Vegas Voice 5-19

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

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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

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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

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occ.

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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

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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

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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

Vegas Voice 5-19

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