vv 9-21

NEVADA’S MOST POWERFUL SENIOR MEDIA RESOURCE 

2O21 

September 

For your Health, Wealth, 

and Good Times! 

Look who’s playing 

in our backyard... 

See pages 9, 11

“ASK LAURA ABOUT REAL ESTATE” 

Let’s talk about Home Appreciation! 

When you hear the phrase "price appreciation," what does it mean to 

you? Chances are you know it has to do with rising home prices, which is 

good news, if you are considering selling your home. To truly understand 

home price appreciation, you need to know how it works and why it 

matters to you. 

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 

Laura@HarbisonRealEstate.com 

www.LauraHarbisonRealEstate.com 

Call Laura Today! 

702-777-1234 

Appreciation, in general terms, is an increase in the value of an asset over 

time. The increase can occur for a number of reasons, including increased 

demand or weakening supply, or as a result of changes in inflation or 

interest rates. This is the opposite of depreciation, which is a decrease in 

value over time. 

When we consider how this applies to real estate, the key words are 

SUPPLY and DEMAND. In today's real estate market, we're experiencing 

high demand for homes, AND a low supply which isn't keeping up with the 

demand. Anytime there is more demand than supply, prices naturally 

rise. This happens because buyers are willing to pay more to secure the 

property. Buyers are competing with one another to purchase a home, 

leading to bidding wars that drive prices up. For sellers, the rising prices 

mean that opportunity is knocking. 

The typical national average home price appreciation rate is between 3-5% 

a year. Today, home prices are appreciating well beyond the “norm” thanks 

to high demand. Compared to the normal pace of 3-5% appreciation per 

year, the current average forecast of nearly 11.5% is significant, and some 

areas in the Las Vegas Valley have seen almost double that! 

So, if you are considering selling your home, it may be worth more than you 

realize. You can use your increased equity to finally purchase your dream 

home, or you can put it toward other big goals like funding an education or 

opening a business. 

But don't wait. While price appreciation is strong now, most likely we will 

see homes appreciating at a more normalized pace next year. If you sell 

your house sooner, rather than later, you'll be in a better position to 

capitalize on the higher-than-average home price appreciation we're 

seeing today. 

If you're thinking of selling, there really is no time like the present. Call or 

email me today and I will provide you with the up-to-the-minute market 

analysis of your home and its potential. I'm here to help, and I'm looking 

forward to working with you! 

2 

September 2021

Sold Is Our Favorite Word...Let Us Make It Yours! 

2108 MARDELA SPRINGS 

SUN CITY ANTHEM Fully fenced Delaware 

floorplan with 2 BR, 2 BA, 1496 SF. Finished 

2-car garage with epoxy floors. Kitchen 

features corian counters, recessed lighting, 

pantry, breakfast bar, tile flooring and all 

appliances. Owner’s suite with door to patio, 

walk-in closet, shower and grab bar, raised 

vanity with dual sinks. Fully fenced backyard, 

mature, low maintenance landscaping with 

extended covered patio. 55+ community with 

amenities! $388,800 

3 DOUGLAS GROVE 

ANTHEM COUNTRY CLUB Upgraded Compass 

Rose Floorplan! Approximately 2614 SF of 

living space. 3 BRs plus den/office, 3.5 BAs and 

2-car garage on .23 acre premium oversized 

lot. Island kitchen boasts cherry cabinets, 

granite countertops, breakfast bar, nook and 

pantry. Large backyard with covered patio and 

mature trees. Original owner, has never 

rented, shows with pride of ownership 

throughout! Guard gated community with 

exceptional amenities $775,000 

2343 BILDAD 

SOLERA AT ANTHEM Fabulous Whitney floorplan 

with approximately 1596 SF, 2 BRs plus den, 2 BAs 

and 2-car garage. Island kitchen with corian 

countertops, extensive cabinetry with pull-out 

shelves and pantry. Spacious owner’s suite with 

huge walk-in closet, and bath with dual sinks and 

separate shower. Large backyard with covered 

patio, low maintenance landscaping and more. 

55+ age restricted community with fabulous 

amenities! $429,000 

2144 MARYWOOD PARK 

SUN CITY ANTHEM Strip and Mountain Views! 

Carolina floorplan, 2 BR, plus Den/Office, 2 BA, 

1712 SF and finished 2-car garage. Island 

kitchen features granite counters, pantry, pot 

shelves, breakfast bar, tile flooring and all 

appliances. Great room with surround sound 

and tile installed on diagonal. Owner’s suite 

with walk-in closet and bath with tile flooring, 

shower with seat and grab bar, linen closet and 

raised vanity with dual sinks. Elevated lot with 

covered patio and so much more! 

55+ community with amenities! $535,000 

2162 SAVANNAH RIVER 

SUN CITY ANTHEM Popular Carolina Model 

with open floorplan. 2 BR, + Den, 2 BA, 2 car 

garage, 1712 SF. Island Kitchen features 

Silestone and granite countertops, upgraded 

white cabinets with pull-out shelves, breakfast 

bar and SS appliances. Great room with ceiling 

fan, surround sound and Tile flooring. Owner’s 

Suite with Ceiling Fan, Laminate Wood 

Flooring, Walk-In Closet, Bath with Raised 

Vanity, Upgraded Fixtures and so much more! 

55+ community with amenities! $498,800 

2511 STURROCK 

ANTHEM HIGHLANDS Gorgeous home on 

premium lot. 5 BRs plus loft/office and 3.5 BAs. 

Large great room with gas fireplace, formal 

dining room and laundry room with utility sink, 

cabinets and washer and dryer. First floor 

owners suite with bay window, walk-in closet 

and bath with raised vanity, dual sinks, electric 

blinds, shower with seat and grab bar. Garden 

tub and tile flooring. Finished 2-car garage with 

keyless entry and water softener. Alarm security 

system and fully fenced rear yard. $575,000 

1250 TRANQUIL RAIN 

MOUNTAIN TERRACE Views! 4 BR , 2.5 BA, 

3030 SF home with amazing oversized lot and 

LV Strip views! Custom pool & spa, outdoor 

kitchen under gazebo, large covered patio and 

balcony with mountain, city and Strip views. 

Highly upgraded flooring, custom paint and 

alarm system. Island kitchen with quartz 

counters, stainless appliances and pantry. Huge 

master suite with large balcony. Downstairs 

office/den and spacious loft. Solar power for 

low energy bills! Gated, 3-car garage. $798,800 

2464 HAMONAH 

SOLERA AT ANTHEM Highly upgraded Franklin 

floorplan, elevated corner lot with mountain 

views! 1768 SF. , 3 BR, 2 BA, 2 car garage. 

Kitchen has Corian counters, tile flooring, 

breakfast bar, nook and pantry. Interior 

features plantation shutters, custom two-tone 

paint, new carpet and raised panel doors. 

Spacious Great room with ceiling fan and 

formal dining room. Security gate, low 

maintenance landscape, covered patio, and 

fully fenced rear yard. 55+ age restricted 

community . $509,000 

3

4 

September 2021 

PUBLISHER/EDITOR 

PRESIDENT 

VP ADVERTISING 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

ANY CONTENT EDITOR (ACE) 

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR 

NIGHT LIFE EDITOR 

TRAVEL EDITOR 

RADIO HOST 

GRAPHICS EDITOR 

DIGITAL MEDIA 

VIDEO PRODUCTION 

WEB DESIGN 

Pat Alexander 

Adrea Barrera 

John Bielun 

Liz Breier 

Yvonne Cloutier 

Dianne Davis 

Sandi Davis 

Chuck Dean 

Jan Fair 

Howard Galin 

Susan Goldfein 

www.thevegasvoice.net 

www.vegasvoicetv.net 

OUR 18th YEAR 

OUR FANTASTIC COLUMNISTS 

Linda Gomez 

Ali Guggenheim 

Dianne Hahn 

Dan Hyde 

Pat Landaker 

Mike Landry 

Heather Latimer 

Gayla Kalp 

BJ Killeen 

Kathy Manney 

Kyo Mitchell 

Dan Roberts 

dan@thevegasvoice.net 

Ray Sarbacker 

ray@thevegasvoice.net 

Debbie Landry 

debbie@thevegasvoice.net 

Bill Caserta 

bill@thevegasvoice.net 

Rana Goodman 

rana@thevegasvoice.net 

Evan Davis 

evan@thevegasvoice.net 

Sam Wagmeister 

Stu Cooper 

Rich Natole / Jon Lindquist 

Michael Roberts 

Ross Roberts 

Jason Roberts 

Success City Online 

Liz Palmer 

Judy Polumbaum 

Mary Richard 

Samantha Rivero 

Renee Riendeau 

Crystal Sarbacker 

Moish Tombosky 

Jim Valkenburg 

Beverly Washburn 

Vicki Wentz 

Kate Wind 

Front page photo credit: Matthew Murphy, 

Murphymade 2019 

About The Vegas Voice 

In 2020 The Vegas Voice received six national awards from the North 

American Mature Publisher’s Association. The awards were for our investigative 

articles, front-page design, editorials and columns. 

As the judges stated (and we humbly agree): The Vegas Voice gets 

credit for pulling no punches, striking hard… with its articles. 

It’s unequivocal style leaves no room for readers to wonder where 

it stands on senior issues.

“The Public Guardian Killed My Sister” 

By: Rana Goodman / On My Soapbox 

Some time ago I wrote about my “run in” 

with the Clark County Public Guardian’s 

office. 

The issue arose when her employees “man-handled” a very frail 

senior that they were attempting to place in a facility against her will. 

We were successful in getting the lady’s case resolved to her satisfaction.. 

Another person (we’ll call her Gail) contacted Dan and I last month 

and asked for our help. She had been the caretaker and legal guardian 

of her older sister, who was a diagnosed schizophrenic, for the last 38 

years. 

