The Vegas Voice 9-20

“ASK LAURA ABOUT REAL ESTATE”

What NOT to Do Before Closing!

If you are thinking of purchasing a home, or are in the process of purchasing a home

already, there are a few things to keep in mind that you should NOT do right before or

during the process.

Laura Harbison

Broker/Owner

B.0026537.LLC/ PM.0164922.BKR

Accredited Buyer Representative ® (ABR)

At Home With Diversity (AHWD)

Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPOR)

Certified Distressed Property Expert ® (CDPE)

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

Distinguished Real Estate Broker ® (DRB)

Graduate, REALTOR ® Institute (GRI)

Pricing Strategy Advisor ® (PSA)

Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist

(RSPS)

Seniors Real Estate Specialist ® (SRES)

Equator Platform Platinum Certification

Equator Short Sale Agent Certification

Advanced Evaluations Certification

NVS Institute BPO Certification

Five Star BPO Designation

NAWRB Certified Delegate Spokeswoman

When you apply for a loan, the mortgage lender asks you for a lot of personal and financial

information to determine if you are qualified for the loan you are seeking. Your loan

approval can be REVOKED if you have changes that affect your credit, bank account,

income, or debt. You should avoid these common mistakes:

1. Don't make any large purchases. This includes Cars, Boats, RVs, Furniture or

Appliances (for your new home, etc), etc.

2. Don't open new loans or credit lines. These can change your debt-to-income ratio, or

may affect your credit score, which could cause you to no longer qualify for your mortgage

loan. This INCLUDES co-signing for someone else for any loan, credit card, or other

debt. Being a co-signer means that you are personally responsible for the debt (just as

responsible as the person you are co-signing for).

3. Don't close out existing accounts. It seems counter-intuitive, but closing out existing

accounts can actually have a negative effect on your credit score.

4. Don't make large deposits or withdrawals to your bank accounts. This can raise red

flags with lenders! If you receive or expect to receive monetary gifts (for instance, for your

down-payment on your new home), ask your loan officer how to document this properly

so that it doesn't cause you a problem down the road.

5. Don't change jobs. Don't quit your job or change to a different job before you receive

the keys for your new home. Your employment will likely be re-verified on the day you

are supposed to close on your new home, and if you are no longer "there" most likely your

loan will not be funded.

6. Don't pay your bills late. You MUST pay all of your bills on time. A late or missed

payment can cause a big drop in your credit score or cause you not to fit the guidelines for

your mortgage loan.

Laura@HarbisonRealEstate.com

www.LauraHarbisonRealEstate.com

Call Laura Today!

7022-777-1234

Don't risk your mortgage loan approval by making any of the above mistakes! Have a

question on this? Call me! We are open 7 days a week for your convenience and I'm

looking forward to hearing from you.

Sharing your goals,

Laura Harbison, ABR, AHWD, BPOR, BS, CDPE, CRS, DRB, GRI, PSA, 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

October 2020

LAURAHARBISONREALESTATE.COM 702-777-1234

2335 Garnet Star St.

SOLERA Upgraded Freemont floorplan on

premium elevated lot w/ 3 BR/ 2 BA/ 1425

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appliances! Kitchen w/ corian countertops,

upgraded cabinets, nook and pantry.

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windows with blinds. Finished 2-car garage.

Mature low maintenance landscaping.

Covered Patio & more! Age-restricted, 55+

$325,000

2176 Chapman Ranch Dr.

SUN CITY MACDONALD RANCH Spacious

2 BR/2 BA/1633 SF Alabaster floorplan w/

Formal living & dining rooms, island kitchen

w/ breakfast bar & nook w/ bay window.

Family room w/ built-in shelving & tile floors.

Private Master w/ ceiling fan, walk-in closet,

dual sinks & shower. Raised panel doors,

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rear yard w/ extended covered patio, lush

landscape & 2-car garage w/ keyless entry!

55+, Age-restricted. $355,000

2807 Thunder Bay Av.

SUN CITY ANTHEM Upgraded Hancock

Floorplan w/ 2 BR/ 2 BA/ 1096 SF featuring

plantation shutters, raised panel doors, tile on

diagonal , upgraded carpet & 2-tone paint.

Spacious MBR w/ walk-in closet & ceiling fan.

Large kitchen w/ all appliances, recessed

lighting, pantry & nook. 2-Car garage w/ epoxy

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$288,000

3708 Seashore Palm Ct.

TWIN PALMS Spacious 4 BR/4 BA/3095 SF

custom home with pool on premium

cul-de-sac lot! Lush mature landscape,

covered patio & built-in BBQ. Island kitchen

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cabinets! Vaulted ceilings t/o, upgraded

flooring, alarm system, intercom, central

vacuum. Huge MBR w/ceiling fan, 2 walk-in

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1068 Tropical Sage St.

SAGE CANYON Beautifully upgraded 3

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home! 2-car garage. Gorgeous island kitchen

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appliances, walk-in pantry, recessed lights,

laminate floors & breakfast nook. Spacious

MBR w/large walk-in closet. Upgraded flooring,

2-tone paint & raised panel doors. Beautifully

landscaped backyard w/covered patio & fruit

trees. $395,000

620 Evergreen St.

HIGHLAND HILLS Upgraded 3 BR/2 BA/1615

SF 1-story home! Premium lot w/RV parking.

Sparkling pool & large patio area. Mature

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12402 Mosticone Way

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Stunning 4

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pantry & recessed lighting. Formal dining

room, loft w/ceiling fan & slider to balcony.

Upstairs/downstairs powder bath. MBD w/

ceiling fan, walk-in closet & slider to balcony.

Covered patio, 2-car garage & more! $434,900

9624 Silver City Dr.

SILVERADO RANCH Adorable 2 BR/2.5

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Featuring great room w/vaulted ceiling & gas

fireplace, dining room w/ ceiling fan & kitchen

w/granite counters, new cabinets, breakfast bar

& all appliances included! Raised panel doors,

Berber carpet & 2-tone paint. MBD w/walk-in

closet. 1-car garage w/keyless entry, solar

screens & yard w/patio. Community pool &

more! $249,999

3

4

October 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

Liz Breier

Yvonne Cloutier

Dianne Davis

Sandi Davis

Chuck Dean

Jan Fair

Howard Galin

www.thevegasvoice.net

www.vegasvoicetv.net

Volume 17, Issue 9

OUR FANTASTIC COLUMNISTS

PROUD

MEMBERS OF:

Susan Goldfein

Linda Gomez

Ali Guggenheim

Dianne Hahn

Morris Heldt

Dan Hyde

Mike Landry

Heather Latimer

BJ Killeen

Kathy Manney

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

Kyo Mitchell

Liz Palmer

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 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.

Vegas Voice Live TV

By: Dan Roberts / Roberts Rules

“

I’m gonna make you a star!” My Rana’s

“look” in reply said it all but her PILL

(partner in love & life) as usual, was full of

himself.

And while the brain said, “shut up”, my mouth,

unfortunately moved faster and couldn’t help blurting

it out. My enthusiasm was in overdrive.

We finally did it!

It took some time, plenty of “two-steps forward,

one step back”, mistakes (we’ll call them

learning experiences) but we are beyond

proud, thrilled and excited to announce that

The Vegas Voice is coming to local TV.

Our television show, “Vegas Voice Live” will

be broadcast and make its debut on the CW – KVCW,

Channel 33 beginning Saturday, November 7, 2020 at

5:30 am.

Now we know full-well that no one (starting with yours truly) will

get up that early on a weekend (that’s why God invented the DVR) but

along with our Golden Network TV Roku presence, dedicated YouTube

channel and now our Las Vegas television show, The Vegas Voice is the

only media outlet that has print, web, radio and television access to

the senior public – locally and around the world!

Our goal for the weekly half-hour Las Vegas broadcast is to showcase

our great columnists, and more importantly, highlight everything

about The Vegas Voice that supports our claim of being “Nevada’s Most

Powerful Senior Resource.”

We’ll have various segments, from entertainment editor Evan Davis’

Celebrity Corner (his first guest – Frankie Scinta!) to our Hollywood

Memories Beverly Washburn talking about her fantastic career - and

that’s just a start.

We promise (just like our publication) to have a little bit of everything

for today’s seniors.

That includes my partner Ray Sarbacker hosting Veteran’s Voice to

discuss issues pertaining to all those who served our country; practical

advice and guidance in our Scams, Schemes & Senior Safety spots and

we’ll also have my Bronx brother, Bill Caserta.

He will be bringing his Bill Blurbs to our show. A word of advice: if

you think his columns are funny, just wait to you see how we let him

loose in front of the camera.

Vegas Voice Live will be co-hosted by yours truly and my Rana.

We figured that since (so far) we made it as a “forever couple” while

quarantined, why not do the program together?

And if you enjoy reading our monthly magazine, why not “watch” it

too? Who knows? You just might learn something new and even put a

smile on your face to start your weekend.

We also recognize there will be no Emmy Awards

and doubt that Vegas Voice Live will be a ratings

blockbuster. Despite all that, we are doing this

while having a ton of laughs and fun, and

especially during this coronavirus pandemic,

what’s wrong with that?

As you can only imagine, we have a bunch of

plans, ideas, etc., but would definitely like readers’ input

and suggestions. Any thoughts?

And don’t forget to set your DVR!

*I’m sure you noticed that this month’s edition contains more pages

than previous ones. It’s the home stretch for the political season and

while we are very grateful that the candidates have faith in The Vegas

Voice to get their message(s) out, it’s YOU, our readers that they want

to reach.

As we said, “seniors vote” so whoever you choose, from President to

District Court judge, make sure you take the time to make your voice

heard.

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

REALLY Stupid Scam of the Month

Now I know it’s election season and

politicians (and their spouses) might

do anything to get elected, but really?

Those are NOT typos but the actual

email. We know scammers need to

only deceive one (out of the millions)

but can any ONE be that stupid?

Remember: Think, think, think before

you click! If in doubt, don’t.

6

Subject: Congratulations my dear you have won

millions $

From: Mrs. Melania Trump (Add as Preferred

Sender)

To: xxxxx

I am Mrs. Melania Trump and I am written to inform

you about your Bank Check Draft

brought by United Embassy from the government of

Benin Republic to the white house

Washington DC and has been mandated to be deliver

to your address as soon as you get back to me with

your below information.

Full name, Home address, Phone number, I’d card.

You check is containing the sum of US$60 million

dollars.

Here is my number (+1-(202) 858-xxxx) you can call

me or send me an sms but I prefer sms because I’m

always busy in the white house and I cant be able to

pick calls all the time. I will be waiting to hear from you

immediately, thanks and God bless you.

Note: All communications concern this fund should

be on Email and SMS only for security reasons and

record purpose

Sincerely, Mrs. Melania Trump - First Lady

October 2020

You Gotta Laugh

By: Bill Caserta / Bill’s Blurbs

An old man lived alone. He wanted to plant

his annual tomato garden, but it was

difficult work, as the ground was hard.

His only son who used to help him was in

prison. The father wrote a letter to his son and

described his predicament.

Dear Son, I am feeling pretty sad, because it looks like I won’t be

able to plant my tomato garden this year. I’m just getting too old to

be digging up a garden plot.

I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you

would be happy to dig the plot for me, like in the old days. Love,

Papa

A few days later he received a letter from his son. Dear Pop, Don’t

dig up that garden. That’s where the bodies are buried.

