The Vegas Voice 12-19

Winner of
11 Awards!
2O19
December
For your Health, Wealth,
and Good Times!
NEVADA’S MOST POWERFUL SENIOR PUBLICATION
IN THIS ISSUE:
Holiday Wishes
Health Concerns
Travel Plans
For 2020
Put your home to work for
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“ASK LAURA ABOUT REAL ESTATE”
Understanding 1031 Exchanges– Step by Step
Laura Harbison
Broker/Owner
B.0026537.LLC/ PM.0164922.BKR
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!
7022-777-1234
Under section 1031 of the US International Revenue Code, a taxpayer may defer recognition of
capital gains and related federal income tax liability on the exchange of certain types of property, a
process known as a 1031 exchange. Understanding the process up front is important to your success.
First you must decide if a 1031 Exchange is right for you. With all the costs, requirements, and time
deadlines, simply paying the tax and moving on may be advantageous in some circumstances. A 1031
exchange is a way to defer tax and potentially eliminate taxes in the long run. Long term planning is
key in deciding whether an exchange is right for you, so be sure to consult your tax planning
professional!
You then list your property for sale, as you ordinarily would. Your Real Estate Broker will include
language in the listing paperwork regarding your desire to do a 1031 exchange and the buyer's
requirement to cooperate. Be sure to choose a real estate professional with experience in 1031 Tax
Deferred Exchanges!
Next, start looking for a replacement property. Keep in mind that the moment the relinquished
property is sold (closed), the 45-day countdown to formally identify your replacement property
begins. Therefore, your Real Estate Broker should help you start looking for a replacement property
immediately.
You will also need a qualified intermediary to facilitate the exchange. Look for a solid, professional,
reputable company. Be careful!
When someone agrees to purchase your property, you will need to make sure the paperwork clearly
states that you will be participating in a 1031 exchange, and that the Buyer agrees to cooperate (at
no cost or consequence to them - but there is paperwork they will be required to sign). The title
company will handle the closing, as with any other real estate transaction, except that your qualified
intermediary will be actively involved in the process, and the funds will transfer to their bank
account, not yours. You are NOT allowed to "touch" the money (as that would invalidate the
exchange.)
Within 45 days of the closing of your relinquished property you must officially designate the property
you intend to purchase. Keep in mind, you can identify up to three properties, or more if you close
on 95% of them or the total combined value of the identified properties is less than 200% of the sales
price of your relinquished property. You have up to 180 days to close on the replacement property
(including the 45 days) and complete the exchange from the date that your relinquished property
closes escrow.
You will need to get a property under contract and open escrow, making sure the Seller knows you
are purchasing through a 1031 exchange (and that they agree to cooperate with the process and sign
the necessary paperwork). You do not have to wait until your relinquished property closes escrow to
begin this process, as long as your Real Estate Broker includes the proper contingency language in
your offer. You, your Real Estate Broker, and your qualified intermediary will work with the title
company to make sure that all of the paperwork is completed properly.
The qualified intermediary will wire your money to the title company, and the property will close as
in a normal transaction, deferring your need to pay the taxes. You can repeat this process over and
over again on properties and continue deferring taxes indefinitely.
Sharing your goals,
Laura Harbison, ABR, AHWD, BPOR, BS, CDPE, CRS, DRB, GRI, RSPS, SRES
Realty Executives Southern Nevada Properties
Broker/Owner License # B.0026537.LLC / PM.0164922.BKR
770 Coronado Center Drive, Ste. 100
Henderson, NV 89052
Office: 702-777-1234
2
December 2019

Sold Is Our Favorite Word...Let Us Make It Yours!
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WITH LAURA HARBISON!
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Laura Harbison | Broker / Owner
B.0026537.LLC | PM.0164922.BKR
Realty Executives Southern Nevada Properties
702-777-1234
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3

4
December 2019
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
PRESIDENT
VP ADVERTISING
POLITICAL EDITOR
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
NIGHT LIFE EDITOR
TRAVEL EDITOR
RADIO HOST
GRAPHICS EDITOR
DIGITAL MEDIA
VIDEO EDITOR
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Adrea Barrera
John Bielun
Yvonne Cloutier
Dianne Davis
Chuck Dean
Jan Fair
Howard Galin
Susan Goldfein
Linda Gomez
Volume 16, Issue 10
OUR FANTASTIC COLUMNISTS
PROUD
MEMBERS OF:
Ali Guggenheim
Morris Heldt
Dan Hyde
Mike Landry
Heather Latimer
Joey Kantor
BJ Killeen
Kathy Manney
Kyo Mitchell
Dan Roberts
dan@thevegasvoice.net
Ray Sarbacker
ray@thevegasvoice.net
Debbie Landry
debbie@thevegasvoice.net
Rana Goodman
rana@thevegasvoice.net
Evan Davis
evan@thevegasvoice.net
Sam Wagmeister
Stu Cooper
Rich Natole / Jon Lindquist
Michael Roberts
Ross Roberts
Matthew Moore
Bill Caserta
bill@thevegasvoice.net
Aaron Phillips
Judy Polumbaum
Mary Richard
Renee Riendeau
Crystal Sarbacker
Jim Valkenburg
Beverly Washburn
Vicki Wentz
About The Vegas Voice
In 2019, The Vegas Voice received 11 national awards from the
North American Mature Publishers Association. The awards were for our
guardianship special efforts, editorial and columns, front page graphics,
overall design and “General Excellence.”
The judges found (and we humbly
agree) that The Vegas Voice puts
a premium on well-informed
columnists who cover a lot of bases.
Serious issues are thoughtfully
discussed, but there’s enough fun
to lighten the mix.

You Got Mail
By: Dan Roberts / Roberts Rules
“
Rana, you’re going to hurt yourself
carrying all that stuff.”
That’s was my daily (except on Sunday)
admonishment to my PILL (partner in love & life) as she checked
our mailbox. It’s unbelievable but true. Since
Halloween, she has been swamped with catalogs
and brochures.
The catalogs don’t discriminate, she gets them
all. From clothing to cosmetics, from travel
options to holiday gift ideas, my Rana has been
receiving, on average, 8 a day. Frankly, it’s been
overwhelming.
“Don’t throw them away,” she implores me.
“I might want something” is her standard reply.
The clutter was so massive that I eventually took
them off the kitchen table (so help me, we ran
out of room, but no problem, I discovered 3
catalogs on kitchen appliances and tables) and
placed them all in a shopping cart.
“Look how absurd this is!” I confidently stated,
but I should have known better than to challenge
my Ladylove’s logic. “What’s ridiculous is you”
she shot back. “How am I going to reach the bottom ones?”
You got to admit, she had a point. Luckily for the Goodman-Roberts
household, I came up with another brilliant solution.
I volunteered to get the mail every afternoon. “Remarkably” once
the assignment was all mine (and so long as she does not catch me)
the number of catalogs have been drastically reduced.
Rana is still uncertain as to what happened
but when she questioned me, I suggested that
the paper avalanche was coming to the end. And
so long as I take out the recycle trash can (thank
God, it has wheels) from the garage to the curb
every week, I’m in good shape.
Besides, she has plenty of regular junk mail to
keep her busy.
***On a lighter note, I, along with our entire
Vegas Voice family want to wish you and yours
a very happy, joyous and healthy holiday season
and New Year.
When The Vegas Voice did its year-end review,
even we were surprised by our achievements.
From entertainment editor Evan Davis’ fantastic
16 shows, to my Rana’s 15 guardianship
seminars, to our 11 national journalism awards,
it’s been quite a year.
Make no mistake, growing older is not for
sissies. Hopefully The Vegas Voice, through our publication, weekly
radio programs, monthly video podcasts, entertainment shows,
seminars and events can make your life a little easier.
And as you can imagine, we have big, big plans for 2020. Our goal
however remains the same; to serve you – our readers.
The Vegas Voice will continue to do just about anything and everything
to provide important information, meaningful insight regarding our
“mature years” - and even a smile (or two) as we welcome a new year.
Love Our Magazine?
Support Our Advertisers!
And don’t forget to say
you saw their ads in
5

6
Christmas Wishes
By: Carol Chapman
As we welcome the holiday season, we send
you our heartfelt wishes of good tidings
and great joy. Throughout the year, we have been
fortunate to provide for so many of our close
friends and family members who have utilized the numerous free
services our organization is able to provide.
We have had an amazing year with all of you at the various events
throughout the Las Vegas Valley and cannot wait to share all of the
wonderful things we are planning for the new year. In the midst of
reflection of the year, we understand that this time of year can also
come with uncertainty surrounding gifts.
If you are looking high and low for the perfect gift to give your senior
neighbor, family, or companion, we have the best gift - one that nobody
will want to return! Our HowRU program provides peace of mind
to seniors and their families.
The program is available to anyone over the age of 50, nationwide.
Even if you’re not a user, you can register any senior. And there is
absolutely no cost for the HowRU program.
To learn more please visit: https://foundationassistingseniors.org/
programs/howru/
Give a gift that has the power to save a life this season. We are honored
to have saved seven lives through this program since its inception and
know it provides a sense of security.
From our organization to yours, we wish you Season’s Greetings and
a Happy New Year!
December 2019
Bill Blurb’s Christmas Spirit
By: Bill Caserta / Bill’s Blurbs
The Salvation Army realized that it had
never received a donation from Las Vegas’
most successful lawyer. So a volunteer paid the
attorney a visit in his lavish office.
The volunteer opened the meeting by saying,
“Our research shows that even though your annual income is over ten
million dollars, you don’t give a penny to charity. Wouldn’t you like to
give something back to your community?”
The lawyer thinks for a minute and answers: “First, did your research
show that my mother is dying after a long, painful illness and she has
huge medical bills that are far beyond her ability to pay?”
Embarrassed, the volunteer mumbles, “Uh . . . no, I didn’t know
that.”
“Secondly,” says the lawyer, “did it show that my brother, a
disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair and is unable
to support his wife and six children?” The stricken volunteer begins to
stammer an apology but is cut off.
“And finally, did your research also show that my sister’s husband
died in a dreadful car accident, leaving her penniless with a mortgage
and three children? The now humiliated volunteer replied, “I’m so
sorry, I had no idea.”
The lawyer added, “And if I didn’t give any money to them, what
makes you think I’d give any to you?”
**Joe bought his wife a beautiful diamond ring for Christmas. After
hearing about this extravagant gift, his friend said, “I thought she
wanted one of those sporty four-wheel drive vehicles.”
“She did,” Joe replied. “But where was I going to find a fake Jeep?”
***And my annual wish to Santa: This year, please give me a big, fat
bank account and a slim body. Once again, you mixed them up.
Bill Caserta is the Project Director for The Vegas Voice and
has a very “unique” sense of humor. He welcomes all funny
submissions at: bill@thevegasvoice.net.