After a brief stay at Valley 

Hospital, Gail received an 

order to appear before Judge 

Linda Marquis in Family 

Court. The public guardian 

had filed to take over her 

sister’s care. 

I was given a stack of 

legal documents from 

Gail that showed several 

investigations regarding 

the care that the older 

sister received. However 

after reading them, there 

were no reports of financial 

impropriety or physical abuse. 

In fact, after each investigation it was decided that any negative 

actions were “unsubstantiated.” 

When I asked if there was a substantial financial income or property 

involved, I was told, “we are as poor as church mice. My sister has her 

Social Security, $800 per month and that’s all.” 

Then what was the problem? 

It seems that Gail’s frustration level had reached a boiling point. She 

was (like in the movie “Network”) “as mad as hell and she wasn’t 

going to take it anymore.” 

Gail was determined to fight back and fight back she did. She raised 

her voice to the judge, stating emphatically that she loved and cared for 

her sister and included her in all travel and family events. They have 

lived together for decades and wanted to remain so. 

However, when the ruling came down, it was ordered that the Public 

Guardian should remove the sister and place her in a group home. 

As the months ticked by, Gail sent an email to the court and the legal 

aid attorney assigned to her sister and said, (paraphrasing) “several 

months ago you said I could no longer keep my sister, yet she is still 

here although you continue to take her Social Security payments and 

leave the care to me. That is using me, and it’s not right - so come and 

take her.” 

That outburst was Gail’s downfall, and it was held against her in 

the reports. On, Monday, August 2, 2021, Gail’s sister was taken to a 10 

person group home. 

Four days later, a message was left on Gail’s phone. The message was 

“your sister is dead.” No condolence – nothing that showed that it 

was (even a pretend) caring person who left the message. 

On August 6 th , after speaking to the public information officer for 

public guardian Karen Kelly, I was told there would be an autopsy and 

I would receive a copy. 

I didn’t receive a copy of the autopsy, however a subsequent email 

from the public information officer stated that the Coroner/Medical 

Examiner’s Office had information on the manner and cause of death for 

the sister. “The manner of death for Ms. XXX, age 84, was determined 

to be natural, and the cause was atherosclerotic & hypertensive 

cardiovascular disease. 

Gail is adamant that “the 

public guardian killed my 

sister.” And I’m sad to say 

that I have little to no faith 

in the care she received in 

the group home under the 

“watchful eye” of the public 

guardian. 

When I met her, she was 

laughing and chatting away. 

After less than 100 hours 

of being removed from her 

caring and loving sister 

and placed in a strange and 

unknown group home she 

was dead. 

I guess she was just another statistic for the public guardian and one 

less case for the Family Court. 

You don’t think this can happen to you? Think again. 

*One Final Thought: Last month, Publisher Dan detailed his 

very harsh criticism of Channel 13 KTNV-ABC reporter Darcy Spears 

over her guardianship “accomplishments.” 

Did you see or hear Ms. Spears, her KTNV fellow reporters, supporters 

and friends rush to her defense or challenge the accuracy of Dan’s 

remarks? Neither did we. 

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

A Prickle of Porcupines 

By: Gayla Kalp / Life is Laughter 

was laughing with my daughter over the 

I unusual and funny names of groups of 

animals. I thought I would share this great bit of 

trivia with you. Learn and enjoy! 

Apes: a shrewdness 

Baboons: a congress 

Bears: a sleuth 

Bees: a swarm (only in flight), a grist (on the ground) 

Butterflies: a rabble 

Cats: a kindle (kittens), a litter (young), a clowder (adults) 

Chicks: a peep 

Cockroaches: an intrusion 

Crows: a murder 

Deer: a mob 

Ducks: a bunch (in water), a brace (on land) 

6 

Eagles: a convocation 

Elephants: a parade 

Flamingos: a flamboyance 

Foxes: a leash 

Giraffes: a tower 

Geese: a gaggle (on land), a skein (in flight) 

Hummingbirds: a charm 

Leopards: a leap 

Mice: a mischief 

Owls: a parliament 

Pandas: an amalgamation 

Pigs: a sounder 

Rabbits: a warren 

Seals: a harem 

Skunks: an odor 

Squirrels: a scurry 

Tigers: an ambush 

Toads: a lump 

Woodpeckers: a descent 

Zebras: a dazzle 

Gayla is a speaker, author, psychologist and humorist. She also 

happens to be Ms. Sr. California, Nevada and Universe England. 


You Gotta Laugh 

By: Bill Caserta / Bill’s Blurbs 

What the? – Part I: The pedestrian 

light on the corner in my Sun 

City community beeps when it’s safe to 

cross the street. I was crossing with an 

“intellectually challenged” (actually an HOA 

Board member) and she asked if I knew what the beeper was 

for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. 

Appalled, she responded, “What on earth are blind people doing 

driving?!” 

What the? – Part II: When I arrived at the dealership to 

pick up my car after it was serviced, I was told the keys had 

been locked in it. I went to the service department and found 

a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver’s side door. 

As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door 

handle and discovered that it was unlocked. “Hey,” I announced to the 

technician, “It’s open!” 

His reply, “I know. I already did that side.” 

Huh?: I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when the TSA 

employee asked, “Has anyone put anything in your baggage without 

your knowledge?” 

I replied, “If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?” He 

smiled knowingly and nodded, “That’s why we ask.” 

Learned my lesson: Apparently RSVP’ing to a wedding invitation 

“Maybe next time” isn’t the correct response. 

And that’s how the fight started: My wife asked me if she was 

the only one I had ever slept with. I replied yes, all the others were nines 

and tens. 

And finally: Do you ever get up in the morning, look in the mirror 

and think “That can’t be accurate.”

Created by fahim annabil 

from the Noun Project 

Here’s Timmy 

By: Beverly Washburn / Hollywood Memories 

thought I’d write this month about my dear 

I friend Jon Provost. For those of you who 

remember the classic TV show “Lassie” Jon 

played the little boy “Timmy” on that show. 

Here he is today at 71 with me in Santa Rosa just a few weeks ago. He 

lives with his lovely wife Laurie and their precious dog Nino. 

Jon had a very prolific career and actually started at the age of 3 

when he was cast as Jane Wyman’s son in a film called “So Big.” He 

also played the son of Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly in “Country Girl.” 

Jon had also just been in a film called “Escapade in Japan” appearing 

with the unknown and uncredited Clint Eastwood! The producer of 

Lassie was Bonita Granville who was so impressed with Jon in that 

movie that she cast him without ever even asking him to take a screen 

test. 

He was cast as Timmy at the age of 7 and was on for seven seasons. 

Jon has had many accomplishments over the years. He won the Genesis 

Award for outstanding TV in a family series for a “New Lassie” story 

which he wrote, focusing on the inhumane treatment of research 

animals. 

He has directed and hosted online videos about dogs and cats for a 

Purina website. He also has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 

Hollywood Boulevard. 

He has also written a book called “Timmy’s in the Well” which I 

highly recommend. It tells of his many highs and lows of being a child 

star. 

Jon and I are doing a documentary in January in which I’ll narrate. 

He will be interviewed about his experience having worked with one of 

the most famous dogs in history. And of course, I’ll put in my two cents 

about working with “Old Yeller”! 

I could go on and on about Jon as he is a true friend and wonderful 

person, and I am thrilled, delighted and grateful to call him and his 

wonderful wife Laurie dear friends of mine. 

Until next time, remember smiling is the ultimate anti-depressant. 

Beverly Washburn graced the silver screen as a child actress and 

is the author of Reel Tears. You can contact Beverly at: bjradell@ 

hotmail.com. 

my care. my team. 

Twice the average time 

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Nurse care manager 

helps me reach my goals. 

Seeing my specialist 

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Become a myGeneration patient! Call 702-766-6379 or myGenAnswers.com. 

myGeneration Senior Clinics accept patients with Medicare Advantage plans; not all plans accepted, call for details. Intermountain Healthcare is a 

network of healthcare providers and clinics throughout southern Nevada and is now part of one of the leading health systems in the western U.S. As 

a healthcare provider, we are dedicated to providing you with information and connecting you with a licensed insurance agent to help guide you in 

selecting the best Medicare plan for your healthcare needs. ©2021 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved. 

9914(08/21)P1-VV 

7

Senior Depression 

By: Liz Breier / This & That 

Depressed? So many friends have expressed 

how down in the 

dumps they feel from 

time-to-time. This 

emotion was especially prevalent during the 

pandemic “lock down.” 

It is apparent however, that such malaise is 

a condition that affects many seniors. Some 

live far from family or have lost a partner 

and feel isolated. 

Many are not sure how to go about getting 

out among their peers and enjoying life – 

which has a different meaning for everyone. 

Those that live in a community that 

provides activities makes it easier for seniors 

to avoid isolation, but even then, many are 

nervous about how to initially break the 

ice. Although we are older, there is still the 

fear of being ridiculed, kept out of groups 

or generally feeling ostracized by those that 

already know each other. 

Many municipalities and religious organizations provide outlets for 

seniors to socialize. Fortunately, we live in a 24-7 town, so there is also the 

opportunity to be among others in a casino or at bingo - even if you’re 

an insomniac. 

It is not difficult to recognize when someone is alone or feeling lonely. 

Why not welcome them into a card game, book review or bocci group? 

Whatever the activity, it is always rewarding 

to include someone new - especially when you 

realize how appreciative they are. Everyone 

has something to offer and taking the time to 

meet new people not only benefits them but 

can benefit the host or hostess as well. 

New friends may bring knowledge or 

expertise in legal, accounting, medical fields 

or are knowledgeable about a diverse number 

of areas in home repairs and maintenance, 

culinary or crafts - just to name a few. 

Of course, being kind to someone who is 

alone or lonely may not gain any benefit of 

knowledge to the one reaching out a friendly 

hand. Instead the benefit is derived from the 

satisfaction of knowing we did something 

kind for someone else. 

More importantly, helping someone avoid 

depression can actually save their life. 

