closets
The kitchen remains the most important room in the home, even for those who don't
cook! Features like a large island, a gas cook range, a Sub-Zero refrigerator & freezer, and
multiple sinks and ovens are what buyers are looking for. They want the space to be attractive
and inviting, and for the appliances to be "pretty". The kitchen tends to be the focal point, and
gathering space, of the home.
Dedicated specialty rooms are very popular as well, particularly ones with home offices. The key
for a room like this would be natural lighting, such as a window with a view for the desk. Another
popular trend is to have a Mudroom, with space for coats and shoes. Mudrooms are a great
transition space from outdoor to indoor, and are often made more attractive, organized, and
functional with wood benches and coat racks.
Larger garages have gained popularity, with the 3 Car Garage often being listed as a "must
have." Buyers are not only looking for a place to park their vehicles, but for extra storage
space.
It's no surprise that security features and home automation features are popular, and now they
are easier than ever to install. Having these features "built-in" is no longer required, as most
systems are now wireless. And timeless features, like a cozy fireplace or a well organized walk-in
closet, will never go out of style.
Would you like to know what is happening with the home values for homes like yours? Call or
email me today and I will provide you with detailed information on homes that are currently for
sale, and ones that have sold recently for comparison. Whether or not you are thinking of selling
your home, it's always nice to know where you stand.
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
May 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
6 Highland Creek Dr.
ANTHEM COUNTRY CLUB Spectacular custom home with pool & spa and basketball 1/2 court! .43 acre premium double gated cul-de-sac lot. Approx. 4896 SF of living space,
6 BR/5.5 BA, casita, 3-car garage. Impressive secured courtyard entry with fountain. Chef’s island kitchen features granite counters, custom cabinets, tile floors, pot shelves,
recessed LED lighting, breakfast bar with pendant lights, vegetable sink, R/O unit, trash compactor & Stainless Steel professional grade appliances, and circular eating nook
with volume ceiling (overlooking courtyard). Spacious family room boasts wet bar with refrigerator & ice maker & wine fridge, tile floors, ceiling fan & built-in custom entertainment
center. Formal living room with gas fireplace with raised hearth, ceiling fan & crown molding. Formal dining room with tile floors & crown molding. Large casita
features bedroom with ceiling fan, walk-in closet, sitting area & private bath with linen cabinet, tile floors & shower. There is just too much to list! $1,395,000
1043 Via San Gallo Ct.
TUSCANY 3 BR/3 BA, 2027 SF 1-story home on cul-de-sac
lot in Tuscany! Open floorplan with island kitchen with
granite counters and breakfast bar. Spacious great room
with ceiling fan & 2-way fireplace. Master with ceiling fan,
walk-in closet, slider to rear & bath with dual sinks, tub &
separate shower. $409,900
531 Via Ripagrande Ave.
TUSCANY 3 BR/2 BA, 2672 SF 2-story home in guard
gated Tuscany! Island Kitchen, Formal Living Room,
Family Room and Loft. Spacious Master Bedroom w/
Balcony. Master Bath w/ Dual Sinks, Tub and Shower.
$395,000
7362 Padleymor St.
THE PEAKS 4 BR/2.5 BA, 1655 SF 2-story home with
mountain views! Island kitchen with granite
counters, tile floors, pantry & new SS appliances.
Sunken great room with ceiling fan. Separate dining
area. Master with ceiling fan, walk-in closet, and
balcony. Community pool & park! $283,900
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
1818 Wild Indigo Ct.
SILVERADO HILLS 4 BR/3BA, 2982 sqft 2 Story Home
w/ Pool on Premium Cul-De-Sac Lot w/ 3 Car Garage!
RV Parking! Island Kitchen w/ Freshly Painted
Cabinets, New SS Appliances, and Nook. Balcony w/
Mountain Views! Covered Patio! Fresh Interior &
Exterior Paint! Much more! $462,900
2285 River Grove Dr.
SUN CITY ANTHEM 1 Story Upgraded Madison Flooplan
w/ 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
3
By: Dan Roberts/Publisher
The above quote from baseball Hall of Famer Dizzy Dean and
later from the great Muhammad Ali says it all about my partner and
president of The Vegas Voice, Ray Sarbacker.
As this month’s cover showcases, Ray has now prepared, put together
and placed 100 front pages for this senior publication.
I met Ray at a business network meeting over eight years ago. He
convinced this stubborn publisher to “get out of his way” and make him
responsible regarding all graphics for the newspaper, now magazine. To
my everlasting credit, I listened to him.
Publisher Dan with Vegas Voice president Ray Sarbacker
So please understand my boasting when I shout that Ray is one of the
best, if not the number one graphic artist in Nevada. And for extra credit,
besides his extraordinary skills and talent, he is and remains a man of
exceptional character and principle.
When political editor Rana Goodman first became involved with
the guardianship scandal, Ray was an unmovable rock in demanding
that we continue the investigation despite our then major advertiser(s)
screaming that we “cease & desist” - or face financial failure.
His declaration to tell them to “go to hell” and the subsequent
consequences nearly crippled The Vegas Voice but he was steadfast that
the truth be told. If my Rana was the “face” of our guardianship reform
efforts, he was certainly the “heart.”
Now make no mistake: Ray and I will still yell and go at each other,
but every now and then, when I look back at our Vegas Voice history and
growth of our “little throw away paper” I realize what a fantastic talent
(and most importantly, what an incredible friend) he has become.
For that, I and everyone associated with The Vegas Voice proudly
boast: “Ray, congratulations on your 100 th magnificent cover.”
4
“It Ain’t Bragging if You Can
Back it Up”
Another Great Show!
Vegas Voice editor and host Evan Davis with the fabulous
entertainers at our Vintage Vegas finale last month at the Sun
City Summerlin Starbright Theater.
May 2019
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
PRESIDENT
VP ADVERTISING
POLITICAL EDITOR
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
NIGHT LIFE EDITOR
TRAVEL EDITOR
RADIO HOST
GRAPHICS EDITOR
DIGITAL MEDIA
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Adrea Barrera
John Bielun
Yvonne Cloutier
Dianne Davis
Chuck Dean
Jan Fair
Howard Galin
Linda Gomez
Ali Guggenheim
Volume 16, Issue 3
OUR FANTASTIC COLUMNISTS
PROUD
MEMBERS OF:
Morris Heldt
Dan Hyde
Mike Landry
Heather Latimer
Joey Kantor
BJ Killeen
Kathy Manney
Kyo Mitchell
Judy Polumbaum
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
Mary Richard
Renee Riendeau
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.”
Going Nuclear
By: Dan Roberts / Roberts Rules
Shave it, shave it, shave it!” There was no
“ misunderstanding Rana’s feelings on this
one.
After nearly three decades, I came up with the “great idea” to grow
a beard again. As you can surmise from the above statement, my
Ladylove did not agree with my decision. To put it bluntly, she hated it.
As only my Rana can do, she expressed her opinion most vigorously
without any hesitation. To add to my predicament, my new growth
looked vastly different than in my younger years.
Instead of those rugged macho black whiskers, it was now a mostly
white beard. How can that be?
“I can’t believe the difference” I naively, yet regretfully remarked
to my PILL (partner in love & life). She quickly eyed the old photo and
noticed that there was also another change. Back then, I had more hair
on my head.
“Don’t you think I look scholarly, sort of like a college professor?”
I asked trying to return to the original subject. “More like some bum
off the street” she quickly responded.
Anyway, despite her “somewhat” negative reviews and constant
barbs, I refused her demand and knuckle under. After all, as I puffed
up my chest over my growing belly, “a man has to do what a man
has to do.”
And after she concluded that her arguments had no effect on my
apparently deaf ears, Rana pushed that fatal button and deployed the
nuclear option: she called my mother.
Now I’m a grown man on Medicare, live in an “age-qualified
community” and a proud member of AARP. I have met with captains
of industry and spoke with numerous high-ranking state and federal
officials without any hesitation or concerns.
Yet I froze when she dropped the big one. A shiver of fear overtook me
and then like the great Jackie Gleason portraying Ralph Kramden from
“The Honeymooners” I uttered my own hamana-hamana-hamana.
Now to my mom’s credit (and upon seeing my new look when Rana
sent her a photo), she gently backed Rana up. “Now Danny” (only my
mom still calls me Danny) “why would you want to cover up that
handsome face?”
She’s trying to flatter me, I thought. I knew her game plan and was
up to the challenge.
“But mom!” I exclaimed thinking I had a fool-proof plan. “Don’t
I look like grandpa?” “Yes, Danny” (as I immediately recognized
that change of tone indicating that I wasn’t going to win this round)
“but he’s been gone for over 40 years. You really want to look like
a dead man?”
There we were going toe-to-toe over the phone with Rana just
standing there doing her best to stifle that ever-growing smile. The
“keep it or shave it” conversation lasted only a few seconds more.
And then my mom went “Defcon 1” and fired the ultimate scorched
earth, take-no-prisoners weapon of mass destruction. The one most
feared by every man, no matter the age. She firmly but sweetly stated:
“Danny, don’t make me come out there.”
