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“ASK LAURA ABOUT REAL ESTATE”
Spring Market in the Summer?
The housing market saw a decline in buyer traffic and showings in mid-March,
which caused great uncertainty about the future of real estate in the months to
follow. However, we are now seeing positive signs that potential buyers are
returning to the market - and they need homes to purchase! Good news for
both those wanting to buy and those wanting to sell a home.
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
Internet online traffic to home listings has been steadily increasing, and is now
comparable to past Spring numbers. That is the precursor to actual in-person
showings increasing (which we are already seeing as well). In fact, both virtual
and in-home showings have been increasing weekly since about the third week
of April. Proof, if you ask me, that we are turning the corner.
So, with potential buyers returning to the market, are you ready to sell your
home? The inventory of homes for sale is gradually increasing as
homeowners desiring to sell their home get them on the market. With the
pent-up demand from the "delayed" Spring market and the still amazingly low
interest rates, home buyers are ready to make their dream of home-ownership
a reality. What does that mean? Reasonably priced homes are selling every
day, sometimes with multiple offers. What does it also mean? If you want to
sell, this is a GOOD time to do so.
It's not hard to see that the combination of low inventory, increasing buyer
demand, and very low interest rates is getting our real estate market going
(even while certain parts of the economy remain frozen). Whether you are
interested in selling your current home, purchasing a new home, or both, I am
here to answer your questions about the process and guide you through your
real estate transaction. My office is open 7 days a week for your convenience,
and I'm looking forward to hearing from you today!
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
July 2020
LAURAHARBISONREALESTATE.COM 702-777-1234
394 Giocoso Ct.
CADENCE Very upgraded & like new 4
BR/2.5 BA, 2048 SF home on a premium,
oversized corner lot. Fully landscaped with
gated courtyard & backyard with extended
patio. Island kitchen with quartz counters,
stainless appliances, large walk-in pantry
& white shaker style cabinets. Upgraded
flooring & fixtures, 2-tone paint, raised
panel doors, ceiling fans & alarm system.
Spacious master with tons of storage, 3
generous secondary BRs & 2 car garage!
$445,000
2963 Viking Rd.
CUSTOM HOME Old Vegas charm in this
unique 6 BR/5 BA/6263 SF home! Fabulous
indoor pool/spa, extensive use of marble &
custom cabinetry. It’s like stepping back in
time! Formal living room currently set up as
theater, sunken family room with gas
fireplace, wood flooring, wet bar. Huge
MBR with retreat & 2 walk-in closets.
Master bath with large round jacuzzi tub,
bidet, shower, linen storage & 2-way glass
window overlooking the pool, oversized
garage & more! $798,000
2512 Corvus St.
SOLERA AT ANTHEM Beautiful 3 BR/2 BA,
1768 SF Franklin floorplan w/ huge great
room, formal dining & a beautiful kitchen that
features corian counters, upgraded cabinets
with pull-out shelves, dual pantry, recessed
lighting & breakfast nook. Plantation shutters,
2-tone paint, raised panel doors, upgraded
carpet & tile on diagonal. 2 Car Garage &
more! 55+, age-restricted. $365,000
2437 Antler Point
GREEN VALLEY Gorgeous golf course
frontage home features 5BR/3 BA in 3465 SF.
Island kitchen w/ granite counters. Breakfast
bar, recessed lighting, w/I pantry, and nook.
Formal sunken living room w/ gas FP. Formal
Dining room. Separate family room w/ CF &
Gas FP. Master Suite w/ sitting area, CF, Gas
FP & Luxury Bath. Bed and Bath down. Large
Patio. 3 Car Garage and No rear neighbors!
$539,900
2368 Kalkaska Dr.
SUN CITY ANTHEM Upgrades galore!
Premium .20 acre raised corner lot featuring
courtyard with stamped concrete patio! 4BR/
3 BA/ 2705 SF. Island kitchen w/ corian
counters, tile backsplash, built-in oven, gas
cooktop & upgraded cabinets. Plantation
shutters & custom 2-tone paint, tile on
diagonal, ceiling fans. Family room with
surround sound. Fenced yard with covered
patio, 2 car garage & much more! 55+,
age-restricted. $525,000
9601 Crystal Cup
POLO GREENS Adorable single story home on
premium corner lot w/ 3BR/2BA in 1259 SF.
Spacious great room w/ vaulted ceilings & gas
fireplace. Step-saver kitchen with pantry,
breakfast bar, nook, and recessed lighting.
Master suite w/ bay window, vaulted ceiling,
and two closets. Fully fenced rear yard with
patio. Low maintenance, 2 Car Garage and so
much more! $332,900
2224 Merrimack Valley Av.
SUN CITY ANTHEM Upgraded 2 BR+den/2.5
BA, 3172 SF Charleston floorplan boasts
plantation shutters, tile on diagonal & ceiling
fans. Island kitchen w/ granite counters, SS
appliances, cherry cabinets w/ roll-out shelves
& W/I pantry. Spacious living room w/ wet bar
& formal dining area. Separate family room.
Generous master w/ sitting area, W/I closet,
garden tub, shower & raised vanities. 3 Car
Garage. 55+ age restricted. $560,000
4962 Perrone Av.
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Updated 3 BR/
2BA/1405 SF 1-story home. Kitchen features
New gray quartz counters, white shaker
cabinets, SS appliances, breakfast bar &
recessed lighting. Living/dining room combo
with ceiling fan & separate family room with
ceiling fan. Master suite with ceiling fan, bay
window & walk-in closet. Secondary BRS with
ceiling fans. 2-tone paint. Covered patio & 2 car
garage! $317,900
3
4
July 2020
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
PRESIDENT
VP ADVERTISING
POLITICAL EDITOR
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
NIGHT LIFE EDITOR
TRAVEL EDITOR
RADIO HOST
GRAPHICS EDITOR
DIGITAL MEDIA
VIDEO EDITOR
WEB DESIGN
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Pat Alexander
Adrea Barrera
John Bielun
Yvonne Cloutier
Dianne Davis
Sandi Davis
Chuck Dean
Jan Fair
Howard Galin
Susan Goldfein
www.thevegasvoice.net
www.vegasvoicetv.net
Volume 17, Issue 6
OUR FANTASTIC COLUMNISTS
PROUD
MEMBERS OF:
Linda Gomez
Ali Guggenheim
Morris Heldt
Dan Hyde
Mike Landry
Heather Latimer
BJ Killeen
Kathy Manney
Kyo Mitchell
Liz Palmer
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
Success City Online
Bill Caserta
bill@thevegasvoice.net
Judy Polumbaum
Mary Richard
Renee Riendeau
Crystal Sarbacker
Jim Valkenburg
Beverly Washburn
Vicki Wentz
Kate Wind
About The Vegas Voice
In 2019, The Vegas Voice received 11 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.
Suckers!
By: Dan Roberts / Roberts Rules
There’s a sucker born every minute – P. T.
Barnum.
Congratulations to Family Court Judge William
Voy. His actions (along with the silence of the judiciary) serves as a
future roadmap for those seeking judgeships in Clark County.
Let’s recap: In the primary contest
last month for District Court, Family
Division, Department A, incumbent
William Voy faced an unexpected
challenge for his job. Voy had run
unopposed in previous elections and
no doubt he fully expected the same
results.
But along came former Family Court
Judge Gayle Nathan, who filed around
noon on deadline day. Now with just
two candidates, the law states that a
primary will not be necessary, and the
election would be decided in November.
Lo and behold however, in addition
to his last-day opponent, out of the
blue, within (literally) minutes of the
deadline another person filed for his
job – Chery Ann Wingate.
Ms. Wingate, from the moment she
filed did absolutely nothing in her bid
to be judge. No campaigning, no policy
statements, no reason as to “why” she was running, no website, not
even a headshot.
She even refused to attend the Las Vegas Review Journal’s judicial
debate as well as reply to my telephone calls and email requests for
information. It was as if she placed her name to seek the job and
immediately entered the witness protection program.
She became a “ghost.” She is also the sister-in-law of Judge Voy.
Can you imagine how “shocked! shocked!” Voy must have been that
he drew a 3 rd opponent - and to add insult to injury, a family member.
Oh, the shame, the embarrassment, the anger the judge must have had
over a relative trying to take away his robe and gavel.
Can you just picture what that family Thanksgiving dinner would
be? Anyway, now with a 3 rd candidate, the primary was “on.”
You see, under the law if a candidate receives 50% + 1 vote in the
primary, no general election will be held. You think Wingate filed
solely to split the women’s vote so that her brother-in-law receives the
majority vote?
And the worse part about the family conspiracy and scheme? It
worked perfectly.
The two women candidates were just about equal in votes while the
judge received just over 50% of the vote
– hence no election in November.
The judge’s goal was to treat the
public like suckers and (at last count,
Ms. Wingate received 66,772 votes,
24.57% of the vote) it worked to
perfection.
You really think those voters knew
who she was? You believe that those that
marked their ballot for Wingate did so
based on her integrity, her positions, or
her connecting to the voters?
Come on, like 99% of the population,
you have no knowledge and even less
interest in the judicial race. And with
the coronavirus pandemic sucking all
the air out of life who wants to spend
their time on this?
Now make no mistake, the judicial
insiders – judges, lawyers (even the
Review Journal) knew about this BS
scheme and said nothing. They also
played the public like suckers.