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7

Clarence, We Need You
By: Morris Heldt / A Senior’s P.O.V.
“
Help! Help!” Clarence shouted from the
rushing river below as George Bailey stood
on a bridge overhead feeling sorry for himself.
When hearing the cry however, and without hesitation, George jumped
into the freezing water and saved Clarence.
It was a few minutes later that George Bailey learned that Clarence
was his angel.
Many of us now are rushing around preparing for the holidays,
traveling, or unfortunately fighting seasonal depression. I have
been told by many of my fellow seniors they reminisce more about
celebrating holidays of the past and less about making new memories.
For those people I suggest you call out for Clarence.
We all have a Clarence in the form of our inner voice that allows us,
if only for a moment, to embrace our Christmas spirit. So maybe we just
need to take a moment and listen to some traditional Christmas songs,
or watch children enjoy meeting Santa Claus for the first time.
As senior citizens, we unfortunately have had many disappointments
in our lives - lost loved ones, businesses, etc. Perhaps some even felt
at the time they could not go on; yet something inside of us pushed
through the valley of depression and allowed us to climb back upon
the mountain.
I propose it might have been your Clarence that helped you.
He reminded you that although things looked bad you did have a
wonderful gift to enjoy - your life.
As Clarence showed George Bailey how he touched many people in
his life, we should think about all the people we have had an influence
on in our lives. So I recommend, if you’re feeling depressed, for this
holiday season you ask to speak to your Clarence, because even with all
the immorality that is happening It’s Still a Wonderful Life.
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.
8
December 2019

You’ll Want to Visit the Linen Closet
By: Vicki Wentz / Vicki’s Voice
When my children were little and Christmas
was approaching, I, a single, exhausted
mother, would begin to panic. I had no teaching
job yet, so our income came from substitute
teaching, babysitting and working the corner by the Senior Center!
This allowed very little for Christmas presents...or food! So, I began to
give creative homemade gifts.
One summer I made crabapple jelly (I do NOT recommend this and
will never do it again in life!) and it was yummy. I froze it for Christmas
presents, but when thawed in December, it became quite liquidly - so,
I stuck a bow on each jar and called it an ice-cream topping. See?
Creative!
The next summer, I saw a recipe for cranberry liqueur. I bought a
big plastic garbage can with a tight lid, threw in a ton of cranberries
and gallons of vodka, put the lid on and stored it in the linen closet for
four months.
I did peak occasionally, thrilled with knowing my Christmas
shopping would be almost nil. (And, during those four months, when
my children gave me, say, a blinding migraine that would kill most
people? - I’d climb into that plastic bin for a blissful visit during their
naps...just kidding; that was only a dream...I think.)
In December, I bought lovely glass bottles to put the liqueur in, and
it was this rich, ruby color…it was a gorgeouth preshent (hic!) if I do
shay sho myshelf!
The following year, I made three kinds of nuts - one sweet, one
smoky and one with ground red pepper that gave you a sort of…um...
afterglow. And I packaged some of each concoction in a little Christmas
baggie with a ribbon, then tied them all together as an adorable gift for
family and friends - some of whom thanked me later with that wideeyed,
stunned expression one gets when one’s mouth is in flames.
One year I decided to make oyster stew and give it to everyone on
Christmas Eve, when (according to Catholic tradition) you’re supposed
to eat only fish. I followed an old, delicious recipe: lots of oysters, rich
cream, Worcestershire and Tabasco.
I then put some stew in each glass container and topped it with a
ribbon. Astonishingly imaginative, inexpensive, heartfelt and lovingly
presented!
You know, it’s amazing how many people don’t like oyster stew. Like,
seriously don’t like it, as in making those gagging noises when they spy
an oyster in their soup. (Ok, no one actually gagged in front of me...
except my sister, who gags regularly at stupid stuff...but I heard the
reports.)
This year, it’s fudge sauce for my friends. My mother made the most
STUPEFYINGLY PHENOMENAL fudge sauce that really should be
marketed! (In fact, I would like my personal moment of death to be
at the same instant that this fudge sauce is poured directly into my
mouth.) But, my family can make the fudge sauce themselves, so what
can I make for them?
Cookies? Please, we’re all up to here in cookies! My basil pesto?…
never mind. I broke the food processor with that cauliflower I was
chopping to make
a cauliflower
pizza crust, which
is, I now realize,
an actual crime
against nature!
Well, what
if I build them
something? Like,
how hard can it be
to saw and hammer
together a little
stool? Of course,
that would likely
end up giving the
gift of me in the From everyone in my family to yours, merry,
emergency room. merry Christmas and a very happy New year!
Guess it’s back to
the liqueur…although, I think Walmart has a system-wide alert on
me for buying all those plastic bins and cranberries every year…could
be terrorist-related? Especially the 7 gallons of vodka.
Merry Christmas to y’all!
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.
Expires 12/31/19
9

Happy Holidays
By: Beverly Washburn / Hollywood Memories
With Thanksgiving now behind us and the
holidays approaching, I would like to
wish each and every one the happiest of holidays.
On reflecting on Thanksgiving, I want to thank The Vegas Voice for
allowing me to share my memories with you and letting me be a part
of such a prestigious publication. I also want to thank you, the readers,
for actually reading my column!
Last month my dearest friend, Sharon Baird (who was one of the
original Mouseketeers on the Mickey Mouse Club TV show) came to
visit me. We also had the pleasure of having lunch with publisher Dan.
Afterwards, Dan told me that he was amazed at how Sharon and I have
been friends for 63 years.
He found that to be rare and wonderful and mentioned that not
many people can say that they have had a friend for that long. Dan
was so impressed with that fact, he suggested I should write a column
about it!
For those of you who have been reading my column, you might recall
that I already wrote about Sharon, but it is with great pleasure that I
write again. Hearing Dan talk about our friendship, I came to realize
Jingle Bells
By: Yvonne Cloutier / Musical Moments
The world-famous song, Jingle Bells, did
have a composer. He was James Lord
Pierpont, 1822-1893, a financially poor American.
Interestingly, this was the only song he ever wrote. Pierpont was also
a novelist, poet, and organist living in New England and Savannah,
Georgia.
The song was said to have been written in the Simpson Tavern in
Medford, Massachusetts in 1850; however, since he was the music
director of his brother’s Unitarian Church in Savannah at copyright
time, it was copyrighted as One Horse Sleigh in 1857.
Then in 1859, after Pierpont’s friend, Mrs. Otis Waterman, called it a”
merry little jingle,” the title was copyrighted as Jingle Bells. According
to the Medford Historical Society, Jingle Bells was inspired by the town’s
popular sleigh races during the 19th century when jingling bells on
that it has been
something so real
and natural, that
I’m not sure I even
recognized how
blessed I truly am.
It’s easy to take
things for granted
and be complacent
and not really think
about our many
blessings. Sharon is, and always will be, a blessing in my life. Thanks
Dan for actually making me realize that even more.
So in this glorious holiday season, let’s not forget to take time to
appreciate all of our many blessings, to love one another and most of
all - don’t be afraid to let them know!
Wishing each and every one all of life’s many blessings and peace.
Until next time, remember: If you want to be happy... Be!
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.
horses’ harnesses warned people when coming into sound-muffling
snow.
The song started out as a drinking song, then meant to be a
Thanksgiving song, but it slowly became associated with the December
holiday music. There are many original verses and parodies to Jingle
Bells. Some of the original words were too racy for children’s programs.
Jingle Bells had even gone into outer space. It was the first song
broadcast from space. On Gemini VI, the astronauts said they saw
something red traveling from north to south in a polar orbit. The
astronauts then performed (on a smuggled harmonica, with sleigh bell
accompaniment - all on display at the Smithsonian,) a broadcasted
rendition of Jingle Bells.
Jingle Bells became one of the most performed, recognizable,
recorded secular holiday songs ever written. For Jingle Bells, Pierpont
was placed in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, naming it amongst the
best 25 most recorded songs in history. And did you know that Jingle
Bells is in most every piano beginner’s lesson books?
Some other facts of note:
1. Pierpont and his family also wrote extensively against slavery;
2. Over the years, different family members with copyright renewals,
claimed to be the composer of Jingle Bells;
3. Pierpont made very little money on Jingle Bells and
4. Jingle Bells has now passed into public domain.
10
December 2019
Yvonne Cloutier, a former teacher/principal, with a music
background, specializes in ragtime piano. She researches and
reports about music on SCA-TV.com/Anthem Alive! You can
contact her at www.mytimeisragtime.com.

