August 2023

“ASK LAURA ABOUT REAL ESTATE” 

Are your Pets enjoying the Summer? 

Laura Harbison 

Broker/Owner— B.0026537.LLC 

Seniors Real Estate Specialist ® (SRES) 

Accredited Buyer Representative ® (ABR) 

Graduate, REALTOR ® Institute (GRI) 

Equator Platform Platinum Certification 

Equator Short Sale Agent Certification 

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) 

Advanced Evaluations Certification 

At Home With Diversity (AHWD) 

Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPOR) 

Probate Specialist Certification (PSC) 

NVS Institute BPO Certification 

Five Star BPO Designation 

Certified Distressed Property Expert ® (CDPE) 

Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist 

(RSPS) 

NAWRB Certified Delegate Spokeswoman 

Distinguished Real Estate Broker ® (DRB) 

Laura@HarbisonRealEstate.com 

www.LauraHarbisonRealEstate.com 

Call Laura Today! 

702-777-1234 

Sun, outdoor activities, and quality time with our cherished pets characterize the summer 

season. However, increased temperatures could be hard on your pet. As pet owners, it is our 

job to keep our pets secure and at ease as temperatures rise. Let's make this summer (and 

every summer) special for our furry friends. 

Hydration is key! Ensure your pets always have access to fresh cool water. A pet water 

fountain encourages regular drinking. 

Indoor relaxation is important. Create a designated cool spot indoors for your pets to retreat 

to. Use fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature for a cool and calming 

environment. 

Chilled treats help them feel happy and comfortable! Treat your pets with delicious frozen 

treats. You can make homemade popsicles using pet-friendly ingredients like peanut butter or 

frozen fruits. These treats will provide relief from the heat and add to their happiness too. 

Outdoor time? Schedule walks and outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such 

as early morning or late evening (not that it's particularly cool at any time of day right now...). 

This will help protect their paws from hot pavement and reduce the risk of 

heatstroke. Regardless of the time of day, pay special attention to the heat coming off the 

ground. A grassy area is a better choice whenever possible. 

Maybe try cooling accessories? Cooling beds or mats designed to keep pets cool are 

available for our furry friends. These specialized accessories are equipped with cooling gel or 

other technology that helps regulate body temperature and provides a refreshing spot for 

your pet to relax. (For a low budget option, consider making your own with ice blocks or 

frozen water bottles.) 

Summer Safety Precautions are a must. 

No hot cars! Never leave your pets temporarily unattended in a parked car. The temperature 

in the car is bound to increase swiftly, sometimes leading to heat stroke and even 

death. Leave your pets at home or look for pet-friendly alternatives when running errands. 

Learn to recognize the signs of heat stroke in pets. Keep an eye out for symptoms of 

distress like heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or shortness of breath in 

animals. Move your pet to a cool space, provide water, and contact your veterinarian right 

away if you suspect heat stroke. 

Sun protection: Just like humans, pets can suffer from sunburn. Apply pet-safe sunscreen to 

areas vulnerable to sun exposure, such as the nose, ears, and belly. Your veterinarian should 

be able to suggest an appropriate product. 

Our pets depend on us to keep them healthy and secure. Let's ensure that our cherished pets 

have a fun and joyful summer! 

Sharing your goals, 

Laura Harbison, ABR, AHWD, BPOR, BS, CDPE, CRS, DRB, GRI, RSPS, SRES 

Realty Executives Southern Nevada Properties 

Broker/Owner License # B.0026537.LLC 

770 Coronado Center Drive, Ste. 160 

Henderson, NV 89052 

Office: 702-777-1234 

2 

August 2023

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

Laura Harbison 

ABR, AHWD, BPOR, BS, CDPE, CRS, DRB, GRI, PSA, PSC, RSPS, SRES 

Broker/Owner— B.0026537.LLC 

770 Coronado Center Dr., Suite 160 


Office (702) 777-1234 

Laura@HarbisonRealEstate.com 

www.LauraHarbisonRealEstate.com 

Realty Executives Southern Nevada Properties 

Is Independently Owned and Operated 

15 EAGLE CHASE COURT 

ANTHEM COUNTRY CLUB Highly upgraded Toccata floorplan on premium elevated view lot in guard gated Anthem Country Club! Updated kitchen 

features custom island and cabinetry, breakfast bar, menu desk, two pantries, water filter, tile flooring and stainless appliances (Sub-Zero Refrigerator, 