Senior depression is a real ailment. Help someone in despair. 

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. 

8 


THE CURTAIN RISES 

THIS FALL 

VISIT THESMITHCENTER.COM TO SEE THE FULL LINEUP 

702.749.2000 | TTY: 800.326.6868 or dial 711 | Group Inquiries: 702.749.2348 | 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89106 

9

People have always 

come here looking 

for a sign. 

Gangsters, pranksters, vixens, 

visionaries, rascals, ranchers. 

They all came, along with thousands 

of ordinary people, with either a 

fortune to find or nothing to lose. 

They all made history. Our history. 

Come take a walk through it. 

BOOK A TOUR 

NeonMuseum.org 

The Games Have Started! 

By: Liz Palmer / NSG 

The Games have started, the games have 

started! The Nevada Senior Games, that 

is. Our first sport 

is Golf taking place September 3 

and 4 at the Club at Sunrise. 

Registration for Track and 

Field, Basketball Skills and 

Shuffleboard closes October 

1. Registration for the 5K & 10K 

Road Races closes October 15. 

“Sure, I’ve got time,” you may think, but not really because for all 

other sports, registration closes September 21 st and that’s coming up 

soon! 

If you want to Bowl at Sunset Station, play Racquetball at Las Vegas 

Athletic Club, compete at Table Tennis at Valley View Rec Center, 

“tri” a Triathlon at Lake Mead, dribble down the court for Women’s 

Basketball at UNLV, show off your Cycling skills on the road, make a 

splash while Swimming at Pavilion Pool, shoot your most accurate 

Archery match at LV Archers Range, or play your best Badminton game 

at UNLV, you’ve GOT to register by September 21 on our website www. 

nevadaseniorgames.com. 

Show off your stuff, make some great new friends, and score a 

fabulous new Nevada Senior Games shirt. 

Still on the fence? How about bragging rights for the top senior in 

Nevada in your age and gender division and the chance for a gold, 

silver, or bronze medal? Plus, qualify for the 2022 National Senior 

Games next May in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It’s all waiting for you. 

Don’t delay! We are waiting to welcome you at the Nevada Senior 

Games! 

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. 

DEADLINES 

COMING FAST! 

Sign Up Now ! 

State 

Qualifier! 

Presented by 

20+ Competitive Sports 

for Active Adults Age 50+ 

Go for Glory, a P.R. or Just for Fun! 

All abilities, experience welcome 

THIS SEPT. & OCT. in Las Vegas Area 

Online Registration, Sports Calendar & More Info: 

NEVADASENIORGAMES.COM 

10 


Out to Dinner 

By: Dianne Hahn / Back in the Days 

The kids are ten, eight and six. Just going out 

to dinner can be exhausting. 

“We’re leaving in fifteen minutes,” I say. “Get 

ready!” 

I freshen my makeup. Call out warnings to 

keep everyone on schedule. “Dina, brush your 

hair. Darryl, wash your face and get your shoes. 

Derek, put the puppies in the dog run.” 

Hubby heads to the garage to start the car. 

“Five minutes,” I call, then grab my purse 

and dash down the hall. (Donnie has turned off 

every light switch he’s passed.) I trip over the 

puppies! Rub my ankle, struggle to my feet. 

“Why aren’t the dogs in the run?” I groan. 

Pass the family room and the kids are still sprawled in front of the 

television! I come unglued! Bark orders: “You! Get your shoes and wash 

your face! You! Get that hair combed! And you! Get those dogs in the 

run!” 

Derek jumps up. Dina searching for a hairbrush. Darryl and I on 

hands and knees looking for his shoes. 

“They were just here...” 

“They couldn’t have been, or they’d be here.” We crawl towards his 

room. “Stop following! Look for your shoes!” “I am!” 

“Don’t look where I’m looking. Look elsewhere!” Frustrated, I stand. 

“Get your cowboy boots.” 

“Can’t,” he mumbles. 

“Why?” “The bottom is coming off.” 

“You ripped the sole of your new, expensive cowboy boots?” Tears. “It 

was an accident, Mom.” 

The horn honks. “Let’s go! Wear a pair of your 

brother’s shoes!” 

Derek snorts. “I don’t want some creepy kid 

wearing my shoes. I’ll get diseased from his 

smelly feet!” 

“He’s not some creepy stranger, he’s your 

brother! His feet don’t stink! FIND SOME 

SHOES!” 

The horn honks again. Derek appears with an ancient, dirty pair of 

sneakers. Darryl takes them with his thumb and index finger “Phew!” 

Dina’s struggling to pull a dog brush through her hair! I comb her 

hair with my brush, spit on a Kleenex to clean Darryl’s face, push the 

kids out the door. 

I turn to Donnie. “Where did I go wrong?” 

He smiles and lightly touches my cheek. “You were an only child.” 

A former schoolteacher, Dianne Sebis Hahn writes for children too. 

Presently, Dianne has eight books available on Amazon.com. You 

can also see her on SCA TV. 

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11

In these waning days of summer, my mind is 

bifurcated. Could be better, says one part. 

Could be worse, says the other. Lots worse. 

The disheartened part is weary of Covid. This 

pandemic goes on and on and on. Across the country, the response is 

piecemeal, capricious, downright dangerous in places. 

I find myself wishing for what the US media accuse China of imposing: 

a “Draconian containment strategy,” in the words of the Washington 

Post. Facing new viral outbreaks here and there of a few hundred cases, 

the Chinese quarantine affected areas, administer widespread testing, 

cancel events that put people into close contact, and go back online for 

teaching and other business. 

I find myself admiring New Zealand’s prime minister, who reimposed 

a nationwide lockdown in response to a single Covid case. 

The US is neither China, with its strong central state and collective 

obedience, nor New Zealand, a small island nation. But surely, we can 

address the resurgence of the virus with more than a shrug and the 

promise of boosters for those who accept the virtues of vaccines. 

Surely, we can do better than our late-August stats topping 100,000 

new cases and 1,000 additional deaths per day. 

Then there’s the global environmental breakdown, of course. The 

latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 

lays the blame decisively at us humans and warns of prospects even 

direr than previously thought. 

Meanwhile, another earthquake has killed and injured tens of 

thousands of Haitians and put hundreds of thousands more out on 

12 

Could Be Both 

By: Judy Polumbaum / Our View 

Medications - Alert! 

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

Although several local residents do not want 

their identities 

printed I am disclosing 

their experiences and a few precautions to 

save you from a similar fate. 

HL spent three weeks in a rehabilitation 

facility. On two occasions a nurse brought 

the wrong pills she would have taken had 

she not recognized the shape, size, and color 

of those that were regularly supplied. Learn 

prescription names and try to remember 

what they look like. 

A certified nurse’s assistant picked up 

a small bag containing a prescription for Hydrocodone. When the 

attending nurse opened it to relieve her patient’s agonizing pain she 

was furious. It was Solifenacin for incontinence. Look inside the bag 

before you leave the counter. 

HN complained that 30 was the quantity printed on a container of 


the street, where they remain in peril from destabilization and disease. 

One incident says it all: A grandpa was carrying his four-month-old 

grandson when debris rained down and killed the infant. 

And America’s twenty-year project in Afghanistan – the military 

venture that only one solitary member of Congress, U.S. Rep. Barbara 

Lee, had the gumption to say shouldn’t occur without proper debate 

and authorization – has reached its ghastly end. 

No outside power has ever remade Afghanistan in its desired image. 

Not Alexander the Great nor Genghis Kahn, not the British Empire 

or the Soviets, not us. History has reasserted lessons we should have 

known all along. 

So here we are, in the land of those free to act irresponsible and the 

home of the occasional brave and lonely voice. We are not in Haiti or 

Afghanistan. 

That’s from the other part of my mind, reminding me that too many 

people elsewhere have it far, far worse. 

Judy is a professor emerita of journalism and a transplant to 

Las Vegas from New England via China, the West Coast and the 

Midwest. 

Oxycodone pain pills, yet only l9 were inside. When collecting any 

drug favored by addicts ask the pharmacist to count pills before 

accepting the order. 

WD noticed Tramadol for pain was missing 

after she had shown the cupboard where it 

was stored to a medical professional from 

an agency. Make a list of medications and 

present that whenever required instead of 

displaying the items themselves. Locking 

up is a bit of a bore but it is certainly a 

safeguard against theft. 

Of course, not only others make mistakes. 

Identical containers get moved around and 

you may not remember which are to treat 

what. If the label from the pharmacy does not provide this info on 

the container, write it yourself. 

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.

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14 


Two Great Shows Coming 

By: Evan Davis / Entertainment Editor 

Chadwick Johnson will be celebrating 

songs of the “Piano Men” in his premier 

debut in Sun City MacDonald Ranch’s Showroom 

with songs from Elton John, Ray Charles, 

Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and others. 

This will be a ticketed show sure to sell out at only $25. The 

7:00 pm show on Saturday September 11, will allow you to 

have an early bird dinner or late-night snack. Maybe both. 

Chadwick Johnson is a singer/songwriter who approaches the craft 

as a storyteller, creating soul stirring compositions. We may even get 

him to perform one or two of his original hit songs. 

In live performances, he has shared the stage with such music icons 

as Olivia Newton John, Katharine McPhee, and Susan Anton. 

In his personal life, Chadwick is a horseman, and enjoys training 

horses and competing as a 

Team Roper in Rodeo events. 

Maybe he’ll tell us some 

horse stories. 

Just a quick blurb on 

our October 16 th show, once 

again at Sun City MacDonald 

Ranch, which will feature 

the Broadway Music of 

TOM Lehrer, GEORGE 

Gershwin, IRVING Berlin 

& FRANK Loesser. Bruce 

Ewing has put a starstudded 

cast, which includes 

singers Brenda Mandabach and Kevan Patriquin. They will all 

be accompanied by the genius of Philip Fortenberry on piano. 