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11

Travelling Trio Brightens
The Strip
By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places
For many, a trip down the Las Vegas Strip
tops their “Bucket List.” For Jacksonville’s
Doug Baim, his List demanded that he include his two best friends,
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blake Bortels in the sidecar of his well-travelled
motorcycle.
Baim lived out that dream for 18 days late this past October with
his travelling companions: Skynyrd, a husky 10-month old St. Bernard
and Bortels, a golden retriever. Onlookers cheerfully waved and snapped
phone photos of the trio.
But perhaps the most joy came from Baim himself. “It’s been my
dream to drive The Strip with my dogs. It’s like driving around two
movie stars.”
Rock and roll band Lynyrd Skynyrd claims Jacksonville as their
hometown. Blake Bortels sizzled then fizzled as quarterback for the
Jacksonville Jaguars football team.
12
EXHIBITION
NOW –
FEBRUARY 15
NeonMuseum.org
December 2019
Baim’s 10-month expedition mixed business with pleasure. As owner
of Puppy Avenue, a Jacksonville pet shop, Baim visited breeders who
specialized in pure breeds.
Since childhood, Baim’s hobby has been raising and showing St.
Bernards. Ten years ago, the “love of my life” encouraged him to
abandon past careers in insurance and medical equipment and follow
his dream of opening the pet shop.
The dream continued; the “love” didn’t. Baim however has no
regrets.
“I was 65 th out of 69 in my high school class,” Baim said. “With
college and hard work I feel like I’m living in the top of my class
because of the quality of life I lead. I’ve achieved my dreams.”
Those dreams, he explains, includes enriching lives. “It gives me
privileges I might never have,” he says of the receptive smiles. “I plant
positive seeds for people.”
Sam the Sunglass Man at the outdoor stand across from The Strat,
in true Vegas fashion, comped shades for Lenny and Blake which they
proudly wore on their trips down The Strip.
Baim, a gregarious spiritual man, considers the trips as his mission.
Readying his motor home for the trek back to Florida’s east coast, he
commented, “It makes people smile and that’s what keeps me going.
It’s really rewarding watching people’s reactions.”
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.

Judy
By: Renee Riendeau / Movie Revelations
Judy Garland! Movie star at 13 and obituary
at 47. We remember her for The Wizard of
Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, and A Star is Born.
Rather than a star is born, it’s more like a star
burns out. Get your hankies ready. Few Hollywood star careers are as
beloved and tragic as Judy Garland’s.
This film is graphic in showing the unforgivable treatment of
Garland’s childhood; forced to take uppers to lose weight and downers
to fall asleep. In her adult years - depression, alcoholism and substance
abuse.
When she visited London for five weeks (to raise money for a custody
battle - she couldn’t keep her children for lack of funds) she staggered
around the stage in a stupor and fell in front of the audience. Due to
her alcoholism her vocal chords were shot and her voice would often
crack. She was a train wreck!
The Talk of the Town nightclub, where she was performing booed her
off the stage. This is almost unbearable to watch.
A former Oscar winner, Renee Zellweger was chosen to portray
this fading star. Critics rightfully state: “There hasn’t been a female
performer to touch her performance in “Judy” this year.”
Renee’s elfin haircut, red smudged lipstick, fabulous flamboyant 60s
outfits were Judy down to every detail. Zellweger has some terrific lines
which she delivers with wit and panache.
She’s charming, a diva, believably incoherent, and ultimately
sympathetic; she melts into her role. Renee sings “For Once in my Life”,
“Come Rain or Come Shine” with conviction and an extraordinary
vocal achievement.
The tension Zellweger generates between Garland as a performer and
her aching need and vulnerability as a person has us hanging on to her
every word. She gives a dazzling performance that’s destined for the red
carpet, if not The Yellow Brick Road.
I give her five boxes of buttered popcorn - plus an Oscar nomination!
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.
13

Can you believe in a few weeks it will be
2020? But 2019 is not over yet.
On December 7 th , The Vegas Voice will be
presenting our Holiday Show at Sun City
MacDonald Ranch. There will be a myriad of entertainers, under the
musical direction of Bill Fayne.
And then, a New Year’s Eve Dinner Show also at MacDonald Ranch.
But don’t worry about staying up too late as this New Year’s Eve Dinner
Show will be a New York style NYE.
The celebrating starts at 6:00 pm
with a big screen watching the ball
drop from Times Square at 9:00 pm
Vegas time. Dinner, show, ball drop and
home (if you like) by 9:30 pm.
It would be a little crazy to try to
give you the year in review, since there
are so many venues, performers and
shows. Every day and night there are
numerous listings of entertainment in
every genre.
Get out and catch a few shows and support local entertainment.
That’s the only way to keep the shows coming.
There were plenty of awards show throughout the year. We just
finished the CMA awards and I was privileged to attend the 2019
Producer’s Choice Awards.
Producers Billy Barnes and Al Bowman put on a Hollywood class
awards show; honoring such stars as Pia Zadora, Mary Wilson and
other celebrities with music from about a dozen bands and introducing
Larry Wayne’s new country songs.
You may know Larry Wayne as Larry Liso. He uses “Wayne” for his
country image. You’ll be hearing more from Larry Wayne and his
country album in 2020.
Let’s start the new year off on the right track. Check my calendar of
events for the upcoming shows.
14
End of Year Entertainment
By: Evan Davis / Entertainment Editor
Always Working!
December 2019
Join my friend Bill Fayne
and his friends for our
Holiday Show
Entertainment editor Evan Davis working hard with the disco ladies
before our Vegas Voice Disco Nights show last month. Evan is joined by
(L-R) Nellie Norris, Autumn Grayce Johnson and Nieve Malandra.
Terry Bradshaw Scores a
Touchdown
By: Dianne Davis / That’s Entertainment
Terry Bradshaw and Las Vegas are a darn
good match. The legendary pro football
player and entertainer is wowing audiences in a show, produced and
directed by Emmy Award winner Anita Mann.
The production in the 320 seat Atrium Showroom at the Luxor includes
songs, comedy, storytelling and a bit of dancing. The 70 year old’s 70
minute show features popular songs such as “Bye Love” and Terry’s
1976 hit, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”
The guy ain’t half bad. Translation: He is a gosh darn legitimately
good singer.
I don’t know much about football, but I had seen Bradshaw on the
reality show “Better Late than Never” and he was a hoot. The four
time Super Bowl champ and Pro Football Hall of Famer was also a
contestant on “The Masked Singer” (The Deer).
The charismatic fellow with down home charm has the audience
laughing and smiling and singing along. He says, “I’ve never done
anything normal in my life.” and “Dumb is what I do best.”
Ya gotta love a guy who stands on stage in Vegas and says, “I made my
living by putting my hands on other guys’ butts” Besides his stories of
football days, he does a question and answer session with the audience.
Terry could not have two more talented ladies with him. Lorena
Peril and Anne Martinez delight Luxor audiences with their singing
in FANTASY, but here they wow the attendees as Terry’s back-up singers.
They have it all - looks, charm and talent. Their voices blend
beautifully, but luckily for the audience, they each have a time to
shine alone as well.Sax player Smokin’ Joe Excriba is the musical
director. Terry’s closing song sums up how he is viewing life these days
- “It’s a Wonderful World.”
And it is a wonderful evening when you spend it with Terry
Bradshaw at the Luxor. See him in a limited engagement on
December 10 th and December 17, 2019.
Dianne Davis is also a reporter for Sun City Anthem TV (SCA-
TV) specializing in entertainment, and LV Associate Editor of
lasvegassplash.com. She hikes, travels with her husband Burt, and
works on her stand-up comedy.

15

Oh, You Shouldn’t Have!
By: Susan Goldfein / Susan’s Unfiltered Wit
Know what’s #1 on my holiday wish list? I
really wish you wouldn’t get me anything.
It’s sweet to be asked, and I get it about the joy
of giving. But I must recuse myself as recipient.
I’m currently committed to downsizing.
I know, ‘tis the season and all that. Nevertheless, I can’t ignore that
I’ve reached the point in my life where I have all the stuff I will ever
need.
My fantasy is to live the rest of my days ready for an emergency home
evacuation. I don’t want to be troubled deciding what to take with me.
If I’m successful, everything I own will fit into one suitcase, preferably
a carry-on.
Have I convinced you of my need to simplify? Perhaps not. In that
case, I’ll be more helpful by offering a brief list of some of my favorite
un-gift ideas.
Hostess Paraphernalia. I have all the trays, cheese boards, brie
servers, crystal pieces, nut holders and popcorn bowls with seed sifters
that I’ll ever need. And no more space to fit another of anything.
Jewelry. Please don’t go to Jared. Or Kay. Or any store of that ilk.
I have only one neck and two of other body parts which typically
accommodate jewelry. So I’m anatomically limited in the number of
watches, bracelets, necklaces or earrings I can wear at any given time.
Lingerie. Sweetheart, I hope you’re listening. Remember last year
when you gave me that clingy red silk nightie with matching robe? I
actually breathed a sigh of relief when they didn’t fit.
While I adore being the object of your fantasy, I’ve always felt silly in
skimpy intimate apparel. And now that I’m an “older” woman, I’m an
even stronger proponent of less is more: reveal less and leave more to
the imagination.
Scents. Don’t even think about getting me perfume, toilet water,
vanilla candles or sachet for my drawer. The latter is sure to induce
a sneezing fit when I reach for a pair of undies. If you simply cannot
resist, please be so kind as to include a box of Zyrtec.
Small Appliances. I will not be grateful for a bread maker because
you think in my retirement I need a hobby. I promise it will join the
sewing machine gathering dust in my closet.
That was a surprise from my husband, who didn’t know I almost
failed home economics. He has no idea that the rag he uses to wipe his
car was supposed to be a skirt.
Woolens. When you live where “Frosty the Snowman” doesn’t stand
a chance, one has no more need for scarves, hats, or mittens.
Before you accuse me of dampening holiday spirits, please know I’m
not a complete humbug. I love giving gifts to others, especially my
grandchildren.
But if you still insist on getting me something, consider these. A gift
certificate for a restaurant that isn’t noisy. Or, make a donation to my
favorite charity? And, do you happen to know a nice girl for my son?
What I really wish at this time of year is what I wish every year – that
my friends and family be happy and healthy. And may we live in a
kinder, gentler world, one in which we can all feel safe. Happy holidays
and a fulfilling New Year!
Susan Goldfein’s newest book, How to Complain When There’s
Nothing to Complain About, is available at Amazon.com, BN.com,
Read her blog at: www.SusansUnfilteredWit.com. Email Susan:
SusanGoldfein@aol.com.
16
December 2019