P. T. Barnum would have been proud.
This is just another example why Rana and The Vegas Voice is so
passionate and dedicated to cleaning up this judicial cesspool. And
per my PILL’s (partner in love & life) article on page 22, you can
understand why we need to start NOW – beginning with the dumping
of fellow Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin.
Abraham Lincoln famously stated: You can fool all the people some of
the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all
the people all the time.
Well in this election, William Voy fooled 66,772 people. Are you
willing to be one of them come November?
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.
5
Happy Eclipse Season
By: Kate Wind / Kate’s Insight
Eclipse season is upon us and people are
feeling it! A Lunar Eclipse takes place when
the Earth moves between the Sun and a Full
Moon, whereas a Solar Eclipse takes place when
the Moon moves between the Sun and the Earth.
The upcoming Lunar Eclipse on July 5 th will wrap up a two year cycle
of eclipses on the Capricorn-Cancer axis which kicked off on July 13,
2018.
Eclipses act as a wake-up call or ‘AH-HA’ moment, so what people
learn or say under this energy usually sticks! It can be something big
such as quitting a job or wanting to go back to school or as small as
saying I’m no longer going to engage with a friend or activity.
Either way, the effects of an eclipse can last 6 months to a year after
the event.
Although everyone is impacted by the eclipse, some may feel it more
than others based on their astrological birth charts. If you know your
birth chart, see if you have any personal planets sitting around 13
degrees of Capricorn or Cancer.
As a hint, if you were born between January 2- 4 or July 3-5 this
Lunar Eclipse will activate your Sun placement.
If you don’t know your birth chart, go back and review July 2018.
What were you working on at this time?
Do you recall launching, starting or manifesting something? It is
common for plans, goals or work to wrap up as we close out this series.
A few things to note about this eclipse when it comes to the USA:
1. This eclipse takes place at 13* Capricorn which will activate the
Sun in the birth chart of the USA.
2. The Capricorn-Cancer axis rules security, roots, ancestry, structure,
government and perseverance.
3. A Lunar Eclipse rules ending - suggesting we will witness history
as the structures, government and power that relate to our identity get
an over-haul.
Kate Wind is second-generation Astrologer and Feng Shui
Consultant. She speaks on an array of topics, from astrological
influences, Chinese New Year, Feng Shui and Tarot. You can contact
her at: the katewind@gmail.com
6
July 2020
Covid-19 Top 10 Final
(Hopefully) Thoughts
By: Bill Caserta / Bill’s Blurbs
1
. Coronavirus has turned us all into dogs.
We wander around the house looking
for food. We get told “No” if we get too close to
strangers and we get really excited about going for walks and car rides.
2. Wearing a mask inside your home is now highly recommended. Not
so much to stop the coronavirus, but to stop eating.
3. I hope they give us two weeks’ notice before sending us back out
into the real world. I think we’ll all need the time to become ourselves
again. And by “ourselves” I mean lose 10 pounds, cut our hair and get
used to not drinking at 9:00 a.m.
4. I stepped on my scale this morning. It said: “Please practice social
distancing. Only one person at a time on scale.”
5. Shelter-in-Place Day 72: The garbage man placed an AA flyer on
my recycling bin.
6. Never in a million years could I have imagined I would go up to a
bank teller wearing a mask and ask for money.
7. If there is a second part of this quarantine, do we have to stay with
the same family, or will they relocate us?
8. The dumbest thing I’ve ever bought was a 2020 planner.
9. Not to brag, but I haven’t been late to anything in over 2 months.
10. They can open things up next month, I’m staying in until August
to see what happens to you all first.
And finally: When this virus thing is finally over with, I still want
some of you to stay away from me.
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
The Statler Brothers
By: Yvonne Cloutier / Musical Moments
In 1948, The Statler Brothers were four
young men and formed a singing quartet
called The Four Stars, first singing in their
hometown of Staunton, Virginia. They mixed comedy with country,
gospel harmonies, and barbershop music.
Harold Reid said, “We took gospel harmonies and put them into
country music.” Gospel harmonies are religious and can be very
complex.
They sang at least one gospel song in each of their performances.
The Blackwood Bros were a big influence on their harmonies.
Beginning members were Harold Reid, bass and comedian; Phil
Baisley, baritone; Joe McDorman, lead singer; and Lew DeWitt, tenor.
They changed their name to The Kingsman. The group became very
popular from 1964-1972 as Johnny Cash’s opening act and backup
singers.
None had the surname of Statler. It was a name they found on a
tissue box in a hotel room. They changed names because another
group had a name similar to The Kingsman.
Harold Reid had the idea to form the group. Joe McDorman quit
in 1960, replaced by Harold’s brother, Don. Phil Baisley remained a
member throughout their career,
Jimmy Fortune joined the group in 1960, replacing Lew Dewitt who
became ill with Crohn’s Disease. DeWitt performed solo afterwards
before dying in 1990. Harold died in 2020.
Phil Baisley continued in music for a while after the Statler Brothers
retired. He lost two sons in accidents and his wife in 2014. He was
known as “the quiet one.”
Don Reid was married and had several children. He still lives in
Virginia. He has written seven books including Sunday Morning
Memories and was the lyricist for the group, and co-writer for 40 of
their 66 hits.
The Statlers were one of the most successful and awarded country
harmony groups. They were inducted into the Country Music Hall of
Fame.
Some of their greatest hits from their 40 albums plus singles were:
The Class of ‘57, Flowers on the Wall, How Great Thou Art, Daddy Sang
Bass, Bed of Roses and Do You Know You Are My Sunshine.
The group seemed to know “when to hold them and when to fold
them,” and disbanded after a successful tour in 2002.
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.
ADA Compatibility
Grab Bars + Ramps
Curbless Showers + More
8
July 2020
The Sweetest Lady
By: Beverly Washburn / Hollywood Memories
wanted to write about a lady who was one of
I the most famous child actors of all time. She
also was one of the top 10 box office stars in 1937
and 1938.
Her name is Jane Withers and I had the honor of first meeting her
in 1956. It was at an Easter Parade in Beverly Hills, where this photo
was taken.
She truly was and is, one of the absolute sweetest ladies I’ve ever
met. Her big “Hollywood break” was playing opposite Shirley Temple
(at the age of eight) in the movie “Bright Eyes.”
She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as her
handprint and signature at the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater.
Her career spanned decades.
We Know
It’s Only Rock ’n Roll
(But we like it.)
After 27 years on the
job lighting up the Hard
Rock Cafe, this sweet
Gibson Les Paul guitar
has a new home at the
Neon Museum. Dig it.
And in the mid-60s she became “Josephine the Plumber “ in the
well-known TV commercial for Comet Cleanser.
She was married twice. Sadly, her second husband, Kenneth Errair
(who was one of the famous Four Freshman singing group) was killed
in a plane crash.
Today Jane (as she likes to be called) is 94 years young. I had the
pleasure of seeing her again a couple of years ago at an autograph
show in L. A.
I marveled at what a joy and how “fan friendly” Jane was. She had a
long line of people wanting to get her autograph even though the event
was ending.
Many of the other celebrities were tired and wanted to leave since it
was closing time. Not her! She stayed until every last one of them got
her autograph so they wouldn’t be disappointed.
Jane gave me a big hug and when I commented on how wonderful
she was to her fans (sad to say some “celebrities” are not) she smiled
and said, “Without fans, none of us would have a reason to be here.”
My sentiments exactly!
I truly love this woman and it’s my honor to know her and share with
all of you what a precious, kind-hearted and loving person she is. The
world needs more people like her.
Until next time, remember: Don’t start your day with broken pieces
of yesterday.
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.
BOOK A VISIT
NeonMuseum.org
9
Alien Abductions
By: Ali Guggenheim / Psychic Phenomenon
Alien abductions refers to the real
experience of secretly being kidnapped
by extraterrestrial (non-human figures) for
the purpose of physical and psychological
experimentation. Though some claim this started in the 1940s and 50s,
there are reports dating back decades.
For most, the concept of an alien abduction is so unfathomable
that it’s easy to dismiss it as crazy and unbelievable but try convincing
the millions of people worldwide that claim to have experienced this
phenomenon.
Most abductees report they were merely lying in bed when an eerie
feeling overcame them. Then out of nowhere, alien beings appeared.
We’re Back!
By: Evan Davis / Entertainment Editor
We’re back! Yes, not only is Vegas on the road
to entertainment recovery but so is The
Vegas Voice. We already have two shows scheduled
and are working on finding new venues to bring
our first-rate entertainment to the Vegas Valley.
We have a new video/TV web site (vegasvoicetv.com), and I’m
hosting “Celebrity Corner”, which will bring you a front row seat to
“behind the scenes” interviews with Vegas’s top performers. You must
see the impromptu interview/podcast with Vinny Adinolfi of the Bronx
Wonderers and John DiDomenico, Emmy nominated actor, comedian,
and impersonator (Donald Trump, Austin Powers, Jay Leno and many
others).
You can find it on The Vegas Voice web page, our YouTube page,
streaming on Roku through the Golden Network TV and my web site.
My web site is also the link to my calendar of local entertainment that’s
happening now: evandavisjazz.com/calendar.html
Typically, they’re transported to a spacecraft for experimentations
and returned to their bedrooms unharmed. Although it seemed like
hours, it was only minutes.
In 1985, while I was at Ann Wigmore’s Natural Health Institute
located in Union City, Michigan, my ex and I were assigned a secondfloor
room with a skylight. Around midnight I was awakened by a huge
light hovering over our skylight. When I told my ex in the morning, he
suggested I don’t mention this to the others.