What other clubs are in town that you may not be too familiar with? 

On the Jazz, blues, soul scene we have a place called Classic Jewel on E. 

Bonneville Ave. 

Then there is the old E-String that has been completely remodeled 

and is called The Gambit. Also, occasional fund raiser jazz performances 

at the Elks Club on West Charleston. 

And of course, the speakeasy downstairs at the Mob Museum 

Underground which is downtown. 

Then there are the Clark County Libraries (Windmill, Summerlin 

and Flamingo) which have state-of-the-art theaters. 

You can find New Orleans style bands, Latin/jazz combos, Broadway 

show singers, piano bars, drag shows and just about every other venue 

imaginable all at local venues. 

To see who’s playing where and when, visit my web site that will have 

a full list of all the entertainment on the local scene and sign up for my 

weekly emails at www.EvanDavisJazz.com. 

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.

15

Let Them Eat Pie 

By: Pat Alexander / Art of Entertaining 

In safer, saner days, Labor Day signaled the 

end of summer. Labor Day weekend meant 

barbeques and gatherings of family, friends, and 

neighbors. Kids would be going back to school and celebrating their 

last days of freedom. 

In my old neighborhood, we lived at the end of a cul-de-sac and 

neighbors on both sides of the street would get together and plan a 

barbeque blowout. Each family contributed a dish or libation. Tables, 

chairs, umbrellas, and grills were set up in the turnaround, and anyone 

who could play an instrument was sure to bring it. 

We were a mix of many nationalities, and I always loved the 

abundance and diversity of foods that made their way to our tables. We 

had the usual hot dogs, beans, and potato salad, but national dishes 

were also present. 

There was stuffed cabbage, hand-held meat pies, quesadillas, baked 

ziti, egg rolls, and even sushi - a true melting pot. Somehow the 

Margueritas were always chilled, and the beer and soft drinks were icy. 

Those gatherings were the best of times. We laughed, sang, and 

looked after each other’s kids. 

We came together as neighbors and friends and counted on one 

another. Life was much simpler then, and I miss that feeling of 

community. 

One of the dishes I always loved was made by a neighbor who didn’t 

disclose recipes. Never one to 

be deterred, I’ve worked hard 

to duplicate it, and came up 

with this. I think you’ll like it. 

Beef Hand Pies 

Sauté 1 finely diced large 

onion and 1 clove grated 

garlic until light brown. Add 

1 lb. ground beef, 1 tsp. salt, 

½ tsp. black pepper, 1 tsp. each 

onion and garlic powders, and 

1 tbs. beef flavoring, (better 

than Bouillon). 

Sauté until beef shows no 

color. Add 1 cup each of finely 

diced cooked carrots and 

potatoes and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well and continue 

cooking until well combined. Taste for seasoning. Cool. 

Cut out 5” rounds from packaged pie crust. Fill each round with 2 

tbs. filling, fold over and crimp edges with fork. Brush with beaten egg. 

Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown. 

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. 

16 


17

A Great Trip Down Memory Lane 

By: Dianne Davis / That’s Entertainment 

Want to “Bring Back that Lovin’ Feeling”? 

Go see The Righteous Brothers at the 

South Point Hotel Casino in late September and 

late October. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bill 

Medley, an original The Righteous Brother, says, “I’m having the 

‘time of my life’.” 

And you’ll have a great time taking a nostalgic journey with Bill. 

His salute to his friend Bobby Hatfield with his rendition of Unchained 

Melody” may bring some tears to your eyes. 

Bobby died in 2003. Bill wisely came back with Bucky Heard. If 

you were a fan of this famous duo, my bet is that you will enjoy and 

appreciate the opportunity to hear the songs of “blue-eyed soul” once 

again done live. 

Bucky, age 56, (Medley is almost 81) is a seasoned performer. Years 

of work on stage in Branson, Missouri and elsewhere and his incredible 

vocal range and versatility have prepared him well for this. 

Medley doesn’t have the entire vocal range he did, but the audience 

loves him and his new partner as they take us on a journey beginning 

in the 1960s. 

Bill and Bucky, separately and together perform the songs that made 

the Righteous Brothers an integral part of American musical history. 

You’ll hear Grammy-winning hits including “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ 

Feelin’,” (the most played 

song in radio history 

and the one featured in 

the movie “Top Gun”), 

“Soul & Inspiration,” 

“Unchained Melody,” 

(featured in “Ghost”) 

“Rock and Roll Heaven,” 

Medley’s Grammywinning 

“The Time of 

My Life” (featured in 

“Dirty Dancing”) and 

more. 

The Righteous Brothers show is so enjoyable; most especially for 

those who remember the years when they topped the charts, but also 

for those who simply like songs with lyrics that you understand, music 

that doesn’t crush your ears, and performers that look and feel like the 

real thing. 

See The Righteous Brothers at South Point September 28-30 and 

October 26-28 at 6:30 p.m. 

Dianne Davis is delighted to once again share her opinions of 

local performers and shows. She is the lead reporter for SCA-TV 

and Associate Editor of lasvegas.splashmags.com. 

18 


19

Family & Staff Inspire DeSimone’s Success 

By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places 

The kid comes first! 

Nearly all successful businesspeople 

have a philosophical mantra they credit for their 

accomplishments. Those mantras often refer to 

treatment of their customers and staff. 

It’s no different for Realtor-turned-casino 

owner Joe DeSimone, but in digging into his 

what-makes-you-tick motivation, it’s obvious 

that the kid comes first. 

Since opening his real estate sales business in 

1996, DeSimone has been one of Clark County’s 

most successful Realtors. Originally focusing on 

residential properties, he transitioned into real 

estate development. 

As both his business and knowledge grew, 

so too did his ability to recognize opportunity. 

He developed his first real estate project, 

Henderson’s Pecos Commons, an office/ 

medical facility, in 1998. 

Much of DeSimone’s residential real estate business grew through 

referrals. “The more business I did, the more friends I made,” he says. 

Many of those referrals connected him to the town’s movers and 

shakers. With them came more opportunities for commercial business 

and development. 

DeSimone’s basis for evaluating those opportunities focused on those 

involved. “You’ve got to be careful who you deal with. You pick your 

people, not your places.” 

DeSimone seized upon an opportunity in 2015, approaching MGM to 

buy the historic Railroad Pass Casino, Nevada’s 

oldest licensed casino. MGM had been cautious 

with their desire to sell the property, concerned 

to insure job security for their staff. 

DeSimone gained their trust: “I showed them 

my intent, more by my activities than my words.” 

As an unspoken sign to Railroad Pass’ staff of his 

future plans, DeSimone began sinking millions 

into renovating the 80-year old property that had 

become physically and economically obsolete. 

About the same time, DeSimone unexpectedly 

acquired a new partner, Emilia. At 47-years old, 

the real estate veteran and newly minted casino 

owner acquired a new title, First Time Father. 

Nine months after Covid shut down 

Henderson’s Eldorado Casino, DeSimone struck a deal to purchase 

the 60-year old building from Boyd Gaming. He embarked on another 

renovation project, sinking $7 million into the modernization. Newly 

rebranded as The Pass, the casino features a sportsbook carrying Derek 

Stevens’ Circa brand, table games, 350 slot machines, a concert venue, 

Italian restaurant and Emilia’s Café, named after DeSimone’s daughter, 

a testament to his statement, “She’s my inspiration. Everything I do 

revolves around her.” 

In July, Emelia turned the first shovel of dirt for a Holiday Inn 

Express at Railroad Pass Casino (see photo), the next phase of the site’s 

development that has already given rise to a booming truck stop/travel 

center and convenience store. 

“This town has been so good to me,” DeSimone said. “The more 

friends I made, the more it snowballed. I started enjoying people more, 

not just from a business standpoint but from a personal standpoint.” 

20 


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21

Uranus Retrograde 

By: Kate Wind / Kate’s Insight 

Uranus Retrograde is here, are you feeling it? 

Uranus Retrograde, which happens once a 

year, started its trek backwards on August 20 th and 

will run through February 2022. 

Uranus is an oddball planet that is associated with the unusual, 

eccentric and surprising or illogical events. With retrograde action, 

Uranus is stirring up some exciting breakthroughs - both good and 

bad in the below areas for each of the signs. 

Aries: Unexpected shifts 

around money, sources of 

income, or partner’s money. 

Taurus: Shifts around 

identity, reputation, aligning 

with the media, or making 

surprise announcements. 

Gemini: Supports 

therapies, learning about mental illness or abuse, and experiencing 

unexpected mini-miracles. 

Cancer: Shifts around your groups and community, support 

systems, and aligning with technology. 

Leo: Unexpected shifts around work or reputation and how you 

present yourself in the public field. 

Virgo: Unexpected travel or unexpected opportunities to expand 

into new fields, states, or areas. 

Libra: Supports shake-ups or learning about long-term financials, 

such as investments, taxes, or debt. 

Scorpio: Shifts around partnerships, friendships, where you stand 

with friendships, and what you will tolerate from friends. 

Sagittarius: Unexpected shake-ups around your work, daily 

routine, how you serve and your health. 

Capricorn: Supports shake-ups to your dating life, your children, 

how you have fun and can lead to finding love in unusual places. 

Aquarius: Unexpected shifts around your home life, upgrades 

or repairs to the home, laughable situations around your living 

environment and sudden changes to your home life. 

Pisces: Supports shake-ups around your daily routine, 

transportations and cars, siblings, and neighbors. 

Although we will be going through this as a collective, if you birthday 

falls between these dates, May 4-6 , November 6- 8 , August 6-8, 

February 2-5, you may feel the energy greater than others. 

As a takeaway, Uranus does not follow the logical order of things, so 

expect the unexpected. 

What Is Doo Wop? 

By: Yvonne Cloutier / Musical Moments 

Doo Wop, used mostly with romantic songs, 

is actually the use of nonsense syllables 

to fill in vocal musical space. It originated out 

of rhythm and blues music with African\American young people in 

the1940s, using little or no accompaniment. 