New Year Traditions
By: Ali Guggenheim / Psychic Phenomenon
Most people celebrate holidays with family
traditions that were handed down through
their ancestors. We parrot these rituals year after
year, never realizing the significance of these
practices that actually stem from superstitions.
New Year’s is just another one of these fun celebrations with people
typically getting drunk, kissing at midnight, singing Auld Lang Syne
and making a lot of noise. But why?
Generally, the activities associated with New Year’s Eve and some
lesser known New Year’s Day customs supposedly engage in setting the
pattern of our destiny for the upcoming year. These superstitions have
to do with attracting good luck, good fortune, happiness, and to ward
off evil spirits.
Below are some things that people do in order to attempt to manifest
their best lives. The first tradition, though less practiced, begins before
midnight;
Opening all the Doors in your home assists the old year to escape
unimpeded. And the three most common practices start at the stroke of
midnight.
Kissing, which started during the masked balls that were held on New
Year’s Eve was to ensure warm affections throughout the coming year.
Loud noises were not merely celebratory, but rather to scare away evil
spirits and singing Auld Lang Syne, (meaning the good old days) is to
acknowledge the past and then move on.
New Year’s day superstitions include:
1. Bills paid prior to the New Year is good luck for upcoming year;
2. Keeping your Cupboards & Wallets full ensures prosperity.
3. Traditional Foods such as Black-eyed peas (attract good luck and
financial good fortune), Lentils (to receive coins) and Pork (because it
roots forward).
4. Wear new clothes (to get more) however do not wash Laundry (or
someone may be washed away and die).
As for the Weather: Southern winds bring in fine weather and
prosperity. Northern winds depict bad weather. Eastern winds: famine
and disasters. Western winds; plenty of milk, fish and death of a VIP;
AND
NO WIND is what I wish for us all since it brings a good year and
prosperity for all!
To contact Ali or for spiritual consultations, coaching, workshops
and readings, email: alivegasvoice@yahoo.com.
17

By: Mike Landry / Golf Fore Ever
This year’s Presidents Cup will be played
at the Royal Melbourne Golf Course in
Australia starting December 9 th . This event is one
of my favorites to watch. The defending American Team will be looking
to retain the Cup they won two years ago.
As of deadline, the Captain’s picks have not been announced by
Captain Tiger Woods. Predictions are that Tiger will pick himself
and that will leave 3 other picks which could go to Finau, Na, Fowler,
Woodland (won US Open) or Reed.
Any of these players would be good picks. One player who has played
on each of the Presidents Cup (since its beginning in 1994) will surely
not be named is Phil Michelson.
Phil has appeared in all 12 Presidents Cup to date. I will miss him
as he is fun to watch around the greens with his incredible short game.
The US Team has competed for the Presidents Cup at the Royal
Melbourne GC twice in the past and have won one and lost one. The
US Team has dominated the Presidents Cup, winning 10 of the last 12
events while the International Team has just 1 win and a tie to their
credit.
The format: Thursday, 5 Foursomes will play Four-ball matches,
Friday, 5 Foursomes will play Four-ball matches.
Saturday morning: 4 Foursomes will play Four-ball matches, and
18
Presidents Cup
Don’t Mess With My Soaps
By: Adrea Nairne-Barrera / 60s to 60
Think what you will but I depend on my soap
opera to reassure me that the more things
change, the more they stay the same.
Forever in my memory is the
first week of General Hospital
that I watched on a small black
and white TV in the girl’s dorm
at my boarding school. Jesse
and Dr. Steve were making cow
eyes at each other but ultimately
he married her younger sister
Audrey. And of course Jesse
married the heartthrob of the
story played by Roy Thinnes as
Phil Brewer.
That was the early 60s and
maybe the sequence is a bit off
but 50-something years later their stories continue every day through
multiple generations.
In my opinion, all the criticism about serial dramas is misplaced. In
a world of insane political antics, financial ups and downs, marriages,
divorces and the uncertainty of the future, these keep going.
Every day, 5 days a week, they’re loyal and don’t argue with you. They
don’t love you but that’s why we have dogs so it’s not a requirement.
December 2019
that afternoon, 4 Foursome Four-ball matches. Sunday is the grand
finale with 12 Single matches.
All matches are worth 1 point for a total of 30 – each side receives ½
point in the event of a tie. There are no playoffs in the event of a tie. The
winner must take 15 ½ points to take the Cup home. Since we won the
Cup the last time, we would retain the Cup with 15 points.
Good luck to our American Team.
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
Sometimes it’s a little hard to follow because people skip from one
soap to another, as in the case of a “Nina” character once on All My
Children. Then she popped up on One Life to Live and now she’s on
General Hospital. I’m not sure even now where she originated or if
they just had multiple Ninas,
but it hardly matters.
And then the stories are
insane like the Cassadine
crazies freezing the world only
to have Luke and Laura save the
planet at the last minute. Now
that Luke is gone and Laura is
back, the new stories are about
memory transfer and cults and
Laura is the mayor. Whew!
So here’s the deal ladies and
gentlemen: Don’t mess with
my soaps. They have kept me
company for decades and once in a while they even take on some
serious subjects quite intelligently such as harassment, cancer and
bullying.
We all need constants in our lives - no matter how stupid they may
seem. I love my soaps!
Adrea Nairne-Barrera writes of celebrations, observations &
complaints of life in the 60s to being in your 60s.

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19

Marianne Update
By: Rana Goodman / On My Soapbox
So many people have asked for an update on
Marianne (Blaha) Chiang’s guardianship
situation. This is what we know now.
At the November court hearing, her attorney told the judge that
Marianne had filed an application to have her removed from
guardianship held by her son. However, since it had not yet appeared
on the court docket, the judge was unable to hear it that day.
On December 4 th there will be a hearing to validate the annual
accounting all guardians must file. Previously the guardianship
compliance officer rejected the figures and asked for clarification of
some items listed.
On December 17 th the judge will hear arguments for Marianne’s
involuntary relocation and the removal of the guardianship. As the
judge stated, if the guardianship is terminated, her removal and
placement in an assisted living facility in California becomes moot.
Sadly, at the November hearing, Marianne’s other son testified. He
claimed that he loves his mother, but said he was told she had been
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and as such, needed the care his siblings
could provide.
Obviously, he had not been shown the copies of the latest medical
reports from a respected physiatrist stating that she did not have
dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Adding another sad twist to this is the latest court papers that arrived
right before Thanksgiving from the law offices of Marianne’s other
son who is the guardian. He is
requesting permission to bring
(from Arizona) an “expert
witness” to dispute the findings
of the psychiatrist who examined
Marianne two years in a row and
found her to be competent.
This so-call expert has never
examined Marianne, nor met,
saw or even spoken with her but
has apparently read the report
and claims that the psychiatrist Marianne with Governor Steve Sisolak
is wrong!
It is heart breaking to see what lengths a person will go in order
to grab another person’s assets. It is one thing to battle a stranger
appointed to be a guardian, but when it is a child (or children) of the
person involved, it defies “the natural order of things.”
It is beyond shameful and the perfect example of “greed.” You
really believe that Marianne’s children are looking to “protect” their
mother…or grab as much money as possible?
Make no mistake, removing anyone from an enjoyable and active
life, let alone their parent enjoying her senior years is a travesty. I ask
all readers - would your children do this to you?
I will be in court in December and hopefully this nightmare will
end for Marianne and she can get on with her active life in Sun City
Anthem.
Wishing all our readers a Happy, Healthy, WONDERFUL holiday
season filled with joy and GOOD HEALTH.
RETRACTION: In the November issue, I wrote that Dara
Goldsmith, Esq. represented former private guardian April
Parks. That was incorrect. Neither Goldsmith nor anyone
from her law firm, Goldsmith & Guymon represented Ms.
Parks. However per the LVRJ, she did represent private
guardian Jared Shafer – a/k/a the one that got away.
You can contact Rana by email: Rana@thevegasvoice.net. Also
check out her blog about life in Sun City Anthem at:
Anthemtoday.com
20
December 2019