The next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up

the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old

man and left. That same day the old man received another letter from

his son.

Dear Pop, Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That’s the best I

could do under the circumstances.

* Doug lived in the Florida Keys and knows the end is near. His nurse,

his wife, daughter and son are with him.

Doug asks for two witnesses to be present and a camcorder be in in

place to record his wishes:

“Son, I want you to take all the Ocean Reef houses. My daughter,

you take the apartments between mile markers 100 and 125.

Sarah, my dear wife, please take all the residential buildings on

Blackwater Sound.”

The nurses and witnesses are blown away as they did not realize

his extensive holdings, and as Doug slips away, the nurse says, “Mrs.

Jones, your husband must have been such a hard-working man to have

accumulated all this property.”

The wife replies, “He had a paper route.”

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

Spartacus to Some

By: Beverly Washburn / Hollywood Memories

For some of you, the thought of Kirk

Douglas brings to mind the classic movie

epic Spartacus. For me, however, it brings to

mind the film I did with him in 1953 called “The Juggler.”

It starred the legendary Kirk Douglas and was produced by the

amazing Stanley Kramer. For reasons unknown, it never really was a

box office hit - although it’s been shown numerous times on the late,

late (make that late, late, late show - as well as The Turner Classic

Movie) TV.

At 10 years old, working with Kirk Douglas and Stanley Kramer

didn’t mean much to me as I was too young to realize who they were. It

wasn’t until I became an adult that I realized just how fortunate I was

to have had that opportunity.

I even have a wonderful letter personally written to me by Stanley

Kramer, thanking me for being a part of his film. Needless to say, that

letter now means more to me than I can ever describe.

Looking back, although I had no clue as to how famous they were,

I recall how incredibly nice they both were to me. I, of course, treasure

that time of my life.

Kirk had an amazing life and certainly was loved by many –

including me. Sadly, so many of our legends are now gone.

As a side note, many years later as an adult I was fortunate enough

to do three episodes of the “Streets of San Francisco,” with Kirk’s son

Michael. He was extremely warm and friendly. It was great fun to be

able to share with Michael that I had worked with his dad so many

years ago.

Until next time, remember “The most wasted day of all, is one in

which you have not laughed.”

*If you enjoy my columns, I hope you’ll watch my “Hollywood

Memories” starting in November. Publisher Dan will sit with me as he

“interrogates” me about my Hollywood life and to find out “who did

what to whom.”

We did our first rehearsals this month and at the very least, we sure

did laugh a lot. I hope you join me. More next month.

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.

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October 2020

9

10

Old signs. New technology.

This revolutionary art uses

sight and sound to transport

you through time and bring

long dormant signs back to

life. You literally have to see

it to believe it.

BOOK A VISIT

NeonMuseum.org

October 2020

Jeff Liebow considered himself fortunate to

“do what every performer dreams of, plying

my craft in front of an audience every night.” For

over seven years, Liebow took the stage as one of the Four Seasons in

Las Vegas productions of Jersey Boys.

But then he walked away. Life…and priorities changed. Now, six

years from those footlights, he wouldn’t have changed it for the world.

The decision to leave Jersey Boys was a no-brainer. His 9-month old

daughter Emma had been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis - NF for

short. The disease, caused by a disorder in the patient’s DNA, currently

has no cure.

NF can exhibit itself as tumors appearing anywhere in the patient’s

nervous system and may cause chronic pain, blindness, deafness,

learning

disabilities and

may become

cancerous.

Liebow felt

compelled to

help Emma

and others with

NF. He assumed

responsibility to

For the Love of Emma

By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places

develop shows

to fund research

into the disease.

The irony

of the local entertainment community is their willingness to help

raise funds for worthy causes sometimes creates overlapping events.

Liebow admits that the inaugural concert was disappointing, but an

enthusiastic audience reaction kept the shows alive.

At 5:00 pm October 18th, Liebow will take his 10th annual NF Hope

virtual on Facebook and YouTube.

The NF fund raisers have become a family affair. Liebow’s wife Melody

serves double-duty coordinating responsibilities. “Beyond making the

auction look great, she’s the one making dinner.”

Perusing Facebook posts of the Liebows reveals the love and

challenges they share. “What do you say when your ten-year old tells

you, ‘I hate MRIs’ before her 18 th scan? You tell her she has every right

to feel that way,” he wrote.

Fellow Jersey Boy Travis Cloer, Tony Award winner Christian Hoff,

Clint Holmes, and Kelly Clinton-Holmes are among the webcast’s

guests, hosted by Chet Buchanan. Also scheduled is John Bayless, the

award winning concert pianist who overcame a 2007 stroke to continue

to perform one handed.

For more information, or to bid on auction items, visit: 10YearsOfHope.

GiveSmart.org

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.

Ambient Music

By: Evan Davis / Entertainment Editor

Ambient Music: a

style of gentle,

largely electronic

instrumental music

with no persistent beat, used to create or

enhance a mood or atmosphere.

Before I tell you where you can hear

“ambient music”, let me tell you where you

can see The Vegas Voice entertaining YOU on

TV. We will be starting a weekly half-hour TV

show on Saturday, November 7 th featuring

some of the Vegas Voice columnists, and of

course my Celebrity Corner interviews. My

first guest, kicking off the broadcast, will be Mr.

Showman himself, Frankie Scinta. More

about our “Vegas Voice Live” next month.

I know it is hard, but don’t get disheartened

about COVID, the quarantine and the Vegas

economy, because this town will be back.

When it does return, hold on to your hats.

Just look at what’s on the horizon: Downtown’s newest resort &

casino Circa, will be opening. On the north end of the strip coming

soon will be Resort World. Also, there’s the new addition to the Las Vegas

Convention Center, and the 2-billion-dollar Allegiant Stadium hosting

Frankie Scinta will be my first “Celebrity

Corner” guest on Vegas Voice Live in November.

our Las Vegas Raiders.

The airports will be crowded. The hotels will be booked. The

restaurants will be packed, and the entertainers

will be in demand. It may be gradual at first,

but it will return.

Last month, I listed about two dozen

performers and as many restaurants and

clubs. What I’d like to see, when we come back

in full swing, would be the return of showgirls

and lounge acts. And please don’t let tourists

pull up to the hotels and carry in coolers filled

with beer.

As Entertainment Editor for The Vegas Voice

my goal is bring quality performances to

the local communities and allow a platform

for entertainers to show what and who they

are. I also use my web site and emails to

help promote local performers. I’ve been in

Vegas now for over 12 years and have seen

many changes - with more to come as Vegas

continues to reinvent itself.

Dream, Aim High and Never Surrender!

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

If You Just Smile

By: Yvonne Cloutier / Musical Moments

“

Light up your face with gladness, hide

every trace of sadness, although a tear

may be ever so

near, that’s the time you must keep on

trying, smile what’s the use of crying,

you’ll find that life is still worthwhile if

you just smile...“

Everyone knows how important a smile

was. It also reminded me of the song,

Smile.

I started researching it during this

terrible coronavirus pandemic since it is

a perfect time to share these words - if you

will just smile.

In doing my research, I found that

only the melody for Smile was written for the soundtrack of comedian

Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 movie Modern Times. He was inspired by the

opera theme of the Tosca Opera by Puccini.

It wasn’t until 1954 when two lyricists in London, John Turner and

Geoffrey Parsons reportedly wrote the lyrics and title for the Smile

melody. John Turner was the pseudonym for English lyricist James John

Turner Phillips (1932.)

He ran the Peter Maurice Music Co, whose most important lyricist

was Geoffrey Parsons. Parsons would write and sometimes change the

lyrics to a song.

John Turner would suggest some changes to Parsons’ work. And he

may have helped with the Smile lyrics.

Nat King Cole recorded it and it rose to

No. 10 in USA, and No.2 in the UK. It was

also used in the beginning of the 1975

movie Simon Said.

Charlie Chaplin was mostly of the silent

screen era. He was of a clownish nature

with his use of slapstick, mime and other

visual comedy routines.

His most famous role was that of The

Tramp, in suits too big, always wearing

his dress hat. He later thought this attire

really imitated his early life of abject

poverty. He was a genius and perfectionist,

also insisting on doing all the stunts and tricks in his films himself.

As I got to thinking, I realized a lot of positivity can be had for just

smiling. One example, “A smile is one of the prettiest things you can

wear,” and “Every time you smile at someone, it is a beautiful thing - a

gift to that person.” Try it, it works.

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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13

How Y’All Doing?

By: Dianne Hahn / Back in the Days

Grabbed the puppies, jumped into the RV,

turned around and found ourselves in

Texas! Oil wells and cattle, sturdy leather boots,

cowboy hats and the hint of a drawl that’s easy on

the ears. “How y’all doin’?”

They call me Miss Dianne here, and they call him, “Mr. Don.” Mighty

fine eatin’ in the Lone Star State; steak, bar-b-q and Tex-Mex.

Texans are so hospitable, I’m sure they even remove the calories

before the plate reaches the table. Either that or I’m in big trouble!

Love the country music here. The one thing we don’t like are the

nasty little burrs that hide in the grass.

They stick to your boots, and I carried one into the RV. Mr. Don stepped

on it with his bare feet in the middle of the night. Oh, the expletives!

The poor puppies are constantly stepping on them, too. Ouch! They

stop walking, hold their paw in the air, and look at me. “Help, Miss

Dianne!” They usually call me Mom, but Miss Dianne is catchy!

Driving into Midland I called for RV accommodations. Everything

was full so we drove over to our old stand-by, Walmart. They said we

could stay.

We parked, stocked up on groceries, and then “people watched.” It’s

better than going to the movies.

Saw one man with a homeless sign. He collected quite a few coins. At

dusk, he left in a BMW. Came back the next day - same car, same sign,

different hat. Looks like a good gig!

Mr. Don wanted to visit a petroleum museum. Funny, but I was

thinking that contemplating petroleum was probably #1 on my “least

favorite list” of things to do. He was excited though, so I didn’t fuss.

Come to find out, I rather enjoyed petroleum. Fact is those little oil

derricks on the side of the road are often 10,000 feet deep. They say that

14 out of 15 wells don’t produce any oil though. Dang!

Bit more sightseeing, then it was time to move on. Jumped into the

RV and hit the road. Texas in our rearview mirror. “See y’all!”

A former schoolteacher, Dianne also writes for children. Presently

she has six kid’s books available on Amazon.com. You can also

see her on SCA-TV.

Elect

JASMIN

LILLY-SPELLS

Endorsed BY

14

Working For Justice So Justice Works For You

WWW.LILLY-SPELLS.COM

© 2020 Paid for and authorized by the Committee to Elect Jasmin Lilly-Spells

October 2020

15

Out of This World

By: Liz Breier / This & That

Many medicines that are physician

prescribed take me out of this world…

and not necessarily in a good way. I got to

thinking about

the legalization of marijuana and

decided to try a holistic approach to

aches, pains and difficulty sleeping.

I went to a dispensary hoping they

could guide me in my purchase. After

all, like so many readers, I came of

age in the era of head shops, zig zag

and Acapulco Gold.

My experience at this superstore/

entertainment complex did not

disappoint. The experience started

before I entered the facility. I couldn’t

miss the giant waterfall, or the LED

lotus blossoms on the roof.

I was mesmerized by the production lines of gummies, candies and

drinks.

The shop felt like a high-end jewelry store and the array of products,

including many delicious edibles, chocolates, fruits and gummies,

made my eyes sparkle. And that was even before I ingested anything!