Wolf Range, Double Drawer Dishwasher, Microwave). Newer HVAC (Two 4 Ton 16 Seer Units). 2513 SF, 3 BR, 3 BA and oversized (66 2 sqft) 2 car 

garage. Spacious owner's suite features large walk-in closet, ceiling fan, exterior door to rear patio, and bathroom with dual sinks, raised vanities, 

makeup vanity, soaking tub, separate shower. Formal living and dining rooms. Family room with surround sound and ceiling fan. Professionally 

landscaped, covered paver patio, built-in BBQ, outdoor lighting. Other features include front door with leaded glass insert, two-tone paint, raised panel 

doors with lever door handles, alarm system, upgraded flooring (tile, carpet, and hardwood), OnQ Smart Box, whole house water filtration unit, and much 

more! $895,000 

2021 POPPYWOOD AVENUE 

SUN CITY MACDONALD RANCH Popular Granite Floorplan in Sun City 

MacDonald Ranch, a premier 55+ community! 1418 SF, 2 BR, 2 BA, 2-car 

garage. Spacious great room, formal dining room and kitchen with all appliances, 

nook, walk-in pantry, breakfast bar, pot shelves & R/O system. Owner's suite 

features a bay window, double door entry, walk-in closet, and bath with makeup 

vanity, raised vanity, double sinks, shower, and linen closet. Generous secondary 

bedroom and hobby room. Interior features include plantation shutters, blinds, 

drapes, tile on diagonal, and raised panel doors. Rear yard with covered patio, 

low maintenance landscape, and more! Great community amenities! $418,800 

1645 WELLINGTON SPRINGS AVENUE 

SUN CITY ANTHEM Highly upgraded Lexington floorplan on premium elevated lot with panoramic Las Vegas Strip, city lights and mountain views! 2 BR 

plus den/office, 2.5 BA, 2446 SF. Island Kitchen boasts Corian Counters, upgraded cabinets with pull out shelves, pantry, breakfast bar, nook with bay 

window, skylights, reverse osmosis, refrigerator, built-in oven, gas cooktop, wine fridge, microwave and dishwasher. Formal living room with coffered 

ceiling, formal dining room and family room with ceiling fan, built-in entertainment center and surround sound. Owner's suite features coffered ceiling, bay 

window, walk-in closet with organizers, dual sinks, makeup vanity, garden tub, shower and linen closet. Jr owner’s suite with ceiling fan, mirrored closet 

doors, makeup vanity and tub/shower. Den with double doors and ceiling fan. Laundry room with cabinets and utility sink, powder room and cooled 3-Car 

garage with epoxy, cabinets, overhead storage and 220 Outlet. 10' ceilings, 2-tone paint, New HVAC in 2017, water softener. Backyard with covered patio 

with extension, drop shades, misters, built-in BBQ & more! $738,800 

401 MILL HOLLOW ROAD 

PROMENADE AT THE MEADOWS Guard gated 55+ Age Restricted 

community with fabulous location! 2286 SF, 3 BR, 2 BA, 2-car garage. 

Community clubhouse, pool, and more! Upgraded tile flooring. Kitchen 

boasts Corian countertops & walk-in pantry. Fenced yard with covered patio 

with extension. Ceiling fans, fireplace, patio off owner's suite with cover. 

Owners bathroom with garden tub & separate shower. Sold As-Is, this home 

has a lot of potential and it's priced to sell. $332,500 

5208 SUMMERGLADE DRIVE 

PROMENADE AT THE MEADOWS 1 Story Townhome located in guard 

gated 55+ Age Restricted community with fabulous location! 1258 SF, 2 

BR, 2 BA, 2-car garage. Open floorplan with spacious great room, dining 

area, and kitchen with tile flooring. Primary suite with ceiling fan, walk-in 

closet, slider to patio, and bath with tub, separate shower and tile flooring. 

Secondary bedroom with ceiling fan and walk-in closet, secondary bath 

with shower. Laundry room, courtyard entry, security door, and rear 

covered patio. Community clubhouse, pool, and so much more! $248,800 

2184 WATERTON RIVERS DRIVE 

SUN CITY ANTHEM Popular Yorktown floorplan in premier 55+ age 

restricted community! 2592 SF, 2 BR, 3 BA, 3-car garage. Spacious great 

room with wet bar, formal dining room and island kitchen with Corian 

counters, walk-in pantry, breakfast bar, nook, recessed lighting and all 

appliances included! Owner's suite with bay window, ceiling fan, door to patio, 

walk-in closet, bath with dual sinks, garden tub and shower. Secondary suite 

with ceiling fan and private bath. Den/Office, laundry room with utility sink and 

cabinets, NEW carpet, blinds, covered patio, gas BBQ Stub, desert 

landscaping, and so much more! Great community amenities! Age restricted, 

one occupant must be 55 or older, no occupants under 19. $2,495/Mo 

2574 TERRYTOWN AVENUE 

SUN CITY ANTHEM Charming Washington floorplan in 55+ age restricted 

community! 1280 SF, 1 BR + Den, 2 BA, oversized 2-car garage with auto 

door opener. Spacious great room with ceiling fan and entertainment niche. 