Of course, walking into the communal dining room that morning I
sing-songed, “you didn’t see what I saw,” a couple of times. Suddenly
an elderly lady shrieked out, “Thank you for sharing this.”
Addressing the others, she yelled, “See, I told you it wasn’t a dream! It
really happened!” Then she proceeded to retell her story.
The woman, a polio victim since childhood couldn’t walk without
braces. She was totally helpless and petrified when around midnight a
bright light filled her room and these unidentifiable beings approached
her.
All she remembered was passing out as they carried her away. Her
story coincided with many other stories shared by abductees through
the years, worldwide.
It is impossible to share the endless information available. One
anecdotal note worth mentioning was when Jimmy Carter, during his
1976 campaign for president described, “the darndest thing he and
others had ever seen in the sky” outside a Lion’s Club meeting.
He vowed “never again to ridicule anyone who claimed to have seen
a UFO.”
To contact Ali or for spiritual consultations, coaching, workshops
and readings, email: alivegasvoice@yahoo.com.
10
July 2020
*The big show rooms are on hold for now, but the lounges are back.
Local entertainment is going on in the Piazza Lounge at the Tuscany.
The Bootlegger Bistro has solo entertainment seven nights a week.
And you can find sporadic entertainment at Monzu’ Pizza, Chianti
Italian Restaurant, Bobby Mao to name a few.
There is a grand re-opening happening on Friday July 10 th for the
Italian American Club. Some dinners will be served in the showroom,
as well as the dining room before Jimmy Hopper opens the club’s
entertainment.
Genevieve will be performing in the lounge that Friday and Michael
Ross Nugent will be there on Saturday night. There will also be other
shows rounding out the month. Limited seating and reservations are
a must.
There are a few clubs, or shall I say entertainment venues on the
strip, that have opened. Mayfair Supper Club at the Bellagio and the
piano bar at Harrah’s. Drive-In Drag Show at the Dreamland Drive-In
and hopefully the opening of The Bronx Wanderers in July.
However, with things changing daily, you must check before you go!
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.
11
By: ARenee Riendeau / Movie Revelations
bout seven months ago, Publisher Dan
asked if I’d seen “The Irishman” on Netflix.
I said, “I don’t have Netflix. His retort was, “How
can a movie critic not have Netflix?!”
So, my Christmas present to myself was Netflix. What a bonus to have
this service at my fingertips during our “shelter in place.”
I guess 8 out of 10 of you are already enjoying having hundreds of
movies and TV options, but some of you are still dragging your feet to
enroll. Let me remind you of some of the benefits:
1. You can watch from the comfort of your own home in your favorite
chair/bed.
2. You can dress in a comfortable outfit or just stay in your pj’s , sans
make-up.
3. You can press “pause” for bathroom breaks or trips to the
refrigerator without losing your place.
4. You can fit your selection into your own time schedule 24/7.
5. There are many categories/options to choose from whether a
movie or TV series.
6. Each selection has a summary to review.
7. The length of the film is posted.
8. Netflix will remind you by text and e-mail if you completed your
selection, plus remind you of new releases when they become available.
Have I convinced you to sign up for Netflix? If so, a few of my
quarantine selections:
Sweet Magnolia’s - Best friends, big dreams. They believe in each
12
Netflix
Back in the Day
By: Morris Heldt / A Senior’s P.O.V.
think it is fair to say that a lot of us are feeling
I like we have been trying to drink water out
of a fire hose. I am not going to regale you with
my opinion, as my opinion is no better, or
worse, than all of yours.
However, I will share with you what I
do when I get inundated with so much
negative news…and watching the utter
chaos of lawlessness and restrictions we
have all been bombarded with.
It was 1976 on a late Saturday
afternoon/evening and we were
doing some post work on our 35mm
documentary film at the old legendary
MGM studios. We were scheduled at such
an unusual time because the bigger productions were not working,
and the editing bays were available to small production companies like
ours.
As my partner, who was also our editor, was working on our film, I
seized the moment to explore the famous movie studio lot and leisurely
soak up the history. Since we had been cleared by security and had the
July 2020
other and meet for regular margarita nights. Anyone says otherwise?
Marcos-Mexico - Corruption made a drug king untouchable until
a focused DEA agent threatens to topple his empire.
The Music of Silence - Based on the life of Andrea Bocelli from his
bumpy children to his international fame.
Dead to Me - A hotheaded widow searching for the hit and run
driver who mowed down her husband, befriends an eccentric optimist
who isn’t quite what she seems.
Orange is the New Black - A sentence of 15 months is given
to Piper Chapman for a crime committed in her youth, leaves her
supportive fiancé Larry for her new home in a women’s prison.
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.
appropriate passes I was able to walk freely around the entire lot and
explore many of the soundstages I had never been on before.
This included the stages where Busby Berkeley shot those movies with
the enormous dance scene sequences. I was taken aback at the size -
they were so huge you could literally store
a blimp in them. Unfortunately, most of
those stages don’t even exist any longer.
I stood in those huge stages and
thought “back in the day” when famous
MGM actors did such wonderful work in
such classic movies. Even when I walked
into the restrooms, where they had the
old latrines for the men, I imagined the
famous people that stood there before me.
So, for me, instead of getting “pissed”
over things I cannot control, I think back
to a day that puts a smile on my face.
Incidentally, that film we made (Photographs) was chosen as one of
the best films in its category in the 1977 USA Film Festival.
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.
13
Let the Games Begin
By: Liz Palmer / NSG
For the past several weeks all of us have
been working hard to “flatten the curve.”
Now we’re starting to see government and health
officials putting together plans to help us get back
to work and life.
Nevada has entered Phase 2 of our re-opening. These discussions and
efforts give us hope that better days lie ahead.
The Nevada Senior Games still plan to hold their Games in September
and October and we will continue to
monitor our state’s reopening plans as
they progress. We are putting a Health
& Safety protocol in place for all
participants, spectators, volunteers and
officials.
The well-being of all is our primary focus and we keep that firmly in
mind as we plan ahead for our fall Games. All of us feel strongly that
our games will be a positive experience that will help cheer and bring
us together at this very trying time.
Our registration numbers look good, which tells us that you are as
anxious to participate and experience “Fitness For The Fun of It” as
we are eager to organize and run our Games. We do realize that there
are still factors in play, such as government orders and availability of
venues.
If any sport is cancelled, we will offer you a full refund for that
competition, so you may register with confidence! You will find
more information and can register online at our website www.
nevadaseniorgames.com.
Continue to stay safe and healthy. We look forward to welcoming you
to the Nevada Senior Games competitions later this year!
Liz Palmer is the Executive Director of the Nevada Senior Games.
For more information on how you can participate, contact Liz at:
702/242-1590 or by email: Nevadaseniorgames@outlook.com.
Playing Golf with Pain
By: Mike Landry / Golf Fore Ever
As a senior, I know most of us feel some pain
during golf. But for me, I’m tired of my knee pain.
Last month, I took care of that problem by having
my right knee replaced with a “custom” state of the art arthroplasty
(fancy name for a metal knee).
By the time this article is published, I’m hoping to be well along the
way to recovery with plenty of rehabilitation (so I’ve been told). Those of
you who have gone through this process know more than I do about what
it’s like and how I should feel after the fact.
I’ve heard some horror stories but have also heard a lot of positive
feedback such as “you will love it when the pain is gone” and probably
will wish you had done this sooner. We’ll see.
Enough however about my sad story. I just hope I have a better swing
when I return to playing.
Senior golfers need to keep in mind that we often don’t reach par 4’s
and 5’s in regulation (as we used to do), so we have to compensate for
that with something. And that something is:
1. Keeping the ball in play at all cost; and
2. Short game - limit your approach shot to one chip and try to get in
position for 2 putts max.
Doing this keeps us in the game and makes golf fun - even if we don’t
drive it as far as we use to (remember we drive for show and putt for
dough). Another thing we can do is move up to the senior tees.
Summer is upon us and that means we will enjoy lower rates at several
golf courses. We also need to stay hydrated during play by drinking lots of
fluids - and not just water.
I recommend some Gatorade or similar products that contain electrolyte
to replenish what you sweat out. Otherwise, you could experience cramps
in your legs.
Until then, hit “em” straight!
14
July 2020
Mike Landry resides in Sun City MacDonald Ranch and is a
member of Winterwood Men’s Golf Association.. He can be reached
at: airmikel1@cox.net
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15
Fashion Under Quarantine
By: Sandi Davis / Fashion “Cents”
It has been so long since
I have worn anything
remotely fashionable, or
thought about what to wear, that I feel like a
child. Remember when, as a child, you just pulled
on what was on the top in your drawer and that
was it for the day?
Since late March, my every day clothes are
“the uniform”, as my husband calls his everyday
attire. You most likely have that same uniform.
Pull on pants, and a tee shirt. (Do I have to wear
a bra?) Or, what the heck, get out of bed, stay in
my PJs, robe and slippers, brush, undress, shower,
and repeat with clean PJs, robe and slippers.
Now that it is warmer, I do have some simple
sun dresses, aka “house dresses” that feel a bit
more fashionable. But, with my nails now down
to nubs, and my hair a bit raggedy, dressing up
to go and get the paper or the mail seems futile.
But I occasionally try to do it anyway. Try it yourself, and if you do,
send me a picture.
Now that things are starting to open, I look at my closet and wonder
what goes well with my required mask?
I recommend when you get out of the house,
please dress up. You will feel better. I know I do.