I was assisted by a knowledgeable bud-tender because (to say the

least) I had no clue. The purpose of the visit was to find what I could

purchase to substitute for 800 mg Ibuprofen - or something stronger.

I was pleased to discover that I can ingest a small piece of Dreamland

chocolate, a fruit flavored “Ha Ha Gummie” or drink an Elysium and

feel well enough to sleep comfortably.

This is definitely a relief from worn

out joints.

I even availed myself of the 20%

local’s loyalty program and have

consulted with my physician about

the benefits and potential harms of

ingesting THC. Something I would

encourage anyone to do in advance.

I made a stop in their coffee shop

for a pick me up before heading

home. I was advised that they even

provide delivery to my door, as do

many dispensaries according to the billboards I passed heading home.

I am back to earth after a good night’s sleep and just wanted to share

that we seniors do have options. And that such purchases can be made

without stigma.

Liz Breier is an ex-New Yorker who retired to Florida for 24 years

before deciding that Nevada means home to her. You can contact

Liz at: bluesky090372@gmail.com.

16

October 2020

17

Now It’s Up to You

By: Rana Goodman / Political Editor

With one month to go before the November

election, I admit that I am not yet familiar

with all the judicial candidates. I am however

crossing “my fingers and toes” that our readers will remember the

guardianship fiasco that Publisher Dan and I dedicated more than six

years of our lives in making changes to protect seniors.

During those years, the names of April Parks, (now

sitting in jail), hearing master Jon Norheim, and

Judge Charles (Chuck) Hoskin were etched

into our memory.

As we stated at our guardianship

seminars, if and when Norheim or

Hoskin ever thought of becoming

candidates for election, we vowed we

would do everything in our power to

oppose them and make sure they never

again sat on the bench.

The Las Vegas Review Journal, in its

September editorial summed up what

we uncovered:

Judge Charles Hoskin was

appointed in 2009, but he was kneedeep

in the guardianship scandal that

received national attention in 2015 and

revealed a system in which court-appointed

guardians were exploiting vulnerable seniors. The lack

of oversight was appalling.

While The Vegas Voice did everything possible to reform the

guardianship scandal in Nevada, Charles (Chuck) Hoskin was the

presiding Family Court judge. His gavel came down most (if not all)

times in favor of private, for-profit guardians (or the public guardian)

rather than family members who begged the court to let them take care

of their loved ones.

Editorial

These rulings left seniors financially devastated, because once a

guardianship is granted, the guardian has total control of the “protected

person” (formally referred to as Ward). They controlled where they

lived, had unconditional access to their bank accounts, trusts, will, safe

deposit box - all of their possessions. Absolutely everything.

Many times, the protected person, was moved into group homes or

nursing facilities, never understanding why their family members were

refused the right to care for them.

If you are a recent reader of The Vegas Voice you may

wonder why I am so against Charles Hoskin’s reelection

to the bench. Simply stated, it is due to

all those year investigating and uncovering

the heart-wrenching guardianship cases

that ripped families apart, leaving seniors

financially devastated,

Judge Hoskin never lifted a finger to

stop the carnage. At best he was willfully

ignorant (to match his arrogance)

in assuring the public that the

guardianship issues were “overblown.”

A very kind and wise jurist, Supreme

Court Judge Myron Leavitt, once told me

many years ago that Justice Court and

Family Court were courts of “justice” as

much as courts of law.

I believe that a Family Court judge must possess

compassion, be sympathetic, and have a consciousness of

“other’s distress.” These are traits that Charles “Chuck” Hoskin

absolutely does not possess.

For all those Vegas Voice readers who followed our guardianship

coverage, attended our seminars and asked, “what can I do?” this

is your moment, your opportunity to finally erase that guardianship

disgrace.

For Family Court, Department E – throw the “Chuck out” and elect

Thomas Kurtz.

18

We had the bad guys thrown in jail, we passed new guardianship laws and now there’s one more thing we need to

do – replace the guardianship judge responsible for all the carnage. Time to “throw the Chuck out!”

October 2020

19

Get the “Chuck” Out!

By: Rana Goodman / On My Soapbox

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 in our system. – Judge Charles Hoskin in

his TV interview on KTNV (Channel 13) with reporter Darcy Spears,

February 2, 2015.

Over the past 6 years, The Vegas Voice has investigated,

reported and exposed the guardianship scandal in

Nevada. We have seen the failure of the judicial

system to protect those innocent and desperate

for assistance – especially seniors.

We have witnessed first-hand the greed and

the evil in people. We have met many more

who simply “closed their eyes” or walked

away, knowing full-well the financial and

emotional hardship that resulted to these

totally innocent citizens. Charles Hoskin is

one of these individuals.

How bad was it? As the Nevada Guardianship

Commission (which I was proud to serve as a

member) reported on December 15 th of that year, On or

about June 1, 2015 ...there were approximately 8,700

designated as open guardianship cases... Roughly 4,000 have been

closed and removed and that out of the remaining 4,694 cases,

4,069 had annual reports due. (86.6% non-compliance rate.)

It was no wonder that Hoskin was subsequently removed as the

presiding judge over all Clark County guardianship cases when the

scandal became public. This scandal was and remains a disgrace to the

Nevada guardian and judicial systems.

Perhaps you can now understand why The Vegas Voice was so

adamant that Hoskin should NOT have been allowed to be promoted to

serve the Court of Appeals. And if you want to know about his “honesty

and character” note that in his 31 page application for the Appellate

Court he never mentioned that he oversaw the guardianship issues.

When asked “why” he simply stated, “there was no room.”

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, it is

abundantly clear that Judge

Hoskin is unfit to be

reelected to serve

as judge

in the

District

court,

Family Division, Department E.

Even the Las Vegas Review Journal opined

in its initial 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 us – Vegas Voice readers, to

begin disinfecting the Family Court air. We

need to “throw the Chuck off the bench!”

Take a look at our sample ballot. I even suggest you cut out the

ballot and save for the upcoming election.

You can contact Rana by email: Rana@thevegasvoice.net. Also

check out her blog about life in Sun City Anthem at:

Anthemtoday.com

The ABC’s of Family Court

Everyone at The Vegas Voice tries their best to live up to our goal of

being “Nevada’s Most Powerful Senior Media Resource.”

Every once in a while, this means going back to the basics such as

our ABCs. I thought about singing the ABC song, but since this is a

print publication, well, that just is not going to work!

So, how better to work on our ABCs than to highlight them in our

Vegas Voice efforts to rid seniors of a judge that does not deserve to be

re-elected - none other than Judge Charles “Chuck” Hoskin.

From our years in investigating and reporting on the Guardianship

cesspool and, in particular watching the self-serving actions of Judge

Hoskin, I offer the following in the Family Court, Department E race

about “Chuck” Hoskin:

A - Arrogant

B - Bully

C - Condescending

This makes Judge Hoskin:

D - Downright wrong for Family Court, and therefore,

E - Elect Tom Kurtz judge in Department E this November because

now is our time to finally clean up this judicial cesspool..

Ultimately, what this spells is: GET THE “CHUCK” OUT!

20

October 2020

21

22

October 2020

VEGAS VOICE SPECIAL REPORT

What happens here only happens here...

But should it?

The story thus far

Nevada state law has some odd provisions that enable a

stranger to take over estates of dead persons with little supervision

and questionable results. In this ongoing series, The

Vegas Voice has described how one individual, Thomas Moore,

acquired control over hundreds of estates in the Las Vegas area

over the past half dozen years. As an “independent administrator”

of these estates, with little to no involvement by relatives of

the deceased, Moore engineered home sales to many of the same

buyers, who would then resell the properties for profit. These

opaque transactions drew attention when Clark County’s elected

public administrator, Robert Telles, began to raise objections

to Moore’s cases late last year. Moore also faces other challenges

from families claiming harm from his activities. He and

his attorneys have denied wrongdoing. Previous installments

explained how provisions added to Nevada’s probate law nearly

a decade ago enable an actor like Moore to circumvent interests

of potential heirs and other parties in ways that legal experts

across the country find bizarre and disturbing. This final article

in the series introduces reform proposals that might prevent

such doings in the future.

A Vegas Voice

Probate

Court Report

by Judy Polumbaum

Judy Polumbaum is a

journalist, scholar and

educator who moved from

the Midwest to Las Vegas in

early 2018. With the conclusion

of this series, she

is going back to being an ordinary cranky monthly

columnist for The Vegas Voice.

PART FIVE:

ENVISIONING REFORMS

1. So who gains and who loses?

In an interview, Robert Telles, the Clark County public administrator,

explained his reasons for intercepting Thomas Moore’s

promiscuous use of the state’s independent administration law as

follows: “I feel it’s my duty to protect families and the system.”

If, as he suspects, homes are being undervalued in short sales,

then heirs may end up shortchanged, Medicaid may be deprived

of reimbursements the program is due, mortgage companies may

be settling for less than they should, and below-market sales may

be damaging neighborhood home values.

In sum, Telles wants to ensure that heirs, lenders and other creditors,

taxpayer-supported programs and the community are getting

their due.

As for who benefits, and how, from independent administration as

it now operates in Clark County? Definitive answers are elusive.

Presumably, investors who buy possibly undervalued properties

from these estates intend to profit, and often do so, through rentals

or resales.

The banks, of course, recoup some of the money extended as

mortgage loans. The premise of a short sale is that partial recovery

is better than nothing at all.

Occasionally, Medicaid regains some money, other creditors settle

up bills, and a bit may be left for heirs.

Attorneys providing services for court procedures or real estate

transactions stand to gain.

Still, that sixty-four-thousand-dollar question remains unsolved:

What does Thomas Moore get out of all this, and how?

The question is starting to draw attention beyond the confines of

the court system and the legal profession.

Before the focus of public life swiveled to the coronavirus pandemic

and concerns about racial justice and police conduct, Nevada’s

current attorney general, Aaron D. Ford, seemed to be taking

an interest in Moore’s handling of estates. In the past, given Moore’s

sworn statements that decedents had left behind more liabilities than

assets, the issue of Medicaid fund recovery seldom arose. Since late

last year, however, Ford’s office has been filing requests for “special

notice” of proceedings related to Moore’s cases, regardless of

Moore’s usual claims that the estates are insolvent.

Even the feds were poking around for a bit: Earlier this year, a Las

Vegas-based FBI agent contacted at least two individuals familiar

with Moore’s pattern requesting information. Asked about this, Las

Vegas FBI public affairs officer Sandy Breault replied in an email: “I

cannot comment on this, as it is the policy of the FBI not to confirm

or deny the existence of an investigation.”

2. Wouldn’t the courts notice red flags?

Judge Gloria J. Sturman, who practiced law in Las Vegas

for nearly three decades before her election to the bench

in November 2010, handles 80 percent of the county’s

probate caseload; two other district court judges handle

10 percent each. Cases go first to the probate commissioner,

currently Wesley Yamashita, who also is an experienced

attorney; he and a chief assistant process the floods

of filings, prepare the court’s calendar, manage regular

hearings, and guide the judges in decisions on routine

issues.

Nobody has questioned the integrity of the judges, nor raised

doubts about the commissioner’s role. Those in the know do say

the court suffers from shortage of personnel and resources – it is

“obscenely overloaded,” as one person puts it.

Experts interviewed for this project concur that lack of institutional

support for the courts (and, indeed, for public services

generally) is an endemic problem across the country.