Doo Wop is a distinct style of acapella (no accompaniment) with a 

lead singer, usually a tenor (high voice,) singing the melody with other 

voices as accompaniment. At first, it was simply described as rhythm 

and blues, gospel, country, western, and traditional folk music. 

They were mostly young male blacks, who used their voices for 

harmonic accompaniment. And of course, white doo wop singers came 

later. 

However, before Doo Wop, many composers used nonsense syllables. 

This included Stephen Foster, who used syllables in Camp Town Races, 

ending in Doo Da, Doo Da. 

There were also songs with Oop Boo Sh’Bam’ Soop Shoop. Duke 

Ellington used boo-wop in the song It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t 

Got That Swing. 

There are doo doo da doo doo in rhythm and blues, too. The title, 

Boogie Woogie is also a form of Doo Wop. 

The songs are usually fairly easy to remember and easy to sing along 

with. The Mills Bros, Ink Spots and Platters used vocal harmony to 

simulate the sound of string or reed sections. 

Some other vocal group using syllables were: Forever Young with So 

Much In Love; Bill Haley and the Comets-- the earliest group of white 

Doo Wop singers. 

Other examples are The Drifters with Save the Last Dance for Me 

and The Platters who were one of the greatest vocal groups of all time. 

Some of their many hits were: The Great Presenter, Only You, and 

Harbor Lights; The Temptations with My Girl. 

And many more groups and songs are also terrific examples . 

22 


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.

23

My Thank You 

By: Linda Bateman-Gomez / Timeless Beauty 

One of the best rewards I received when I 

started my company was the chance to 

communicate and learn from women all over 

the world. I love connecting with other women and have learned more 

from them than any beauty advertisement. 

Writing this column has afforded me the same luxury and I love it! 

I recently heard from several women that read my article on having 

thyroid cancer. They took the time to share kind messages of support 

and suggestions. 

This is what women do best - they support each other. As we get older, 

we have more to share from our lifelong collection of knowledge. 

We know what works and more importantly, we know what doesn’t. 

Many of us have learned the hard way, so when I get suggestions from 

other women, I listen. 

One very important piece of advice and other great information was 

from Donna. She shared the importance of checking the sunscreen 

(and other beauty products) we use for ingredients considered toxic. 

Two ingredients of concern by the FDA are Oxybenzone and 

Octinoxate. These ingredients are considered to possibly be linked to 

cancer. 

Donna shared a company that focuses on using the safest ingredients 

possible in their products. It’s called beautycounter.com and they offer 

a sunscreen free of those two ingredients. 

Another suggestion 

for my incredibly 

dry skin was from 

Karen. She had such a 

positive message and 

reminded me of one 

of my favorite brands, 

CeraVe. 

I use the face wash 

daily but forgot about 

the moisturizer. I went out and bought it the same day and I’m very 

glad I did. 

It is heavier than I would normally have used in the past during 

summer months, but with my newfound issues, it was just the ticket! 

I’m doing well, looking forward to my check up next month and 

expecting continued good news! Should any of you be dealing with 

this, please feel free to contact me! I’m happy to share anything I can. 

All of the positive thoughts, great words of advice and many prayers 

from so many of you means more than you could ever know. Thank 

you from the bottom of my heart! 

Linda Bateman-Gomez has an international beauty company 

based in Las Vegas that specializes in cosmetics and other beauty 

products. Contact Linda at TimelessBeauty2020@gmail.com or 

through her website www.fullips.com. 

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25

Recognizing Special Seniors 

By: Carol Chapman 

Do you know of a special senior who serves peers with their time 

and talent? There are dozens of awards programs for everything 

else, but few that recognize the efforts of those who go above and 

beyond to care for seniors. The Foundation does so in several ways. 

We will announce Nevada’s Senior Citizen of the Year at our 

Gala on October 16 at The M Resort. Annually we recognize a Nevada 

resident 65 years or better who has made significant contributions to 

volunteerism in support of Nevada seniors. 

Nominations come from people like you who know the impact of 

their achievements and the extent to which they benefit or inspire the 

senior community. 

Our nationwide Celebrate a Senior program runs all year long. You 

can make a donation of $100 or more and receive (or we will mail) a 

hand-painted tile celebrating your special senior. A certificate honoring 

an individual is available for smaller donations. 

Details for both of these programs are on our website at 

FoundationAssistingSeniors.org. 

Three finalists for Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year will be hosted 

at The Gala, with the winner being announced from the stage. This is 

just one of the highlights of the evening hosted by Honorary Chair John 

Katsilometes. 

Silent and live auctions, dinner, and entertainment by singer Mark 

OToole are additional reasons to purchase your ticket or a table for 

eight. Visit the Gala section on our website or call us at 725/244-4200. 

26 


Quantum Healing 

By: Ali Guggenheim / Psychic Phenomenon 

The Bible states that change can happen 

in the “blink of an eye.” The majority of 

humanity, however, believes that change is tied to 

time. It’s not! 

Rather, “it is in the eye (mindset) of the beholder. 

Although this pathway has been proven to already exist, it is very 

difficult for rational minds to accept. However, people that are easily 

hypnotized (as well as those who meditate) find it much easier to 

accept this concept and therefore can transform their thoughts and 

reality accordingly. 

Quantum healing is the connective link that scientists have been 

looking for since the 1900s with quantum physics. They were able to 

configure thought mathematically, but there was no real paradigm 

that explained what this all meant, until now. 

Today, scientists are able to prove how quantum healing actually 

spans the connection between science, religion and spirituality. 

Although there is no agreed upon language, it explains the minds’ 

connection to some instances that we would otherwise label as miracles. 

That is not to say that miracles don’t exist. They do! 

But, when it comes to healing and manifesting different realities, the 

fact is that change begins with the mind, which we can individually 

utilize with our own mind power. 

One of the examples shared by quantum physicist and author 

Cynthia Larson, “Quantum Jumping” and “Reality Shifts”, tells of a 

young friend that broke her leg jumping from rock to rock. The doctor’s 

x-rays confirmed the break. 

Sent home to heal for two months, the woman was concerned she 

would lose her new job. But, days after changing the theta wave space, 

her leg began itching from within. Only two days later there was no 

sign of ever having a leg break. 

The core of the matter is this: If your intention is rooted in love and 

you learn to direct that energy, you can project it wherever you want. 

When others come into contact with it, they feel it and interesting 

things begin to happen, even retro-actively. 

In Pema Chodron’s words, “We are all a blink of an eye away from 

awakening.” 

To contact Ali or for spiritual consultations, coaching, workshops 

and readings, email: alivegasvoice@yahoo.com. 

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27

Confession of a Couch Potato 

By: Susan Goldfein / Susan’s Unfiltered Wit 

I 

’m all for self-improvement, as long as it 

doesn’t involve exercise. I’ve become a gymo-phobe. 

The mere thought of a sports bra and 

sneakers can ruin the most perfect day. 

But perhaps “-phobe” isn’t an accurate suffix to explain my 

condition. I don’t fear the gym; I out-and-out hate it! 

This attitude represents a transformation from my former self who 

was once dedicated to treadmills and Stairmasters. Perhaps I took too 

many steps and am suffering from a case of burn-out. 

And, although I have succumbed, I’m unable to make peace with 

my slothfulness. So, heeding the suggestion of motivated friends, I have 

called into play the following strategies: 

Scare Tactics. Laziness is hazardous to my health. I’m susceptible to 

osteoporosis and am being very unkind to my cardio-vascular system. 

I’m depriving my brain of the super-oxygenating results of the 

elliptical machine, not to mention the danger of weight gain. But when 

I learned how much bouncing was needed to work off an Oreo cookie, 

I simply decided to forego the cookie. 

Bribery. If I go to the gym, I should reward myself. “It doesn’t have 

to be expensive,” one friend said. 

Now this was an appealing idea that actually got me into workout 

attire. But I got sidetracked looking for potential gifts, and before long 

it was time to go straight home because the dog was starving! 

Personal Trainer. If I hired a personal trainer, I couldn’t wriggle out 

of my commitment. That sounded foolproof. 

So I hired a trainer who came twice a week. She was a lovely, fit 

young woman, a perfect role model. 

By the third week, 

I experienced a 

noticeable shift in my 

attitude. I no longer 

hated the gym. I hated 

the trainer. 

Vary the Routine. 

Doing the same thing 

gets boring. Take 

various classes. This made sense. So I looked at the schedule. 

“Yogalates”? Sounds like a drink at Starbucks. With soy milk. Kick 

Boxing? Too aggressive. “Zumba”? That sounded goofy enough to be 

fun. 

I attended a class and as soon as the Latin music started I got the 

feeling that everyone but me had been doing this for their entire lives, 

while I was tripping over my feet trying to keep up. Luckily, the loud 

music drowned out the sound of the door closing after me as I quietly 

slipped away. 

The struggle rages, and the devil on my left shoulder continues to 

prevail. As a result, I’ve ditched my clingy shirts. 

To paraphrase Nora Ephron, when a woman reaches that point in 

life when her cleavage looks like a peach pit, she probably shouldn’t be 

wearing tank tops anyway! 

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. 

By: Renee Riendeau / Movie Revelations 

Disney presents Jungle Cruise as a summer 

family show, but don’t expect cartoons. 

Actually it’s a rather 

serious story line in search of an ancient 

tree that holds the power to heal. 

So if you were expecting some sort of 

a version of The African Queen meets 

Indiana Jones on their way to find the 

Pirates of the Caribbean, you’ve got the 

wrong movie. However, director Jaume 

Collet-Serra was able to make this a PG 

13 action, comedy film. 

There’s plenty of adventure and some violence carried off with great 

gusto by Dwayne Johnson. He plays the wisecracking skipper of the 

ramshackle boat travelling down the Amazon in search of the tree that 

holds the power - a discovery that will change the future of medicine. 