21

By: Dan Roberts / Publisher
“
What else would you expect?” That’s what
I said to my Ladylove as she jumped on her
soapbox with another “Rana’s Rant.”
The cause for her latest outrage? She was reading the Las Vegas
Review-Journal’s “judging the judges” section last month. Rana was
in disbelief when she read the review and score given to Family Court
Judge Charles Hoskin.
Hoskin received a 75% retention recommendation by the 92 responses
(out of 5,200 inquiries sent to Clark County attorneys).
Let’s begin by stating the obvious. For the R-J to even publish such
results as valid statistics is at best misleading. Based on our simple math,
that equates to less than 2% of the Bar that answered the “judging the
judges” regarding Hoskin.
The Vegas Voice wants to be very clear: The idea of Charles Hoskin
receiving anything but an “unacceptable and throw him out” rating
is a joke. It’s a disgrace to the entire judicial system – starting with the
attorneys (and private guardians) who profited from his guardianship
proceedings. Maybe that’s why those lawyers that responded want to
keep him.
Hoskin was THE judge who was responsible for the guardianship
scandal. His February 2015 television interview that “I have 8,500
active guardianship cases and I only have a very few that are
disgruntled and I think that’s a very positive spin on what’s going
on our system” only showcased that his ignorance is matched only by
his arrogance.
And when the Nevada Guardianship Commission looked into
questions from reform advocates (starting with our Rana) it concluded
that as of June 1, 2015, there were approximately 8,700 designated
open guardianship cases of which 4,000 should have been marked
“closed.” As and for the remaining 4,694 cases, 4,069 failed to have
the annual reports.
That’s an 86.6% non-compliance rate – which begs the question:
where did the money go? Perhaps that’s why he was booted out of
guardianship court. Wait there’s more.
Last year Hoskin had the gall to request that he be promoted from
Family Court to the Nevada Court of Appeals. Notwithstanding his
extensive application listing his accomplishments, NOT ONE WORD
was ever mentioned about the guardianship cases.
What happed to the 8,500 cases he proudly boasted to the TV
reporter? That omission alone speaks volumes about his abilities…
22
A Complete Sham
What Do You Think?
Do you agree with our columnists?
Did anyone get you angry, make you
think or simply put a smile on your
face? Please tell us by forwarding
your comments, thoughts or
suggestions to Publisher Dan at:
dan@thevegasvoice.net.
December 2019
and his character.
A 75% retention rate?
Absolute nonsense.
You want some true
“judging the judges”
- some real justice
when you enter Family
Court? Throw Hoskin
off the bench.
Believe me, Rana
and The Vegas Voice
will do everything
possible to do just that.
We hope you agree and
join us.
Vegas Voice Editorial
Climate Change No. 3
By: Dan Hyde / Call to Action
The controversy continues! Normally, I don’t
submit articles on the same topic three
months in a row. However some recent comments
from readers are so argumentative and in my
opinion flat-out wrong, I am compelled to respond.
A reader sent this: “...Earth determines its own surface and
atmospheric temperatures and the earth’s core is what is probably
responsible.” Really? How does he know?
Did he make an excursion to the core and take its temperature? At best
this is nothing more than conjecture. What the naysayers are ignoring
is what negative impacts the human race has had and continues to
have on our planet.
How about the world population of 7 ½ billion people who operate
850 million internal gasoline automobiles, diesel powered trucks and
ships spewing noxious and deadly pollution into the air along with
the millions of tons of garbage released into the atmosphere from coal
producing plants? You think that has had an impact?
When are we, as custodians of this planet, going to wake up to the fact
that we are the fundamental cause and effect of climate change? The
longer we spend time arguing about who or what is responsible, the
more the planet continues to slide into an environmental abyss that, at
some point in the near future will be too late to counteract!
We need to talk less and take action! It really is that simple!
Dan Hyde is a passionate and effective advocate for the senior
community. He can be reached at: dhyde9@cox.net.

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Who Can Get A Reverse Mortgage
By: Nick Flores / Loan Educator
There are several qualifications that you
need to meet to get a Reverse Mortgage.
They are:
1. Only one individual on the title of the home must be at least 62
years old.
2. The home must be your primary residence.
3. Your home does not need to be paid off to get a reverse mortgage.
If you have a traditional mortgage on your house, you need to be able
to get enough from the reverse mortgage to pay it off and traditional
closing costs.
4. Your house must be a single-family residence, two to four-unit
home with at least one unit occupied by you, condominium, townhouse
or manufactured home that has been converted to real property.
5. The home must be constructed entirely and have a certificate of
occupancy.
6. Your home’s condition cannot be below HUD’s minimum property
standards.
7. You must complete counseling with a HUD-approved counseling
agency. Unlike with a traditional mortgage, your credit score and
income have no effect on whether or not you are able to get a reverse
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with your heirs or other relatives. You may also want to discuss topics
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government aid, or loan-repayment requirements.
For your convenience, we offer in-home free consultations. You can
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24
December 2019

Hope for the Warrior
By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet
Sometimes it can be hard to have hope that
life will get any better. After military service
and serving in a war zone, many of us have had to
face great challenges to “get back into the swing of things.”
Even though most of us think it will be, life isn’t the same as it was
before we left. That realization alone can drastically diminish our hope.
Like many eras before, this one is difficult simply because we are in
the longest war in America’s history and deployments are an endless
revolving door. My heart goes out to the troops that are enduring such
difficulties.
We see a country embroiled in the worst political factions in many
years. It is very hard not to get lost in the current chaos and it takes
strength not to dwell there. We can HOPE to become one people again,
united in our national efforts.
As vets, we see a lot of foolishness in the civilian quarter and it is easy
to feel that hope for a better world is not possible. We feel torn and think
that perhaps remaining hopeful is a useless place to put our energy. But
I know one thing - none of us want to be hopeless.
Hope is often more about how we want the world to be more than
anything else. When I realized I was being bummed out because things
didn’t happen as I expected, it became easier to just let things go and
find some peace.
Striking balances is a good exercise. Balance levels things out and
reminds us that what is happening in front of us is not the end of the
story, it is just what we can see. This, too, shall pass.
Finally, there’s a great sense of hope to be found in community. A
support group with other vets experiencing and bearing the tough
times with each other is my favorite therapy. When you bond, you know
you are doing the best you can with what you have.
Have a great holiday season filled with hope.
Chuck Dean served as an Army paratrooper in Vietnam and
through that experience was led to address the many transitional
issues veterans struggle with. He is the author of several important
books for veterans. All can be found on Amazon at: http://www.
amazon.com/author/chuckdeanbooks
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25

Medicaid Recovery Can be EXPEN$IVE
By: Jerry Creed / Trust Jerry
The threat of enhanced Medicaid recovery
is real. Medicaid has now become a loan,
not a benefit. Medicaid keeps track of every dollar
spent on long term care and seeks to recover that money when people
pass.
A woman came to my office, her parents had divorced years before.
Both parents had paid off their individual houses. Mom had done some
asset protection planning with a fellow elder law attorney and she had
died without using Medicaid assistance.
Dad had a simple estate plan in place, and had been declared
incompetent because of dementia, but was otherwise in superb health.
He appeared likely to need a memory care facility, or skilled nursing
facility for many years to come and the average cost of one of those
facilities in Nevada is $8,000 a month. Medicaid only pays for this type
of care once assets are depleted.
The daughter came to my office to move mom’s house into dad’s
trust. This was a bad idea because Mom had done some great Elder law
planning and the house was already protected from Medicaid recovery.
Moving it would have made the house, a $320k asset, available to
Medicaid recovery. Medicaid has a 60 month look back period for any
transfer of assets and only covers the cost of care after you’ve spent
down to $2k. The family plan was for dad to move in with the daughter
until his disease progressed to the point that the she could no longer
care for him, 5 to 8 years away.
We met with Dad, and he seemed lucid and sharp. I suggested the
family get him formally tested by a doctor, and it turned out he was
very competent.
Competent enough to get a better Durable Powers of Attorney in
place, and for him to do some advanced Elder law planning. End
result… Dad will stay with his family as long as possible and when
the time comes for dad to go into a skilled nursing facility, the cost of
care will be covered by Medicaid, with no asset recovery from Medicaid
when he passes.
Had the woman not gone to an Elder law attorney, dad would only
have $2k in assets, and the houses would be lost to Medicaid leaving
Dad no options.
Now, when that day comes, the family has a pot of money worth
$670k, to supplement his care and improve Dad’s quality of life. Dad
is no longer a burden, but a blessing and most importantly, Dad has
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27