Probate law expert David English, professor at the University of

Missouri, noted that Cook County, Illinois, population 7 million,

where he formerly practiced, has 14 fulltime probate judges,

“and they are busy.” In contrast, Clark County, Nevada, with some

2.3 million residents, has just one plus the part-timers, the equivalent

of 1.25 judges.

That translates to one probate judge per half million people for

Chicago and environs, versus one for every 1.85 million people in

the Las Vegas area.

It’s not surprising that in some places, English said, “there’s

pressure to run decedents’ estates through an assembly line.”

Clark County’s chief probate judge and probate commissioner

were unable to reply to emails requesting comment on the use

of the Independent Administration of Estates Act in their jurisdiction.

Under Nevada codes of judicial conduct, Judge Sturman

and Commissioner Yamashita “are prohibited from responding to

your questions, or any questions that seek legal opinion,” Mary

Ann Price, chief information officer for the Eighth Judicial District

Court, said in response to the inquiries.

3. The Caseload Gusher

Julia Gold, a Reno attorney who represented the state bar in

2011 legislative hearings on the proposal that led to Nevada’s law

on independent estate administration, said she’s unaware of anything

like Moore’s southern Nevada doings in the northern part of

the state, and expressed surprise that judges haven’t intervened.

“Given the existing statutory reporting requirements,” she

said, “it should be possible to determine that there is something

fishy going on and stop it.”

But Gold stressed that she knows about Moore only through

colleagues in the state bar, and cannot assess the Clark County

situation without more detailed knowledge.

However, the seeming ease with which Moore gained authority

over hundreds of relatively small estates in recent years has its

own legal logic. The independent administration statute is premised

on a desire to expedite cases unless they are contested, and

few were contested until Telles became public administrator and

began to challenge Moore’s activities.

“[U]nless an interested person objects in writing… and the

court determines that the interested person has shown good

cause why the authority to administer the estate under those provisions

should not be granted, the court shall grant the requested

authority,” the law reads. [NRS: 143.50]

In addition, there’s that pressure to move cases through a busy

system, all the more so in the Las Vegas area.

(Continues on next page)

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23

(Continues from previous page)

In usual times (pre-corona), Clark County Probate Court handled

roughly 150 cases a week. A small number, on the order

of 20 or 30 cases, might involve complex litigation or public

hearings on property sales. The great majority were considered

routine, with much business handled through online communications

and mail.

Even during the coronavirus-induced slowdown, with most

in-person hearings suspended, the court has continued to process

a gusher of work, although overall caseload seems to have

declined in recent months – an indication, perhaps, that families

and attorneys are holding off on settling estates of deceased loved

ones until the world seems a bit calmer.

In mid-March, the state’s Vegas-based Eighth Judicial District

Court ordered all “non-essential” hearings to be conducted

remotely, determined on the basis of paperwork, or rescheduled.

The probate court continues to process matters that don’t

require hearings, and holds hearings that cannot be postponed

or dealt with in writing by video or phone. As of early September,

in-person hearings were still limited to “essential” matters, with

“alternative means” preferred when possible.

Under ordinary circumstances, attorneys and investors and

other regulars on the probate scene would show up Friday mornings

for the court’s main weekly sessions. Coronavirus put a halt

to this in-person interaction. Meanwhile, two online lists, updated

weekly, provide a good indication of the ongoing work volume.

The probate court “pickup list” tracks activities related to

pending cases. At the end of April, six weeks into the shutdown, it

listed the status of nearly 2,800 items. By early September, the list

had shortened to about 1,300 items.

The “approved list” for the last Friday in April consisted of

125 cases with developments under active court consideration.

Seven were flagged as “BIDS,” meaning that a property sale was

scheduled and open to public bidding. The same list for the first

Friday in September had nearly as many entries, with four estates

open for bids.

In those long-ago normal times, individuals wishing to “overbid”

existing offers would do so in court on Friday morning.

Under the coronavirus regimen, any higher offer is due electronically

three days before the sale confirmation date, for subsequent

consideration at a remote hearing. Estates under summary

administration, which does not require court approval for real

estate transactions, continue to bypass this public step.

4. What now?

With the world on hold during the coronavirus pandemic, and

public health and welfare the highest priorities, courts everywhere

adapted. Amidst tentative reopening efforts, they remain

cautious.

Clark County’s probate court continues to process thousands

of cases, mostly still remotely. A weekly crush of attorneys and

investors – the regulars who used to gather at the court in person

on Friday mornings – no longer happens.

Thomas Moore has sought authority over just eight estates since

VEGAS VOICE SPECIAL REPORT

the start of 2020, a marked decline in pace. His most recent two

petitions were filed in June.

It’s possible that Nevada’s moratorium on evictions and foreclosures

and extended grace period for mortgage payments made

Moore’s enterprise more difficult, with fewer distressed estates

available to commandeer.

But the grim reaper takes no vacations. People are still dying

– of coronavirus, of other medical ailments, of accidents and

natural causes and old age. In time, individuals hoping to profit

off estates that have no apparent heirs or relatives keeping track

may resume their elusive dealings in sales of homes the departed

have left behind.

Unless, that is, provisions for independent administration of

estates and/or practices related to that law are revised.

Perhaps by later this year, and certainly by next year, watchdogs,

investigators, lawyers and legislators may be ready to address the

problems discussed here. In particular, when the 2021 Nevada

state legislature convenes, reformers will be poised to correct

peculiarities of the probate code, with a focus on independent

administrators and summary administration.

5. Ideas for Reform

While some observers think more meticulous adherence to

existing law, and perhaps a few tweaks to the legislation, could improve

Clark County probate procedures, others favor more robust

reforms. Many would like to see increased funding for the probate

courts, providing resources for investigation, verification, and more

comprehensive processing of the workload

Beyond relatively small legislative changes likely to be proposed

by the state bar, critics suggest larger revisions, such as:

• Designating the public administrator as the default first stop for

all cases in which individuals die without a will, not just for deaths

referred by the coroner.

• Restricting eligibility for appointment as an independent

administrator to heirs or beneficiaries of the estate, or at least to

persons with a proven connection to the deceased.

• Requiring higher standards of proof and professional documentation

in support of all claims made in probate court about

heirs, assets, notices and communications, and other matters.

• Making independent administrator appointments a very last

resort, after everyone with higher standing or interest in the estate,

including every single identifiable potential heir, has submitted an

authenticated waiver.

• Requiring thorough, specific, itemized documentation as part

of all final reports.

In order to be considered at Nevada’s next biennial legislative

session, due to begin February 1, 2021, proposals must be firmed

up and translated into Bill Draft Requests. Legislators, legislative

committees, the governor, state agencies and local governments

may submit these requests for review during the first month of

the session. The ideas that stick then get turned into draft laws for

formal consideration.

As that old saw goes: Stay tuned.

24

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S

Amazing Racer

By: Renee Riendeau / Movie Revelations

Are you aware that a Sun City Anthem

resident used to work in Hollywood as a

director/ producer? Frank Johnson has a first

rate movie currently streaming on television.

Amazing Racer is a great family show, clean, wholesome, no

foul language, nothing inappropriate and geared toward horse lovers.

Frank read the script, loved the story, and contacted Hollywood agents

to cast the movie.

His choices: Julianne Michelle, a 16 year old lead, Claire Forlani, as

her mother, Daryl Hannah as the doctor, Louis Gossett Jr. as the horse

trainer, Jason Gedrick as the mother’s boyfriend, and Eric Roberts as

the villain.

This is a heart-warming tale of family connections that starts out

with the teenager, Shannon in the hospital. She is recovering from a

deadly car accident, but her father was killed..

Shannon is devastated as her beloved father raised her. She thinks

she’s an orphan now as she was always told her mother died in

childbirth.

As she’s recovering, an uncle and her doctor tell her that her mother is

still alive and is a doctor working at a hospital. Her mother was shocked

as she was always told that her daughter had died in childbirth.

The two of them struggle with their relationship, but mother begs her

to stay with her for the summer, giving them a chance to get to know

each other. Her mother raises racehorses and Shannon starts visiting the

stables with her and soon falls in love with a filly she names, Rainbow.

I won’t tell you the rest of the plot. Instead I only urge everyone - from

grandparents to their grandchildren to watch this wonderful movie.

As a reporter (along with other Vegas Voice columnists) we get to

work with Frank and marvel at the professional experience he brings

to SCA-TV in his role as General Manager. His credentials speak for

themselves, a member of the Directors Guild of America and the

American Society of Cinematographers.

This delightful film has themes of forgiveness and perseverance yet

touching and emotional. I give “Amazing Racer” a movie score of 5

out of 5.

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.

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October 2020

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27

Scarecrows & Pumpkins,

Oh My

By: Pat Alexander / Art of Entertaining

It’s Autumn, with crisp leaves underfoot

and brilliant colors painting each tree. To

celebrate my favorite season, I decorate every surface from my front

gate to the front door and on into the house.

Since I’m hosting so many gatherings this year, I started decorating

in September: Book Club, Scrabble, Bunco, Mahjongg, and, of course,

Thanksgiving. Lucky for me the stores start putting out fall merchandise

early so I can look for more things to add to my collection.

28

October 2020

I always think I have enough, but each year the decorations get even

better, and I can’t resist adding to my stash. There are clever figurines,

charming crooked little ceramic houses, leaf garlands, and, of course,

scarecrows (you can never have too many scarecrows).

Last year I found an adorable cart that holds a small bale of hay and

this year I found some new little scarecrows to sit on top. Score!

An array of fresh pumpkins is a must. I love the ones that look like

an orange watercolor, the white ones, the gray ones and the slightly

tipsy ones.

My major criteria is they must have a stem. So many pumpkins, so

few stems. It’s like wearing an Easter outfit without a hat!

With decorating out of the way, it’s time to think of menus for all

the gatherings. (Of course, these plans are based on the lifting of

restrictions.)

I’m reading through recipes for ideas but one thing I know for sure,

my favorite quiche will work really well for several of the gatherings.

I’m including the recipe. Try it, I think you’ll like it.

Autumn Quiche: Prepare 10” pie crust. Preheat oven to 400

degrees. Fry ½ lb. bacon until crisp. Set aside.

In same pan, melt ½ stick butter, add one large onion

thinly sliced. Sauté for 5 minutes, add 5 oz. sliced mushrooms and 8

oz. fresh spinach. Cook for 5 minutes. Chop spinach into small pieces.

Salt to taste. Cool.

In large bowl, beat 4 eggs with 1 cup heavy cream. Add 1 cup grated

Swiss cheese, ¾ tsp. Kosher salt and ¼ tsp. pepper. With slotted spoon

add vegetables and bacon to bowl. Stir.

Pour into pie crust and bake for 40 minutes or until set.

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.

Expired Make-Up

By: Linda Bateman-Gomez / Timeless Beauty

Spending so much time indoors these days

has led to a lot of spring, summer, and now

fall cleaning! In deciding to tackle my makeup

drawers (yes, plural) I quickly realized I had a lot of makeup that was

too old to use.

Just like food, make-up does expire. While some may just not work as

well (or smell) others can be harmful.

Mascara is a big culprit; I did not realize it has a short shelf life of

about 3 months. I figured 6 months to a year because it starts to dry

out and not be as easy to apply over time, but it turns out I have lots of

“bad” ones sitting in the drawer.