The film is strictly fantasy, an uncomplicated escapade to entertain 

you with bankable stars that deliver - Dwayne Johnson; Emily Blunt; 

28 

Jungle Cruise 


Jack Whitehall; Edgar Ramirez; and Jesse Plemons. 

The story is based on the Disney theme park ride of the same name. 

Mostly filmed in the Hawaiian Islands, Blunt and Johnson display the 

chemistry to make it fun to watch. 

Jungle Cruise will keep you glued to 

your seat. (Hopefully at one of the senior 

discount movie theaters). 

Its ending leaves the possibility of a 

sequel; possibly another franchise in the 

vein of that other series based on a ride 

- “Pirates of the Caribbean.” I know I 

look forward to any new (or old) movie 

featuring Dwayne Johnson. 

So for 2 hours and 7 minutes of fun 

entertainment, go see Jungle Cruise at the theater, online, or borrow a 

tape from a friend. I’m giving this film B+. 

But enough about my opinion, what do you think? 

Renee Riendeau is the movie critic for The Vegas Voice. She loves to 

hear your opinions on films. You can contact her at: rriendeau@ 

aol.com

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29

What do you do with your regrets? You 

know those things you never did, never 

said, never completed…and on and on. 

Well, you could lose those regrets, yet you hang onto them. And as you 

age, those regrets begin to creep more and more into your foreground. 

How do you acknowledge and process through those negative 

memories? How do you keep them from consuming you? 

It’s about turning your negative energy (regrets) into positive fuel 

(rewards). It’s about taking advantage of the many opportunities you 

receive each day to exchange your regrets for rewards and grow from 

the lessons learned they represent. 

My mother passed away recently at 90 after a very full and purposedriven 

life. As I reflected on our relationship, my mind, as is normal, 

immediately went to all the things I wish I would have done or said 

differently…my regrets. 

What a waste of my energy! I could have used that energy reminiscing 

about all the wonderful, joyful moments I shared with Mom and the 

many things I learned from her…my rewards. 

So how do you get to your rewards? They will come as you let your 

regrets go! Be aware that many regrets are wrapped in the inability to 

forgive - so forgiveness is key! Positive aging is all about creating a 

healthy environment mentally and physically where there is no room 

for regrets. 

I dedicate this article to my Mom, the quintessential positive ager. 

She turned all her regrets into rewards and shared them with people 

all over the world. 

30 

Turn Your Regrets Into 

Your Rewards 

By: Pat Landaker / Positive Aging 

Pat Landaker is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and a Senior 

Lifestyle Consultant. She is owner of the Living La Vida Senior 

brand, serves on the City of Henderson’s Senior Citizens Advisory 

Commission and teaches Positive Aging at UNLV/OLLI. Contact her 

at positiveaging54@gmail.com. 


Long Hauling 

By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet 

Now that we’re masking up again and 

Nevada is one of the big hot spots for 

COVID (with all its variants) we have resumed 

the battle to contain, conquer, and hopefully charge on past the 

pandemic we all hate. 

I don’t know how many readers have been under assault from 

COVID, but there is another aspect to it that does not get much 

attention. It’s call “long-hauling” - a simple term for those who have 

been infected but no longer are testing positive; yet still suffer from 

the lingering effects of this thing. 

Some sort of good news is that they now have a clinical name for 

it, Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). At least it’s 

being acknowledged, and that’s a good start. 

I’m a long-hauler and know it’s true. I’m fully vaccinated and still 

never know from day-to-day how I will feel. 

The VA emergency department has seen me way too many times 

and the medical personnel are scratching their heads trying to figure 

out what’s ailing me. I’m very glad they’re there. 

When it comes to long-hauling COVID (if you are), we must 

remember that the aging process always plays a big part in our health 

condition. And perhaps it’s not some outside force trying to ambush 

us at every turn. 

At 77, one of my biggest challenges is to determine if it’s old age or 

long-haul COVID crap. (Had a good bout with it in July of 2020.) I’ve 

never been here before - now in my 70’s, that is. 

When I got back from Vietnam as a young virile paratrooper in 

1966, I was on a collision course; believing my life would end sooner 

than later. I never expected to live to be this old. 

Now COVID has thrown another determinate into the mix, and I’m 

haulin’ along to see what’s around the next bend. Good luck to you, 

and mask up! 

Chuck Dean served as an Army paratrooper in Vietnam and 

through that experience was led to address the many transitional 

issues veterans struggle with. He is the author of several 

important books for veterans. All can be found on Amazon at: 

http://www.amazon.com/author/chuckdeanbooks

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32 

Typical Auto Insurance 

Coverages 

By: Jim Valkenburg / Insurance Insight 

Many people say they have full coverage 

on their vehicles, but they really don’t. 

The only way you could have full coverage is if 

you have every possible coverage sold by insurance companies at the 

highest level sold. No one really does. 

Below are the typical coverages most folks carry on their auto policy 

with a brief explanation of each. 

1. Bodily Insurance & Property Damage Liability – This 

is required by law. In Nevada, the minimum limits for bodily injury 

are $25,000 each person and $50,000 each occurrence and $20,000 

property damage liability (25/50/20). 

With most companies, you can go as high as 250/500/100. Whatever 

coverage you have is the maximum amounts your insurance company 

can pay if you are liable in an auto accident. 

2. Medical Payments –This is not required, and it basically works 

like health insurance for you or anyone in your vehicle who suffers 

injuries in an auto incident. 

You typically buy limits such as $2,000, $5,000 or $10,000/person. 

Some companies have higher limits, but it should not be confused with 

health insurance since it only covers for auto injuries. 

3. Comprehensive (sometimes called Other Than Collision) – 

This pays for damages to your car caused by an incident other than 

collision. Examples are fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and floods. 

Your deductible would apply first. 

4. Collision – This pays when your own vehicle is damaged in an 

accident. Generally, the company reimburses you the amount to repair 

or replace your damaged auto, less your deductible. 

5. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – This covers 

you (or anyone in your vehicle) in an accident with a motorist who has 

no insurance or less insurance than you carry. This is not for vehicle 

damage but, instead, it’s to cover bodily injury for medical costs, lost 

wages and pain and suffering. 

So, what’s missing? Things like: Towing coverage, additional parts & 

equipment (like upgrades stereo or wire rims), and the most obvious of 

all - adequate limits for those coverages you do have. 

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. 


Is it the Right Time to Buy 

a Vehicle? 

By: BJ Killeen / Down the Road 

In 2020, the automotive industry contributed 

three percent to the U.S. GDP, or about $627 

billion. In addition, it employs over 4 million people in the U.S. 

There’s no question that what happens in this industry is going to 

have an effect on the economy - good or bad. With the chip shortage 

ongoing, manufacturers are cutting production and temporarily 

shutting plants, drastically reducing the amount of new vehicles 

produced. 

Which means, if you are in the market for a new car, you’re either 

going to be waiting a while, or you’ll have to take what’s available on 

the lots (which isn’t much if you’ve driven by a dealership lately). 

In addition, because supply is short, dealerships are adding a 

premium to the price, or what they call “market adjustment.” This is a 

practice not endorsed by the manufacturers, but there is little they can 

do about it because of dealership franchise laws that date back to the 

mid 1950s. 

Well, you’re probably thinking if I can’t buy a new car, I’ll buy a used 

model. Sounds good, until you go online and check out a few. 

What you’ll find is something we call sticker shock, which is usually 

associated with new vehicle prices. Because demand is outweighing 

supply, dealers are marking up used vehicles as well. 

Used-vehicle stock also is severely depleted because people trade in 

their old vehicles for new ones. But if there are no new ones to buy, then 

no one is trading them in. 

Dealerships are getting desperate. They’ll buy anything if it can be 

cleaned up and resold, which makes it attractive to those selling. We’ve 

seen people sell their used vehicle often for more than what they paid 

for it. 

However, if you want to buy another car, the vicious cycle begins. 

If you don’t absolutely have to buy a vehicle now, and want to save 

money, wait. If you have a used vehicle you don’t need, sell it and make 

some cash. 

If you do need to purchase now, good luck. 

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

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SPRJ62583 33

September Gardening Tips 

By: Howard Galin / Happy Gardening 

It’s appropriate that Labor Day comes in 

September since it signifies that a great 

amount of labor will be needed to get our gardens 

in shape after our brutal summer temperatures and to get ready for 

the upcoming fall and winter seasons. 

We will be having more moderate temperatures, so go outside and 

repair the damage caused by 100+ temperatures and long days of 

scorching sunshine. 

Your primary step should be the application of quality fertilizers to 

the soil in order to replenish nutrients that have been utilized during 

the past growing season. Follow the Water Authority fall watering 

schedule and remember to diminish your “run time” too. 

Next, it is important to address the needs of specific plantings in 

your landscape. 

1. Cactus, yucca, and agave need to have reduced amounts of water 

as the days become shorter and cooler. You can make cuttings now 

and prepare them for planting later in the coming weeks. 

Treat the soil around agaves with systemic insecticide to kill weevil 

eggs that will hatch underground and eat the roots systems. Treat 

prickly pear and cholla cactus with malathion to prevent cochineal 

infestation. 

2. Flowering and/or fruit trees should NOT be pruned in September! 

You should only remove dead or damaged branches and leaves. 

This will stimulate more robust growth that will withstand cold 

winds and frost damage in the winter. You should apply specialized 

fertilizer formulated for fruit, citrus, and flowering trees. 

3. If your tomato plants survived the summer, you should heavily 

prune them leaving just 4-6 inches of stem remaining and fertilize 

with a high phosphorus tomato fertilizer. This will provide a late fall/ 

early winter harvest of tomatoes for the holidays! 

4. Perennial flowering plants should be pruned and treated with 

high phosphorus fertilizer to stimulate fall growth and blooming. Do 

NOT, however, heavily prune roses. Just remove the dead branches and 

spent flowers. 