Step-saver kitchen with breakfast bar, pantry, pot shelves, breakfast nook 

with bay window and stainless steel appliances. Primary bedroom with bay 

window, large bath which includes walk-in closet, dual sinks and convenient 

oversized shower with new glass doors. Secondary bedroom/den/office with 

niche for closet, murphy bed, etc. Upgraded carpet, blinds, and two-tone 

paint. Large covered back patio. Famous Sun City Anthem luxury amenities 

include golf courses, clubhouses, gym, indoor/outdoor pool etc. $1,995/Mo 

3

How Stupid Can You Be? 

By: Dan Roberts / Publisher 

Yes, I admit to being embarrassed, insulted and beyond angry. I 

still cannot believe that this so-called senior scam expert nearly fell 

for one. 

Worse yet, the SOB scammer did not contact me, but I called him. 

As elaborated in our cover story (see page 10) our Vegas Voice Any 

Content Editor (ACE) and my PILL (partner in love & life) Rana 

Goodman were oh-so-close to being scammed. 

Luckily the only damage was to my ego but it sure caused some 

not-so-gentle discussions between Rana and myself starting with that 

above headline. We should have known better. 

Worse yet, we were advised by 

government officials (all of them – 

local, state and federal) that “once the 

money leaves your possession, it is gone 

forever.” You will never get that money 

back. 

Therefore, it always remain up to you 

to make sure that you do not become a 

victim. 

The point I’m hoping to make is for 

everyone to understand that a scam can 

happen to anyone. And like that famous 

boxing referee told the fighters before they touched gloves, it’s up to 

you to “protect yourself at all times.” 

PUBLISHER/EDITOR 

PRESIDENT 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

ANY CONTENT EDITOR 

www.thevegasvoice.net 

www.vegasvoicetv.net 

ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR 

NIGHT LIFE EDITOR 

TRAVEL EDITOR 

RADIO HOST 

VIDEO HOST 

GRAPHICS EDITOR 

VIDEO PRODUCTION 

AD MANAGERS 

OUR 20th YEAR 

Dan Roberts 

dan@thevegasvoice.net 

Ray Sarbacker 

ray@thevegasvoice.net 

Bill Caserta 

bill@thevegasvoice.net 

Rana Goodman 

rana@thevegasvoice.net 

Jonny Bird 

Sam Wagmeister 

Stu Cooper 

Rich Natole / Jon Lindquist 

Tony Arias 

Michael Roberts 

Jason Roberts 

Betsey Bell 

betsey@thevegasvoice.net 

Dianne David 

dianne@thevegasvoice.net 

OUR FANTASTIC COLUMNISTS 

Pat Alexander 

Adrea Barrera 

John Bielun 

Betty Boyd 

Liz Breier 

Dianne/Burt Davis 

Chuck Dean 

Jane Dow 

Jan Fair 

Howard Galin 

Susan Goldfein 

Linda Gomez 

Ali Guggenheim 

Dianne Hahn 

Dan Hyde 

Lisa Kemmerling 

Pat Landaker 

Heather Latimer 

Gayla Kalp 

BJ Killeen 

Kathy Manney 

Kyo Mitchell 

Mike Murphy 

Liz Palmer 

Mary Richard 

Mark Richards 

Renee Riendeau 

Crystal Sarbacker 

Beverly Washburn 

Vicki Wentz 

He’s bold and bodacious and we got him! The Vegas Voice is very 

pleased to announce that entertainer extraordinaire Tony Arias has 

joined our Vegas Voice family. 

Tony will bring his big baritone personality to our Vegas Voice podcasts 

and YouTube videos. Be prepared for anything (and everything) when 

you enter “The Rhinestone Room hosted by Tony Arias.” 

Standing behind Tony are (L to R)Vegas Voice president Ray Sarbacker 

and Executive Director Bill Caserta. 

4 

Tony Arias 

Joins The Vegas Voice 

August 2023 

About The Vegas Voice 

The Vegas Voice delivers a wide range of advice and 

information with writing that adds insight and analysis. This 

is a publication that makes wise use of its resources and is 

clearly an asset to its active, engaged community. 