If you are considering jewelry, forget earrings,
as they may get mixed in with the straps on the
required facemask and there is the potential to
lose one. Instead, wear great chunky or elaborate
necklaces.
And a tiara. (I just had to put that in; I do not
own a tiara, but a girl can hope.) Makeup: the
rule right now is: N.L.R. “No Lipstick Required.”
That mask will rub the lipstick off anyway.
Instead, go bolder on your eye makeup. One good
thing about the facemask is that it hides some
wrinkles. One bad thing is that it hides smiles.
Oh well, this too shall pass.
Dress up to feel better and smile even though it
cannot be seen yet.
Sandi Davis is the Fashion Style columnist and Behind-the-Scenes
Research Analyst for The Vegas Voice. She welcomes all questions
and opinions. You can contact her at Sandidavis@cox.net
16
Make-up with Facemasks
By: Linda Bateman-Gomez / Timeless Beauty
As the world starts to open, we have new
things to think about as we go out. While
masks are not mandatory everywhere, they are in
many places.
Wearing make-up while wearing a mask may require a few changes.
Especially in the heat.
Starting with the eyes, since they will be noticed more than ever,
consider enhancing your shadow and liner if you use it. Additionally,
eyeshadow primer will help keep your eye makeup looking fresh longer.
Eyebrows will also become an area of attention. If you don’t have your
eyebrows professionally done (I don’t), you can easily do maintenance
at home.
A good mirror with proper lighting makes it easier to see strays and
also tame the ones that need minor trimming, cutting in the direction
of growth, or towards the outside of the face. You can also use a
waterproof liner to carefully color any gray brows. The fine tips work
great for individual hairs and a brow setting gel can help too.
Next, lips! Yes, we will have a mask on but if you go out to eat or
somewhere that will require removing it, you still want lips! What you
don’t want is lipstick smeared on your mask or face. So, consider a stain
which is designed to color but not rub off, or even a good matte.
Using lip liner to do the whole lip can also work as they also tend to
stay in place. Best to line it and then smudge to the rest of the lip. This
is not as good as a matte or stain but will do the trick!
July 2020
And last, foundation. Although the bottom half of our face is covered
for the most part, summer is here and we still need our sunblock. Using
a tinted one that is waterproof may help protect and not come off as
easily on your mask, especially if you sweat from the heat.
If you already have a favorite foundation, no need to change it up.
You can also try a lighter application to avoid ending up with a lot on
the mask if removed to eat or drink.
As always, the goal is to stay healthy and safe!
Linda Bateman-Gomez has an international beauty company
based in Las Vegas that specializes in cosmetics and other beauty
products. Contact Linda at TimelessBeauty2020@gmail.com or
through her website www.fullips.com.
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17
Summer Heat Gardening
By: Howard Galin / Happy Gardening
Welcome to Summer! For many residents
of Southern Nevada, getting used to this
season’s high temperatures and low humidity can
take some time and effort.
We have in the Las Vegas area two main growing seasons. March
through June, and September to February. July and August are too hot
and dry to permit most non-native vegetation from growing. During
this time non-native plants and delicate native plants can go into a
period of dormancy.
Non-natives, without major gardener intervention, can even die off.
With the proper attention, however, many flowering plants, as well as
fruits and vegetables, will continue to grow. Your goals are to reduce
soil heat and excessive sun damage.
In mid-summer, it is not unusual to find that the rock mulch that
surround your landscaping reaches temperatures in excess of 150F!
This can cause vegetation to literally burn up and die.
In order to mitigate this danger, make sure that rock mulch is pushed
away from plants that are located in direct sunlight for long periods of
time. Surround these plants instead with wood mulch or peat moss.
This will lower ground temperatures by almost 60 degrees as well as
keeping moisture in the soil around the roots.
Plan for the actual location of the plants that make up your
landscaping. Remember that homes are painted light beige; a color
that is meant to reflect heat and sun away from your home.
This reflection will bounce off your outside walls and onto any plants
in close proximity to your home. Indeed, the soil temperatures directly
by your outside walls can average 5-10 degrees higher than soil further
away. Move plants away from your house or consider planting heat/sun
resistant plants such as agave, yucca, cactus and flowering plants like
lantana nearer to your house.
Another way to prevent heat and sun damage is not to water when the
sun is shining. Water droplets act as magnifying glasses that intensify
the sun’s ray onto the leaves, flowers, fruits and vegetables causing
plant damage.
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.
18
July 2020
Hip, Hip Hooray
By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places
On a personal note: The online Oxford
dictionary defines good customer service:
providing timely, attentive, upbeat service…
making sure…needs are met in a manner that
reflects positively on the company…
I define customer service as Hang Lam, a petite lady who sits in a
cubicle in the lobby of St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson. She
walks patients through the reams of paperwork prior to surgery.
The job, I imagine, can be approached as indifferently as dispensing
a movie theater ticket
or with understanding
for the trepidation that
patients feel. Hang Lam
chooses the second
option.
For a year and a
half, my get-up-and-go
suffered as I dealt with
disabling pain from a
hip needing replacement
and an underperforming
insurance provider. I
changed insurance
companies and physicians.
Two months after remarkably successful surgery the pain subsided
but the second hip became even more debilitating. My orthopedic
surgeon, Dr. Mark Allen, scheduled the second surgery like the first, at
St. Rose.
There’s an overwhelming defeat that accompanies long-term pain.
At pre-registration, I parked in a nearby No Parking zone, unable
to walk the distance from public parking. I was directed to Mrs. Lam’s
desk and together we reviewed the prerequisite documents with me
doing the electronic signing. But then…Disappointment!
Mrs. Lam discovered that the surgical order had not been received
from the surgeon’s office. She called and left a voice mail then asked
if I wanted to wait.
“No, it could take several hours for them to get the message and
respond.” I fought through the ache and painfully returned to my car,
sitting dejected, licking my emotional wounds for a moment fearing
that the surgery would be delayed.
In my rearview mirror, there was Mrs. Lam, shuffling as fast as she
could to my car. She had received the surgery order and could complete
my registration. She worked through her lunch hour to insure that my
surgery would occur as planned…as hoped.
And the day of my discharge, Mrs. Lam came to my room to check
on me and wish me well. St. Rose should be proud of Mrs. Hang Lam.
Thank you.
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.
19
20
July 2020
46
Live Entertainment in Las Vegas? Who
knows? I’d love to say that as of July 1,
shows are open. But you know the protocols
change according to the latest reports. It won’t
be like the old days.
I checked in with SPI Entertainment CEO Adam Steck, one of the
movers and shakers in the Vegas entertainment world. Human Nature
enjoyed four years at the Venetian but fell victim to the pandemic. But,
according to Steck, “Human Nature is not done. We are waiting for
some sort of normalcy, waiting to see how Vegas unfolds.”
Two of Steck’s other shows,
Thunder from Down Under
and the Australian Bee Gees
are scheduled to reopen July
15 th at the Excalibur but
double-check. Speck said,
“From a show perspective,
we are 100% ready to go at a
reduced capacity.”
He added that there will be
multiple sanitizer dispensers
in the theater, the rest rooms,
and the back of the house
where the performers are.
Spray disinfectants will be used
between shows. Performers
will be tested regularly.
Steck emphasized that, “We
What Will Be?
By: Dianne Davis / That’s Entertainment
Kelly Clinton
want customers to have the confidence that we have done everything
we can to make it the safest environment possible both on and off the
stage.” That attitude is echoed all over town.
Over at David Saxe Productions, Saxe reported that, “We plan on
and hope to reopen all of our shows as soon as the Governor allows us
to do so. We have been working hard during this downtime to develop
new safety measures, policies and procedures for our employees and
guests.”
Saxe has also been busy writing and developing new content for
his shows and “I just hope that the Governor gives us as much notice
as possible (1 month) so we have time to implement everything. It’s
almost like starting from scratch.”
Kelly Clinton Holmes reports that shows are going on in the Piazza
Lounge at the Tuscany, but behind plexiglass. Performers are wearing
masks, sanitizers are available, and seating is at 50%.
In the meantime, check out shows that are online, including Kelly
and Lena Prima in “Coffee Time.”
And hang in there. This too shall pass.
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.
21
Over the past 6 years, The Vegas Voice has
investigated and reported about the guardianship
scandal in Nevada. Our efforts culminated in
several changes of the law, such as removing the restriction that a person
(the ward) placed in guardianship required a Nevada resident as their
guardian as well as the establishment of the guardianship nomination
form specifying who that person wants to be their guardian should it
become necessary.
22
Time to Clean the (Juducial) House!
By: Rana Goodman / On My Soapbox
Stupid Scam of the Month
Editor’s Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to put
various projects (as well as our entire lives) on hold. As we work
our way to this “new normal” we want to re-start our anti-scam
campaign.
And take a look at our “Scams, Schemes & Senior Safety” video
broadcasts on our new Vegas Voice TV website: www.vegasvoicetv.
com.
Once again, thanks to those who
forwarded their scams emails to The
Vegas Voice.
Here’s a more clever (unedited) email
scam received last month. It sure looks
good at first glance since about everyone
has an Amazon account.
But here’s where it fails. Notice exactly
“who” it was sent to and “who” sent it.
As always, think before you click on
those attachments. If in doubt, don’t!
Subject: Action required: Your payment card on file has
been declined
From: “Service@ Amazon Prime” t4ap87usuqzf7snuqoj@
diseble.club
To: trustmeee-support111@servicee.com
Dear customer, Your Amazon Prime Membership is set to
renew tomorrow. However, we’ve noticed that the card
associated with your Prime membership is no longer
valid.