5. And if you have not already done so, September is the last month 

to fertilize and to prune palm trees. 

Have any questions? As always feel free to 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. 

34 


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35

He’s Not Expendable 

By: Dan Hyde / Call to Action 

Meet Timothy Bartley. I call him, and the 

thousands of others suffering a similar 

fate, homeless veterans in desperation. 

Mr. Bartley sits in his worn-down electric 

wheelchair looking for shade so he can escape the heat. That’s until 

the Salvation Army’s overnight shelter opens at 6:00 pm and provides 

shelter until 6 am the next day. 

The problem is that during the daytime when heat is at its worst, 

there is no place for him to seek shelter except under a tree, (if one is 

available). The other non-profits are suffering severe staffing shortages 

due to the pandemic and cannot provide daytime relief. 

Exasperating the problem for Mr. Bartley is that his wheelchair has 

limited operating time. 

Thus he has to be careful as to how far he goes so that he is not more 

than 50 feet from the shelter as he waits for it to open. What makes this 

problem horrific is that he is not the exception to the problem. 

I believe he personifies the agony that thousands of other Nevadans 

are going through each and every day. Take a very close look at his 

face. 

What I see is a deep sense of hopelessness, complete lack of self-esteem 

and a desperation that few of us have ever experienced. As the newest 

COVID mutation takes hold, people 

previously moved to volunteer to 

help have backed off because of fear 

that they will be a victim of COVID. 

So what to do? 

One suggestion is to consolidate 

all of the non-profits providing 

similar services under one 

operational roof, thus avoiding cost 

duplicity. 

By doing this, most every donated dollar would go to the core 

“business model.” 

Secondly, as I have mentioned many times before, replicate the 

success of the Veterans Village homeless compound spearheaded by 

Arnold Stalk and convert old railroad cars to safe and cost effective 

transitional housing. 

Finally, and perhaps the most difficult task is to “motivate” the 

politicians to act. That last one may seem impossible, but I’d rather 

focus on the probable. 

*Photo credit Eric Verduzco of the Las Vegas Review Journal. 

Dan Hyde is a passionate and effective advocate for the senior 

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

36 


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37

The Great Man - Woman Hurricane Divide 

By: Vicki Wentz / Vicki’s Voice 

By the time you read this, Hurricane Henri 

will have passed and, I hope, left everyone 

as unscathed as possible. But, even here in the 

mountains, we’re expecting something like 3-47 

inches of rain, so I can imagine the concern right now. 

The weather folks have predicted it could impact anywhere from 

Florida on up, so folks are worried - except the men. 

I surely don’t mean to be sexist or anything, but it reminds me that 

when it comes to “riding out the storm” (and, if we’re going to be 

honest, lots of other perplexing behavior) men are, generally speaking, 

chowderheads. 

If you turn on the TV in the days preceding a hurricane, as the dire 

warnings and predictions ramped up, you mostly see video of young 

dudes out surfing the waves as they roll in bigger and rougher until 

some fool falls off and looks a bit like he’s freakin’ drowning, at which 

point the lifeguard dudes ride out on jet skis to rescue him...so he can 

get right back on his surfboard. 

Now, I’m willing to give them a little leeway on going out there 

initially. I understand the call of the waves as you shoot the perfect 

curl...or something. 

It’s the going back out there after they pump several fathoms of 

seawater out of you that’s just a little…well…stunningly stupid. 

When these storms approach, you’ll see video of people boarding up 

their beach houses...tough, stubborn he-men, shirts off, nails in their 

mouths, electric drills in their all-too-capable hands, fist-bumping as 

they pass each other with self-satisfied grunts that seem to say, “We got 

this. No sweat. Time for a brewski.” 

But, you will also see, in the background, all the wives racing intently 

from house to car, carrying the last bags, children and dogs, shooting 

withering and disgusted glances over their shoulders at their he-men, 

and then, in some cases, driving off without them - leaving nothing in 

Serving Las Vegas for over 45 years! 

their wake but the occasional one-fingered au revoir. 

I saw one man, Earl Something, about 80 years old, interviewed 

while sitting calmly in his house as others boarded it up, declaring that 

he’d ridden out many a storm and never left, and this one wasn’t going 

to make him leave, either. He stated his wife of 60 years wanted him to 

go with her to her sister’s, but no siree, he wasn’t going to do it. 

After 60 years of this, I almost expected to see the wife walk in with a 

shotgun pointed at her husband, and say through clenched teeth, “Get 

your ass in the car, Earl - I ain’t playin’ with you this time!” 

Meanwhile, you always see female reporters (who are few and far 

between, having mostly female sense) dressed appropriately and 

holding on to trees, porch columns, or mailboxes. The male reporters 

are in shorts and tee shirts, demonstrating, “Dude, I can lean into the 

wind, and it will totally hold me up!” 

My son lived in Wilmington, North Carolina during college, which 

is about 8 seconds from the Atlantic Ocean. I would start prepping him 

days ahead of any storms about coming home before it arrived. 

One such evening, I called to see if he was on his way, as he was under 

a mandatory evacuation, and reports were showing huge winds and 

driving rain starting in Wilmington. Nope. 

He was making dinner, and while he had me on the phone, he wanted 

to know if there was any difference between rice and orzo. 

While I sputtered incoherently, he said “yeah, it was raining hard 

and the lights kept flickering, big deal, it’s just a storm, and gas prices 

were too high to come home” so back to the rice vs. orzo question. 

I calmly wished him well, hung up and called the Wilmington police 

to report a possible burglary in progress at his address, by a man who 

may be cooking orzo. A jail cell has to be pretty hurricane-proof, don’t 

you think? 

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. 

38 


Applying Logic & Physiology 

By: Kyo Mitchell / A Healthier You 

Wearing or not wearing a mask is drawing 

a lot of controversy these days. Let’s apply 

some logic to the equation. 

We know that Covid 19 is transmitted by water particles from the 

lungs. Take a pair of glasses and hold them a few inches from your 

mouth and exhale strongly. 

You can see the water vapor on the glasses. Now put on a mask and 

exhale strongly on the glasses again. 

You will notice that there is far less water vapor on the glasses this 

time. From this demonstration, it can be shown that masks decrease 

the amount of water vapor (and in theory virus particles) being 

transmitted into the air. 

Pro-maskers will say masks are necessary. Anti-maskers will say 

they do not help. The reality is that the level of help masks provide is 

somewhere in between. 

Masks may provide some protection but exactly how much will 

depend on several factors, such as how tight/sealed the mask is, what it 

is made up of, how close (or far) you are from a contagious individual 

and the dispersion rate of water molecules in the air. 

There is another part of the mask equation that few rarely address. 

Each time you breathe in, you 

use roughly fifteen percent of the 

oxygen in that breath. 

The average human breathes 

14 times per minute when not 

exerting themselves. When you 

are wearing something that covers 

the mouth and nose, there is an 

obstruction that decreases the amount of fresh oxygen that can reach 

the lungs and decreases the release carbon dioxide from the lungs. 

The degree to which this happens, once again, depends on the factors 

listed above. Oxygen is needed to make ATP, the energy used by the 

cells and the function of organs, especially the brain can be affected by 

decreased levels of oxygen. 

The problem is that, while we want to be protected from the spread of 

the virus, we also need to consider the other effects this is having on our 

physiology. Both sides of the arguments need to be addressed to keep 

everyone safe - especially the vulnerable, children and seniors. 

Dr. Kyo Mitchell served as faculty at Bastyr University in Seattle 

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39

46 

Scam of the Month 

It will never stop. And despite what public 

officials say about trying to put an end to these 

scams, it cannot be accomplished. All you can do 

is make sure that you and yours are never a victim. 

Some scams “look” better than others - 

especially if you receive it be email. Some contain 

well-known company logos to trick you, while 

others are basic. Keep in mind they need only one sucker (out of 

thousands) to make it worth their while. 

Take a look at the below email message that publisher Dan 

received. It’s a notice for an auto-renew and “only” requires action if 

you don’t want to “renew.” 

Forget for a moment that you have no idea what the “product” is 

and, by the way, how would the scammer automatically take money 

out of your bank account anyway? 

But it just might have you call their telephone number (and the 

call is toll-free!) and that’s when they ask you for your relevant 

information. And if you speak with them, they “got” you. 

Remember our No. 1 Vegas Voice Scams, Schemes & Safety rule: 

Never, Never, Never give out ANY personal information. In this case, 

simply delete that email. 

And if you get that unsolicited telephone call Hang up the phone, 

Hang up the phone and HANG UP THE PHONE. 

O’’Kelly Jones 

Tue 8/10/2021 7:35 AM 

Dear dan@thevegasvoice.net, 

We tried to reach you for the renewal, However we 

couldn’t so your plan has been automatically renewed. 

0rder Id: JLFK-737U/85R 

Product : Nort-Pro 

Amount : USD 249.39 

Date : 08/10/2021 

Debit: Auto-Pay 

If you want to discontinue the services then connect with us: 

+1 (833) 449-xxxx 

Thanks 

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* And for shameless plugs, check out our Scams Segments on our 

Vegas Voice YouTube channel (YouTube.com/VegasVoiceTV). 

Working with our Bill Blurb’s columnist (and my Bronx brother Bill 

Caserta) see how you can outsmart “Dr. Corona” or that government 

bureaucrat from ripping you off and taking your money. 

40 


Summer Almost Over? 

By: Mary Richard / Health Fitness 

For the 19+ years I’ve been a Nevada 

resident, I don’t remember summers being 

as brutal as 2021 

has been! Perhaps the fact that we were 

quarantined for so long, then allowed 

to venture out - submitting us to some 

sort of happiness and escape. 

We were granted some freedom from 

mask-wearing for a short time. Then 

“BAM!” Along came a virus variant 

and those refusing to get vaccinated. 

In January I was among one of the 

first in line in my community when 

seniors were allowed to have the 

vaccine. I did not want to get Covid 

and did all within my power to protect 

myself and others. 