I started to sweat and shake. Reluctantly I realized that it would be
best to retreat and fight another day.
I sheepishly told my mom that I love her, would call on Sunday, and
(most importantly) that it was not necessary to leave her Florida home.
(But of course, let me quickly add she is always welcomed – just in case
she reads this).
My Rana could no longer contain her laughter as she took my hand,
led me to the bathroom and handed me the razor. Yes, I waved the
white flag but in my cowardly defense, averted a permanent nuclear
landscape.
5
6
Sloping Driveways
By: Heather Latimer / Heather’s Self-Help Tips
On your way to the mailbox, your letter slips
out of your hand and without a second
thought, you go to pick it up. Or some unwanted
flyer or other piece of junk is lying there and
needs to be removed.
Watch out! Bending over on a sloping driveway can be extremely
dangerous. You can fall on your face and break bones.
Launa Ismail RN, Parish Nurse from the Mountain View Presbyterian
Church, has worked with patients and issued a warning: “We all need
to repeat this 100 times. Don’t bend over to pick something up when
you’re facing downhill.”
Reversing your body so you are facing up toward the top of the slope
as you remove the missive might be safer. However if you somehow
tumble and hit the rough concrete, you still could suffer scrapings and
other injuries. Do so at your own risk.
Better yet! Purchase a Trash Grabber with rubber tip, 32” long, from
manufacturer Janilink (888/234-2255) or from Ace Hardware Store for
$19.99.
A handrail is also useful to grab. Artistic Iron Works (702/850-6360)
installed mine from the garage area to the sidewalk beside the mailbox.
In addition to the visible installation, concrete blocks must be buried
below ground to provide a firm base so the price of $200 ensures
reliable work. Most HOA’s will allow this handrail if you are affected
with imbalance or other incapacity and you produce a doctor’s letter
to that effect.
Heather Latimer is a nationally recognized specialist in making
difficult subjects easy and author of 17 books.
May 2019
You Gotta Laugh
By: Bill Caserta / Bill’s Blurbs
But they’re engaged: Phyllis visited her
priest and he told her she must give up
smoking, drinking and unmarried sex if she
wanted to get into heaven. Phyllis said she would
try her best.
The priest visited Phyllis a week later to see
how she was doing. “Not bad” said Phyllis. “I’ve given up smoking and
drinking. However last week, I bent over to get some stuff out of the
freezer and my boyfriend saw me. He couldn’t help himself and made
love to me right then and there.”
“They don’t like that in heaven” said the priest. Phyllis replied: “They
don’t like it in Costco either.”
Missing the Mrs.: Frank had a little too much to drink. He was
driving home from the city one night and of course, his car is weaving
violently all over the road. A cop pulls him over.
“So,” says the cop to Frank, “Where have you been?” “Why, I’ve been
at the bar,” slurs Frank.
“Well,” says the cop, “it looks like you’ve had quite a few to drink this
evening.” “I did all right,” Frank says with a smile.
“Did you know,” the cop said, standing straight and folding his arms
across his chest, “that a few intersections back, your wife fell out of your
car?”
“Oh, thank heavens,” stammers a relieved Frank. “For a minute
there, I thought I’d gone deaf.”
And finally: I may look like I’m having deep thoughts, but 99% of
the time, I’m thinking about what I’m going to eat for dinner.
Bill Caserta is the Project Director for The Vegas Voice and
has a very “unique” sense of humor. He welcomes all funny
submissions at: bill@thevegasvoice.net.
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7
8
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
May 2019
wanted to write this month about the show we did at Sun City
I MacDonald Ranch this past March. The goal was to hopefully bring
my columns to life.
I am so grateful to everyone at The Vegas Voice and Sun City
MacDonald Ranch for inviting me there. And of course, I want to
sincerely thank everyone who came to my show – and especially to all
who wrote me such nice emails afterwards.
It was a fun evening and I was so happy to meet some of my readers
afterwards. Your kind words and support touched my heart, because as
I previously said, I have no way of actually knowing just how many of
you read my column.
Last month, our “Hollywood Memories” also played at the beautiful
Cultural Arts Center in Kayenta, Utah. For those who might like to take
a drive to Searchlight, Nevada, we will also be presenting the show at the
Searchlight Community Center on Friday, May 10 th from 12:00 to 1:30
pm. For more information, please call: 702/297-1682.
Funny thing about Searchlight. Back in 1968 (yep, that long ago) for
those who watched The Hollywood Palace with Jack Benny, you’ll recall
that when he introduced us, he said we were a sisters act from Barstow.
Then when we later played the Sahara here in Las Vegas, he introduced
us as a sister act from Searchlight, Nevada!
As I mentioned at the show, I toured all over the East coast with Mr.
Benny with that same act. Wherever we played, he would pick a name
of a town close by that had a silly name or one that was very tiny in
population. At the time, I thought it was a made up town...and now here
I am doing my show in Searchlight (only) 51 years later! Talk about
full circle!
We are also scheduled to be in Kingman, Arizona sometime in
the Fall. It’s our hope to continue “Hollywood Memories” with more
clips and more
stories. Yep, I got a
“million of ‘em”,
so we’ll continue as
long as people are
interested.
Once again, my
heartfelt thanks to
all for allowing me
to share my stories
with you.
Until next time,
remember: “Think
big thoughts, but
relish small pleasures.”
Hollywood Memories
at Sun City MacDonald
Ranch
By: Beverly Washburn / Hollywood Memories
The Vegas Voice family backstage with Beverly &
Hollywood Memories show host Jay Nagle
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.
My 3 “R’s”: Rindeau - Revelations - Roommates
By: Renee Riendeau / Movie Revelations
Editor’s Note: The Vegas Voice
introduces Ms. Riendeau as our new
movie columnist. Before she submits
her “Renee’s Revelations” we suggested
she discuss her background and ideas to our readers. We
welcome
R
Renee to our Vegas Voice family!
iendeau: Riendeau is a French word meaning “no water” and
is my maiden name. I grew up in Toledo, Ohio and I am the
middle daughter of three sisters.
I received a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s Degree
in Reading and Learning Disabilities. I taught grades K through 10 th in
Special Education.
My last eight years before retirement I was the Fine and Gross
Motors Coordinator for the Glendale School District in California. My
immediate family consists of two married daughters, six grandchildren
and two great grandchildren.
Revelations: When a friend found out I used to write movie reviews
for the Glendale News Press she informed me Sun City Anthem had
their own television station and were looking for someone to broadcast
movie reviews. I attended a TV production meeting, gave my “pitch”
and lo and behold I became the official movie reviewer. That was five
years ago.
I attempt to choose movies I think most seniors would enjoy; staying
away from scary, gory, pornographic,
and/or science fiction. My favorite
movies are biographies, true stories
and mysteries.
I evaluate the movies by giving
boxes of popcorn from one to five -
five being the best. If the filming or
one of the actors is outstanding, I give
out buttered popcorn.
Roommates: Last May when it was
announced that our choir had been
invited to sing at Carnegie Hall I was thrilled! I immediately realized it
might be out of my financial range.
The following week my phone started ringing off the hook. Friends
and strangers started calling me to watch their pets while they travelled
or made other plans. By November I was able to pay for my entire trip
with my 2017 tax return plus the money made from pet sitting.
Since then I decided to start my own business, got a license and
“Renee’s Roommates” is now a reality.
There’s no mystery or secret to my three “R’s” - it’s just easier for this
senior to remember things!
Renee Riendeau is the movie critic for “Renee’s Revelations”
on Anthem Alive SCA-TV. As a dog sitter she operates “ Renee’s
Roommates” out of her home and can be reached at
rriendeau@aol.com.
Tell Your Kids the
Guest Room is Taken
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
9
And the Work Goes On
By: Evan Davis / Entertainment Editor
don’t know if I can continue. Going out
I almost every night and enjoying myself by
listening to some of the best performers in town
can take its toll - but I will push on and sacrifice
for my readers. Now if you believe that, I’ve got a bridge…
Let me run down some of the unique places that will provide you with
quality entertainment at a very reasonable price (which is usually no
cover charge, but please support these venues by eating and drinking,
as this is the only way we can keep these entertainers working).
The Speakeasy, at the Mob Museum, is just that. In the back of
the museum, down a flight of steps you can find a very cool hangout
with a hot jazz singer or a Great American Songbook singer.
But not to linger on one individual venue, there’s the Westgate Ibar,
Barrymore in the Royal Resort Hotel, Monzu Pizzeria, Cleopatra’s
Barge in Caesars, the SLS, Baobab Theatre, and dozens more that
you’ve probably never heard of.
You can always check out my web site to see who’s playing where
and when.
As the entertainment editor, I should fill you in on what we have
planned for you in the next few months. We start with “It Takes Two”
starring Michelle Johnson and Jeff Neiman (with a special guest
appearance by our own Vegas Voice radio host, comic impressionist
Rich Natole) at Sun City MacDonald Ranch on May 18 th .