To update the default card or choose a new one for
your membership, Please find the document attached
and follow the on-screen instructions. To prevent
interruption of your benefits, we will try charging other
active cards associated with your Amazon account if we
can’t charge your default card.
If we can’t process the charge for your membership fee,
your Amazon Prime benefits will be suspended.
Sincerely, The Amazon Prime Team.
July 2020
However, we have
witnessed the complete
failure of the judicial
system to clean up
its act. It’s business
as usual. Protect
themselves at any and
all costs - and justice
be damned.
We have seen firsthand
the greed and the
evil in people and have met many more who simply “closed their eyes”
or walked away, knowing full-well the financial and emotional hardship
that resulted to innocent seniors. Family Court Judge Charles Hoskin is
most assuredly one of these individuals.
Due in no small part of our Vegas Voice efforts, Judge Hoskin was
eventually removed as the presiding judge over all Clark County
guardianship cases. This in itself was another small victory for reform.
A full victory for all the damages he caused would have been removal
from the bench entirely. For him to still be called “Your Honor” was and
remains a disgrace to the judicial system.
A few years ago, Judge Hoskin had the audacity to file an application
to the Appellate Court of Appeals. As I read his application (all 40 pages)
I was appalled that nowhere in the application did he ever address or
acknowledge his work in the guardianship court. When questioned about
that by the judicial committee, he simply replied that there had not been
enough room to include it.
Let’s be clear - It was under his “oversight” that the abuse and scandal
flourished. From his total malfeasance in failing to require private
professional guardians to file the required annual accounting, to his (at
best) “willful ignorance” of these guardians destroying individuals and
families as they plundered their estates, it is abundantly clear that Judge
Hoskin is unfit to be reelected judge.
Even the Las Vegas Review Journal opined in its editorial that Judge
Hoskin is just one example of those in positions of power who failed
miserably to protect guardianship victims. The editorial concluded that
a: “stench still fouls the air.”
It’s time for the Nevada judiciary (or at least us) to begin disinfecting
the air.
In the November election Judge Charles (Chuck) Hoskin is once again
asking the public to return him to the (Family Court, Department E)
bench. We are hoping that our readers, “we the people” will make sure
that does not happen.
And for those “insiders” - those who know him or those that appeared
before him, feel free to talk with us. My email: rana@thevegasvoice.net.
Yes, we will have a lot more to say about this judge and the failure of
the judicial system in the upcoming months. Let’s THROW THE CHUCK
OUT - once and for all!
You can contact Rana by email: Rana@thevegasvoice.net. Also
check out her blog about life in Sun City Anthem at:
Anthemtoday.com
23
THE ROAD TO
REOPENING
At The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, we can’t share our stage with you now. When we
went dark in March, no one could have imagined the postponement of over 300 performances,
totaling more than $7 million in ticket revenue, a significant setback for The Smith Center. With
your help we can return to the stage, please donate to our Road to Reopening Fund.
24
July 2020
www.TheSmithCenter.com/R2R
25
26
July 2020
27
Non-Stop Services for
Seniors and Veterans
By: Carol Chapman
This year is one for the history books. The Foundation began 2020
with hope and enthusiasm, on track to expand statewide and
surpassing previous records for the number of assists we provided.
Our Gala volunteers had planned for a bigger Annual Gala at The
M Resort late in March. Sponsors, ticket sales and donations for our
silent/live auctions were in place.
We all know what happened in the middle of March, just weeks before
our Annual Gala. Activities ground to a halt, events were canceled, and
many volunteers, like all Americans, were quarantined, unable to
perform their usual tasks.
Yet, through a small team of willing and able volunteers, The
Foundation’s work continued.
As life slowly returns to a new normal, we look ahead to picking up
where we left off. Our Gala has been rescheduled for October 3. This
provides a terrific opportunity for additional sponsors to step in and
tickets to the event to be purchased. Call us at 725/244-4200 if you’d
like to take advantage of that.
We’re grateful for our community and their support. As we recover, I
invite you to help by donating online at www.foundationassistingseniors.
org. Checks can be mailed to our offices at 2518 Anthem Village Drive,
Henderson, NV 89052.
Please give where you live. It’s because of the generosity of people
like you that make our work possible. The seniors and veterans we
serve thank you for it.
Past, Present & Future
By: Judy Polumbaum / Our View
If you are a senior now, you were a youngster
or young adult during the height of the 1960s
civil rights movement. My father, photojournalist
(and World War II veteran) Ted Polumbaum, took
this picture while covering Freedom Summer in Mississippi in 1964.
Amidst the protests for racial equity now sweeping America, the image
of a firebombed black church alerts us to how the past resonates in the
present, into the future, and across what we hope can truly become the
great land of liberty.
Henderson Pavilion
Fiasco - Take 2
By: Dan Hyde / Call to Action
My article last month condemning the
stupid actions of the Henderson Mayor
and City Council to proceed with replacing the Henderson Pavilion with
a minor league hockey team arena struck a nerve with the readers!
The overwhelming response I received not only agreed with my
position but expressed such deep outrage that it resulted in concerned
voters circulating a petition requiring a vote of the people in the
November election, BEFORE construction can begin!
As we went to press, I’ve been told that they have received well over
the 2,200 signatures required to force such a vote! I hope they’re right!
The signatures must be validated, and as history has taught us, many
a petition has fallen short because they did not meet that criteria. In
the event this occurs, it begs the question: what further action can be
taken by citizens?
Sadly, the alternatives are few and face formidable obstacles. They
can begin another difficult “recall” of the Mayor petition process. And
if successful, she can be removed from office.
If that effort proved successful, you could begin a similar process to
remove the Council members who supported her position. To make
either or both happen, they would need to more than double the 2,200
needed for a Pavilion vote. Not impossible but certainly improbable!
The other is to vote her, and the other Council members out of office
when they are up for re-election! The politicians know this, and are
banking on YOU the voting public, to have a short memory.
They realize that while the Pavilion is a lightning rod issue, by the
time they seek your vote again, other issues will replace this one in your
memory banks! One way to not let that happen is by being vocal at
every City Council meeting during the Public Comment period.
DO NOT become complacent on this issue! Keep up the fight and
don’t be sidetracked by other less meaningful issues!
Once and IF, the Arena is built where the Pavilion now stands, the
long-term negative impact will be endured by us for many years to
come! YES! This issue is THAT important!
28
July 2020
Dan Hyde is a passionate and effective advocate for the senior
community. He can be reached at: dhyde9@cox.net.
you are welcome
here
pastor paul block
senior event
7/13/20 @ 9:00am
” Maximizing your
NV Medicare
Advantage Plan”
Free. Visit us online
for more information.
Our doors are open!
Join us for Church in-person or online.
We have taken precautions to create a safe
worship space. Come to hear the Good News
of God’s love for you!
Saturdays at 5:00pm
Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, 10:30am
Online Sundays at 9:15am
New Song Church is located at 1291 Cornet Street
in Henderson. Call us at (702) 492-1771 or visit
us online at www.NewSongAnthem.com
29
Pantyhose, Watermelons & Tire Irons
By: Adrea Nairne-Barrera / 60s to 60
We’re sitting at dinner with friends and the
subject of home gardens comes up. We
live in the blasted desert and our friend is growing
a supermarket full of veggies and fruit!
Apparently there are a zillion tricks to everything. I found a few more
here and there.
Yes, our friend is right about the pantyhose and watermelons. Believe
it or not, by putting the watermelon in pantyhose it keeps it free of
bugs. People also keep them suspended from the ground that way too.
(I looked it up to be sure.)
So, the next time you see “hanging” watermelons, look a little closer.
They might be dressed up and wearing pantyhose.
As for the tire irons, we learned that burying one in the ground next
to a tree emits something to make the tree grow bigger and stronger. We
did that and the tree went nuts.
We had one problem though. The second time, we also used it to
keep the tree steady. However, the tip was showing and the HOA came
and ticketed us.
Whoever was marching around the neighborhood had to really work
hard at finding it buried in the lawn, so we just pushed it in further
and ignored them. Some people just don’t have anything important to
do so they creep around looking for things. I never saw that rule in the
guidelines.
Next are bunny issues. You can spend weeks looking up desert
friendly flowers that rabbits don’t eat or building chicken wire fences,
tall garden stands or hanging baskets. I found all sorts of sites listing
rabbit resistant plants, but they don’t all agree.
I picked some gazanias and found out I was wrong however, if you
put rosemary sprigs around, they don’t get eaten! Problem is the sprigs
dry up so every week you need to cut fresh ones if you’re that committed.
I think we’re down to lantana now. I searched for color varieties and
have learned to like them. I don’t have any patience, so the veggie thing
is out.
Adrea Nairne-Barrera writes of celebrations, observations &
complaints of life in the 60s to being in your 60s.
30
July 2020
Hard-line Training
By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet
Remember those PT tests that we endured
routinely? Passing them was a requirement
to serve in the Armed Forces.
No one was exempt. Some liked doing it; mostly the jocks - those
soldiers that got off on physical punishment and some hated it.
Everyone had to pass regardless if your job was shuffling papers or
running across battlefields.
It was probably the hell of paratrooper jump school that pointed
me toward a daily “physical maintenance” regimen. I got hooked and
have worked out regularly since.
Nowadays, my mind is still 19 while my body is 76, and it’s easy to
forget that. When I do, I usually end up nursing an antique body that
has lost touch with reality.