The Unsung Heroes
By: Jamillah Ali-Rahman / Friends of
Parkinson’s
This
holiday
season I
encourage you to join us in celebrating a
group of unsung heroes - Caregivers. They
are the people who sacrifice their own lives
to care for the ill and elderly.
Some people make it a career, but many
are mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers
who do whatever it takes to help loved ones. They soldier on when the
physical and psychological demands of care giving take their toll.
That is why during this holiday season we at Friends of Parkinson’s
celebrate caregivers. We do this by hosting a Caregiver’s Christmas -
an evening of food and festivities for those who care for people with
Parkinson’s and other movement disorders.
It is our privilege to allow them to enjoy a night off and shower
them with appreciation for the often thankless work they do. As the
population ages and people are living longer many of us will rely on
caregivers to care for us when we can’t care for ourselves.
Caregivers give so much. They deserve to be cared for in return. Not
just at the holidays, but all year-long.
Jamillah Ali-Rahman is the Founder/CEO of the Friends of Parkinson’s
Inc, a Nevada 501(c)3 nonprofit. www.friendsofparkinsons.org.
Accountability
By: Aaron Phillips / Healthy Voice
Courtesy of Dictionary.com, the word
accountability is defined as “the state of
being accountable, liable or answerable to.”
So, what does this mean?
I recently recorded a podcast where my co-host and I were talking
about New Year Resolutions. We all make them or at least many say
they make them with the best of intentions to keep them.
But let’s face it. Most
of us fall off the track
in about a month’s
time - unless you have
an “accountability
partner.”
Basically, this is
a person (could be
a friend or family
member or whomever
you like) to basically
hold your feet to the
fire and make sure you
achieve your goals.
This works well when it comes to your health goals. This is someone
who shares your goals and wants to help you achieve them. I have been
lucky that my accountability partner is my spouse of over 30 years.
I have previously outlined my health transition; however I may not
have shared this previously - but do so now. My wife went through the
same health journey as I did by having the gastric sleeve procedure 12
days after me.
Your partner gives you the drive and motivation necessary to stay on
track. They will also kick your backside to help you get going again
when needed.
So, who can you ask to be your “accountability partner?”
Aaron Phillips is a member of The LV Entertainers Hall of Fame,
podcaster, producer, author, emcee, broadcaster, and talk show host
on Vegas The Network. Feel free to contact him Aaronphillipslv2018@
gmail.com
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28
December 2019

Goodbye 2019 - Hello 2020!
By: Mary Richard / Health Fitness
Are we getting into the “holiday” theme
and snacking? Oh boy, with the upcoming
holiday goodies, the average person gains 5 to 7
pounds! Shocking, isn’t it?
I found that even with exercising prior to the holidays, I still may
gain a few pounds and they are all located in one spot! Where did that
come from?
Here are some low caloric snacks that you can indulge without
having that “guilt” feeling. These are for “cheese lovers” – of which I
admit I am guilty!
PARMESAN POPCORN: 1 cup air-popped popcorn, tossed with ¼
teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese – 56
calories per serving! One of my favorite snacks and very easy to make!
MINI CHEESE PLATE: 2 Rosemary crispbread crackers, 1/3 ounce
Gouda cheese and 5 red grapes - 64 calories per serving.
EASY HORS D’OEUVRE: 1 Pillsbury Savoring Frozen Appetizer,
Cheese and Spinach - 65 calories per serving.
2 CREAMY SALMON ROLLS: For each roll, wrap ½ ounce smoked
salmon around 2 teaspoons 1/3-less-fat cream cheese and 1 watercress
sprig - 74 calories per serving.
BRIE & ROASTED PEPPER TOAST: Half ounce Brie cheese melted
on thin baguette slice, topped with 1 small strip roasted red pepper - 64
calories per serving.
I also microwave some crackers with low-fat cheese for 10-15 seconds,
then put salsa on top. This concoction is very filling and helps me get
rid of some hunger while I’m waiting for dinner to cook.
Also other snacks that help – keeping string cheese handy. One stick
can also help to cut down on snacking urges. When I purchase carrots
or celery on a weekly basis, I cut them into bite size and place them into
a Ziplock bag to grab whenever hunger strikes!
So think “outside the box” and create some low-caloric snacks. I try
to eat some snacks before going out to holiday parties so that I am not
“famished” when I arrive! It’s tempting to try all the goodies, but at
least you won’t be gobbling them all up and having that guilt feeling
afterwards.
Enjoy the holidays – one of the pleasures of life!
POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND HAPPY HEALTH TO ALL!
Mary Richard is a long term supporter of senior fitness. She
teaches Zumba, toning and dance classes throughout the Las Vegas
Valley. She can be reached at zumbaqueen@cox.net.
29

The Tyranny of Technology
By: Judy Polumbaum / Our View
You know those days when you want to take
all your technological gadgets and grind
them into the dust?
Your cell phone is misbehaving. Files mysteriously vanish from your
computer. That sort of thing.
You start muttering like an old fogey about the good old days before
life was so complicated.
But darn, you depend on these things. So, you call the help line.
The other day, I was on the line for the software program that keeps
my laptop hard drive spic and span. The subscription had expired.
I wanted to ask about a discount for the renewal. The polite fellow
at the other end, identified only as Tech4005 in the chat window on
my screen, turned out to be sitting in the Ukraine. And yes, he was
Ukrainian.
I complimented him on his flawless English. He said he’d spent some
time in Miami.
I told him my mother’s father came from Ukraine; so I’m part
Ukrainian! Then I said I wished our president would stop meddling
in his country’s affairs. But we didn’t have to talk about that. “Yes,” he
said, “we’re not supposed to talk about that.”
Sure I could get a discount I considered a really deep cleaning with a
better program. A new window popped up on my screen, with payment
options. Instead of $40 a year, I could get the super-turbo-charged
variant for $1200 a year.
I could buy a new laptop for that! Fugheddaboudit!
Then it occurred to me: This nice compatriot of my grandpa was
serving double duty – along with tech support, he was expected to do
sales.
I envisioned his script: DON’T discuss politics. DO peddle the more
expensive product - the fancy designer version. It was simply the
protocol.
An unwary computer moron like me could easily fall into the trap.
Luckily, I stayed alert and stuck with the cheap gateway drug, which
works fine.
But I relearned a lesson that day: buyer beware. All the more so in
the digital age.
Judy is a professor emerita of journalism and a transplant to
Las Vegas from New England via China, the West Coast and the
Midwest.
30
December 2019

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31

46
Read the Directions!
By: Linda Bateman-Gomez / Timeless Beauty
Directions...who needs them? That seems to
be a very normal attitude for many of us,
including me.
What we often forget is that instructions are there for a reason and
often contain warnings so we do not end up with unintended results. I
found this out the hard way on a few different occasions.
My most recent regret came with (luckily) a non-permanent hair
color. It has no peroxide, no ammonia and I have used it for years.
While I have always seen the warnings about not using it on eyelashes
or eyebrows, I decided one day if I was really careful, I could try it on my
brows. What could go wrong? A lot.
It was a disaster! Not only was the gray in my eyebrows not covered
32
December 2019
up, the skin on my brows held the color so much that I looked like
Groucho Marx for days!
This same product suggested testing a spot to check the color, but
again, I decided I didn’t need to test out what was just a slightly darker
color. Well, it does make a difference! I learned the hard way that you
should always do a test spot.
My hair resembled Morticia Addams for weeks. I washed and washed
but to no avail and naturally the gray was the first thing to show back
through. It was almost comical - every time I would wash it, my little
Granddaughter would inform me, it was still black!
Testing new face creams or masks? Try a small area first and read
the labels.
Even the best creams may cause a reaction on your skin. Many of us
have allergies and would never suspect an ingredient we are allergic to
being in a product.
Bottom line: warnings and directions are usually there because there
are indeed things that can go wrong. It only takes a few minutes and
will be well worth not looking like part of the Addams family - like me!
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.

The Future is Now!
By: Jim Valkenburg / Insurance Insight
You may not believe all the high-tech car
features. Some of us will need our grandkids
to help us figure out all the new “techy” things
that are already in some of the new vehicles and
some that will be available soon.
But the cars will also be smarter than the grandkids! Can a car read
a street sign? Can our vehicles react faster than we can to a sudden
traffic change?
These are just a couple questions that the automakers say “yes”
to. Below is a list of just a few of the driver assisted systems we will
eventually have or already have in our new cars. Let’s hope all these
safety features will be factored into our insurance rates!
1. Adaptive cruise control will automatically adjust the speed of your
car to maintain a safe following distance. These can be set manually
from 1-2 to 3-4 car lengths.
2. Automatic high beams will switch between high and low beams as
other vehicles approach or in changing light conditions.
3. Forward collision warning will alert the driver to an imminent
forward collision with audible beeps and flashing lights.
4. Automatic emergency steering will help us steer our car out of the
way of an oncoming object in order to avoid a collision.
5. Automatic emergency braking applies the car’s brakes without
driver input if a collision is impending. Some of these systems can detect
pedestrians and
some of these
systems will
work when the
car is in reverse.
6. Rear crosstraffic
alert
will warn us
of oncoming
perpendicular
traffic from
behind the car
when backing up.
7. Semi-autonomous driving systems are offered by some automakers.
These systems combine adaptive cruise control and lane centering to
allow the car to just about drive on its own.
Many automakers are combining some of these features in a safety
package and have their own “name” for that package such as Toyota’s
Safety Sense, Subaru’s Eyesight or Nissan’s Safety Shield 360. When you
are ready to buy a new car, be prepared for some “nifty” features to help
protect you.
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.
33