The biggest concern with mascara, and of course other eye makeup,

is bacteria build-up which can cause eye infections like pink eye. Eye

liner, shadow, and anything that you generally re-use consistently falls

into this category. For the cost, it is always worth replacing with a fresh

one.

Another item to take inventory of is your lip products. Lipsticks and

glosses can be a breeding ground for bacteria and hold cold and flu

viruses.

One of the bigger reasons to never share them - even small things

like a cold sore (unknowingly) can be potentially shared or spread on

your products.

There are suggestions for “cleaning” lipstick by sticking the exposed

portion of the tube in alcohol but anything like gloss that you use an

applicator for would just need to be tossed. While the shelf life for lip

products may be one year, if there is any concern, better to get rid of

them sooner.

Other products like foundations, blush, nail polish, etc. do not carry

the same health risks, but they may smell funny, the color may turn, or

they may not work as well. They tend to have a shelf life ranging from

1-3 years.

Some good news: while perfume tends to be one of the pricier items

we spend money on, it also has the longest shelf life, 8-10 years. Just

make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight and keep it cool!

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.

29

Dressing Up

By: Sandi Davis / Fashion “Cents”

Where is Style? Have you

seen her?

I have dwelled quite a bit on

masks in my previous columns, but now I want to

talk about more than just face coverings.

I have started to go out to the occasional

restaurant or stores, and I am really surprised about

the lack of style I see.

I think most people are so accustomed to being

at home and dressing down, that they forget to dress

up when they go out. They put on the mask, very

casual clothes and head out. No fashion, no style,

just blah.

Let’s liven it up! Pull the good stuff out of the

closet. Wear it! You will feel better, I promise.

Just remember that you do NOT have to look

perfect; just feel good about how you look, and it

will show through. Confidence is the name of the

game.

My favorite casual wear are the Lululemon pull

on yoga/jogging pants. They are not sloppy, nor are they tight fitting

either.

They have 4 pockets and feel like they are made from parachute

material. The fabric is called “Luxtreme.” The pants are light and easy

to wear. And they dress up well.

With the right shoes and a cute jacket, it would

work for a casual restaurant or a bar and be stylish

and comfortable too. And yes, I did say a bar, because

by the time you read this the bars will be open.

These are called “keep moving pants” and there

are various lengths, styles and colors. And they have

a loose fitted waist, with a drawstring.

They are not cheap, but I have had mine for two

years and they wash up easy, and still look great. You

may have something similar in your closet, so pull

them out and try some different tops and shoes and

dress up a bit.

Of course, don’t forget your mask. I find that

the disposable ones are fine for when I am out for

a walk, or a quick trip to the grocery. But if I am

going out to eat, or non-grocery shopping I wear

something nicer. It does make you feel better.

REMEMBER: You do not have to look perfect. Just

feel good about how you look.

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

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30

October 2020

31

The Volkswagen I.D. Buzz

By: BJ Killeen / Down the Road

Ah, the 1960s; peace, love, and freedom.

The iconic vehicle for the 1960s “Hippie”

lifestyle was the Volkswagen Bus.

The VW Microbus defined the live, sleep, love counterculture

generation. For those who miss that time, Volkswagen soon will let you

relive those memories, albeit in a

21 st -century iteration.

The VW I.D. Buzz concept soon

will become a production reality.

The reincarnation brings the

Microbus to a however higher

level, coming back to showrooms

as an all-electric model.

Earlier this month, Volkswagen

announced that the I.D. Buzz

will be available for purchase

in 2022. The bus will be built

on Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive kit, combining chassis and

components that will become the platform for many future electric

vehicles from the German brand.

The concept vehicle seen in this photo will be close to the design

of the production model, showcasing a modern interpretation of the

much-loved original bus. Dual sliding doors, LED headlamps, two-tone

body paint (in eye-catching colors) and a configurable interior will

endear it to a whole new generation of buyers looking to capture some

of the vagabond fun embodied by the original bus.

Did you know that the original VW Microbus was born from a napkin

sketch during lunch one day in 1947 by Ben Pon, Sr.? That one little

sketch turned into a lifelong passion for many original VW bus owners,

many of whom are spending big bucks to purchase classic models at

astronomical prices.

A 1965 VW Type II 21-window

deluxe bus sold for over $300,000

at auction only a few years ago.

And the 23-window models are

just as sought after.

While the new I.D. Buzz won’t

cost that much, VW says it will be

affordable for an EV. In addition,

VW expects it to have impressive

driving range, alongside a plethora

of safety and convenience features that didn’t exist 60 years ago.

For more information, visit vw.com to check out photos and even

place an order. While there will be a lot of features, you’ll have to bring

your own love beads!

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

October 2020

33

Your Soul Group

By: Ali Guggenheim / Psychic Phenomenon

Most people have no idea what they

are asking for when they ask for their

soulmate. To most people soulmates represent

their imaginary, fairytale, romantic love interest

that will sweep them away to their happily ever after.

In actuality however, we all belong to a soul group that consists of

many different types of soulmates; all of which are cut from the same

energetic cloth and show up as contracted before they were born.

Soul groups or clusters are souls that travel together through past,

present and future lifetimes. These soul families consist of your

soulmates, soul-friends, twin-flames, kindred-spirits, etc.

Each of them serves a different purpose in your life’s evolution to

teach you lessons and to catalyze your spiritual expansion. Their title

and purpose change with each reincarnation since each lifetime you

agree to different lessons.

34

October 2020

These souls show up as needed for you and for themselves. You

both agreed to help each other experience what the ancients called

“moksha.” This elevates your evolutionary state of being.

You will recognize them when your vibrational frequency overlaps

and you share each other’s thoughts, feelings, values and dreams. Even

though you might come from different cultures, races, or backgrounds,

you will immediately sense an ancient and strong connection in your

bones, blood and very soul.

In life, the people we are most drawn to are our teachers and visaversa.

Although at times these soulmates may comfort you, their main

purpose is for you both to learn major life lessons.

No matter the circumstance, whether you are a couple or not, short

term or not, when they exit your life there’s always a profound difference

in your lives. Your experience is determined by your openness to grow

your self-awareness, to change and to move past your fears.

Subconsciously you already know what your major lesson is. Ask

yourself: what do I keep repeating or avoiding in my life that doesn’t

work?

When you are ready, a soul member will appear to help you deal with

it. Just be forewarned - stay away from people that you distrust from the

start. These souls betrayed you in a past life and, if given a chance, will

do it again.

To contact Ali or for spiritual consultations, coaching, workshops

and readings, email: alivegasvoice@yahoo.com.

Five Tasks for October

By: Howard Galin / Happy Gardening

Greetings and welcome to the busy month

of October for desert gardeners. This is the

month when we can accomplish many tasks to

prepare our gardens for the cooler days ahead.

There are five tasks that we can tackle before we go out to Trick

or Treat at month’s end. They are: pruning, water adjustment,

fertilizing, mulching, and planting.

If you have not done so, it is time to prune all palm trees before the

cold weather appears. This will give the newer fronds time to acclimate

so that they will be more resistant to frost.

Roses, as well as all other flowering plants and bushes can pruned to

stimulate fall growth and to strengthen new foliage. It is also time to

prune off “suckers” from fruit trees as well.

If your trees are deciduous, wait until the leaves fall off before pruning.

If you are planning to prune pine trees, wait until late November.

October is the final month to fertilize all plants. This will replenish

nutrients and strengthen root systems.

Because of our extremely high summer temperatures this year and

the lack of rainfall, this is the time to add both sulfur and iron to lower

soil pH levels and aid plants suffering from chlorosis.

Remember to adjust irrigation schedules as we transition into cooler

months and decreased sunlight. Now is a good time to check drip

emitters for clogs and damage. Remember to adjust both frequency

and duration for your watering schedules.

October is a good time to add both rock and organic mulch to your

landscapes. The organic mulch will keep your soil and plant root

systems moist (conserving water) and warm during the late fall and

winter. Rock mulch can be added now since it is easier to do when the

temperatures are cooler, and landscapers are less busy.

October is also the best month to add new additions (but not palms)

to your garden. The daytime temperatures are mild and there is still

sufficient sunlight to foster both plant and root growth.

Have any questions? Contact me at Theplantwhisperer28@gmail.

com.

Howard Galin, a/k/a: “The Plant Whisperer” is a retired NYC

school administrator, transplanted in Las Vegas who devotes his

time to communicating with and lecturing about our native

plants.

35

36

October 2020

37

70 Helping Parkinson’s

Patients and More

R

By: Carol Chapman ecently U-Step

Neuro donated

a special U-Step walker to the Foundation Assisting

Seniors. The U-step walker is an advanced walker

specifically designed for neurological conditions.

It provides greater stability,

maneuverability and control

as compared to other walkers.

The version we have includes

a laser to help the person suffering from Parkinson’s to step to the laser

line.

People who have used the U-Step 2 appreciate the unique braking

system and the feeling of resistance, which increases their confidence

in walking. If you want to see the device in action, visit their website:

ustep.com.

If you’re interested in acquiring one, you should know that the

U-Step 2 is the only neurological walker covered by Medicare. More

information is available directly from U-Step at (800) 558-7837.

Please mention the Foundation when calling.

It is corporate donors such as U-Step Neuro, together with individual

contributions, that make it possible for us to provide our services free

of charge to seniors and veterans.

Dealing with the pandemic and the severity of having to cancel all

our fundraising activities, we remain grateful to partners like U-Step

that help us continue our important work.

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so online at

foundationassistingseniors.org, send a check to 2518 Anthem Village

Dr, Suite 102, Henderson, NV 89052, or call us at 725/244-4200 to

discuss alternative ways of giving.

38

August 2020

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39

Time to Review Trust Documents

By: Jerry Creed / Trust Jerry

In this pandemic we have a lot fewer options

about what to do with our time each day.

I suggest that if you have a Trust, one afternoon

take it out, blow the dust off of it and make a list of all your assets over

10K in value. Now ask yourself are these assets, owned and controlled

by the Trust?

Simply having a Trust is a good start on estate planning, but if you

haven’t “fully funded” your Trust, the job is not complete. You see,

Trusts only work if everything is put into the Trust or name the Trust

as a beneficiary.

Those items not in Trust either operate by contract or add up together

and go through probate. Probate is bad, costly and time consuming.

It’s silly to spend the money on a quality estate plan and then not

finish the work so your estate goes through probate. If only one lesson

is learned from this pandemic, it is the importance of not delaying

essential planning.

If the need arises, will your durable powers of attorney allow your

agents to make crucial medical decisions or worse yet, if you need

memory care or a skilled nursing facility, will your agents be able to do

the needed advanced planning or care for you?

Two free things I’m offering for the month of October. First, it’s easy

to put off getting around to funding your trust so I’m developing a

system to keep it on top of your mind.

If your Trust isn’t “fully funded” I can send you a Funding Tracking

form. Simply fill out the items you need to fund and return the

worksheet to me.

I will send you email reminders each month. When you complete an

item, follow the instructions on the email reminder and it will come off

the list for next month (six-month duration).

Second, has it been more than 5 years since someone has reviewed

your Trust? Have you moved from another state to Nevada? Has your

marital status changed, or have you included long term care planning

as part of your estate planning?

It’s time for a free 30 minute Trust review. Please give me a call to set

up the appointment.

Each of these services normally run $500, but for October they are

free. My way of saying “Thanks for TrustingJerry.com with your estate

planning needs.”

40

September 2020

41

It’s Up to Us!