With that above quote from the Judges, The Vegas Voice was honored to 

receive 12 national awards from the North American Mature Publishers 

Association (NAMPA) in 2022. Categories included our articles (senior issues 

and editorials), graphics, and best of all - General Excellence. 

Our never-ending mission to our readers: To be the voice for your health, 

wealth & good times while being Nevada’s most powerful senior media 

resource.

No Longer Young 

By: Dan Roberts / Roberts Rules 

Inside every older person is a younger 

person – wondering what the hell happened. 

I used to smile whenever 

comic legend and my “uncle” Marty Allen would 

say that. And this month I realized (although 

still not ready to accept) that such old man is 

now me. 

To my dismay, in August, yours truly becomes 

a “septuagenarian.” That’s 70 years, seven 

decades of life. 

It must be my age, but I am constantly 

surprised when I look in the mirror and exclaim, 

“Who is that guy?” I’ve become my father – or 

even grandfather. 

What happened to that young man with the giant afro and skinny 

frame? How did that abundant head of hair disappear replaced with a 

larger torso? 

I admit I’ve accepted that I now have more yesterdays than 

tomorrows. And if I really want to do or accomplish anything, I better 

not keep putting it off to a future date. 

Now please don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining (like that 

would do any good anyway). I still feel (relatively) healthy and have no 

hesitation in driving or doing what I want. 

But what I want is different than, say the last millennium. The 

idea of grabbing my baseball glove for a game (or two) of softball is 

not even a thought. (Come to think of it, where did I leave my glove 

anyway? Memory issues?) 

And my younger days of an “all-nighter” is now replaced with 

boasting of simply sleeping through the night without a visit (or two) 

to the bathroom. 

In my four various adult careers, I’ve been fortunate to “never work 

a day in my life.” I loved my various occupations and professions and 

was able to do something else when it was no longer fun. 

And despite my many up and down aspects of my life I have had 

the unbelievable good fortune to love and be loved by two remarkable 

women – my Amy of 43 years (35 as wife) and now my PILL (partner 

in love & life) of 11 years, our Vegas Voice Any Content Editor, Rana 

Goodman. 

Thoughts of “retirement” have been expressed but I don’t understand 

how leaving what you enjoy for days of endless leisure (which for me 

would mean non-stop TV binge watching) is 

definitely not for me. 

Perhaps if and when “playing publisher” 

becomes tedious or hosting our Vegas Voice 

podcasts and YouTube videos become a chore 

and requirement, I might consider it. 

Lastly, by the time you read this, I should be 

with my Rana along with my best buddy of 48 

years, travel editor Stu Cooper and wife Sharon as 

we embark on a plus two week cruise in Europe. 

I never had (nor wanted) a vacation longer than a week and wonder 

– will I enjoy it or start climbing the cabin walls to get off the ship and 

return home? We’ll soon find out. 

All in all, I remain grateful for my good health, loving family and 

wonderful woman by my side. And while it does take me longer to get 

out of bed, I still do so ready to tackle the day. 

So, as I approach this special birthday, I welcome the wisdom of 

legendary actress Helen Mirren: “Your 40s are good, your 50s 

are great, your 60s are fabulous, and your 70s is F…ing 

Awesome!” 

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

You Got Earworms? 

By: Mike Murphy / Social Insecurity 

Earworms are like a karaoke machine in 

your head. Earworm is a name given to 

music fragments which 

involuntarily play repeatedly in one’s brain. 

As a neurologist explained, the tunes “can 

become quite unpleasant and intrusive.” 

I do not recall earworms being a thing 

back when I was a kid. Not even something 

as catchy as the Mighty Mouse cartoon show 

theme (“Here I come, to save the day…”) 

ever got stuck in my brain. 

Research indicates that 98% of people 

report experiencing earworms that last an 

hour or more. That may explain why that customer you are waiting on 

appears to be grouchy; possibly he can’t get The Monkees’ Last Train 

to Clarksville song out of his head. 

Men and women deal with earworms equally, but earworms tend 

to last longer for women and make them more irritable. That could 

explain a lot if you guys know what I mean. 

There are several lists featuring the most common earworm songs 

according to surveys. Songs by Journey, Queen, and Lady Gaga show 

up on most lists. 

Lady Gaga’s song Bad Romance, for example, is rated tops on one 

list, so I watched the music video. Now I can’t get the lyrics “Oh-oh-ohoh-oh-oh-oh, 

oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh” out of my head. 

In some ways, earworms are like having a karaoke machine in your 

head except you get to relax at home in your 

comfortable easy chair and listen to songs 

instead of suffering in a bar while some tipsy 

Boomer slurs the lyrics to Jimi Hendrix’s 

Purple Haze. 