Solo Dancing at Home
By: Heather Latimer / Heather’s Self-Help Tips
As we age our mobility diminishes. Yet too
many seniors scoff at the idea of exercising
at a fitness center and balk at dressing, undressing
and getting wet to take a dip in the pool.
“That’s disastrous” says physical therapist Julie Dendy, who
specializes in home based outpatient therapy. “Sitting around too
much can destroy flexibility in your limbs and cause your brain and
memory to go into decline.”
You don’t want that to happen, so how about making a New Year’s
resolution to increase your participation in one or both activities? You
can also have fun augmenting those sports by dancing at home.
It’s not advisable to jiggle and jive alone in the open space in the
center of your room where you could fall. Therefore:
1. Find a place on a wall where there’s sufficient space on the floor in
front of that wall for you to jump about.
2. Purchase a grab bar 5” in diameter and 18” long from Bed Bath
& Beyond - one with screws to secure it, not suction cups – to be affixed
vertically on that wall.
3. Choose tunes with a strong rhythm from a TV channel in the 900’s,
or from CD’s.
4. Use one hand to take ahold of the bar and never let go whilst you
fling out the other arm, stamp your feet, raise your knees, and twist
your hips. Don’t exhaust yourself.
Cut out any painful move and, of course, seek your doctor’s approval
before you commence.
Heather Latimer is a nationally recognized specialist in making
difficult subjects easy and author of 17 books. Her biography, and
latest non-fiction “How To Overcome Once-Easy Tasks That Are Now
Pains In The You-Know-What,” can be found at: amazon.com/
heatherlatimer/howtoovercomeonceeasy.
Automotive Holiday Gift Suggestions
By: BJ Killeen / Down the Road
It’s December, which can only mean it’s time
for our Down the Road annual automotive
holiday gift suggestions.
One of our favorite go-to online stores is WeatherTech. And while we
may not get the most severe weather for months on end in the Vegas
valley, there’s plenty of products besides rubber floormats.
Everything from pet accessories to auto detailing products to
floormats can be found here. Visit weathertech.com for on-the-go
goodies.
No one likes to stop just for coffee while on a road trip. The good news
is you don’t have to anymore, thanks to portable one-cup expresso
makers that you plug into your car’s power port.
It makes a cup of espresso in about two minutes and uses pods just
like the one-cup maker. Just add water.
While it’s fast, we never recommend doing it while driving. Prices
range from $100-$200, depending on brand.
Jealous of your friend’s new car with a Head-Up Display (HUD)? Now
you can have one as well, with Hudly.
The HUD system gets power from the car’s power port, and you
position it on your dashboard to match your line of sight. Then you
connect it wirelessly to your phone, and you’re ready to go.
No more looking at your phone while driving. Use any map app from
your phone. It’s full color and easy to see (day or night) and has builtin
speakers so you can hear your directions.
Visit gethudly.com to see a video of how it works, as well as pricing
and ordering information
Although the world may be online, there are those who still love
holding a book in their hands. The best source for anything related to
books (or aviation, for that matter), is Autobooks-aerobooks.
It’s a hidden-jewel bookstore located in Burbank, California that
carries anything and everything related to vehicles that fly in the air
and on the ground. The also do a Saturday morning cars & coffee show
if you’re looking for a quick road trip.
Check out the amazing selection of books and magazines at
autobooks-aerobooks.com.
34
December 2019
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

35

By: Joey Kantor / Vegas Retrospective
One thing about being from Vegas when over
50 is that you remember what Vegas really
is. You know that all the hype you get from the
Summerlinians and Green Valley-ans, (which
is actually Henderson) is nothing.
They’re standing on dirt where horse dung used to be. Henderson
of old was joked about as a backwater outpost and Green Valley didn’t
exist for a good portion of our lives.
When you’re one of those people, you know who Sergio Franchi is,
how he was one of the biggest stars on the Las Vegas Strip year after
year. You know that Buddy Hackett always played the Sahara. You know
that “tomorrow” was when the diet would take place at one of the first
Vegas buffets - The Silver Slipper.
You remember the fountain at the Tropicana and always looked when
you drove by Caesars to try and see the exact location that Evel Knievel
crashed his motorcycle into a wall after jumping over the fountains.
You remember the heyday of high kitsch, the world-famous and
never to re-appear 99 cent shrimp cocktail, the free cigarettes at the
21 tables and the understanding by the world that Las Vegas (in the
poorer quarters anyway) was filled with blue-haired grandmothers
with cigarettes dangling from their lips and blackened fingertips.
Back then you could tell a stranger that you live in the penthouse
of Caesar’s Palace and they would believe you because nobody really
believed that somebody (anybody) was actually from Las Vegas. With a
36
Sweet Enough Dreams
December 2019
professional football team coming I suppose we don’t have to convince
anyone of this anymore.
You know and still probably love Gus Guiffre who was always on one
television channel or another. You remember the giant Sultan on the
Dunes Golf Course overlooking the cars on I-15. You are one of those
people who remember that the original MGM showed old films where
you could sit on couches and order cocktail service while watching
Clark Gable or Jean Harlow.
You remember how freezing cold it used to get at UNLV football
games at the Silver Bowl; something that is unimaginable today which
should be an eye opener for people.
In this simpler time there were many more unobstructed views of the
strip from a distance. You would spend summer nights watching the
spotlights go back and forth across the sky.
If you were to go out to dinner as a local you might first consider The
Venetian, Chateau Vegas, The Golden Steer, Battista’s Hole in the Wall,
or if you wanted to really do it up we all knew that you would go to The
Dome of the Sea at the Dunes.
Neon was the bringer of the message back then. Neon tube-benders
turned the Las Vegas Strip into an exhibition of Americana that is now
recognized as being important as evidenced by the Neon Museum today.
The digital displays now are definitely impressive, but at the same
time they also feel somewhat elitist. Half of the thrill that comes from
watching them is that such a giant TV sure must be expensive. Neon
simply said “welcome” in a warm and fun way.
We were always in the public eye. We even made it into story lines in
the cartoons like The Jetsons and The Flintstones. The Rat Pack were
kings and Elvis was the king. You could see any of them perform solo
throughout the year.
Us locals, of course, were turning off our lights as the stars came out
at night, as the old song said, and dreamed sweet enough dreams.
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.

1THE VEGAS VOICE
MAJOR
AWARDS
THE VEGAS VOICE
DOES IT AGAIN!
The Vegas Voice
received 11 awards –
including five
“First Place Awards.”
Awards included:
1. General Excellence (For
the entire Vegas Voice family)
2. Special Sections
(Political Editor Rana Goodman)
for her work and efforts
on guardianship reform in
Nevada; it’s the 3rd consecutive
year The Vegas Voice was
recognized and applauded for
our reform efforts.
3. Editorial/Opinion (Publisher Dan Roberts)
4. Column Review
(our Yvonne Cloutier’s Musical Moments columnist)
5. Senior Issues (our Jim Valkenburg’s Insurance Insights columnist)
6. Travel Column (our Vacation Editor Crystal Sarbacker’s Out & About
articles)
7. Overall Design
(our Graphic Editor Michael Roberts)
And to cap off the ceremony, Vegas Voice
President Ray Sarbacker pretty much
swept the graphic awards categories -
winning the following:
8. Front Cover Illustration (for
his 100th Vegas Voice front page)
9. Self- Promotion Award (for
last year’s graphics on winning the
NAMPA awards – guess he’s going to
have to “top this” for these awards!)
10. Best single color ad (for
his Vegas Vacationers Tuscany ad)
11. Best Banner (for his front
page display which was thereafter
copied by the Las Vegas Review
Journal).
Winner of
9 Awards!
Winner of
9 Awards!
F O R T O D A Y ’ S A C T I V E S E N I O R S
Our 1OOth cover designed by
our President, Ray Sarbacker
F O R T O D A Y ’ S A C T I V E S E N I O R S
with apologies to
my hero, Norman...
2O19
February
For your Health, Wealth,
and Good Times!
GUARDIANSHIP
VICTORY!
2015-2019
SPECIAL FEATURE
“WE MADE IT”
PAGES 24-33
2O19
May
For your Health, Wealth,
and Good Times!
Political Editor Rana Goodman and Nampa Executive
Director Gary Calligas
37

December 6, 1939
By: John Beilun / Time Traveler
Chicago, January 1939. The Great Depression
continued unabated.
Despite having graduated Phi Betta Kappa
from Dartmouth College thirteen years earlier, Robert May toiled as
a poorly paid copywriter for a department store. He, his wife Evelyn
and their four-year old daughter Barbara lived in what was essentially
a hovel. It offered scant respite from Lake Michigan’s bitter winds. To
make matters worse, Evelyn was dying from cancer and spent her days
in agony.
Robert’s employer, Montgomery Ward, had a custom of buying and
giving away coloring books at Christmas. In 1938, their number had
grown to two million.
To cut expenses, Robert’s supervisor recommended that the company
produce its own book and give that out in the future. Management
loved the idea. And, indifferent to Evelyn’s condition as well as Robert
being Jewish, they told him to create one in time for next Christmas.
Robert didn’t think he could do it. However, not having been steeped
in Christmas tradition was actually an advantage. Robert could, and
did, think out of the box.
He reflected upon his childhood, when he had been picked on for
being small, shy and far from athletic. He also thought about how
much his daughter enjoyed animated animal stories - especially the
one about an ugly duckling.
With this in mind, Robert decided to write a story about a cartoon
animal. But he couldn’t figure out what kind. Not until he remembered
how much Barbara loved to visit the deer during her trips to the zoo.
He didn’t think that your garden variety deer would do. No. It had to
be a different kind of deer. A reindeer.
And, like Robert, it had to be an underdog. Then, recalling the tale of
the ugly duckling, he also felt that
his protagonist should have some
sort of deformity.
Robert then toyed with names.
He initially considered Rollo, then
Reginald, before finally settling
on Rudolph.
Now it was time to work on
the story. Because Barbara loved
nursery rhymes, Robert decided to use rhyming couplets.
Then, he began writing and re-writing, and reading and re-reading
his efforts to his daughter. Slowly improving with each attempt.
All the while, Evelyn’s cancer continued to spread until she mercifully
passed away in July. Awash in tears, Robert made an all out effort to
perfect his poem; not only in memory of his wife but also for the sake
of his daughter.
By August, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was complete. However,
because of its connotation with insobriety, it took a lot of arm-twisting
for management to accept the red nose.
And, it was not quite the same story that Gene Autrey and Burl Ives
have led us to believe. You see, Rudolph didn’t grow up at the North
Pole. Instead, he was raised by his mom and dad in a forest, where they
lived in a reindeer “village.”
Santa didn’t come onto the scene until one very foggy Christmas Eve.
He discovered Rudolph by accident when, while delivering presents, he
noticed a glow coming from the reindeer’s room. Concerned about the
weather, Santa asked Rudolph to light the way.
Montgomery Ward began distributing booklets about Rudolph on
December 6, 1939. It issued two and a half million before running out.
And that marvelous reindeer has been with us ever since.
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December 2019