By: Dan Hyde / Call to Action

The COVID-19 pandemic has a tragic sidestory.

More and more people, especially

children, are going hungry every single day.

Recent stories have painted a bleak picture of families unable to

provide this most basic of human needs. Adding insult to injury, the

worthy non-profits who have historically provided nourishment to the

needy have reached a sad milestone – they are unable to keep up with

the demand!

For every family they can serve, two go without. The problem is

exasperated because many have been laid off and have no source of

income to support their families.

Sadly, the political parties still can’t agree on what to do as they are

more invested in bickering and pointing fingers at one another! So,

what can be done?

Since those we elect are more inclined to sit on the sidelines and

watch, I have a suggestion. We, (that’s YOU and me) can step up and

insure that no family will go hungry.

Three Square, a 501(c) (3) non-profit (threesquare.org) which has

provided food to the needy since its inception in 2007, recently stated

that for every dollar donated it can provide three meals.

How can they do that? Because of the sheer size of their organization,

they can procure vast quantities of food at discounted prices. Everyone

not impacted by a shortage of food should donate a fixed monthly

dollar amount to a worthy food non-profit.

For example, $5 per month will give a needy family 15 meals. I have

been an active participant in several of these organizations for years

because I know first-hand what they do and how they do it.

Seeing a family’s grief and sense of hopelessness turned to one of

hope once you hand them the food they so desperately need, is, at least

for me, a life changing experience. Besides Three Square, there are

several other organizations you can support.

I encourage you to check these non-profits as I have done:

goodnessgraciousministires.com; catholiccharities.org; serving

our kids foundation (recently established in Henderson); and

mealsonwheels.org (a federally subsidized program).

Can you do your part? I promise, your life will be the richer for it!

Dan Hyde is a passionate and effective advocate for the senior

community. He can be reached at: dhyde9@cox.net.

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October 2020

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43

The Heart of a Veteran

By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet

experienced my first heart attack in 2006.

I Having never had one

before, I kept sloughing it

off as acid reflux - until it finally put me down

hard.

Long story short, and after three more

episodes over the next couple of years, the

VA finally got real and formally declared

that Agent Orange (and other toxic

herbicides) in Vietnam was the source of

my cardiac troubles. I served in one of the

most heavily sprayed areas in the war zone.

I’m writing this primarily to send up smoke

signals to those veterans experiencing cardiac issues.

I encourage you to get on the roles, file a claim, and

receive the medical attention (and financial compensation)

that you deserve.

Ischemic Heart Disease is now listed on the presumptive list of

service-connected disabilities, and there is little hassle in getting it

done. All you have to do is prove that you have a heart condition, and

that you were in a zone where these lethal substances were used.

For a long time now, it was thought that only Vietnam was where

Agent Orange, et al, was used for defoliation purposes. However, it was

also used to keep the DMZ cleared in Korea, so veterans serving there

could have been exposed and are eligible to make a claim.

What is Ischemic Heart Disease? The simple

answer is that it is also known as “hardening of

the arteries”, or coronary artery disease.

What happens is that cholesterol plaque

builds up in the arteries of the heart and

causes “ischemia”, which means that the

heart is not getting enough blood flow and

oxygen. When, and if, this plaque blocks an

artery, it then becomes a heart attack.

There are many reasons why people

suffer with ischemia, like eating poorly, not

enough exercise, or smoking. But exposure to

one of the most toxic substances known to man,

Agent Orange, really kicks it into high gear.

Once again, I encourage you to check it out. Don’t let

‘em get away with it - especially Dow Chemical, who fought

for decades covering up the lethality of a product they made

billions on from the government.

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

44

October 2020

Pat Tillman Left a Legacy

By: Kathy Manney / Around Our World

October 2020 marks the anniversary of

former Arizona Cardinals player Pat

Tillman’s death in Afghanistan. Pat Tillman was

a star football linebacker with the Arizona

State Sun Devils before graduating in 1998

and signing a multi-million dollar contract to

play NFL ball for the Cardinals.

Following the 9/11 terrorist attack on the

United States in 2001, Pat and his older brother

Kevin, a professional baseball player with the

Cleveland Indians felt it important to serve on

behalf of their country. Their grandfather had

been at Pearl Harbor.

Leaving fame and fortune, the brothers

joined the army and were serving together

in Afghanistan at the time of Pat’s death by

“friendly fire” on April 22, 2004.

In the years since, Pat Tillman has become

an NFL legend with many posthumous honors.

In August 2017, Arizona State University dedicated a bronze statue of

him at Sun Devil Stadium.

They also named their football locker room entryway to Sun Devil

Stadium the “Pat Tillman Memorial Tunnel.” In November 2011, the

Arizona Cardinals unveiled a statue of Pat Tillman and named the

plaza at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona after him.

Tillman’s family and friends started the Pat Tillman Foundation,

a nonprofit that awards scholarships, with a recent focus on veteran

assistance. The Foundation sponsors an

annual 4.2 mile race ending at the 42-yard

line of Sun Devil Stadium. Tillman wore 42 at

Arizona State.

Spanning Black Canyon and 1,500-foot

downstream of Hoover Dam sits the Mike

O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridge, part of

the Hoover Dam Bypass Project. The bridge,

crossing the Colorado River connecting

Arizona and Nevada, was completed in 2010.

The name honors not only Pat Tillman, but

Mike O’Callaghan, a Korean War veteran and

Nevada’s governor from 1971-1978.

A Navy SEAL serving with Tillman in Iraq

said, “He was one of the most remarkable

human beings I’ve ever met. He wasn’t

looking for the easy thing to do, just the right thing.”

Undeniably, Pat Tillman was a remarkable man who left a legacy.

Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an

Adventure Diva. Her “Must See” travel journeys continue - always

with enthusiasm.

45

Hello Dere!

By: Morris Heldt / A Senior’s P.O.V.

With all this chaos we are experiencing I

feel it is time to go to my “happy place”

of memories,

and this particular feel-good

memory is about a fellow Vegas

Voice contributor.

The year was 1969 and I had just

recently stepped off the old grey

dog (Greyhound) on a late Sunday

night near Hollywood and Vine in

Hollywood. One of my first jobs was

at a well-known comedian’s home

in Beverly Hills. I had never been

in Beverly Hills, let alone in some

star’s house, so you can imagine

how excited I was.

I was not disappointed in the house as I was taken aback by the size

and opulence.

The lady of the house, known as Frenchy, a very funny and endearing

person, and a professional entertainer as well as her husband, gave me

several small jobs to do around the pool house. After a few hours she

then asked me to help her move some boxes in her bedroom to the

garage.

I couldn’t help but notice the biggest bed I had ever seen - with

two huge television sets positioned at the foot of the bed. I had to ask

Frenchy, “Why two televisions?”

“Because sometimes my husband wants to watch Johnny

Carson and I want to watch Joey

Bishop. We each have our own

headphones,” she explained.

After a day’s work she paid me and

then said that she had spoken with

her husband, who would be back

from Las Vegas in the morning, and

he would like for me to come back

for the next few days to help him

with some work.

For the next couple of days that

man and I worked side-by-side,

while talking all the time. He asked

me all kind of questions, where I

was from, what I wanted to do, etc.

I shall never forget Marty Allen and how nice he was to me . . . and

encouraging! I will always wonder when Marty passed away at the age

of 95 and ascended to heaven, if he said to his Frenchy, Hello Dere!

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.

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October 2020

47

Helping the NSG

By: Liz Palmer / NSG

The cancellation of this year’s Nevada Senior

Games left us in a dilemma. As any nonprofit

can attest, fund-raising

efforts this year have been

hamstrung by COVID-19.

What’s an Executive Director (me) to

do? Time to think outside the box.

Whatever we could offer had to be

at little or no cost for me to produce

and be easily transferred upon

purchase with a timeline of 4 to 5

months from start to completion.

What are my talents? I’m a former

professional pianist, I was a collegiate

athlete, and a writer.

Bingo. I’ll write a novel.

I selected the gothic romance genre because it’s popular, formulaic

and honestly, lends itself to breathless hyperbole! I set the stage for a

plucky Irish lass to encounter a brooding dark Lord and solve a mystery

that haunts his family.

I whipped up an opening paragraph, posted it on social media,

and asked for feedback. And permit me to brag a tiny bit, it was

overwhelmingly positive. And so began the tale of Fiona O’Keefe and

Lord Gideon Helmsley, tentatively titled “The Lord Of Her Heart.”

The novel needed well-established characters, a mystery, and of

course, sexual tension. I framed the plot, the chapters, and linked

together the characters and their motives and secrets.

I’m now feverishly typing away. I should finish by

the first week of December.

How can you help? This novel will sell

for the bargain price of $10, with 100%

of the proceeds going to benefit the

Nevada Senior Games. Not one dime

will go to me. Payment will be online,

and the novel will be emailed to you.

Maybe gothic romance isn’t your

thing. Hopefully, you know someone

who loves it – and it would make

an EXCELLENT stocking stuffer for

Christmas! “The Lord Of Her Heart”

will be advertised on the NSG website.

Please consider a purchase. The Nevada Senior Games is a registered

501 (c)(3) organization and would be greatly appreciate your support!

I thank you, NSG thanks you, and Fiona and Gideon thank you too!

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.

48

October 2020

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49

Folding Fitted Sheets

By: Heather Latimer / Heather’s Self-Help Tips

I

’ve had several requests regarding folding

fitted sheets. I confess I didn’t know how

until I visited Phenat Nikem Refugee Camp in

Southeast Asia to write a Fact Finding Report for

the National Institutes of Health.

Forlorn refugees aimlessly strolled about in a shabby, primitive,

open-air compound. Three mothers

rushed toward us, holding a baby

in their outstretched arms. “Take

America, Take America” they cried.

A uniformed guard shouted and

waved them away whilst hustling

us along toward two open-fronted

buildings. They were equipped with

old furnishings and outdated appliances for teaching inmates how to

earn a living if they ever reached a Land of Plenty.

Men were taught in a replica of McDonalds. Women learned

housekeeping in a mock home.

There an Asian instructor was demonstrating how to take a fittedsheet

out of the dryer - slightly damp - and lay it on a table with its

elastic fitted-corners facing upward.

(a) She smoothed out wrinkles with her hands,

(b) Folded the two longest sides inward about 10 inches,

(c) Grasped shorter top and bottom and did the same,

(d) Folded entire sheet in half lengthwise,

(e) Took bottom upward to reach middle of that lengthy half-sheet,

(f) Pulled top downward to reach middle,

(g) Folded sheet where the two short-sides met, and

(h) Folded in half side-to-side to match an already folded flat sheet,

added pillow-cases, and proudly raised the neat pile of bedclothes for

all to see.

What could be easier?

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.

Insurance Concepts -

History Part 2

By: Jim Valkenburg / Insurance Insight

Last month we ended our history lesson with

“fire marks.”

The payments (premiums) for the fire marks

supported the volunteer fire fighting companies. Although it seems

unheard of today, if a fire broke out in a house that wasn’t paying for

the privilege, firefighters would ignore the fire. This is fire insurance at

its earliest stages in America.

Let’s continue with another common sight in early America. Barn

raising!

Barn raising was particularly common in 18th and 19th-century

rural America. A barn was a necessary structure for any farmer, for

example, for storage of hay and keeping of animals.

Yet a barn was also a large and costly structure, the assembly of

which required more labor than a typical family could provide. Barn

raising addressed the need by enlisting members of the community,

unpaid, to assist in the building of their neighbors’ barns.