See, as I pointed out a moment ago, just 

by mentioning that song I have it running 

through my head at this very moment, 

“Excuse me while I kiss this guy….” 

Dang it! There I go again, getting the lyrics 

wrong. The lyric is actually “Excuse me while I kiss the sky.” 

Like everyone else who experiences earworms, there are occasional 

periods of time when no song is running through my head. But that’s 

not a problem since I also have tinnitus, or constant ringing in my ears, 

to fill in between tunes. 

And, honestly, it’s no worse than a Lady Gaga song. 

Mike Murphy is a retired teacher/coach. His book of humorous 

articles titled “Tortoise Crossing - Expect Long Delays” is available 

on amazon.com. 

BOGO ENTREE 

BUY ONE ENTREE, GET ONE FOR EQUAL OR LESSER 

VALUE FREE AT RISTORANTE ITALIANO. DINE IN 

ONLY. NOT VALID ON HOLIDAYS. COUPON MUST 

BE SURRENDERED AT TIME OF USE. 

NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. 

EXPIRES 08/31/2023 

BOGO ENTREE 

BUY ONE ENTREE, GET ONE FOR EQUAL OR LESSER 

VALUE FREE AT EMILIA’S CAFE. DINE IN ONLY. 

NOT VALID ON HOLIDAYS. COUPON MUST BE 

SURRENDERED AT TIME OF USE. 

NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. 

EXPIRES 08/31/2023 

140 S. WATER STREET HENDERSON, NV 89015 

702-841-5000 | PASSCASINO.COM 

WATER STREET’S CASINO THAT 

GIVES YOU MORE FOR YOUR PLAY! 

- EMILIA’S CAFE 

OPEN DAIILY 5AM-12AM | BREAKFAST SERVED 5AM-12AM 

- RISTORANTE ITALIANO 

OPEN WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & SUNDAY 4PM-9PM FRIDAY 

& SATURDA 4PM-10PM 

- SLOTS (VIDEO POKER, VIDEO KENO, VIDEO REELS) 

OVER 300 SLOT MACHINES 

- LIVE TABLE GAMES (BLACKJACK, CRAPS & ROULETTE) 

MONDAY-THURSDAY 3PM-11PM 

FRIDAY-SUNDAY 11AM-3AM 

CRAPS THURSDAY-SUNDAY 3PM-11PM 

- LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 

EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY FROM 7PM-11PM 

- LIVE SPORTS BOOK 

CIRCA SPORTS 

- FREE PARKING 

CONVENIENT GARAGE PARKING 

- NEW MEMBER BENEFITS 

EMILIA’S 

CAFE 

SIGN UP AND RECEIVE $5 FREE PLAY & A FOOD CREDIT 

- DAILY PROMOTIONS 

PLAY WITH YOUR CARD TO QUALIFY 

- WEEKEND DRAWINGS 

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS FROM 6PM-10PM 

EARN ENTRIES ALL MONTH LONG! 

- EVENT SPACE (THE VENUE) 

BIRTHDAYS, WEDDINGS, MEETINGS & MORE 

- FREE PLAY 

PLAY & EARN FREE PLAY 

- COMPS 

PLAY & EARN COMPS FOR FOOD, GAS, MERCH & MORE! 

- GAS REWARDS 

EARN FREE GAS AT RAILROAD PASS TRAVEL CENTER 

6 


Nevada Senior Citizen of 

the Year Award 

By: Carol Chapman 

Hosted by the Foundation Assisting Seniors, 

this remarkable event will take place on 

Monday, August 21, at the Willows Restaurant in 

Henderson. 

Prepare to be inspired as we honor an exceptional senior who has 

made significant contributions to the community and the lives of 

fellow senior citizens and veterans throughout Nevada. Our esteemed 

guest speakers will provide valuable insights into the state of seniors in 

Nevada, including any new legislation or laws impacting their lives. 

At the luncheon, we will applaud the achievements of this year’s 

Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year awardee while also gaining valuable 

insights into the challenges facing our aging population. Together, we 

can make a difference in the lives of senior citizens. 

For more information and ticket purchases, visit: 

foundationassistingseniors.org/events or contact Patty Duffey at 

725/244-4200. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate exceptional 

seniors and support a brighter future. 