39

Piedras Blancas -
An Inspiring Respite
By: Kathy Manney / Around Our World
Whipped cream foam waves wash onto the
Piedras Blancas beach. A gentle breeze
whispers and seagulls fly by. The tang of the ocean is in the air.
What makes this stretch of California beach remarkable are the
hundreds of elephant seals sunning and sleeping in the sand. They can
be seen, appearing like abandoned logs in the sand, for as far as the eye
can see. Except for nursing pups, elephant seals fast during their time
in the rookery and for that reason, slumber much of the time to avoid
excess energy usage.
The Piedras Blancas elephant seal population is about 23,000, but
not all are found on the beach at the same time. How many are ashore
at one time is dictated by the season. In July and August the population
is in the hundreds, while in January through August, they can number
in the thousands.
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November 2019
Elephant seals aren’t typical seals. As the name implies, they are
enormous.
A male at 16 feet long can weigh 5,000-pounds. He will fight for
dominance over the portion of the beach he desires. Though their
battles rarely cause serious bodily harm to their opponent, they can
and often do cause bloody injury.
A female is usually 12 feet long and can weigh 1,800-pounds. Only
the males grow the long nose, known as the “proboscis.”
Birthing takes place in January and February and pups are 3-4
feet long and average 70-pounds. While the mother seal is fasting,
newborns will quadruple their weight in four weeks.
At 28-days, pups are abruptly weaned and the mother seal returns
to the ocean. When the pups are three months old, they are capable
of diving and staying down longer than an adult seal lion and harbor
seals.
Elephant seals began arriving at Piedras Blancas, near Hearst Castle,
in 1990. Other rookeries are located on the California Islands; the
largest on the Channel Islands off Santa Barbara.
Piedras Blancas is an inspiring respite - both for visitors coming to
watch from elevated viewing decks and the elephant seals who call this
beach theirs.
Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an
Adventure Diva. Her “Must See” travel journeys continue - always
with enthusiasm.

My “Bucket List” Cruise
By: Stu Cooper / Happy Adventures
I just
returned
from what turned out to be
a “Bucket List” cruise. In
the span of ten nights, while
escorting a group from my hometown of New York, we visited England,
France, Portugal and Italy.
It got to the point where I didn’t know whether to say “thank you”,
“gracias” or “merci” when thanking someone for their service provided.
And therein lies the “Bucket List” moment or moments. To visit
London. Vigo, Spain,
Lisbon, Portugal,
Gibraltar, part of the
UK commonwealth,
Barcelona, Spain,
Marseille, France and
Florence, Pisa and
Rome certainly provides
unforgettable moments.
This itinerary was all
accomplished in 10 nights.
So if you want to see a lot,
get a great overview of a
large geographical area
than this type of cruise is
for you.
Think about it. I saw the Tower of London, Westminster Abby,
(among others in London). Lisbon afforded wonderful visits to Santa
Maria de Belem and the Almada area. The iconic Rock of Gibraltar and
the Barbary Monkeys are just classic.
Barcelona and all of the Gaudi architecture plus a visit up the Majica
(Magic Mountain) and a stroll in the Gothic area are all a “must see.”
As for Marseille, a visit to Notre Dame de la Garde with its beautiful
overlook is quite impressive.
Finally walking around Rome and all the highlights, including the
Vatican was just the cherry on top of the cake. And I left out much,
much more.
This was a truly remarkable trip. Lots of walking and eating local
foods. But I lost two pounds, so my doctors are happy.
We have done trips like this with the Vegas Voyagers. And we are
setting trips up like this now.
*Please save the dates for our next Vegas Voyagers Travel Club
meetings. On Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 10:00 am our
meeting will be at the Revere Country Club in Anthem and the next
day, Friday, January 24 at 10:00 am we will hold our Summerlin
meeting at the Suncoast. We will have more information in January’s
edition. We look forward to giving you up to the minute details on all
upcoming trips.
As always, happy adventures.
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December 2019

43

44
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It’s The Most Wonderful
Time Of The Year
By: Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker /
Out & About
The above musical holiday favorite is enjoyed nationwide. But
it especially describes New York City, where you can find all
the traditions of the season. Everything from “chestnuts roasting” to
“eggnog toasting” is readily accessible in this city that pulls out all the
stops to dazzle visitors and residents of all ages.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade launches the Holiday Season with
an annual morning display of countless floats and giant helium-filled
balloons. Now celebrating its 95 th anniversary, the parade was basically
a local event until the debut of the 1947 classic film, “Miracle On
34th Street”, which catapulted it into one of America’s dearest holiday
extravaganzas.
Now modestly claiming to be the biggest parade in the world, this
event features top performers from Broadway musicals who dance and
sing their way down the parade route to please the cheering crowds. It’s
fun on TV, but even the cold November weather doesn’t dampen the
excitement of being there.
If you plan carefully, you can catch the Radio City Christmas Show
during your New York visit. This live stage show features the high
stepping Rockettes as well as Santa Claus in a sleigh pulled by living
reindeer.
If that’s not enough to dazzle you, there are wild live animals on
stage during a living nativity presentation. This holiday favorite
regularly sells out, but the real star is the Radio City Theater with its
versatile stage.
If you have the time and budget to take the backstage tour, you’ll get
a fascinating look at this historic theater. And if you have a few days to
stay over, you might want to head for Rockefeller Plaza for the lighting
of their Christmas Tree. It’s always a big celebrity-filled show, and the
tree, is spectacular.
Plus, across the street are the window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue
with beautiful, lifelike, animated holiday scenes. And for a change of
pace, drop by the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see their Christmas
tree. Decorated with exquisite antique Italian porcelain angels, it might
be one of the most moving and memorable displays you’ll ever see.
Happy holidays, everyone!
Travel professional, Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker, has visited all
50 U.S. states and over 40 countries. She was awarded 1st Place for
her 2019 Travel Writing by the North American Mature Publishers
Association. She can be reached at Merryman2@aol.com

Protect Plants in the Winter
By: Howard Galin / Happy Gardening
Our Las Vegas winters, although usually
warm, can have brief but intense cold spells
in December and January. With this in mind,
there are preventative measures that should be taken in order to protect
our landscaping.
Check your irrigation tubing, making sure that the narrow
“spaghetti” hosing is buried at least 2” below the ground to prevent
freeze splitting and leaks. Check the valves under the irrigation box and
place insolated “mitten” covers (available at gardening stores) over all
spigots and exposed irrigation piping.
This is also a good time to replenish both inorganic (rock) mulch
as well as organic (wood) mulch in order to protect the soil and roots
from freezing. Any remaining pruning should be completed at this
time. When dealing with deciduous trees, wait until all leaves have
fallen.
With “cold hardy” plants such as lantanas, wait until they die back
and prune to soil level. Roses can now be pruned removing about 1/3
of the top and side branches.
The same holds true for other flowering plants - such as Texas
Rangers, Jasmine and Hawthornes. Proper pruning will stimulate a
more robust regrowth once the growing season begins.
Adhere to the winter watering schedule but try not to water after
the sun goes down in order to prevent residual water from freeing.
There are certain plants that should
receive no water during the cold
months (December through January)
such as cactus, euphorbia, yucca and
agave. Native trees such as Mesquite,
and Joshua Trees should have their
irrigation turned off as well.
Larger delicate plants, such as cactus,
should be wrapped with burlap. Small
or young plants can be protected by
placing Styrofoam cups over their tops.
Another way to keep plants protected
is to wrap them with outdoor (non-
LED) Christmas lights that can be turned on during cold winter nights.
Even an old blanket thrown over delicate bushes and shrubs can protect
them from frost damage.
Potted plants need to be hand watered during the warmest time of
the day when the soil is dry. If possible, place them close to one another
in the sunniest part of your garden or close to your house in order to
take advantage of the sun and reflected warmth.
Have 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.
45

Boost Your Brain on "Giving Tuesday" & All Year Long!
By: Jan Fair / A No-Brainer Minute
C
elebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, "Giving Tuesday" kicks off the charitable
season when many of us focus on our holiday and end-of-year giving. And according
to the book we talked about last month, Outsmarting Alzheimer's: What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk by
Kenneth S. Kosik, https://www.meetup.com/Ladies-Making-a-Difference/
M.D., "... helping others and 'giving' is good for your brain!"
LOOK below. See the homeless mats that I and others across the country are crocheting out of
plastic bags. Yes. Those bags from grocery stores that CANNOT be recycled and are polluting
our oceans. It's fun to join a group making these mats. (See below-right.) Your brain will love it.
Making Mats for
the Homeless
Mental Minutes
“Giving”
1. In one minute, name
charities and good causes.
2. Make an alphabetic list.
Action Against Hunger,
Breast Cancer Research,
Children's Hospitals, …
A No-Brainer Pick
To find others making mats near
you, just GOOGLE:
"(your city) group making
plastic bag mats"
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
December 2019
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December 2019

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Speaking to and for Las Vegas
Valley Seniors since 2003
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