The Folk Legacy Trio returns to Sun City MacDonald Ranch
Then on June 7 th at the Italian American Club “The Music of
Robert Goulet: Broadway & Beyond” with Phat Pack star
Randal Keith and the piano genius of Philip Fortenberry. And
back by popular demand, we will return to Sun City MacDonald Ranch
with the “Folk Legacy Trio” on Saturday, June 22 nd .
The Folk Legacy Trio performs the Great American Folk
Songbook. George Grove was with the Kingston Trio for 41 years;
Rick Dougherty with the Limeliters and then the Kingston Trio
for 25 years; and Jerry Siggins was the lead singer of the legendary
Diamonds.
They will take you on a journey through American musical history
with their signature dynamic harmonies and some of the most beloved
songs ever written.
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.
By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places
Middletown left Las Vegas too soon;
audiences weren’t through with the
tender 90-minute comedy/drama. With minimal
marketing, word of mouth filled the Smith Center’s Myron’s Cabaret
Jazz to capacity by the production’s fifth and final performance.
Theater-goers clamored for another opportunity to catch the show’s
laughs and tears.
GFour Productions and director Seth Greenleaf assembled the
delightfully nostalgic cast in bringing playwright Dan Clancy’s
characters to life: Didi Conn and Adrian Zmed paired as the husband
and wife best friends to Cindy Williams and Donny Most.
The gentle yet powerful story touches the heart of nearly every Baby
Boomer as they navigate decades of friendship sharing joys, sorrows
and the unexpected events that define their lives. Middletown’s logo,
a sketched roller-coaster with four riders, hints of the storyline that
reflects the realistic ups and downs the two families share as friends.
The show engulfed the audiences in laughs and tears…both from
happiness and sadness…during the cast’s scripted journeys. To reveal
the storyline would diminish the impact for future audiences; suffice to
say that this is a show that should not be missed.
The brilliance of Clancy’s script is illustrated when Conn’s character,
faced with an emotional crisis, desperately asks Williams, “What should
10
Vegas Embraces Middletown
May 2019
I do?”
“What you always do Peg,” Williams
responds, “the right thing at the right
time.” The author has captured
the often misunderstood pleas that
longtime friends frequently ask.
Williams’s reply is perfect - offering Photo courtesy of Ira Kuzma
support without giving advice.
Las Vegas theater veteran, Keith Thompson of Mama Mia, Jersey
Boys and Cocktail Cabaret fame, remarked, “It is a snapshot of
everything I’ve gone through…it reverberated in my soul.”
The local performance was planned to expose the show to audiences
before beginning an East Coast tour. Attendees and the Smith Center
team agree Middletown deserves another go-around in our town.
SAVE THE DATE: Vegas has every type of music…except folk
music…until now. On Saturday, June 22, The Vegas Voice introduces
the Folk Legacy Trio at a 7:00 PM performance at Sun City MacDonald
Ranch. Join Kingston Trio alums Rick Dougherty and George Grove
and Diamonds lead singer Jerry Siggins. Tickets available at the Sun
City MacDonald Ranch community center’s front desk or The Vegas
Voice tix hotline: (702) 755-3799.
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.
Presents
IT TAKES TWO
Featuring the music of Burt Bacharach & Hal David;
George & Ira Gershwin; Rogers & Hart; Alan & Marilyn Bergman;
Carole King & Gerry Goffin,
Paul McCartney & John Lennon …and more!
Starring...
Michelle Johnson
Tickets:
TICKET HOTLINE
Comic Impressionist
702 755-3799
www.thevegasvoice.net/tickets
Sun City
MacDonald Ranch
Sat., May. Feb. 16, 18, 2019
Doors at 6:30 pm. Show begins at 7pm.
$
2O.
Special Guest Appearance
Rich Natole
TICKET HOTLINE
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Jeff Neiman
11
38
Beauty Rest
By: Linda Bateman-Gomez / Timeless Beauty
do not know about you, but for me “beauty
I rest” does not come easy these days. My
mind and body do not want to cooperate with
each other.
Being up at all hours of the night is not only unhealthy, it leaves us
unfocused and not the best version of ourselves the next day. While not
perfect solutions, I have found a few things that have made a difference
and could be worth checking out if you are in the same boat!
First, if you have not tried a white noise machine, it’s at the top of my
list. My daughter was the first to insist on this and bought my husband
one for Christmas (Dohm by Marpac Sound Machine available at
Target, $49.99). The white noise is designed to mask all the small
variations of sounds your brain picks up while you are sleeping that
might usually wake you and keep you awake.
Additionally, for some crazy reason my husband no longer snores
when it’s on. I have no idea why this is, but I’ll take it! They even
make a small travel version, so if you find it works, you can take the
effect with you!
Second, a sleep mask. Try an extra soft, oversized version to make
sure no light accidentally makes its way to your eyes and fools your
brain into thinking it’s time to wake up.
12
May 2019
One sleep mask by Elizabeth W ($30, elizabethw.com) wraps all the
way to the sides of your face, has a silk inner layer for your sensitive
eye area, and a thin, adjustable strap for the head. It comes in a great
variety of fun designs to choose from too!
Third, indulge in dreamy scents. Try a nice pillow mist, Bath and
Body Works Lavender Vanilla is really nice and has a matching body
cream. You’ll feel relaxed, pampered, and adding it to your routine
sends the message to your brain it’s time to sleep.
Finally, shut down your devices long before bed. And on your phone
and computer, adjust the settings to reduce the bright white light in
the evening, to get you ready for a calmer state of mind. Sweet dreams!
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.
Nipsey
By: Earl Wilson, Jr. / Golden Age of Show Business
African Americans were making a place for
themselves in the world of entertainment
and sports in the 1960s. Harlem’s Nipsey
Russell, was popping up on daytime television
gameshows with his unique style of humor.
A witty wordsmith, Bill Cullen, Betty White, and others regularly
referred to him as “The Poet Laureate of Television.” The title was well
deserved.
Nipsey would sprinkle little poems into his act. They were funny,
clever, and he always could be counted on to end a segment with a gag.
Here’s one: Hurricanes are named after women, ‘cause they work
on the very same plan. Start up over nothin’, make a whole lot of
noise, and can’t be controlled by man.
Dad was invited to take a tour of Harlem for a book he was writing
as a tourist’s guide to New York. Nipsey insisted that my father needed a
“Son of Harlem” to show him around “uptown.”
All of Harlem referred to Nipsey Russell as “My Nipsey.” They didn’t
mind that he’d moved downtown to the Big Time, for there was a huge
African American audience out in TV land looking for some of their
own.
My parents and Nipsey entered one of the landmark’s: Red Randolph’s
Shalimar at 123rd street.
Nipsey leaped to the stage and introduced the white visitors - my
mother and father so
that everyone would
know they were “honored guests”
who would be writing about their
journey to the wilds of Harlem.
Always the poet with the right
touch of humor, Nipsey exclaimed,
“Welcome to Mau-Mau Village.
Tonight, I am being a native guide.”
Everyone relaxed. Later my folks
were treated with an introduction to
one of the great sport’s figures of the
day: Wilt “the Stilt” Chamberlain.
The introduction took place at Wilt’s restraint — Small’s Paradise.
Wilt came over to greet everyone.
Nipsey was the perfect guide pointing out Harlem’s African American
culture and the subsequent social and artistic explosion that resulted
in the Black Capital of America.
Here’s a tribute I’ve written to Nipsey: Here’s to a poet whose words
are profound, and through history are sure to resound. To Nipsey
Russell, his wit and hustle, may he rest in peace safe and sound.
Earl “Slugger” Wilson, Jr., son of Earl Wilson - archivist, author,
playwright, raconteur, song stylist, and Grammy-nominated
composer/lyricist of “Let My People Come.”
13
Intuition is Our Soul’s GPS
By: Ali Guggenheim / Psychic Phenomenon
Whether you call it intuition, gut feeling,
sixth sense, a hunch, etc., we have all
been gifted with this protective resource of infinite
potential. It is inevitable that throughout our lives
we will experience situations that “feel or don’t feel right.”
The key is how we respond. Do you listen to your “Soul’s GPS” or do
you dismiss it? The word Intuition stems from the Latin word “intueri”
which means to look deeply within.
However, “without learning how to look and listen to our intuition,
we tend to rely solely on the limited rational mind or external input
from others, which can quickly lead us astray” explains Loner Wolf.
Sir Arthur Eddington was right when he said, “Something unknown
is doing… we don’t know what.” Whether we are aware of it or not,
everything is always in a state of transmitting and receiving. Therefore,
we are constantly in wireless broadcasting with everything around us.
Life as we know it, means that we are in a perpetual state of being
bombarded with positive and negative messages, thoughts and
vibrations that travel at a faster speed than light. Because of this, it can
be difficult for most people to turn off their analytical brain - especially
when emotionally charged.
For thousands of years, many spiritual traditional philosophies such
as Buddhist, Hindi, etc., have connected intuition with planes of higher
consciousness. Today, in the age of technology where life is sped up,
most people don’t make time for deep connective contemplation.
“Many scientists and researchers are now referring to intuition as the
highest form of intelligence we possess.” In other words, “trusting your
gut isn’t woo-woo, it’s a science-backed skill,” claims Francis Cholle.