Before the pandemic shutdown I went to the gym every day. I’ve
done that since my Army days began in 1963. “It” (daily exercise) has
become a part of who I am.
Now I’m confined to my exercise bike and some yoga in the backyard.
At this stage however, our bodies are not as pliable and durable as they
once were, so be careful in your attempt to beat father time.
Even active duty youngsters have trouble keeping up. A recent Army
study revealed that for every 100 soldiers, there are 25 annual injuries.
The cause is not bullets or IEDs; it’s exercise! Going too hard with
ultrarunning, endless pushups, sit-ups, and long marches weighted
down to the extreme is a terrorist on the loose.
I’ll bet I’m not the only senior vet with a 19-year-old mindset. And
if you’re one, just know that overdoing rigorous training can spell
trouble.
Some advice: heed your limitations and do what you CAN, instead of
trying to run down the horse in front of you. When I’m not shelteringin-place,
my workouts have looked like this: Light weights, lots of
repetition. Rowing machine, easy resistance.
Stationary bike interval training, which is very slow for two minutes
and all out for 20 seconds; repeat for 20 minutes.
It’s way too easy to settle for a long tour in the recliner binge watching.
So, take command of your body and do it right.
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
31
On the Road Again!
By: BJ Killeen / Down the Road
It’s summertime. We are coming out of our
quarantined homes to participate in the
world again. But there’s still a sense of wariness
about getting on a plane and traveling.
Which means for those who are ready to go somewhere (anywhere!),
vacations and summer travel will involve a lot more driving than ever
before. Traveling by car gives a lot more peace of mind because you can
control the cleanliness.
If you’ve only been driving your car to the grocery store and back for
the last few months, making sure your vehicle is travel ready should be
a priority. Before you hit the road, here’s your get-ready checklist:
1. Put a fresh tank of gas in the car – it will help with fuel economy.
2. Check your tire pressures.
3. If you haven’t changed the oil in a while, do it now.
4. Check your wiper blades. Summer storms happen and your blades
are important for visibility.
5. Verify your insurance. Make sure payments are up to date and
check your policy.
6. Review or sign up for a roadside-assistance program. Before you
do, if your car is four years old or newer, your manufacturer may provide
roadside assistance at no extra charge. Check your vehicle information
or owner’s manual.
7. Clean out your trunk. Don’t take non-essential items since you
will be loading luggage. You never want to overload your vehicle as it
may affect the ride, handling and fuel economy.
8. Keep in the trunk and/or glovebox and inside storage areas: extra
water (which you always should have when traveling in the desert),
small blanket, flashlight (put in fresh batteries), first-aid kit, snacks
that don’t melt, tire pressure gauge, spare car charger for your phone
and if you have an older car: extra container of coolant, a can of oil,
and jumper cables.
9. If you have small grandkids, take a few extra toys, diapers and
baby wipes.
I know we are all excited to get back on the road and have some
summer fun. Enjoy the drive and travel safe!
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
32
July 2020
Better Than Take-Out?
By: Pat Alexander / Art of Entertaining
My father declared Sundays a day of rest for
my mother. As a result, we ate out each
week and would often go to a nearby Chinese
restaurant and order our favorites, fried rice, shrimp Cantonese, egg
rolls, chow mein and spareribs.
My dad particularly loved Chinese food because of his no chew rule:
if it required effort to chew, it wasn’t worth eating. No steak lover, he!
Since she was adventurous in everything (including her cooking)
my mom started experimenting in making her versions of all our
favorites. Not surprisingly, as she was an excellent cook, her food was as
delicious as that in most restaurants.
I still compare many Chinese restaurant dishes to my mother’s and
they always fall short.
I love fried rice and along with egg rolls, it was often on my party
menus. My favorite was to have an “egg roll” party.
The wrappers and filling (prepared in advance) were laid out, and
everyone got to work filling and shaping, trying to individualize their
creations. We always had a first prize for the best looking egg roll, and
competition was fierce as everyone wanted to win.
Lots of chilled white wine made it very difficult to identify individual
egg rolls as they came out of the fryer. With shouts of “that’s mine”,
everyone tried to claim the best looking egg rolls as theirs. It was loud,
a little rowdy and lots of fun.
I made Chinese food last week with fried rice (but no homemade egg
rolls). Still so good! Try the recipe. I think you’ll like it.
FRIED RICE
In wok or large high sided pan, heat 2 tbs. vegetable oil. Add 1 cup
chopped onion, brown lightly. Set aside. Add 2 tbs. oil to pan, heat, add
2 beaten eggs.
When set, remove from pan and cut into sheds. Heat 1 tbs. oil, add ½
lb. diced pork and brown. Add ½ lb. chopped raw shrimp and browned
onion and stir until shrimp turns pink.
Add 3 cups cold cooked rice, 7 chopped green onions, 2 cups fresh
bean sprouts, 1 cup frozen peas, stir 3 minutes. Fold ¼ + cup soy sauce
and egg into rice mixture, stir another 2-3 minutes. Best to reheat on
cooktop.
Pat Alexander writes about all things home. She is well known for
her cooking, parties and interior design, and consults on kitchen
and bath remodels.
33
Zoom-iquette
By: Susan Goldfein / Susan’s Unfiltered Wit
Since the onset of Covid-19, society has been
experiencing a Zoom boom! The company,
which has existed since 2011, has suddenly
become everyone’s favorite
vehicle for virtual social contact.
It’s the go-to app for flat screen, two-dimensional
relationships. And you don’t have to wear a mask.
Everyone’s doing it. Businesses, book groups.
Cousins’ Clubs, Uncle Leo, even Great Grandma
Bessie. Zoom has become the people’s chat room.
I, for one, am grateful for Zoom. I can talk to
someone face-to-virtual face without concern that I
haven’t yet brushed my teeth. Or applied deodorant.
And I find some of the Zoom options very enticing,
particularly the ability to silence someone who talks
too much. Live people don’t come with “Mute”
buttons.
Which brings me to my main point. Are there
rules for the new social order? Do’s and don’ts for
Zoom encounters? I’ve done some research and am
prepared to share with you what I’ve uncovered so far.
1. Wear Pants – or at the very least, make sure you’re wearing clean
underwear. Since you’re seated during Zoom chats, it’s reasonable to be
shirt-focused. But remember your mother’s warning. It applies to Zoom
calls as well as accidentally getting hit by a car.
2. Floss – especially if you’ve had salad for lunch. The distraction
of a piece of lettuce caught between your front teeth has been known to
waste the entire 40 minutes of a free Zoom hook-up.
3. Calls of Nature – it’s tempting, but don’t take your device with
you to the bathroom due to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out, for those of
you who don’t speak iGen.) Make sure you turn off the camera and the
sound. No one wants to hear you flush!
4. Consider Your Surroundings – while Zoom does provide
some interesting backdrops, no one will believe that you’re actually at
the Grand Canyon or that you own the Picasso behind you. But you can
select a home space that reflects who you are. And if that doesn’t work,
try being someone else.
For example, if you’re very neat, but don’t want to be seen as having
OCD, randomly toss some papers around your workspace. Definitely
remove all plants that haven’t been watered in three months.
5. Flaunt your Intellect – stack your shelves with the complete
works of Shakespeare, volumes of poetry, the lives of German
philosophers, and all three books in the Hilary Mantel Cromwell series.
Then sit in front of your bookcase, and smugly take your call.
6. Leave Vanity Outside the Chat Room – Although you see
yourself on camera, avoid the temptation to adjust your hair, seek your
best angle, or move from room to room in search of optimal lighting.
There’s nothing more distracting than a swishing ponytail, or a face
that appears to be following a tennis match. In most cases, makeup is
optional.
7. Abide by Time Limits – while it’s adorable to show off your
precious pets and cute babies, 30 seconds is long enough. Make that 20.
Following these simple rules will avoid a Zoom Fail. But most
important, as you prepare for your meeting, don’t forget to floss!
34
July 2020
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.
35
Insurance Commercials
Part 3
By: Jim Valkenburg / Insurance Insight
For the last few months, I have been telling
you about the way insurance is being
marketed on TV, radio, and in print. I talked
about “catch phrases” last month.
How about this one: “Safe drivers save 40%.” Now there’s a catch
phrase that gets your attention. It doesn’t matter that it makes little
sense.
What is a safe driver? I bet you think you are. In all our years in the
insurance business, my wife and I rarely met anyone that admitted that
they are not the safest driver on the road.
And 40% sounds like a lot. But 40% of what? You are left assuming,
and that is the real purpose of the ad. Remember the catch phrase, get
hooked by the promise and then buy from that company.
You’ve seen the commercial that touts “Accident Forgiveness” as a
reason to buy from us. Like they are the only company that has it. Truth
is that almost all preferred companies offer accident forgiveness.
And can you really save money by “bundling” all your insurance?
Maybe. Maybe not.
I am going to get off my campaign about purposely deceptive
commercials and start a new theme next month aimed at telling you
why you have insurance in the first place. Here are a few thoughts:
1. Insurance is not a commodity. You know, like oranges. It doesn’t
really matter what brand it is or where you buy it. Oranges are oranges.
That’s a commodity.
2. Insurance is a service. And it does matter where you buy it and
from what company. Ask yourself these questions: Am I paying a fair
rate for the service I’m getting? Is my agent truly knowledgeable? Can
I reach someone when I need them? Am I comfortable?
3. And here is a real kicker. Have I actually ever used this service? If
so, did I get satisfaction?