Because each member was entitled to recruit others for help, the

favor would eventually return to each participant. It was neighbors

helping neighbors.

If the link between barn raisings and contemporary insurance isn’t

obvious, it’s because the insurance industry hasn’t done a particularly

good job of illustrating what’s going on behind the scenes. Insurance

isn’t just about paying money to some giant, faceless corporation -

although you could be forgiven for thinking it is, since most people’s

experience with insurance is limited to paying money to some giant,

faceless corporation.

But in reality, insurance is less like paying a utility bill and more like

helping your neighbors rebuild their barn after a fire.

The comparison isn’t just metaphorical either. In both cases,

resources are pooled to help community members when things go

wrong.

The difference between old-fashioned barn raisings and modern

insurance? We no longer know whom we’re helping, or who pitches in

to help you after a loss.

50

October 2020

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.

Gaining Weight due to the Pandemic

By: Mary Richard / Health Fitness

Fall is here! What a tough summer we had!

2020 was certainly different than 2019 -

right?

Did anyone lose any weight? I bet so many

gained due to the COVID lockdown. I managed

to gain only a few pounds due to taking virtual

aerobic classes for exercises at home.

At the time you are reading this column,

I probably will have returned to teaching a

“live” class at my fitness facility. Of course,

there will be safety features, mask wearing,

social distancing, and hand washing and

sanitizing. Yep - this is our “new normal.”

So now the object is to lose those extra few

pounds before the holidays. Yes, they are right

around the corner! There is no easy way to lose

fat.

Each person responds differently to a training program. However,

activities that incorporate many muscle groups help to reduce fat.

For example, fast walking uses more calories per minute and

therefore is better suited for fat loss than non-weight bearing activities

that do not use many muscles.

For flabby arms, there is myth that you can lose fat in an area of the

body by exercising that particular body part. The truth is that “spot

reducing” does not work because you cannot choose where your body

will get the fat it uses for energy, nor can you change the fat into muscle.

However, any exercise that decreases your body fat percentage will

help you lose fat on your arms as well as other

body parts.

Should you do cardiovascular training or

strength training to burn fat? Both types of

exercise decreases body fat percentage.

However, aerobic exercise appears to have

a greater impact on fat loss than strength

training does. A combination of endurance

and strength training results in more fat loss

than either exercise program alone, possibly

because those that do both activities spend

more time exercising.

As always, before any extensive exercises,

check with your doctor. It is better to start off

with lighter weights and increase to heavier weights as you progress

when doing weight-bearing exercises.

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.

51

How Well Was COVID-19 Handled?

By: Kyo Mitchell / A Healthier You

had a patient who expressed to me how

I horribly she thought the COVID-19 pandemic

had been handled. While everyone has a right to

their opinion, I prefer the objectivity of science.

Good science will always cite

references, so anyone can validate

the source of information and the

conclusions. All of the following

information is sourced from the

Centers of Disease Control (CDC).

In the United States, there have been

two pandemics in the last 15 years -

the swine flu/H1N1in 2009/10 and

COVID-19 in 2019/20. To compare

these two pandemics, we need to start by explaining what is called the

R0 (pronounced R naught) factor.

The R0 factor tells you how contagious a disease is. This is given as a

range of numbers. If a disease has an R0 factor of between 1.5 and 2.0,

that means that if a person contracts that disease, they will, on average,

pass it on to between 1.5 and 2 people.

In turn those newly infected people will also infect, on average,

between 1.5 and 2 people.

According to the CDC, the R0 factor for the swine flu/H1N1 was

between 1.4 and 1.6. The R0 factor for COVID-19 was between 2.0 and

4.0.

To understand this better, let’s go through 10 interactions of passing

on the disease. Using the highest R0 factor for H1N1 (1.6), one person

infected with H1N1 would result in 110 infected individuals in ten

iterations.

Using the lowest R0 Factor for

COVID-19 (2.0) one person with

COVID-19 would result in 1,024

infected individuals. With 15 iterations,

the numbers become 1,153 persons

for H1N1 and 32,768 persons for

COVID-19.

As of this date (09/17/20) the number

of COVID-19 cases is approximately

6.6 million over a six month period. According to the CDC, the H1N1

pandemic lasted about 1 year and infected 60.8 million cases.

Even though COVID-19 is far more contagious, there were less than

one fourth the cases compared to H1N1 per unit time.

Next Month: Comparing mortalities of the two pandemics.

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.

RE-ELECT JUDGE

Mary Kay

HOLTHUS

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE · DEPT. 18

A PUBLIC SERVANT FOR 29 YEARS.

HER ONLY CLIENT: JUSTICE

ENDORSED BY:

MARYKAY4JUDGE.COM

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT MARY KAY HOLTHUS FOR JUDGE

52

October 2020

53

Duncan and the Donut

By: Susan Goldfein / Susan’s Unfiltered Wit

Ah, October: Columbus Day, Halloween, the

World Series, and for those of us who are

late-middle-aged, the start of Medicare open

enrollment season.

If your age is at, or exceeds the speed limit,

you have approximately two months to

reassess your prescription plan. This season

I resolve to finally become a more informed

consumer and seek a comprehensible

explanation of the arithmetically baffling

“donut hole.”

I breathe deeply as I dial the 800 number

that will hopefully provide answers,

before dinnertime beckons. After I assure

the disembodied voice that I’m OK with

English, she inquiries about the purpose of

my call.

“Explain the donut hole,” I reply. “OK,” says she, “I’ll connect you

to a representative.”

The music swells occasionally interrupted by a reassuring message

regarding the importance of my call. And the longer I’m forced to

listen, the more I remember why I chose to live in ignorance. Finally,

the welcome click, signaling the end of the soundtrack, and connection

to a human.

“Hello, welcome to the “Donut Hole Customer Care Line. My name is

Duncan. How can I help you today?”

“Surely, that can’t really be your name.” I gulp, trying not to giggle.

“Yes, ma’am, sadly it’s true, I’m Duncan, the donut hole specialist,

and I would appreciate if you could please refrain from making jokes

and cheap puns - or referring to me as a

Munchkin.”

“Never entered my mind,” I assured him,

crossing my fingers. “I simply want to know

how to avoid falling into the donut hole.”

“You can’t avoid it,” Duncan said. “Once

you reach your coverage limit, down you

go. You’re on your own until you’ve hit

your TrOOP.”

My troop? It’s been years since I’ve been

a scout leader. And I can’t afford to be on

my own.

After Duncan explains that TrOOP is

an acronym for True Out-of-Pocket

expense, I whine into the phone. “Isn’t there something I can do?”

Duncan paused. “Well, you can remain healthy, or take a second

mortgage on your house. If you would like, I can transfer you to the

Second-Mortgage Donut Hole Help Line.”

Duncan must have sensed my despair because he lowered his voice

and, in a confidential tone, asked me if I’d considered moving to

Canada.

I hung up, more confused than ever. But not before I told Duncan

that I “donut” know how to thank him.

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.

54

October 2020

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55

Feng Shui Changes for Your Home

By: Kate Wind / Kate’s Insight

In my Feng Shui practice,

I teach that the home is

simply a reflection of what

we are going through and

experiencing in life. Everything from the colors in

the home, the functionality and the artwork come

into play when assessing what the client may be

going through.

I’m like a home-whisperer in many cases.

When just learning about Feng Shui and all of

the principles, it can seem overwhelming. Clients

often tell me: I don’t even know where to start!

I understand that feeling since many of us have

larger homes than we need with extra rooms,

drawers and garages full of stuff! It can feel like a

much larger project than it needs to be.

Feng Shui is a process, so working in small steps

is quite effective!

Here are 6 intention-based changes for the home. These are great

to help focus in on one area of the home based on your specific needs.

1. To create a better work/home balance, remove paperwork from

the kitchen and dining area.

2. To set the goal of completion, make your

bed daily.

3. To improve your foundation (such as a

living condition or rocky marriage) focus on the

cleanliness of the floors.

4. To set the intention of prosperity, invest in

shiny pots and pans

5. To bring clarity to your life, focus on the

cleanliness of the mirrors and windows in your

house.

6. And to untangle situations, eliminate or

organize tangled cords and wires in the home or

workplace.

Have any questions about how Feng Shui can

help you? Please feel free to email me at my below

address.

Happy changing!

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. Her podcast, Mom and Me

Astrology can be found on any of the major podcast apps.

56

October 2020

57

Who Wins the Election?

By: Stu Cooper / Happy Adventures

figured it out. The big winner of this

I presidential election season is neither of the

candidates. One of them is going to lose. And in

the process they will verbally knock each other all over the country.

So, who is the big winner? Like I said I figured it out. It’s

all the advertising

agencies producing

the ads for both

candidates.

You can’t turn

on your TV or radio

without hearing a

political ad. These ad

agencies are making millions of dollars.

It doesn’t matter who wins for them. They just

keep producing ads.

And I have to tell you the ads are brilliant. I

don’t care what your politics are, these ads are well done and

advocate strongly for their candidate.

That’s why I am stealing the best of their advertising and applying it

to the one thing I can advocate for, our Vegas Voyagers Travel Club.

Over these long months of inactivity, I have always believed that every

day that goes by, we are one day closer to offering great travel options.

We are absolutely going to make “the Vegas Voyagers Great Again.”

Our travel club has always been GREAT, and it will be so again. And

when we resume we will “Build the Vegas Voyagers Back Better.”

Both campaign slogans apply to the Vegas Voyagers.

It doesn’t matter what your

political point of view is, both

slogans are great tag lines. We

are looking into all sorts of new

and exciting travel options for

our members.

We will re-establish our

“Bus to the Boat” program

and we will look to smaller

ship experiences

with cruise lines that

offer great itineraries

that offer more

intimate experiences. We are also looking into land

vacation group opportunities. Lastly, once conditions

permit, we will hold Club meetings that are fun and informative.

A little more patience is needed before we start to travel. But a tip of

the hat to both political parties for their signature mottos.

And of course, our Vegas Voyagers message: “Where good friends

and travel come together” is truly a bipartisan notion .

58

October 2020

59

When Are You Too Old To Drive?

By: Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker /

Out & About

Do you remember hearing Dinah Shore sing

“See The USA In Your Chevrolet” on her

television show?

If you do, you may be shocked to

discover that was almost 60 years ago!

This means you must be – oh my gosh –

older than that!

So, sometime in the not-too-distant

future, you may find yourself wondering if

you are too old to drive. Have you reached

an age which means you should turn the

car keys over to someone else? And if you

have, what happens next?

I know first-hand there are few hot

bed issues that are more inflammatory

or more personal than deciding how long an aging family member

should be able to drive safely. In my own family, my Dad – who was a

very gifted and productive artist to his dying day - refused to voluntarily

stop driving the family car.

When he was in his late 80’s, he went out to run an errand and forgot

not only where he lived but also that he was to call me for help in any

emergency. Instead, he checked into a sleazy hotel that he happened to

drive by, so he wouldn’t have to admit he was lost and couldn’t find his

way home.

Of course, we had everyone from friends and family members to the

police out looking for him. But was he appreciative? Of course not! He

was defiant and declared his night out had been an adventure.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, one

morning he rear-ended a school bus

filled with children. Fortunately, no one

was injured. Out of complete frustration,

my brother and I finally had to take the

car away from him, which made him so

angry he threatened to have my brother

arrested for stealing his car!