Anyone interested in submitting a nominee for this year’s 

Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year Award has until August 7 th at: 

foundationassistingseniors.org/senior-citizen-of-the-year 

The Foundation Assisting Seniors Presents our Annual 

NEVADA 

Of The Year Award 

C O M E J O I N U S F O R T H E C E L E B R A T I O N O F O U R 

A N N U A L N E V A D A S E N I O R C I T I Z E N O F T H E Y E A R 

A W A R D O N N A T I O N A L S E N I O R D A Y 

W I T H K E Y N O T E S P E A K E R C O U N T Y C O M M I S S I O N E R M I C H A E L N A F T 

R E M A R K S B Y J O H N M I C H A E L S O N 

M O N D A Y , A U G U S T 2 1 2 0 2 3 

1 1 : 3 0 A M - 1 : 3 0 P M 

W i l l o w s R e s t a u r a n t 

2 0 2 0 W H o r i z o n R i d g e P k w y , 

H e n d e r s o n , N V 8 9 0 1 2 

Luncheon and Awards Ceremony 

P U R C H A S E T I C K E T S 

F O U N D A T I O N A S S I S T I N G S E N I O R S . O R G 

7

8 

Diary of a Las Vegas Summer 

By: Bill Caserta / Bill’s Blurbs 

Editor’s Note: With the Las Vegas summer 

heat in full force, we’ve been asked by 

numerous readers to replay the following 

for your amusement. Complain all you want 

about the unbearable heat; but it is still better 

than shoveling snow in sub-zero temperatures and arctic wind 

chills. 

June 1 st : We just moved to Las Vegas. Now this is a City that 

knows how to live! Beautiful sunny days and warm balmy evenings. 

Mountains and deserts blend together. 

What a place! Watched the sunset from the park. It was beautiful. 

I’ve finally found my home. I love it here. 

June 14 th : Really heating up. Got to 100 today. Not a problem. Live 

in an air conditioned home and drive an air conditioned car. 

What a pleasure to see the sun every day like this. I’m turning into 

a real sun worshipper. 

June 30 th : Had the backyard landscaped with western plants today. Lots of cactus and rocks. What a breeze to maintain. No more mowing for 

me. Another scorcher today, but I love it here. 

July 10th: The temperature hasn’t been below 100 all week. How do people get used to this kind of heat? At least it’s nice and windy though. But 

getting used to it is taking longer than I expected. 

July 15th: Fell asleep by the pool. Got 3 rd degree burns over 60% of my body. Missed 2 days of work – what a dumb thing to do. I learned my 

lesson. I really have to respect the sun in a climate like this. 

July 25 th : This wind sucks. It feels like a giant freaking blow dryer. 

And it’s hot as hell! 

The home air conditioner is on the fritz and the AC repairman charged 

$200 just to drive by and tell me he needed to order parts. 

July 30th: Been sleeping outside by the pool for 3 nights. $1,200 in 

damn house payments and we can’t even go inside. Why did I ever come 

here? 

August 4 th : It’s 115 freaking degrees. Finally got the air conditioner 

fixed. It cost $500 and gets the temperature down to about 90. I hate this 

stupid place. 

August 8 th : If another wise guy cracks: “Hot enough for you today” 

I’m going to tear his throat out. Damn heat. Will it ever get below 115 

again? 

August 9 th : Tried to run some quick errands. Wore shorts and sat on 

the car’s leather seat. I thought I was on fire. Lost 2 layers of flesh. 

August 10 th : The weather report might as well be a damn recording: 

“Hot and sunny.” It’s been too hot to do anything for over 2 months 

and the weatherman says it will really warm up next week. By the way, 

does it ever rain in this damn desert? 

With the water rationing, $2,500 worth of cactus just might dry up. 

Even a cactus can’t live in this heat. 

August 19th: WELCOME TO HELL. Temperature got to 121 today. 

If I had wanted to live in Death Valley, I would have moved there. 

Forgot to crack the window and blew the damned windshield out of 

the car. The installer came to fix it and said: “Hot enough for you 

today?” My wife had to spend the $1,200 house payment to bail me out. 

If I don’t end up in prison, I’m putting the house up for sale and 

moving back to Buffalo! 


a Trusted Plumber 

in Las Vegas? 

Look no further! We've got you 

covered for all your plumbing needs. 

GET YOUR 

QUOTE TODAY! 

Get 20% OFF on Plumbing 

Services 

for orders above $250! 

www.rodspecialtieslv.com 

Plumbcrazy.officelv@gmail.com 

Insured and Bonded 

LIC# 0086612 

Call Us Today 

(702)373-2050 

9

It all started when my printer suddenly and 

continuously sent a message indicating it was 

not connected to my computer and would not 

print. 

Since the printer was plugged into every place it should be and there 

was never a problem, (and no, the cat did not 

knock any wires loose) I did everything I could 

to get the darn thing working again. 