You know most people have insurance and never actually “use” it for
its intended purpose.
I’ll tell you why next month. And why it is actually a blessing that
you don’t have to use it for its intended purpose.
Remember my “catch phrase:” Find an agent you trust and then
trust him/her.
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.
36
July 2020
July 3, 1863
By: John Beilun / Time Traveler
On the morning of July 3, 1863, a scruffy
looking soldier stood atop a hill. His ill
kempt beard and mud splattered uniform – a
government issued flannel shirt covered by a threadbare unbuttoned
greatcoat astride worn trousers tucked into unpolished boots – belied
the fact that he was a Major General.
While puffing on a cigar he raised his binoculars and scanned the
nearby fortress city. A white flag appeared on the battlements! After
forty-six days, the siege was over.
The heretofore impregnable citadel had once been called the
“Gibraltar of the Mississippi.” It was strategically located on an eastern
bend of that river and for the past two years its massive array of heavy
artillery prevented the Union from traversing her.
With time becoming an issue, the General ordered two direct assaults
upon the fortified town. Its inhabitants, the Rebels, readily repelled
both at great loss of life and limb to the Federals. Not wishing to waste
any more troops, the General decided that his only recourse was to lay
siege.
Union gunboats, including newly invented ironclads, came down the
river and bombarded the town day and night with thousands of rounds
from their naval guns and mortars.
In the meantime, the General commandeered additional troops
from neighboring corps and surrounded the city. His men went to
work digging mines and trenches, all the while slowly advancing their
batteries.
Although the Rebels had munitions aplenty, food was another matter.
When the last horse, dog and shoe leather were consumed and his men
no longer strong enough to fight, their leader realized that the battle
was lost and sued for peace. Vicksburg had fallen!
General Ulysses S. Grant accepted the surrender. Thirty thousand
Rebels were captured, the Mississippi River was now controlled by the
Union and the South was literally cut in two!
On that very same day, Confederate General Robert E. Lee conceded
defeat at Gettysburg. Whether it’s because battles are more dramatic
than sieges or that there were countless more reporters at that small
borough in Pennsylvania than at Vicksburg, Gettysburg has forever
been branded into our national psyche.
Even though it was Grant’s victory at Vicksburg that had more of an
impact on ending the civil war!
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37
Rest Whilst Standing
By: Heather Latimer / Heather’s Self-Help Tips
You never dreamt that one day a worldwide
virus would cause you to visit your doctor’s
office or go shopping wearing a mask and rubber
gloves. Or that, upon reaching your destination, you’d be required to
stand in line – 6’ from the next person before being permitted to enter
those premises.
Medical authorities have always advised elderly persons to refrain
from staying in any fixed position for more than 8 minutes and, as you
know, standing for even a shorter period usually increases the aches,
pains, stiffness and fatigue that you possibly endure no matter what
you are doing.
Do you remember pictures in Butterick pattern books and elsewhere
where fashion models appeared? Those glamor girls customarily stood
with one foot pointing forward with the other foot diagonally behind it.
That pose not only slenderized the model’s hips but had a much
more practical purpose. That was to enable the model to stay still
whilst the photographer took a seemingly endless time adjusting his
camera, props and overhead lighting.
To maintain her position, the model bore down first on her left
buttock (the diagonal one) in order to “sit” on it. That was to take
weight off her right knee and calf and ease pressure on her right hip.
Next she reversed the procedures in order to rest her left leg and hip.
Be a copycat! You’ll relieve some of the pain and discomfort of long
term standing.
Heather Latimer is a nationally recognized specialist in making
difficult subjects easy and author of 17 books. See amazon.com/
heather latimer/how to overcome.
How it Began
By: Temma Hammond
Being part of the
entertainment
community all my
life from Hollywood to Las Vegas, I thought
it would be fun to share with readers a
little of my history.
My father was fifty-years old when I was born. He started in silent
movies and was the original stand in for Charlie Chaplin. When Charlie
couldn’t get to a personal appearance event, he would send my dad
because he looked exactly like Charlie.
As a result, I got to share in all the old stories of how Hollywood
became so famous.
Growing up, I watched my dad produce and direct motion pictures
in his own studio. He built his studio in Hollywood across from the
Chaplin Studios, which is still there.
Seeing how movies were made and how the actors changed with the
times was very educational and entertaining. My mother was a drama
coach and writer, and being an only child, it was like a three-person
team making our lives a 24/7 exciting family in show business.
Coming to Las Vegas in the early 1990s, I designed and built two
film studios with such wonderful clients as George Clooney, Jackie
Chan, Martin Scorsese, Whoopie Goldberg and many more. Now as
President and CEO of GoldenNetwork.TV, I’m focused on the fifty plus
community.
And working with The Vegas Voice to share stories is fantastic.
Entertainment is so important now and sharing experiences can be
extremely rewarding.
Hopefully, you who might want to share your stories with us. Contact
me at: info@goldennetwork.tv.
Temma Hammond is the CEO & Founder of The Golden Network.
You can watch all their great programs on ROKU.
How to Watch Golden Network TV
I. Via ROKU
1. Purchase your Roku from most any store that sells TVs.
2. Install per instructions.
3. Once Roku installed and showing on TV screen, look for
image with plus sign to add a channel
4. Search for Goldennetworktv
5. Once selected, click on image and start watching (starting
with classic movies, and shows)
II. Via Website - www.Goldennetwork.tv
1. Enter www.goldennetwork.tv into your browser to bring up
the website
2. Click on “Watch” at the top of the screen
3. Start watching (starting with classic movies and shows)
38
May 2020
39
How Did You Survive the
“Rona”?
By: Mary Richard / Health Fitness
How do we keep ourselves “fit” throughout
the summer and especially surviving
COVID-19? Did you make several trips to the refrigerator when the
fridge constantly called to you? Did you become a couch potato?
I purposely made an effort to take virtual aerobic classes to get some
exercise. When it became too hot to take a walk during mid-day, I
made sure to walk either early or later in evening. And I always carried
a water bottle!
Luckily, I didn’t gain any weight during these “hunkered down”
weeks at home, but I do admit the weight shifted a little - much to my
dismay in trying on some clothes. Funny how the clothes shrunk over
those weeks?
I found that by bedtime I wasn’t really tired but made it a point to
get to bed about the same time each night in order to keep somewhat
of a normal schedule.
Many of our local artists began performing virtual concerts and
watching from my home became the norm. I really miss ushering at
The Smith Center and have no idea when we will be returning to work.
I miss the smiles, laughter, shows, my fellow co-workers, staff, crew
and the patrons. Eventually we will return to work at this Las Vegas
treasure and the stage lights will glisten once more.
My two fur babies, Pierre and Andre have become used to my being
home daily, but I’m sure they are wondering why? Will they have
separation anxiety when I return to work?
I even learned to become creative with cooking skills, trying various
new recipes. My closets are now organized, and charities welcomed
the additional donations of clothing and household items no longer
needed.
For all those who were affected by the pandemic, keep eating healthy,
exercise and know that bright days are ahead. Businesses are slowly
recovering, Las Vegas will survive, and we will become stronger.
Positive attitude and good 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.
40
July 2020
The Ringing in Your Ears
By: Kyo Mitchell / A Healthier You
Many people suffer from tinnitus commonly
called “ringing in the ears.” This sound
(which may be high pitched) sounds like the
white noise of a TV or like crickets chirping.
It can just about drive a person crazy. No surprise that long term
tinnitus has been linked to depression.
Although tinnitus is called ringing in the ears, the problem is actually
in your brain. Research in the neurological sciences is beginning to
shed light on what happens to cause tinnitus.
The ear has what are called hair cells. Each specific hair cell
responds to a different frequency of sound coming into the ear.
With very rare exceptions, tinnitus starts when certain hair cells
within the ear become damaged and die. This is usually due to being
exposed to very loud sounds.
These hair cells are connected to an area of the brain that processes
all incoming sounds. When a hair cell in the ear dies, the area in the
brain that corresponds to that specific frequency no longer receives
input and shrinks from disuse.
The surrounding areas of the brain, which are still receiving input
from the ear begin to grow and fill in this newly vacated space. The
sound heard from someone suffering from tinnitus is a misfiring of the
nerves that have filled in this space.
The analogy given to explain the process is that of “phantom limb
syndrome.” After a person has lost a limb, they may feel as if sensations
are coming from that limb - including sensations of pain.
At times, a person can feel these sensations in the lost limb when you
touch their face because the neural connections have been rewired -
and rewired incorrectly to the nerve cells coming from the face rather
than the lost limb.
This “incorrect rewiring” is what is happening to people suffering
from tinnitus. While there is no cure for tinnitus at this time, this
understanding of the cause is giving scientists ideas of how to work
towards a solution.
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.
41
The “New Normal”
By: Stu Cooper / Happy Adventures
Las Vegas is getting back to a “new normal.”
Strip hotels are open. You can walk into a
restaurant and have a meal.
The more interesting question is: When will you be able to leave Las
Vegas to go on vacation? That is a more complicated question.
COVID-19 has affected the world differently and each U.S. state
and country has different policies about opening up. Here are some
examples of what we are facing when planning your next vacation -
whenever that may be.
We have a lot of Vegas Voyagers who love to cruise. And it seems
cruising won’t be back for a while.
There are a number of hurdles that must be cleared before the first
ship sails out of port. First of all, the CDC must clear the industry from
a health point of view to start up.