With practice, anyone can develop intuition as a decision-making
skill. To refine your sensitivity to gut instincts and intuitive nudges, it’s
critical to make space for intuition to grow and to pay more attention
to it.
Bottom line: When you listen to your intuition, you will be wrong
once in a while… but, when you don’t listen, you are always wrong.
To contact Ali or for spiritual consultations, coaching, workshops
and readings, email: alivegasvoice@yahoo.com.
14
May 2019
Senior Golfer Exercises
By: Mike Landry / Golf Fore Ever
For this month’s article, I asked a retired
golf teaching professional (whom I met at
the Desert Willow Golf Course) if he’d be willing
to share some tips to help the senior golfing
community. Here’s what Dennis Boyd offered:
Dennis Boyd
“As we get older, it takes additional time for our bodies to adjust to
physical activities. I often hear ‘The older I get, the shorter I hit the
ball and the more my body aches.’ This is common feedback amongst
senior athletes.”
Stretching can have a significant impact on how we feel, how we play
and how far we hit the ball. Dennis suggests the following exercises that
can help you get ready to perform your best:
1. Single Knee to Chest Stretch: Lay on your back (preferably on
pillows or an exercise mat), grabbing a single knee, pull toward your
chest. If you need additional help performing this exercise, take a towel
and wrap it under your knee, then grab both sides of the towel and pull.
Perform this for approximately two minutes per knee per day.
2. Sitting Resisted Rotations: Tie an exercise band to either a door
or bed post (Chest high while sitting.) Grab a chair without armrests,
while sitting, grab the band with both arms and rotate your shoulders
and arms in opposite direction (keeping level with chest). Perform 1-3
sets at 10-15 repetitions.
These simple exercises will increase flexibility and agility which
will allow you to generate more power and feel better. These are great
exercises; whether you’re just teeing it up with friends or participating
in a senior golf tournament.
It should help you feel better, but most importantly for golfers - “hit
the ball farther.” Thank you, Dennis for your contribution.
If you practice at the Desert Willow’s GC as I do, you will recognize
Dennis if you observe a gentleman making 8 to 10 putts in a row from
15 feet. Yes, he’s that good.
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
16 th Annual
Charity Golf Tournament
May 27, 2019
7:30 Shotgun
Revere Golf Course
$100 per player - all ages / Entry fee includes
Green Fees, Cart and range balls
Long Drive & Closest to Pin Contests
Lunch
Hole in One Prizes
Refreshments on the course
Awards and much more
Over 100 Raffle prizes
Flights for Men, Women and Mixed Couples
Scramble Format
SERVING SENIORS & VETERANS DURABLE MEDICAL
EQUIPMENT & LIGHT HOME MAINTENANCE SINCE 2002
725.244.4200
Entry Forms: www.foundationassistingseniors.org, or Revere Pro Shop
15
1960s to 2020s
By: Adrea Nairne-Barrera / 60s to 60
The other day I saw a man in the grocery
store with a t-shirt that read “I survived the
60s twice!” What a great t-shirt!
So how many actually remember the 60s and what we did? The usual
answer is that if you remember it, you weren’t there. Or maybe you were
at a love-in?
Pot was not legal. Drinking at 18 was in New York. Now pot is legal
in Nevada and the world sometimes seems like there’s a rehab on every
corner. Something got terribly mixed up.
As politicians continue to argue the benefits of marijuana and
components, they sit in bars drinking and discussing our fate. Then
they get charged with abuse and DUI’s while
drunk. What did I miss?
The absurdity of it all is that I, like so many,
am so frustrated now that I almost become
indifferent and retreat into my own space.
That’s not supposed to happen either.
This is just one example of feeling
disconnected from the new normal. We are
getting so pounded with real news, fake news,
commentaries and polls on everything that we
have no real focus.
Now I’m in my 70s and my mind is so
cluttered with distrust for everything I hear that
it makes me turn it all off. We were watching the news and my husband
commented that it never used to be filled with so much garbage as it is
today. And yet, we sit there every night and watch.
In the 80s I hated all the video games coming out and was poopooed
when I thought they would lead to violence in our kids. Now
they play games on line and do something called “swatting” where
they make false calls to police and people get killed. No one takes any
responsibility for anything as they plant ideas into young people’s
heads and call it entertainment.
Every generation moans and groans about the one behind them so
I guess I am no different. But as we improve instant communication
of information (both real and false) we are sending horrible messages.
Misguided ideas that disguise themselves as facts are planted all
around us. By the time we realize they are false, it’s too late.
I am grateful for the chaos of the 60s, discos of the 70s and rock
and roll in the 80s. We were noisy but most of us were more about love
than hate and I don’t recall school shootings or terrorists around every
corner.
I’m thankful for my youth but I am terrified for my grandchildren
and those who follow.
Adrea Nairne-Barrera writes of celebrations, observations &
complaints of life in the 60s to being in your 60s.
16
May 2019
The Folk Legacy Trio performs the Great American
Folk song book, the songs of the great Folk Era
from the ‘50s through the mid ‘70s.
It’s a journey through American Musical History
with their signature dynamic harmonies
enriching some of the most beloved songs ever
written.
These three men have all been involved
with the music from the great Folk Era.
Rick Dougherty
Limeliters /
Kingston Trio 25 years
Jerry Siggins
Lead singer of the
legendary Diamonds.
George Grove
Kingston Trio
41 years
Sun City
MacDonald Ranch
2020 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy., Henderson, 89012
Sat., June 22, 2019
Doors at 6:30 pm. Show begins at 7pm.
Tickets:
$
2O.
At the Clubhouse
Front Desk
Or call direct:
TICKET HOTLINE
702 755-3799
17
Towing and Trailering
Basics
By: BJ Killeen / Down the Road
As the days get warmer and the winds subside
(finally!), thoughts turn to the open road.
For those who are enchanted with getting out there and exploring,
there are few better ways to see the country than with a trailer.
This is the perfect time for newly retired seniors or those with
grandkids to travel. Trailer sizes range from giant 42-foot 5 th wheels to
an adorable eight-foot teardrop trailer.
Whichever you choose, be sure to learn all you can about how to
trailer and tow. There are ways to learn, such as online classes, and even
your local Camping World can help out. It’s a lot more difficult than
just hitching up and heading out.
What you need to know before you go: Towing capacity; Trailer Hitch
type class and weight; Payload capacity; Braking and controls; and
Weight distribution.
While it may look easy and fun, trailering can get you in a lot of
trouble if you don’t know what you’re doing out there. Some automotive
manufacturers are doing their best to help make the task easier.
Many trucks and SUVs, for example, feature back up assists that can
do the hard work for you. Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature
takes the hassle and worry out of backing up a trailer into a camping
spot or dropping a boat down the ramp in the water.
Too Much of a Good
Thing
By: Judy Polumbaum / Our View
Both my sons were born in the San Francisco
area – one in the East Bay, one in the
South Bay. As a New England native, I appreciated a climate that did
not require stuffing toddlers into snowsuits. By the time we left for my
teaching job in the Midwest, they were old enough to dress themselves.
Their dad and I recently swung back through the Bay Area on a
road trip. The natural environment, afflicted as it may be by periodic
quakes, prolonged drought, torrential rains, landslides and wildfires,
remains beautiful. The land is still lush, the weather still balmy.
But we humans have despoiled the place. I used to marvel at the
presence of cars on California freeways at all hours of the day and
night; the people, it seemed, always had places to go and things to do.
Regardless of which vehicle/trailer combo you choose, practice
connecting and disconnecting, and well as backing up and
maneuvering before you leave. Test how your vehicle responds with all
that weight behind it.
Make sure you get tow mirrors to help you see down the sides of the
trailer. Pay attention to the weather reports. Strong winds can push the
trailer and get the momentum swinging fast enough to tip your vehicle.
Don’t overload the trailer or boat with too much gear. Every vehicle
has recommended payload and trailering capacities. Don’t exceed
them, or you may have a shortened vacation.
Trailering and summer are all about good times. Have fun - but be
educated, safe and smart.
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
18
May 2019
Nonetheless, the pervasive traffic always moved. Today even the
shortest drive plunges one into gridlock.
Back in the day, Silicon Valley’s burgeoning technology ventures
represented innovation and gumption. Now tech is the establishment,
its mammoth campuses dominating ever-larger swaths of territory.
The computer and social media and venture capital companies
draw bright minds from around the country and the world, then
envelop them in paradise-like prisons designed to keep employees on
the premises – with game rooms and gyms and massages, never more
than a few steps to a snack bar, and a plentitude of dining options.
Residential construction has spread further across the hills. And of
course home prices have soared beyond belief.
My main takeaway, three decades after departing, was thankfulness
that I no longer live in a region I once admired as being on the
cutting edge of everything. Unlike critics of more conservative bent,
I appreciate all that’s progressive in California thinking and policies.
Yet I don’t fault Californians in the least for seeking saner and more
affordable quarters in neighboring states.
Makes me wonder as well: What’s in store for Las Vegas as it grows
increasingly cultured, cosmopolitan and desirable as a place to live?
How does a community plan for the consequences of popularity?