In great frustration, I finally gave up. When 

I asked Publisher Dan to call the Geek Squad 

and get someone to our home to fix it, I had no 

idea that we were about to open the proverbial 

“can of worms.” 

What (almost) happened to us can happen 

to anybody. And according to authorities, “we 

were the lucky ones.” 

Hopefully you can learn from this experience. 

Dan’s mistake was looking online for the Geek Squad telephone 

number rather than dialing directly to Best Buy. What followed was a 

first-rate scam. 

The “technician” on the phone cheerfully insisted that he could walk 

me though to fix the problem claiming there was no reason to come to 

JMAC FOR ALL YOUR 

PLUMBING & AIR 

CONDITIONING NEEDS. . . 

New Installation 

Replacement 

Repair 

Maintenance 

Service 

We Were the Lucky Ones! 

By: Rana Goodman / On My Soapbox 

the house. After some hesitation (and this was my mistake) I agreed 

to give him a shot. 

In my defense, I made it clear that if he was not successful, he would 

have to do what our contract provided and send a tech to our home. 

Since I had used online help many times before I thought it was OK. 

After about an hour of watching my mouse icon zip all over my 

screen, it suddenly went blank. 

I told the tech to give me back my screen, 

insisting that I wanted to see what he was doing 

at all times. “Don’t worry dear” he said. “You 

will have it in a moment” DEAR?! 

That gave me a very uneasy feeling. All 

previous Geek Squad technicians were always 

respectful. 

Listening to my head (and my gut) I instantly 

shut down the computer and walked into Dan’s 

office to tell him what happened. Still on 

the phone, he told Dan that I must turn the 

computer back on so he could finish the work 

since “he saw that someone was attempting to hack my computer.” 

Dan told him in no uncertain terms that we would turn it back on 

when they sent a technician to the house and not before. 

While Dan and the technician went back and forth, I ran to my lap- 

Make sure you get the genuine 

Geek Squad 

cont’d next page 

OVER 

30 Y E A R S 

SERVING SOUTHERN NEVADA 

NV Lic. 

#78722 

#78723 

Punctual | Proficient | Professional 

702-227-5622 

SAVE 

$2,000 

OFF NEW AIR 

CONDITIONING 

SYSTEM 

10 


WWW.JMACNV.COM

top and logged on to my favorite online shopping site (Amazon) and 

signed in. I immediately went to my list of purchases. 

You guessed it - $400 in gift cards had already been ordered and were 

about to be delivered to an address in North Carolina. 

I contacted the merchant (Sephora) who supplied the gift cards 

and spoke with its customer service number. I advised the rep of what 

just occurred, supplied her with the serial numbers of the fraudulently 

purchased gift cards and asked that she immediately invalidate the gift 

cards. Thankfully, it was done. 

Again, following 

my gut instincts, I 

logged onto my bank 

account and noticed 

that a Zell transfer had 

been requested going 

to an email address I 

didn’t know. The only 

Zell transaction I have 

ever used were to my 

children. 

And we were the lucky ones 

Instantly, I deleted the Zell account and called my bank to report the 

fraudulent action. I also put a freeze on my account. 

Within the hour, Dan’s cell phone began to ring. Our “Geek Squad 

technician” was, of course, a scammer and apparently was notified of 

my actions. 

He subsequently called another three times ranting about our filing 

the fraud reports regarding the gift cards. As he carried on (and on) 

Dan kept sarcastically asking him when he was coming over to fix the 

printer. 

His last statement to Dan was a threat to “crash my computer with 

the virus he had already placed on it if we didn’t notify the shopping 

site that it was NOT fraud!” 

Suffice to say, it was not a pleasant conversation. And I forgot how 

Dan can easily revert back to his native Bronx language in expressing 

his thoughts. 

It’s about time. 

At ArchWell Health, we believe you should 

leave a doctor’s appointment feeling seen, 

heard, and understood. Spending more time 

with your provider is just one of the many 

ways we work to keep seniors healthy today… 

and for years to come. 

Long story short: Dan contacted the real Greek Squad, and to their 

credit, when the squad member came over to the house, he did a 

fantastic job in connecting the printer as well as determining that no 

virus was ever placed. I was back in business. 

Despite the scammer’s best efforts, he was ultimately unsuccessful. 

Yes, it took time on the telephone to get things straightened out plus 

two trips to the bank, but thankfully, no monetary loss. 

And as Dan filed complaints with the Henderson Police, Nevada 

Attorney General, the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission, he kept 

Hey Scammer! Take a seat 

hearing the same 

sentence by these 

government officials, 

“You were the lucky 

ones.” 