I also did the 3 “Ws” - wash hands, wear a mask and watch social 

distancing. 

Now with the record-breaking heat this summer, it surely was a 

challenge to wear our masks again. It’s been difficult to teach my 

Zumba and other classes while wearing my mask as well. 

But I’ll do it as long as it is needed. I even continued wearing my 

mask at grocery stores and other large facilities with large crowds, even 

when the mask mandate was lifted. 

Let’s pray that soon this will all be behind us, and we can return to a 

somewhat “new normal.” 

I should be returning to my beloved 

Smith Center soon and whatever is 

required of me as an usher to protect 

myself and others, I will happily do so. 

I long for the day when we can 

venture out “mask-free”, breathe fresh 

air and not having to worry about 

family and friends becoming ill with 

Covid. 

Take care everyone, be safe, please 

abide by the CDC rulings and hope 

that we get through this summer safe 

and secure. 

Be Grateful - for whatever you have, not what you don’t have. 

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. 

41

The Phat Pack is Back 

By: Stu Cooper / Happy Adventures 

In the close to twenty years that we’ve had 

our Vegas Voyagers Travel Club, the most 

successful adventure, without doubt, is our Bus 

to the Boat cruises. With the obvious exception of the past year and 

a half, we have provided anywhere between two and five of these trips 

every year. It’s safe to say thousands of senior 

residents have participated. 

And what’s not 

to like? In the 

price we include a 

great cruise, all the 

port charges taxes 

and fees, and round trip bus 

transportation from Las Vegas to 

the pier in Los Angeles or Long Beach. 

Our pickup locations are the Red Rock Resort in Summerlin and in 

Henderson, The M Resort. Easy as can be! 

I’ve escorted many of these trips and I’ve enjoyed every minute of 

every cruise. I’ve met great people who share a love of travel. Another 

great part is listening to many of our Vegas Voyagers backgrounds. 

But for me, these special cruises are the ones where we’ve included 

local talented performers. And heaven knows, Las Vegas might be 

the epicenter for 

the most gifted, 

talented people in 

the world. 

So when we 

bring along a 

singing sensation 

group like the 

Phat Pack, I 

am thrilled 

to let them 

entertain in our 

private Vegas Voyagers only performances. Such will the case this 

March 20 -27, 2022. 

We will be sailing with the Phat Pack on the Princess Cruise Line, 

Discovery Princess along the coast of California. 

And what a great group the Phat Pack is. Think of a group like the 

“Three Tenors”, but less stuffy and a lot of fun. 

Their songs are contemporary, their voices superb, and musical 

accompanist Philip Fortenberry is one of the best pianists I’ve ever 

heard. We’ve cruised with them before, and the shows are simply world 

class. 

For full details call us at 516/485-3200. Hope to see you on the 

Discovery Princess in March. 

42 


Welcome Back! “Let’s do it Again!” 

Featuring TWO Special Private 

Performances and Cocktail Party 

The Phat Pack 

• Bruce Ewing • Philip Fortenberry 

(Musical Director) 

• Randal Keith 

• Kevan Patriquin 

www.Vegasvoyagers.Com 

Email: Fairtravel@Aol.Com 

“Let’s do it Again!” 

Cruise with the Phat Pack 

7 night Pacific Coastal Cruise 

Mar. 20,-27, 2022 

“Bus to the Boat” 

• 

PRINCESS CRUISES 

come back new ® 

Itinerary: 

San Francisco, Santa Barbara, San Diego, 

Ensenada, Mexico 

Inside Cabin 

Obstructed Balcony 

Deluxe Obstructed Balcony 

Balcony 

Deluxe Balcony 

Mini Suite 

$1,499 pp 

$1,599 pp 

$1,699 pp 

$1,799 pp 

$1,899 pp 

$2,199 pp 

Price is based on double occupancy and subject to availability. A deposit of $250 

is due at the time of booking and fully refundable until Dec.15, 2021 when the final 

payment is due. 

PRICE INCLUDES: 

1) The cruise 

2) All port charges, taxes and fees 

3) Round trip bus trans. from LV to the pier in LA 

4) Fully escorted group leader 

5) Two Phat Pack private group only performances 

6) One group private reception 

7) Premium beverage package 

8) Free wifi service, one device per person 

9) Gratuities for cabin steward and all main dining 

516/485-3200 

room wait staff 

DISCOVERY PRINCESS 

43

It Might Happen... 2024 Olympics, Paris or Bust! 

By: Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker / Out & About 

As I watched the televised finale of the 2020 

Olympic Games, I was surprised how fast the 

two weeks of competitions 

had sped by. Initially I had 

been a typical naysayer, thinking that with all 

the frightening complications of an ongoing 

international pandemic, the expense and risk 

of going forward with Tokyo’s Olympic Games 

might be a disaster. 

After all, it had already been delayed a full 

year. But surprisingly the opening ceremony 

piqued my interest. 

Even though the stands were empty, the 

enthusiasm of the performers and the dedication 

of the athletes as they entered the stadium were 

enough to make me rethink my skepticism. 

By the time the opening ceremony was underway, with thousands of 

tiny drones dangling in the night sky, it was obvious this was a far cry 

from the original Olympic games in ancient Greece. 

In 776 BC, the first games were held in a grassy area near Athens 

called Olympia. For many centuries, young men travelled there every 

four years to compete in strenuous games. 

The winners wore simple crowns made from olive branches and not 

much more, but the ancient games were so popular, even 

wars were halted, just so their warriors could participate. 

The concept of peaceful physical competitions among citizens 

developed further in 1896 and amazingly has 

continued to survive and expand since that 

time. 

Now, after being dazzled by the 2020 

Olympics, I wondered if France, the next setting 

for the Olympic Games, would be intimidated 

by Tokyo’s amazing presentation? That would 

certainly be understandable! 

But once Japan’s closing ceremony ended and 

the Olympic flag had been presented to France, 

a cheering crowd joyfully greeted the world, and 

it was obvious Paris expects to be up to the task. 

Their 2024 Olympic Games will feature 

many of the city’s most famous sites - like 

the Eifel Tower, and this is certain to bring 

new excitement to the Games. 

If you are interested in attending, and would like information on the 

2024 Olympic Games, please call 702/463-0966. Tres bien! 

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

Vegas Vacationers Inc. She can be reached at: 

Merryman2@aol.com 

By: Kathy Manney / Around Our World 

Considered North America’s most grueling 

historic trade route, the Old Spanish Trail 

connected New Mexico with 

California. Comparable to other primitive trails; it 

had its share of outlaws and brave adventurers. 

Before the arrival of the Spanish, Native Americans 

had a system of sprawling, unmapped footpaths 

networking what is today Northwest New Mexico, 

Southwest Colorado, Southern Utah, Northern 

Arizona, the bottom tip of Nevada passing through 

modern-day Las Vegas and Southern California. 

Santa Fe was a longtime established Spanish city 

when in the early 1800s the Spanish sought a direct 

trade route between Santa Fe and Los Angeles. A 

Mexican trader led the first commercial caravan from New Mexico to 

Southern California. 

His path followed a combination of original footpaths. Later followed 

by Spanish priests and mule paths. 

The route grew with traders transporting tools and woolen articles 

from Santa Fe to Los Angeles, which were bargained for horses and 

mules. John C. Frémont and guide Kit Carson named it the Old Spanish 

Trail and officially mapped it for the United States. 

44 

Old Spanish Trail 


Before long it grew treacherous. There were attacks by indigenous 

groups, horse raiders who stole hundreds horses and slave traders 

seizing human captives. 

Nonetheless, for a time, advantages outweighed 

disadvantages. Offering interior New Mexico access 

to Pacific ports, it bolstered Los Angeles as a trade 

center and allowed immigrant travel into California. 

Eventually freight wagons brought demand for 

easier routes. The Old Spanish Trail became less 

used and then abandoned. 

The Old Spanish Trail was Nevada’s first 

commerce “highway” crossing the Las Vegas Valley 

at its southern edge. In 2001 and 2002, portions 

running within Nevada were placed on the National 

Register of Historic Places. 

The nearby town of Blue Diamond established 

a marker designating a section of the once winding pack route. 

Correspondingly, adjacent Blue Diamond is a 5.9 mile moderate trail 

fragment used for moderate hiking of the historically notable Old 

Spanish Trail. 

Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an 

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

with enthusiasm.

45

30 Days Has September ... and Other Tricks to Remember! 

By: Jan Fair / A No-Brainer Minute 

W 

hen we were kids, we learned mnemonics (memory aids) for remembering things. Even 

now when I'm loosening a screw, jar lid or water spigot, I say to myself, "LEFTy loosey, 

RIGHTy tighty." Chris Stevens' book, Thirty Days Has September: Cool Ways to Remember 

Stuff, is a fun helpful reminder of many mnemonics for young & old. Need some tricks to help 

you find your keys, cellphone, and other things you tend to lose? Check out Professor Michael 

Soloman's book, How to Find Lost Objects, and Jim Karol's book, Ultimate 

Memory Magic: The Transformative Program for Sharper Memory, Mental 

Clarity & Greater Focus ... at Any Age. 

Karol's 4 Tricks to Finding 

Your Keys & Other items 

1. Take deep breaths to calm 

yourself. 

2. Clear away negative thoughts. 

3. Recall the moment when you 

last saw the missing object. 

4. Retrace your steps and take a 

minute to write them down. 

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 

“Lost & Found" 

1. In one minute, name items 

people tend to lose. 

2. Make an alphabetical list. 

Automobile keys, 

Bifocal glasses, 

Cellphone, … 

A No-Brainer Pick 

Check out this terrific 

article online at: 

www.NYTimes.com/ 

2017/04/03/well/ 

missing-keys.html 


46 


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47

Speaking to and for Las Vegas 

Valley Seniors since 2003 

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POSTAL CUSTOMER 

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