Judy is a professor emerita of journalism and a transplant to
Las Vegas from New England via China, the West Coast and the
Midwest.
Conventional HELOC vs. Reverse Mortgage HELOC
By: Nick Flores / Loan Educator
Conventional HELOC: It is a secondary
lien on your house. Banks are willing to
give them to you in good times. It’s cheap, easy
money.
They only charge you interest on the amount you borrowed for ten
years, and at the end of 10 years, you are now required to pay principal
and interest.
If that 10-year period happens to coincide with a downturn in the
real estate market the banks can freeze your HELOC, and if it gets a
little bit worse, they will reduce the amount that you have. And if it gets
as bad as last time, they will simply call the HELOC due and payable
immediately.
Why? Because they can.
If you are upside down on the home, you are liable for the difference.
Your heirs will not be protected, and the bank has recourse to come after
your heirs for the shortfall difference in what you owe on the HELOC.
Reverse Mortgage HELOC: Can never be frozen, reduced, or
called - even if the home value goes to zero, and even if it puts your
home upside down. You are 100% FHA Reverse approved.
Remember, FHA Reverse Mortgage is Non-Recourse. This means that
the property satisfies the debt even if the debt is more than what the
value of the property is.
You and your heirs are protected if there is a downturn in the real
estate market. The banks will not hold you or your heirs liable for the
shortfall difference in a down market.
In order to qualify for a Reverse Mortgage HELOC, one of you needs
to be 62 or older. Your house can be paid for or not. And your property
must be a primary residence.
The best way to really look at the Reverse Mortgage is through your
personal lens. We offer no cost, no obligation consultations to get the
specifics of what the reverse mortgage would look like for your situation.
We will also answer any questions you may have.
Call us now so you can get the facts straight and retire better.
19
AB 480: Was recently passed and becomes
law on July 1, 2019. It is a far less restrictive
way to care for seniors that would be at risk of
entering guardianship.
To quote a section of this bill; “An adult should receive the
most effective, yet least restrictive and intrusive form of support,
assistance or protection when the adult is unable to manage his or
her affairs alone. The values, beliefs, wishes, cultural norms and
traditions that an adult holds should be respected in managing his
or her affairs.
This act must be interpreted in accordance with the following
principles: An adult should be able to live in the manner in which
he or she wishes and to accept, or refuse support, assistance or
protection as long as the adult does not harm others and is capable
of making decisions about such matters.”
The bottom line: it enables the senior to name someone he/she trusts
to help in making financial, medical and other important decisions.
This allows the senior to remain in their home and in control of their
own lives and estate.
I first found out about Supported Decision Making when I was invited
to a seminar on this topic by Reno District Court Judge Frances Doherty.
The speaker was a New York attorney who had represented a young
woman with Downs Syndrome who had lived independently as an
adult. Under Supported Decision Making, she was able to continue to
20
Supported Decision Making
By: Rana Goodman / On My Soapbox
TV Doesn’t Define Stardom
By: Morris Heldt / A Senior’s P.O.V.
In this era of reality television and its search
for a “star,” the public has seen many
talented people, young and old. I suspect many
of these hopeful stars spend hours in front of their mirror, with their
karaoke, practicing their song or working on their dance moves, or
simply perfecting their killer monologue.
Most of these wannabe stars have heard from their friends and family,
year-after-year, how gifted they are and how their day is coming. And,
unfortunately, some of these families are praying they in fact have the
winning lotto number in their loved ones.
A few of these people, with their financial and emotional lives
balanced, get to perform in big public venues - homing their act and
talent. However, it is the others I address here.
Regardless of how big or small the venue is, they won’t give up their
dream. Lack of luck in their timing will not silence the spirit within
these performers.
I hope most of these performers, with their dream of stardom, realize
the winner of these hyped television shows is only participating in
a network numbers’ game. It is the “hype” of the show and not the
onscreen talent, which generates revenue for the networks.
The performers that appear on these shows are simply in the right
May 2019
do so.
He was so inspiring that I became sold on this method of helping
seniors who may suffer from dementia and other age-related illnesses.
The very thought of robbing someone of their basic rights, like control
of their estate, or where they reside, who they see, where they go; the
very freedoms we all take for granted gives me chills.
I’m gratified we now have a new way to care for our “protected
persons.”
You can contact Rana by email: Rana@thevegasvoice.net. Also
check out her blog about life in Sun City Anthem at:
Anthemtoday.com
place, at the right time, in front of the right young producer for their
audition. The reality is the majority will not achieve riches and celebrity
status.
Nevertheless, if you have that fire in the gut drive inside you to
perform, do so. Realize regardless of your age and what will be many
rejections you will receive - if you can walk off that stage knowing you
did the best you could do and it puts a smile on your own face, you are
the winner.
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.
21
By: Joey Kantor / Vegas Retrospective
As the young child of Dock and Mary Elizabeth
Saylor she remembers running wild and
free in the beautiful and rugged wilderness of
1940s Kentucky. She also remembers the raucous
nights at poker parties put together by her father.
Even the children as young as six would sip from the dipper of
homemade beer and get drunk at the poker game. All compliments of
Dock. Men would drink moonshine.
Edna’s grandfather Helton would play the fiddle. Her uncle Garfield
would play the banjo.
“High, Low, Jack and the Game,” the odd name of this particular
game, attracted gambling men, often in the hundreds and from as far
away as Tennessee. Her father’s poker game always included a fistfight.
“It wasn’t illegal,” said Adiah Mogal, self-changed from Edna.
“Nothing was illegal back then. We didn’t have any law down there.”
Adiah’s father went into the distilling business. Dock Saylor sold his
Kentucky moonshine in his brother Charlie’s store in Wallings Creek in
the 1940s. Unfortunately, he became addicted to his product and the net
result was that he became mean.
When he put a gun to Mary Elizabeth’s head she had to flee. She had
to leave Edna behind and run away with her mother, Lythe Allen.
Edna, still a young child, went to live with her uncle Bill and Aunt
Jean in Indiana. She wouldn’t see her mother again for another eleven
years.
22
The Long Journey Home
May 2019
Adiah was born with a heavy skin flap over her eyes which her
grandmother Elizabeth, who did lots of doctoring for the family, had
to surgically correct. “You were born with a veil,” Elizabeth told her.
Her grandmother believed that this signified that she was a special
and “gifted” child and warned her to be careful. She was on a very high
spiritual level. Adiah went on to be the resident spiritualist at the 70s
classic restaurant Chateau Vegas for over a decade.
At nine years of age Adiah moved from Indiana to Ohio with her aunt
and uncle and then to Richmond, Indiana. She grew into a teenager.
One day, when she was sixteen, her mother, Mary Elizabeth, surprised
her and walked through the doors of her place of employment. She was
pleased to finally see her mother again and decided to move to Bluffton,
Indiana to live with her.
As Adiah grew into a young woman she knew that she needed
something to do. One thing the Saylors were always good at was music.
Adiah’s entire family could carry a tune.
It made sense then that by 1961 Adiah would be singing in a bar
in Newport, Kentucky. By this time she already had one child from a
relationship that didn’t pan out.
One day someone asked her if she knew who that was, pointing to a
man with a very Jewish name, Hyman Skurow, standing at the bar. He
has a lot of money over in Cincinnati, she was informed.
They hit it off. Hyman wanted to get married almost right away. They
waited six months and married in 1961. Not long after, Adiah carried
her daughter Eva inside of her and by 1963 had come to Vegas.
Hyman became a professional blackjack dealer at the Frontier Hotel
where he stayed for over twenty years. Adiah has lived in Las Vegas ever
since. She arrived during the hip modern age of the Rat Pack.
The South was gone. The Midwest was also gone for Adiah. Now, here
in Las Vegas her love of color and dancing and singing allowed her to
finally stop and put down roots, to stay, her young family growing.
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.
23
By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet
Countless hours have been spent researching
different methods and techniques to help
us veterans get back to normal after experiencing
something as life-changing as war.
As an author of several books on transitional issues, I too have been
part of that cadre of researchers. Inadvertently, I began the hunt in
1986 when I discovered that I was part of the crowd that became a
statistic of the Vietnam War.
After recognizing (and acknowledging) that something was not right
with the way I was reacting to life situations when I got home, I knew I
needed to get some answers. After a few years of wallowing in the mire,
a new quest took me in a few different directions to find a “fix.”
I was offered drug therapy by the VA, which I refused. (Yep, I saw
“One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest”). Then along came group therapy
- gathering with other veterans to re-hash experiences that we all had
in common.
It is good stuff. Not enough can be said for the gains made by knowing
you’re not alone, and in the company of kindred spirits.
Finally, when I decided to try some mindfulness classes, a new level
of personal improvement opened up that gave me an additional tool.
And I want to pass it along.
I’m convinced that what happens when a person is traumatized
really does NOT boil down to just a big bashing of mental faculties.
Heavily impacting incidents also affect us spiritually and could cause
the “I” (who we really are) to be severely detached and distracted from
24
The Perks of Power
By: Dan Hyde / Call to Action
Last month I summarized violations of the
public trust. All involved elected officials
from both parties.