Actually, neither Nevada, nor any other

state for that matter, has a maximum age

limit for driving a car. Instead the driving

ability of an individual is generally

determined on a case-by- case basis with only a little assistance from

the DMV.

How much more manageable it would be if there was a maximum

age limit for driving, and we could properly plan and provide for our

senior years.

Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker is a travel agent and the owner of

Vegas Vacationers Inc. She can be reached at:

Merryman2@aol.com

60

October 2020

Phil Vegas Voice HP 09-2020.indd 1

9/14/20 3:55 PM

61

Adrenaline Mountain

Extreme Adventure Park

By: Burt & Dianne Davis / Our Vacation

Looking for something completely different?

Visit Adrenaline Mountain Extreme

Entertainment Complex in the desert outside of Goodsprings about

20 miles south of the LV Strip.

It is a 400 acre giant man-cave with many extreme activities in

one fantastic open air location. Beat the heat 2,500 feet higher than

the strip and 10 degrees cooler. It is fun and fascinating.

We spent an invigorating afternoon exploring this adult action park

with activities designed for excitement. We enjoyed a tour in an ATV -

Crash helmets required and an instructor or guide in the lead vehicle.

You can go to the peak of Mt. Potosi - famous because it is where

a plane carrying actress Carol Lombard crashed in 1942. Or you

could drive a Monster Truck on a course built specifically for these

huge vehicles.

62

October 2020

The giant earth moving machine was a highlight. Fortunately, an

instructor lets you know which levers to operate on the truck’s huge

shovel. I lifted a car, dropped it, and crushed it!

We checked out the axe-throwing and archery ranges. The archery

bows are the same grade as those used in hunting.

Or try a crossbow. Throwing an axe at a target is a great way to

release frustrations.

There are more than 70 firearms ranging from simple Derringers to

high velocity machine guns. Many of the firearms are linked to famous

persons or events.

Choose Dirty Harry’s pistol, John Wayne’s revolver or the sub machine

gun used in the Valentine Day’s massacre. An expert instructor is on

hand and targets are up to 400 yards away from the climate controlled

trailer.

For a price, you can shoot at a car that contains an explosive device.

BAM! See a car blow up when someone hits the proper target.

The park includes an outdoor wedding chapel with a view of Mt.

Potosi and officiants on call. You can also book one or many of the

park’s activities. Details are found at www.adrenalinemountain.com.

Free transportation is provided from The Strip or the nearby famous

Pioneer Saloon.

Thanks to Dianne and Burt Davis who continue to travel the

world and share their adventures with our readers.

63

October 25, 1854

By: John Beilun / Time Traveler

In 1853, the Russian Empire decided to

carve a piece out of the Ottoman realm and

arbitrarily appropriated a portion of its holdings.

Allied with the Turks, the British and French threatened the Russians

with war if they did not withdraw, which they shortly did thereafter.

Now, this should have been the end of the matter. However, Britain

and France suddenly felt like flexing their muscles. So, in September

1854, they invaded a Russian held peninsula that jutted into the Black

Sea – a neck of land called the Crimea.

The fighting stopped after nearly two years, when both sides grew

tired, with no one gaining advantage. Known as the Crimean War, this

unnecessary and meaningless conflict is infamous for the countless

military errors committed by both sides.

The Battle of Balaclava is probably the most egregious example.

On October 25, 1854, Major General the Earl of Cardigan viewed the

valley to his front. The hills on each side and the opposite end were

defended by over fifty heavy artillery pieces and twenty battalions of

infantry. Nevertheless, Cardigan’s brother-in-law and immediate

superior, Lieutenant General the Earl of Lucan, had commanded him

to attack.

Due to the unfavorable terrain and the enemy’s overwhelming

firepower the order was essentially suicidal. And in this instance, it was

made even more so because Cardigan’s force was comprised solely of

light cavalry, armed only with lance and saber. Cardigan and Lucan

however detested each other,

and many historians believe

that their animosity tainted

the Lieutenant General’s

judgment.

Despite his misgivings,

Cardigan led his brigade’s

charge into the valley.

Meanwhile, the incredulous

Russians primed their artillery.

Cardigan’s men fell in

droves. Lucan’s promised

support never materialized.

Yet, the British continued on.

Miraculously, remnants of

Cardigan’s brigade reached the

opposite end of the valley and

overran the guns positioned

there.

However, their elation was cut short when the Russians unleashed

their infantry battalions. Outgunned and outnumbered, the British

retreated back the way they came. Replacing shells with canister, the

enemy resumed their cannonade.

Theirs not to reason why. Theirs but to do or die. Into the Valley of

Death rode the six hundred.

Thus, ended the Charge of the Light Brigade.

NLV Dept 3

An 11-year officer in

the United States

Air Force Reserves,

Judge Advocate

General (JAG) Corps

“...earning high marks for fairness and efficiency.

Judge Lee’s experience and temperament carry the day.

We urge a vote for

Judge Chris Lee.”

9/15/20

64

October 2020

65

Come Join Us

By: Temma Hammond

Our senior community has such a wide

variety of folks that have skills in so many

ways and artistic abilities that sometimes they

themselves are surprised. I have given workshops in acting for over

forty-five years at colleges and studios and the greatest enjoyment I’ve

experienced is watching my fellow seniors have fun with their own and

collective creative strengths.

I also started an Improv group within the senior community where

I lived and for several years they’ve worked together learning the skills

of improvisation and performing. The ability to speak freely with

confidence, in “improv”, is simply wonderful.

Now with Golden Network TV available on Roku and working with

The Vegas Voice, I wonder if any of you reading this might be interested

in doing some local interaction through our streaming service.

Improvisation is what we do every day in our lives - no script is needed

to go shopping, talking on the phone or any daily communication, so

we all can improv. Working in a group doing improv is learning to trust

your own abilities and expand your communication skills.

I would enjoy hearing from you if you have any interest in being part

of such a group. I promise you, it’s a lot of fun.

Temma Hammond is the CEO & Founder of The Golden Network.

You can watch all their great programs on ROKU.

66

October 2020

67

A Final Election Word (or Two)

By: Vicki Wentz / Vicki’s Voice

Are you having as much fun as I am this

election season? Just

makes you wanna kick up

your heels, doesn’t it?

“Good morning, Nevada!,” some

handsome, distinguished gentleman says

sincerely into the camera. “I’d like to talk to

you for a moment about the problems we’re

facing here, and what to do about them.

“For example, my opponent wants to tax you

into oblivion, which is obvious from the fact

that he never tips a waiter more than 10%! This

man hates children and widows and flowers

and animals and, oh yeah, candy, he really

hates candy - have YOU ever seen him with a

Snickers bar?”

Turn the channel. “Hello, North

Dakota,” (I have no idea what’s going

on politically in North Dakota, or if there’s

anything going on in North Dakota at all...I’m

not even sure there is such a place) says the

carefully-coiffed-and-dressed soccer mom.

“I want to go to Washington to fight for you! First, I will introduce a

bill to take every food that actually tastes good out of school cafeterias

across the nation and use healthy options to motivate children: extra

carrots for every A, spinach salad after winning football games!

(Not that children should be playing football,

which is extremely competitive and also causes

booboos, and therefore should be eliminated,

perhaps in favor of soccer, where the only

danger is being bored to death.)

“My opponent, on the other hand, has

shown from his pants size alone that he wants

your children to eat fried and processed foods

until they must be rolled to school like giant

watermelons, where he thinks they should all

be FORCED to play football, even the girls!”

Riiiing. “Hi, there!” says the automated

voice. “I’m Joe Candidate, and here’s my

message for Missouri” (again, possibly a madeup

state).

“I want to return to Washington to represent

you the way you should be represented - by

someone who, unlike my opponent, loves

chocolate and puppies and long walks on the

beach. And, I want to make it perfectly clear:

those racy tweets that I sent to my old college girlfriend were in no way

from me...uh...what I mean is...MY OPPONENT’S MOTHER IS HUGE!”

On the radio: “I’m Johnny Incumbent. Did you know that my

opponent is a lying, atheist, non-bathing, sexually-experimenting,

flag-burning bunny-hater with ties to organized crime, who wants to

put convicted felons to work at your local Starbucks?!

“Just say no, and send me, Johnny Incumbent, back to Washington!

This message paid for by JustSendHimSomewhere.org.”

In the mail: “Dear Friend,” (this “friend” hasn’t written me in...

um...ever) “I need your help. I’m fighting to return to Congress and

fix all the problems that, well, frankly, Congress caused to begin with.

“Yes, only someone who voted the wrong way the first time can

possibly know how to vote the next time, right? So, once I’m there, if

you send me giant, bottomless vats of money, I’ll…uh …see what I

can do.

“Please attend my upcoming fundraiser, where I will answer

spontaneous questions from my family members, which have not been

pre-screened at all, and I’ll take a picture with you, as long as you don’t

get like really close to me or anything. Thank you, Utah!!”

If I ever run for anything, here’s my ad: “Hello, my name is Rookie.

I’ve never been in politics. I don’t know ‘how Washington works.’

Maybe I’m not qualified. But, I have read the Constitution - has my

opponent? Thank you.”

Now, THAT would get me to the polling place...plus, they have really

good Starbucks coffee there.

68

October 2020

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.

you are welcome

here

our doors are open (again)!

pastor paul block

october events:

blessing of the animals

october 10, 10:00am

– all are welcome –

virtual 5k

month of october

– call for details –

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! Our In-Person Worship

Services start back up September 12 th .

Saturdays In-Person at 5:00pm

Sundays In-Person at 8:30am and 10:00am

Online Sundays at 8:30am and 10:00am

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

69

Food for Thought! Diet Plays a Huge Role in Brain Health

By: Jan Fair / A No-Brainer Minute

Y

es. There's 'Food for Thinking'! So says neuroscientist and certified integrative nutritionist,

Lisa Mosconi, PhD, INHC, Associate Director of the Alzheimer's Prevention

Clinic, Weill Cornell Medical College, NY. In her terrific book Brain Food (below-right) she says

getting enough water can dramatically improve your brain AND it's crucial to eat the right foods.

[Note: All ingredients in my recipe (below) are mentioned in Dr. Mosconi's book as brain-healthy.] Enjoy!

Good-4-U Simple Salmon Curry

• 4 5-6 oz Wild-Caught Salmon

pieces (fresh or frozen/thawed)

• 1 (or 2) small onions sliced

• 8 garlic cloves minced

• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

with chili peppers

Spices:

1 tsp. each of

cumin, curry,

turmeric &

coriander.

[Serves 4]

Good-4-U

recipes have

4 ingredients

(plus spices)

so they are

quick & easy.

1. Heat a little water (or oil) in a pan.

Saute onion & garlic.

2. Add tomatoes & spices and more

water as needed. Simmer 10 mins.

3. Add the salmon pieces.

Cover & simmer 10 minutes.

4. Serve over brown rice. Yum!

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

“Brain Food”

1. In one minute, name brain

heathy foods & recipes.

2. Make an alphabetical list.

Avocado toast, Berries, barley

broccoli, Brazil nuts, beetroot,

black caviar & bowls of black

beans … Zesty Indian curries.

A No-Brainer Pick

Brain Food: The

Surprising Science of

Eating for Cognitive

Power

Dr. Lisa Mosconi

October 2020

70

October 2020

71

Speaking to and for Las Vegas

Valley Seniors since 2003

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