And of course, that depends on the procedures the various cruise
lines implement regarding ship cleanliness. Then the cruise lines must
receive clearance from the various ports of call they visit to be allowed
to dock in the many ports of call. It is not a simple procedure.
What I believe will happen is that when cruising resumes, it will just
be a few ships per cruise line. They will start by going to relatively local
ports of call.
For example,
Princess Cruise
Lines might start
with their most
famous “Love Boat”
itinerary to the
Mexican Riviera or
possibly a Coastal
California cruise. These cruises are easy to control and local in nature
to west coast cruisers.
As for land vacations, we are all under the edicts of the various
countries. The Caribbean and Mexico popular “All Inclusive” vacation
spots are opening on a case-by-case basis. Each country has different
rules, but it is safe to say that many countries are hoping to open
sometime in the next three months.
And then finally once your preferred destination opens up, we have
to hope there are airlines flying to that destination. Remember flights
throughout the airline industry were reduced by as much as 95%.
Obviously, leaving Las Vegas to go on vacation will be a challenge
and a bit complicated. Please feel free to call us at VEGAS VOYAGERS
at 800/698-1101 and we will help navigate through these interesting
travel times.
By: Kathy Manney / Around Our World
“
The wildest roughs from all parts of the
country are congregated here, as one may
see by glancing into numerous dancehouses and
gambling halls. Men who carry on the trade of robbery openly and
would not scruple to kill a man for ten dollars.
“This class decidedly the majority
and they have carried matters with a
high hand for some time past. Strangers
robbed, honest traders leaving the city
with their mule teams are often waylaid
and rendered penniless at a moment’s
warning.” Declared Jesse Chisholm,
Chisholm Trail creator, to a Chicago
Tribune correspondent.
Whenever boomtowns flourish, they
become magnets for bad elements
waiting to make trouble. There, bordering the foothills of the Rockies
is Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Dubbed “Magic City of the Plains,” Cheyenne was once known as
Crow Creek before being named Cheyenne for the Indians bearing that
name. Ironically, the railroad’s arrival nearly annihilated the Native
American way of life and the area’s nomadic buffalo.
During Cheyenne’s territorial days, it was a railroad town, known
as the west’s toughest township. When there wasn’t railroad hiring,
42
Cheyenne Offers Capsule into History
July 2020
thousands of men sat around with nothing to do but live wild and
pursue trouble.
The Reverend Joseph W. Cook observed upon his arrival in 1868, “The
activity of the place is surprising. The wickedness is unimaginable and
appalling. This is a great center for gamblers of all shades, rough with
troops of lewd women, and bullwackers. Almost every other house is a
drinking saloon, gambling house, restaurant or bawdy.”
Railroad enthusiasts won’t want to
miss the Cheyenne Depot Museum.
The transcontinental railroad brought
thousands of mule wagon teams,
groaning with camp equipment
headed toward Sherman Summit, the
highest point on the rail line, 8,235
feet.
Cheyenne was the transcontinental
railroad’s terminus. The Union
Pacific arrived in the summer of 1867,
choosing Cheyenne as a prime location for a depot. Their new two
story sandstone depot was boldly carved with the words “Union Pacific
Railroad” over the frontage doors.
Today Cheyenne is a quiet town and when driving through, watch for
any and all animals, as it is rich with wildlife.
Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an
Adventure Diva. Her “Must See” travel journeys continue - always
with enthusiasm.
43
44
2020-21 Collette
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Smart Senior Travelers
Revisited
By: Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker /
Out & About
A few decades ago, people who were handicapped rarely went out in
public. Our society had a narrow out of sight, out of mind mentality, and
even though it was a depressing existence, those who were visibly different
were expected to live their lives as shut-ins.
Now, it’s a very different world, and even those who are lucky enough to
be healthy are living as shut-ins. The pandemic has changed everything
so much that the preferred accessory of choice is now a face mask which
comes in countless colors and patterns.
Seniors are finding
there’s a world out
there that needs to
be put on hold. But
in the meantime,
there are some
special values which
can be explored
and considered -
even though they
may have some
limitations and fluctuating departure dates.
Once you find an itinerary that’s worth waiting for, it’s really important
to safeguard that exciting trip by securing travel protection for you and
your traveling companion. And it’s especially important to find out what
special incentives the company may be offering to protect your reservation.
As we all know, unforeseen things really do happen and cancellation
costs before or during a vacation can be devastating. So, see if the
company is offering full travel protection at no cost to you.
That might make the dream trip of your lifetime a real bargain. There
are several reputable travel protection companies like AIG Travel Guard,
Chubb Travel Protection, and Travel Insured International.
They may be offering special coverage at reduced rates. And of course,
there are cruising and land touring companies that sell insurance too.
In this crazy world, be sure you are fully protected. Then regardless of
the company, look for cancel for any reason coverage.
Although the travel provider may cancel on you, if you encounter a
problem a few days before their cancellation they may argue the point
with you and claim they can keep the deposit, etc. While cancel for any
reason coverage still may be the priciest insurance, usually it›s the best
and easiest to use in an emergency.
And be sure to read the fine print even though it’s boring. Then when
you’ve purchased your selection, make a couple of copies of your policy
so you can take one in your carry-on and leave one with a trusted friend
or family member.
Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker is a travel agent and the owner of
Vegas Vacationers Inc. She can be reached at:
Merryman2@aol.com
Life’s a Funny Thing
By: Vicki Wentz / Vicki’s Voice
You know, life’s a funny thing. I was sitting
outside on our deck yesterday, overlooking the
mountains and thinking about that.. and other
huge and deep questions that I often have while
sitting on decks.
You know, like, why are we here? Or if no one is around, does a falling
tree really not make a sound? Or is there life on other planets (and
would they appreciate a “well-rounded” woman...just asking)?
And, yesterday, those intriguing questions led me to pondering
additional aphorisms that pertain to my life and may spark some
contemplation of your own. Because, although my genre is humor, never
let it be said that I shy away from life’s deeper issues!
For instance, if life is a “funny” thing, then why are there wars and
upheavals? I mean, shouldn’t we all wake up every morning laughing
hysterically - which should put a crimp in most folks’ assassination or
bombing plans?
Say you’re really offended by some asinine anarchist video... or simply
because your brother got the last Pop Tart (which he always does because
he’s a sissy mama’s boy) wouldn’t you just shrug it off and say, “Oh,
well...life IS a funny thing!”
Here’s another one: “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
Okay, that’s fine, as far as it goes.
But, say you’re having a crummy day, dropping things, tripping,
forgetting stuff, and then you get your new bathing suit in the mail,
and it’s not only the wrong color AND size, but the entire frickin’ wrong
bathing suit!
So, filled with exasperation, you go to the kitchen to make lemonade,
but you have no lemons, so you make limeade (we are never out of limes
- please, it’s gin-and-tonic summer!) and as you’re finally pouring it into
a glass, you knock the glass off the counter, and as you try to catch your
glass before it hits the floor, you drop the pitcher into the sink, where it
shatters and all the limeade - and lots of glass - goes down the disposal
(not that I’ve ever done that) but, on this day, are you actually making
lemonade out of lemons (or, limeade out of
limes, as the case may be) or, will the whole
citrus event cause you to get your hatchet and
take out every fruit-bearing tree in a twentymile
radius?
And now my favorite adage: “Early to bed,
early to rise, makes a man (or woman - Ben
Franklin was so sexist!) healthy, wealthy and wise.” Okay, even in my
teen years, I was never one to go to bed late, and I was never allowed to
sleep late while growing up, so I continue to rise early to this day.
But, healthy? While my health is generally good, I remain severely
allergic to exercise of any kind. Sure, I enjoy a good water aerobics
class now and then (especially if they play country music) but weight
machines induce depressive thoughts, and just the sight of a treadmill
causes loss of consciousness.
Wealthy? I was a schoolteacher for 25 years, raising two children on my
own who thought they were entitled to food, clothing and shelter. Enough
said.
And wise? Please. Right now, I’m getting ready to make another pitcher
of limeade and try to order the same bathing suit online again.
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.
45
Y
(Don't forget your face mask) Books by John J. Ratey, M.D.
• WALK
& Eric Hagerman:
around your
neighborhood
• Drive to a
nearby park
& WALK
• Buy a small
treadmill &
WALK
Happy 4th !
Jan's Olympics Inspired No-Brainer Column (Part 1)
By: Jan Fair / A No-Brainer Minute
es. The Olympics has been cancelled. It was supposed to be held in Tokyo, July 24
through August 9. It always has been an inspiration for us to get into better shape.
While we could only walk a 'fast' 20 minute mile (maybe?!) we would push ourselves further after
watching Olympic events. And now, being self-quarantined, our sedentary behavior & low levels of
physical activity can have negative effects on our health & well-being. John J. Ratey, M.D. and
Eric Hagerman (below) offer great information & advice. And they say WALK, WALK, WALK.
Walk! It's a great exercise
No-Brainer Picks
• Spark; The Revolutionary
New Science of Exercise &
the Brain
• Go Wild: Eat Fat, Run Free,
Be Social, & Follow
Evolution's Other Rules for
Total Health & Well-being
• A User's Guide to the Brain:
Perception, Attention & the
Four Theaters of the Brain
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
“Exercise”
1. In one minute, name
ways to get physical
exercise.
2. Make an alphabetical
list.
Aerobics, Backyard
bowling, Climbing
stairs, …
July 2020
46
July 2020
47
Speaking to and for Las Vegas
Valley Seniors since 2003
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