To add insult to injury, we have yet again another high profile
example of alleged political corruption. This time it involves the Las
Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority which is funded by tourists
paying hotel fees, and you and me.
This “astute” body is comprised of elected officials from six governing
bodies and Presidents of six casinos as well as the Las Vegas Chamber
of Commerce C.E.O. Most, if not all, of these Board members have been
accused of dipping into the public coffers to subsidize their so-called
“business trips” disguised as well-paid vacations.
To make matters worse, the recently retired and longtime ex-
President/CEO of the Authority has come under increased scrutiny
due to his very questionable management practices - not to mention
the absurd “golden parachute” (over $400,000) he received when he
retired.
The question remains – who’s at fault? What is the root cause of this
endless corruption of the public trust? The answer – YOU!
When less than 9% of the electorate votes (results of last month’s
Taking Thoughts Captives
May 2019
election), you can easily surmise
that by disenfranchising over 90%
of the eligible voting public, you
need only look in the mirror to see
who the culprit is. “Representative
government” has certainly taken
on a new meaning in this age of
“arrogance of power.”
This will quite frankly continue unabated until, and if you (that
means all of you eligible to) vote and replace these obviously morally
challenged public officials.
An argument can be made that of the many recycled politicians
that have bopped around our electoral processes - from mayor(s),
state senators, county commissioners, etc., etc. – all in an endless and
nauseating cycle of the “same old crap”, can anyone really think that
anything will change for the better?
Until we throw the “old guard” out, the unfortunate answer is
NO. What was that old saying: The definition of insanity is doing the
same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” That
certainly applies here, don’t you think?
Dan Hyde is a passionate and effective advocate for the senior
community. He can be reached at: dhyde9@cox.net.
what’s going on around us.
We may actually get catapulted completely out of our “present time”
life (commonly known as a flashback) leaving us with little control.
This could be at the core of why veterans take inappropriate actions in
the midst of normal situations.
I have found that this is where learning mindfulness techniques can
help. It is simply taking charge over our thought processes. (Long ago,
even St. Paul, stated, “bringing every thought into captivity…”) So, if
you can practice even a little each day, you may gain a bit more selfcontrol,
and find some unexpected peace.
If you’re interested, give it a try. Here’s a simple exercise designed to
focus the attention on the present:
Sit with your eyes closed and pay attention to your breathing. Feel
the air flow in and out. Lay your hand on your diaphragm and feel it
expand on your inhale and contract on the exhale.
Let your thoughts come and go and don’t try to stem the flow as they
flood through your mind. Just observe them and let them flow.
When you get distracted (and you will) just concentrate on your
breathing. Some people find that by doing this exercise they gain
control of their thoughts, and the way they see life around them. It’s a
personal management tool that might help.
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
25
26
Take Me Out (of) the Ball Game!
By: Vicki Wentz / Vicki’s Voice
Last month, I covered classes for my friend,
Carol, who teaches high school PE. I don’t
normally cover PE, because sweating seems to be
the goal of Physical Education classes, you know,
all that “Body Mass Index” stuff, which, please, I can’t ever get the
math right anyway (thank God) so I can’t be blamed for not adhering
to that.
And, by the way, the term “Body Mass Index”? Why would anyone use
such a totally vile word as MASS when describing a body’s make-up?
MASS brings to mind, what, Godzilla maybe? The Pillsbury
Doughboy? The Queen Elizabeth II? A stadium-sized New York-style
double-cream-cheesecake? Humm…I forget where I was going with
this.
So, generally I say NO when I’m asked to cover a PE class. Last month
was an exception, which I only make for friends…good friends…
friends who pay me big money...just kidding, Carol’s a teacher, where
would she get big money?
First, I had a Weights class. Most of the students were athletes, mostly
football players. In her note to me, Carol assured me that each knew
how much weight he should lift.
This was not a class that a mother should teach. I tried biting my
lip every time a boy picked up a barbell filled with enormous round
weights and started straining and grunting, but inevitably I would leap
toward him screaming “Put that down RIGHT NOW, young man!”
May 2019
I spent the entire period imagining my call to 911: “Help! There’s a
boy stuck under several enormous round weights that I told him to
put down, but did he listen? Of course not! And, why?! Because he’s
a man-in-training, and real men never listen to women, do they?!
Well, I bet he’ll listen after his lungs explode, won’t he!”
Carol’s note said to have the other four classes play softball and asked
me to pitch. I instantly declined, due to the fact that I like my face the
way it is and refuse to be the victim of catastrophic injury more than
once every ten years.
So, I had to choose a student pitcher. There were many takers, all
male, although most couldn’t pitch worth squat - I played catcher in
high school; I know a good pitch when I see one, which I did not.
But it was a beautiful day, and at least all of the guys were into the
game. The girls were only interested in forming little groups, gossiping,
putting on sunscreen, fixing their hair, and trying to sit down in their
Toddler-2-sized shorts without suffering liver damage.
I put a stop to this right away, telling them that no one was batting
twice until everyone batted once, including the girls. Huge eye-rolls
among the females, and gigantic groans from the boys.
I didn’t care. I was in character, channeling my inner Babe Ruth,
hearing the organ and the roar of the crowd, smelling the roasted
peanuts and cold beer.
(For just a moment, I thought of sending the first baseman over
to the mini-mart. He was really getting on my nerves - but of course,
high-schoolers shouldn’t buy beer, or drink beer, or even know how to
spell beer…not that I ever buy or drink or spell beer.)
After my pronouncement, the girls had a new goal: Looking the
cutest while batting. This involved copious reluctance to approach
home plate, tossing one’s hair hard enough to cause concussion,
tugging on shorts, and screeching girlishly as they flail the bat around
in the general vicinity of every pitched ball.
If they ever accidentally connected, they would prance girlishly
around the bases, not quite as fast as I myself can run, which is a tad
slower than my son’s dead turtle.
Final score: Boys 65, Girls 3, Ms. Wentz: channeling her inner
arthritis!
Vicki Wentz is a writer, teacher and speaker living in North
Carolina. Readers may contact her - and order her new children’s
book! - by visiting her website at www.vickiwentz.com.
What a Waste of Money! - Part 2
By: Jim Valkenburg / Insurance Insight
Last month I wrote about people who feel
that reporting all home claims is why we
have insurance - even if the claims are small
and insignificant. They feel cheated if they
have coverage and don’t take advantage of getting some money back.
I explained that frequency of claims is often more important to an
insurance company than severity.
The same goes for some auto claims. If you back into a pole and
incur $1,200 damage to your vehicle, would you put in a claim for a
few hundred dollars over your collision deductible? I hope not.
That incident is considered an at-fault accident and you will be
charged for a claim for 5 years with most companies. That few hundred
dollars you received will probably cost you thousands over the next
years.
Just last month a friend called claiming his “garage door hit his
car.” The repair estimate was $2,200. He has a $1,000 deductible and
wondered if he should put in a claim for the difference--$1,200.
I explained since this would probably cost between $3,000-5,000 in
increased insurance over the next few year, he should think about just
getting his car repaired. And if you try to change insurance companies,
all the new companies will also charge you for that accident.
However, never take a chance on paying a claim if another person
is involved and there could be bodily injury – even if they say they are
“fine”!
My pet peeve is the kid at the car wash that wants to fix your
windshield chip. He says to just give him your insurance information
and it won’t cost you anything.
I’ve seen a many as 7-8 windshield claims on one person’s claim
report notwithstanding the charge of only $65 per claim. Why would
a reasonable person give some kid at the car wash their personal
information to fix a chip which may not really be a chip at all?
When the kid tells you it won’t go on your insurance, he is doing
two things: (1) Giving insurance advice without a license (which is
illegal), and (2) lying. Remember, ALL insurance related claims are
reported and filed.
The moral of this article is to THINK before you report a claim for
which you are responsible. Talk to your insurance agent before it is
reported to the company. Get an estimate, subtract your deductible and
see if it is worth the increase you will incur in the future.
What about “accident forgiveness”? Well, it is true that many
insurance companies tout “accident forgiveness” as a benefit of their
product. But do they forgive and not forget? Tune in next month.
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.
Members of the Red Rock Canyon Chapter, DAR and Edward Hall.
DAR Honors Pearl Harbor Survivor
Edward Hall, one of the last survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack during
World War II and a Las Vegas resident, was recently honored during an
event hosted by Red Rock Canyon Chapter, Daughters of the American
Revolution last month.
At the age of 16, with his parent’s permission, Hall joined the Army Air
Corps, claiming he was 17, so he could enlist. He was on kitchen duty
during the morning hours of December 7, 1941.
Hall, now 95-years-old, was awarded a certificate to honor his military
service by Red Rock Canyon Chapter, DAR and a quilt by the Quilts of
Valor Foundation at the Durango Hills Golf Club.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a women’s service
organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education,
and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.
DAR.org. The Quilts of Valor Foundation (https://www.qovf.org/) honors
veterans and current service members with handmade quilts.
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
27
For many with Parkinson’s disease, stability is a huge problem.
This is because if you aren’t stable and able to maintain your
balance well, you are more likely to fall.
Falling is dangerous and because with weakened bones and joints,
serious injuries are likely. There are a number of things that can be
done improve stability.
1. Balance Exercises: The best way that you can improve your
stability is to regularly engage in balance exercises. There are quite a
few balance exercises to choose from that will help you strengthen the
right muscles so that you can walk with more confidence and stability.
2. Stretching Exercises: This is another type of exercise that you can
do to improve stability. Stretching exercises help to increase the range
of motion in joints. This can stabilize your joints and improve your
overall stability.
3. Activity:
The old adage
that “if you
don’t use it,
you’ll lose it”
is true when it
comes to how
active you are.
If you want
28
Five Ways to Improve
Stability in Parkinson’s
By: Jamillah Ali-Rahman / Friends of
Parkinson’s
May 2019
to maintain
and improve
your stability,
you need to
stay active and
keep using
your whole body. This will help you in more ways than just improving
stability.
Staying active helps you avoid common conditions that the elderly
(not just those with Parkinson’s) often face such as osteoporosis,
arthritis and heart disease
4. Good Shoes: Good shoes provide stability because they give you a
flat surface to walk on and plenty of cushion so you have some room
for error when you place your foot down. They will also make walking
around significantly more comfortable which reduces foot, knee, hip
and even back pain which comes from poor foot support.
5. Walking Aids: Ask your doctor if a walking aid is right for you to
help improve your stability. He or she will be able to prescribe you the
right level of assistance when it comes to walking aids.
If you have Parkinson’s disease and concerned about your stability,
then get started on following these tips today to be able to keep enjoying
your life!
Jamillah Ali-Rahman is the Founder/CEO of the Friends of Parkinson’s
Inc, a Nevada 501(c)3 nonprofit. www.friendsofparkinsons.org.
Cholesterol: Ally or Enemy?
By: Kyo Mitchell / A Healthier You
When most people think about cholesterol,
they think of it as a bad thing that can
contribute to health problems like a stroke or
heart attack. While this may be true, the reality of cholesterol is a lot
more complicated.
Cholesterol is a necessary molecule in the body and is found in
almost every cell in your body. It helps to make the cell membrane
more fluid so the cell can function effectively.
Cholesterol is also the precursor molecule for many hormones in
the body. Too little cholesterol can decrease sex drive and contribute
to depression. Without cholesterol in your body, you would not survive
long.
Cholesterol is not a bad thing. However too much cholesterol in your
bloodstream is a potentially bad thing.
Cholesterol comes from two sources. The first is diet. This is why
people with high cholesterol are told to watch what they eat and limit
fats as a means of decreasing the amount of cholesterol.
The second source, however, complicates things. Your liver can
actually make cholesterol. For many people with high cholesterol,
it may not be the diet that is causing the high cholesterol as it is a
problem with the liver.
You may be wondering why the liver would make so much cholesterol
when it is potentially dangerous to the body. Sometimes there is a defect
in the functioning of the liver. At other times, it may be in response to
feedback from the body.
As an example, some of the stress hormones have cholesterol as their
precursor. If stress goes up (especially over a long period) the body may
need more cholesterol to make these hormones.
The usual protocol with someone with high cholesterol is to give
them a statin drug. While these drugs can effectively limit the amount
of cholesterol made, they do have side effects.
Anyone on a statin should also be on Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10
is a necessary component of your cell’s ability to make energy.
When thinking of health, think of balance. Too much cholesterol is
dangerous for the body but too little can also cause problems.
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.
Stretch it Out!
By: Mary Richard / Health Fitness
Now that the warmer weather is upon us – we
are walking more and need to stretch our
muscles. Stretching or flexibility exercises, can
be done at home or at a gym, with no equipment, indoors or outdoors.
Stretching should be part of everyone’s exercising program on an
almost daily basis. To make gains in flexibility, you should do most of
your stretching after you exercise, when your muscles are warm and
pliable. Each stretch should be held from 20 to 60 seconds and repeated
three to five times.
Proper stretching techniques: Go into a stretch relaxed. Don’t
tense your muscles.
With most stretches, your back should be kept straight. To do this,
bend at the hip. Do not arch your back and drop your head forward.
Most stretches are done “statically” meaning you do not bounce or
jerk during the stretch but held for a given duration. In seated stretched,
do not lock your knees when your legs are extended. Keep your knees
slightly bent.
Remember: You should feel the stretch, not pain. Gentle is the word.
Here’s one stretch to start with: Standing thigh stretch:
Starting position: Stand with your feel shoulder-width apart. You
may feel more comfortable with your non-exercising hand holding a
wall or the back of a straight-backed chair.
Movement: Bend your left leg back at the knee and grasp your left
ankle. Keep your left leg parallel to your standing (right) leg and your
knees close
together.
You may
need to push
your knee back
slightly to feel
the stretch.
You should
feel the stretch
along the front
of your thigh.
Repeat with the
right leg.
These are
just a few items
to think about – especially since the weather is nicer for walking and
stretching should be done to avoid any muscle tightening. During my
Zumba classes and with the cool down, I have my students stretch our
muscles (especially the legs) to avoid any tightness.
Enjoy the stretching and make it a routine – daily if possible, but
often during the week.
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.
29
30
2019-20 Collette
Spotlight Tours
Prices shown below are land only, pp dbl. occ.
Air and transfers are available
Unpack Just Once!
Tuscany, 9 days from $1549
Paris, 7 days from $1999
Rome, 7 days from $1499
New York City,
5 days from
$1799
New York City Holiday,
5 days from $2499
Washington, D.C. $1899
6 days from
San Antonio, $1399
5 days from
San Antonio Holiday,
5 days from $1499
New Orleans, $1299
5 days from
South Dakota, $1849
7 days from
And...
May 2019
There’s still
time to make
2019 reservations!
Call Now!
Wow! Local professional
airport transfers provided
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with air!
Call Ray or Crystal at:
702/463-0966
It used to be almost a nightmare, to take your
“best friend” on vacation. But times have
changed, so even taking your pet to foreign lands is possible if you plan
ahead.
In fact, your dog can enjoy the “lap of luxury” if you have the budget to
take a cruise on the Queen Mary 2. Cunard’s flagship recently endured an
entire month of rejuvenation, just so they could offer their passengers an
extraordinary
experience for
their 4 legged
friends.
And it’s
such a success,
you have
to book the
Queen Mary
2’s kennel at
least a year in
advance if you
hope to board
Traveling with Fido
By: Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker /
Out & About
your furry
friend on a
cruise between New York and England. Of course, your little darling has
to have the right papers, along with excellent grooming and behavior,
but the rewards are amazing for owners and pets alike.
The Queen Mary 2 features an owner’s lounge, a pet playground,
and a large outdoor area with an English lamppost and American fire
hydrant, so these canine travelers have all the comforts of home. Plus
these lucky pets have a full-time Kennel Master who handles their
feeding, walking, and cuddling when their owners are not available.
And their day ends with a special biscuit treat as they’re tucked into
their beds in private mini cabins. Wow!
A Cunard pet cruise is extraordinary. But for most of us, a simpler,
more practical solutions are in order for our pets. According to an AAA
study, more than half of US pet owners take their cats and dogs with
them when they travel.
Many of these outings are car trips. We’ve all seen cars go by, with
a dog happily sticking its head out the window, but this is a very
dangerous habit.
According to the ASPCA, besides the obvious risks, there’s the chance
a dog will suffer ear damage, or be exposed to lung infections. So keep
your dog inside the car, where he’s safely restrained with a pet barrier,
pet seat belt, pet car seat, or travel crate.
He may not like it, but a dog allowed to wander is a real distraction
to the driver, puts everyone at risk, and is in danger of being injured
in an accident. Remember our pets depend on us to take care of them.
Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker is the Vacation Editor and
the President at Vegas Vacationers. She can be reached at
Merryman2@aol.com
31
32
CARNIVAL PANORAMA
INAUGURAL SAILINGS
www.Vegasvoyagers.Com
Email: Fairtravel@Aol.Com
Telling Stories
By: Stu Cooper / Happy Adventures
have often been asked where is a good place
I for “seniors” to visit? What’s a good travel
destination? My answer: There is no one or two
good travel destinations for seniors.
As far as I’m concerned, travel is an individual preference. Some
people like visiting Europe. Some like cruises to the Caribbean. The
National Parks are also very popular.
It seems that the one constant however, when deciding where to
travel, is one’s health and ability to navigate one’s way. As we age, travel
and mobility can become quite a challenge.
If mobility is an issue, then maybe a cruise is a little better for you
as you
ROYAL
can limit your
CARIBBEAN
walking while on a
CRUISE
ship. Or alternatively,
LINEa fully
escorted land tour where the convenience of a tour bus makes getting
around easier.
As we age “doing it yourself” (independent travel that is) might be
more difficult. As an independent traveler, you are on your own.
Renting a car in an unfamiliar area might be more of a challenge.
Even with navigation systems like “Waze” or Google Maps might not
always be 100% accurate. Know your limitations and travel accordingly.
That’s why the Vegas Voyagers offer trips for all physical abilities.
Take our “Bus to the Boat” if mobility is a bit of a challenge. We bus
right to the pier and drop you off within 100 feet of the pier entrance.
Or take our trip to Israel where there will be a bit more walking as
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
May 2019
800 698-1101
Travel editor Stu Cooper with “Daily Love & Grace Tour” host Bruce Ewing and
Project Director/columnist Bill Caserta at last month’s Vegas Vacationers meeting.
You’ll never have a better opportunity to visit Israel. Call Stu for more information.
we visit all the holy sites and all that Israel has to offer. Our trip is fully
escorted and guided. Our guides in Israel will be fully licensed Israel
Department of Tourism guides.
But most of all, continue to travel for as long as you’re able. If you do,
you will continue to accumulate experiences that you can tell all your
family and friends about. You will add to the bank of memories that
you can pass on to your children and grandchildren.
And isn’t that what it’s all about? Telling your travel stories. That’s
how you preserve and remember your family history.
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.
INTRODUCING
THE
TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
Holy Land Tour
Aug. 31,-Sept. 13, 2019
Includes the following:
• 9 nights, incl. breakfast, dinner daily, Except last night breakfast only
• 10 days sightseeing in luxury touring coach
• English speaking licensed tour guide from arrival to departure
• One group arrival and departure transfer from/to airport in Israel
• All entrance fees per itinerary
• Porterage at hotels and Ben Gurion airport upon arrival only
• Meet /assist and escort to meet tour guide upon airport arrival in Israel
• Farewell dinner in local restaurant
Rates do NOT include
• Tips to guide, driver, waiters, etc.
• Meals & beverages not mentioned
in tour description
• Travel insurance etc.
• Expenses of a personal nature
Nonstop flight from
Las Vegas to Tel Aviv!
$ 4,739.
pp land/air based on
Dbl occupancy
For more trip details call direct:
800/698-1101
800/698-1101
Price is subject to availability and based on double occupancy.
Single supplement is available upon request.
Hosted by
Bruce Ewing
Here are just
some of the highlights:
Sea of Galilee/ Mount of Beatitudes, traditional
site of the Sermon on the Mount/ the traditional
site of the multiplication of the Loaves and the
fishes./Tour Capernaum, the base of Jesus’
ministry in the Galilee and site of a beautiful
Byzantine-period synagogue /Qumran where Dead
Sea scrolls were discovered / Masada and the
Dead Sea/ Jerusalem/Mount of Olives /Garden of
Gethsemane/ Enter Old City via Lion’s Gate/ Visit
St. Anne’s church/ The Pools of Bethesda/Christian
Quarter of Old City/Church of the Holy Sepulcher/
Bethlehem and Yad Vashem/the Church of the Nativity/Holocaust
Memorial & Museum/Jerusalem’s
open air market
33
Crystal
Merryman-Sarbacker
The Travel Comp
Vegas Loves Viking River Cruises!
Choose either the Romantic Danube or Rhine Getaway itineraries
Your Air from Las Vegas IS Included!
ROMANTIC DANUBE
Budapest to Nuremberg 8 days
Beautiful riverview
staterooms
MAY
2020
RHINE GETAWAY
Amsterdam to Basel 8 days
• Scenic cruising along the Danube Bend,
Wachau Valley, & Main-Danube Canal
• 6 guided tours & 4 UNESCO World
Heritage Sites
• Everything from Viennese coffee houses
to baking your own apple strudel
FROM
$ 3699. pp dbl.
Air included
From Las Vegas
occ.
Beautiful
riverview
staterooms
• Scenic cruising through the Middle Rhine
from Amsterdam to Basel
• 6 guided tours & 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Everything from city excitement to
Alsatian flammkuchen
Call Crystal Today!
702 419-0550
Note: These prices are for May 2020, many other dates, upgrades,
and great pricing are available. Call Crystal for more information
34 2
May August 2019 2017
any Designed Especially for Active Seniors!
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2019-20 Collette Spotlight Tours
Unpack Just Once!
Prices shown below are land only, per person dbl. occ.
Air and transfers are available
Tuscany, 9 days from $1549
Paris, 7 days from $1999
Rome, 7 days from $1499
New York City, 5 days from $1799
New York City Holiday, 5 days from $2499
Washington, D.C. 6 days from $1899
San Antonio, 5 days from $1399
San Antonio Holiday, 5 days from $1499
New Orleans, 5 days from $1299
South Dakota, 7 days from $1849
And...
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2019 reservations!
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353
36
May 2019
The Strat - Oh, What a View
By: Kathy Manney / Around Our World
Las Vegas is Nevada’s top tourist attraction
and Nevada has more gambling machines
than any other place in the world. Tourists the
world over flock here for the gambling, bustle and
buzz, while those living in Las Vegas often take it for granted.
In October 2018,
Trip Advisor named the
top of the Stratosphere
one of America’s
most beautiful places
for the view. If you
watched the TV show
CSI: Crime Scene
Investigation, you
may remember that
the Stratosphere tower
was often flashed.
Before transforming
into the Stratosphere
Hotel Casino it was
Bob Stupack’s Vegas
World. Stupack had
a dream: he wanted
to create something
far more illustrious
than the small box
like hotel casino he
currently owned -
and Stupack thought
large. At 1,149 feet and 100 million pounds, the tower he built is higher
than the Eiffel Tower’s “mere” 985 feet high – and just shy of the
Empire State Building, 1,250 feet tall.
The Stratosphere tower, now known as the Strat, has dominated Las
Vegas landscape since opening in April 1996, becoming a signature of
the city’s iconic image. For many, it is a must see attraction.
Looming above the city, the observation decks grant panoramic views
of the Las Vegas strip and the desert valley; with Arizona and Utah part
of the wide distant sweep. A visitor was overheard, “This view just might
be better than winning the jackpot.”
It had been years since my husband and I had been here and we
came to stay a night and recheck the view where a million lights below
jeweled the night. The following morning, the sun rises outside our
hotel room window and slowly Las Vegas wakes.
We see the vibrant city below, the cars and hurry bustle. Soon we
will return home, our staycation ended. Beyond fun and relaxation, we
had an opportunity to explore, learn, and grow. Our Strat staycation
certainly cast its spell - if only for the night!
Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an
Adventure Diva. Her “Must See” travel journeys continue - always
with enthusiasm.
Palm Trees
By: Howard Galin / Happy Gardening
As we drive through Las Vegas, we see a
myriad of palm trees lining the streets and
yards in our communities. It is interesting to learn
however, that there are actually NO palm trees that are indigenous to
Nevada!
Therefore, not all palms are suited to grow in our unique climate. As
a result, they may not thrive or even survive if planted here.
Let’s look at some of the worst and best suited palms to plant in our
neighborhoods.
Two of the worst choices of palms to plant are the Queen Palm and
the Pygmy Date Palm. The Queen Palm does not do well in hot, dry
climates or in soil that has high alkaline (pH) levels -two factors that
are prevalent here. In addition, it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures
which is not uncommon during our winter.
The Pygmy Date Palm should only be grown in containers or in areas
protected from temperature and extreme wind since it is not suited for
a desert climate. Additionally, both palms require moderate to high
water consumption to survive.
Good choices for our area are: the Mediterranean Fan, Windmill
Fan, Palmetto, and Mexican Fan. All four of these palms can endure
extreme temperatures and need low to moderate levels of water to
survive.
The fan palms are somewhat susceptible to wind damage so take
note of this when
planting. The
Mediterranean Fan
Palm resists wind
damage and can be
“trained” to grow
low and wide, or
tall and narrow by
leaving its multiple
arms or pruning
them off. It is also
unaffected by strong winds and sandy soil making this palm a good
choice.
Another popular choice for our area is the Canary Date Palm. Keep
in mind however, that although it can tolerate temperature extremes
and is resistant to wind damage, it requires a greater amount of water,
and as it matures, it may become too large for many yards.
It also requires periodic “bark shaving” to maintain its Pineapple
Shape. This is a somewhat expensive procedure that should be
considered.
Have any questions? Contact me: 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.
37
Gardening 4 Brain Health + 100 Flags for Memorial Day
By: Jan Fair / A No-Brainer Minute
M
any "Garden Clubs" across America will be honoring veterans this Memorial Day by
planting flags in their gardens - - a tradition which begun in Boston, Mass., a decade ago.
Members of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., along with the public, plan to attend.
And the good news about gardening is it boosts brain health because it involves
exercise & problem solving, promotes healthy eating, and is a wonderful stress relief.
Sunset
Garden
Club
2nd Tuesday
noon-2p
Paseo Verde
Library
www.sunset
gardenclub
ofnv.org
Visit Memorial Garden on May 27, 6a-6p
at Silver Springs Rec. Center
Sunset Garden Club will display 100 flags to honor
service members who've died defending our nation.
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
“Gardens”
1.In one minute, name words
associated with gardens.
2.Make an alphabetical list.
Arborist, Bonsai,
Chrysanthemums, …
A No-Brainer Pick
Gardening for a
Lifetime: How to
Garden Wiser as
You Grow Older
by
Sydney Eddison
May 2019
38
May 2019
39
Speaking to and for Las Vegas
Valley Seniors since 2003
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