Now Dan and I 

know full well that the 

government agencies 

will be unable to 

catch this guy. And it 

only reinforces our 

“Scams, Schemes & Senior Safety” tips that we continuously discuss. 

As for that scammer, suffice to say that my PILL (partner in love & 

life – notwithstanding his colorful words) now favors the “instant death 

penalty” and if this scammer is ever apprehended, Dan volunteered to 

turn the switch on when he’s strapped to that chair…twice. 

Rob & Gina’s 

NY PIZZA 

& BAGEL 

CAFE 

10890 S EASTERN #108 

BEHIND THE VILLAGE PUB in ANTHEM 

Breakfast.Lunch.Brunch. 

Dinner.Dessert.Drinks 

VEGAS VOICE 

READERS: USE 

THIS COUPON 

TO GET 10% 

OFF YOUR MEAL! 

702. 

896.0794 

NY Lox Bagel 

VISIT 

ArchWellHealth.com/LiveWell 

OR CALL 

(725) 269-3368 

Kahlua® French Toast 

NY Pepperoni Pizza 

11

For Star Trek Fans 

By: Beverly Washburn / Hollywood Memories 

thought I’d write this month about a dear 

I friend of mine. I know you will remember her 

from the original Star 

Trek TV show in the classic episode “Mirror 

Mirror.” 

Her name is BarBara Luna and she played 

Lt. Marlena Moreau. She has always been a 

Star Trek fan favorite. 

We’ve been to several Star Trek conventions 

together. And it’s always a guaranteed fun 

time. 

Sadly, there are now only a few of us still 

alive who were in the original TV series. It’s 

now referred to as TOS and each year our group seems to get smaller. 

This month our group including Michael Dante, Sean Kenney, 

Tanya Lemani, Bobby Clark, France Nuyen and Sandy Gimpel along 

with BarBara and I will be at the Star Trek convention at The Rio here 

in Las Vegas from August 3-6. While none of us were the “Main Stars” 

we are proud to say that we were “Guest Stars.” 

As always, we are looking forward to meeting the fans! They are 

simply the best fans in the world! They remember every episode, every 

character and often even some of our dialogue! 

You’ll remember BarBara (she likes to spell her name this way) 

as she not only did Star Trek but appeared on Broadway in South 

Pacific, was a regular on two soap operas, had her own night club act, 

and appeared on just about every TV show 

including Perry Mason, The Untouchables, 

Zorro, The FBI, Outer Limits, Fantasy Island 

and Bonanza to name just a few. 

She also starred opposite Frank Sinatra 

and Spencer Tracy in the movie “The Devil 

at 4 o’clock.” She is beautiful both inside and 

out! 

I call her “Mama Bear” because I get a 

kick out of her as she always seems to be 

the one looking out for all of us, including 

making sure we are all taken care of. She 

also helps with organizing our little group as well. 

I am one lucky lady to have a friend such as “Luna” - which is the 

name she prefers to be called. 

Until next time remember: Don’t start your day with broken pieces 

of yesterday. 

Beverly Washburn graced the silver screen as a child actress and 

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

hotmail.com. 

E x p e r i e n c e 

A N e w L e v e l O f 

I n d e p e n d e n t L i v i n g 

Carnegie Heights at Henderson is elegant, energetic independent 

living for seniors to sunny Henderson. This community is the 

premier destination for active seniors ready to embrace 

maintenance-free living. 

You Gotta Have Friends 

Proud Sponsor of Beverly Washburn, 

Hollywood Memories 

Luxury On-Site Dining Movie Theater Housekeeping Salon 

Yoga/Fitness Center Dog Park Swimming Pool 

525 Carnegie St., Henderson NV 89052 702 - 476 - 1501 

C a r n e g i e L i f e . c o m 

12 


Our Hollywood Memories Beverly Washburn is joined by original 

Mickey Mouse “Mouseketeer” Sharon Baird on her podcast last month. 

Beverly and Sharon shared their secret for being “best friends” for 66 

years. 

How many people have such friendships spanning over six decades? 

You can listen to the podcast on all Vegas Voice podcast platforms as well 

as on our sister website: vegasvoicetv.net.

$ 

3,000 

UP TO 

IN INSTANT REBATES 

AVAILABLE ON A NEW A/C SYSTEM 

$ 

79 $ 39 

702-472-8220 

A/C PRECISION TUNE-UP 

PER SYSTEM 

FREE 

SERVICE CALL WITH ANY REPAIR 

$49 SERVICE CALL FEE DUE IF NO REPAIR IS COMPLETED 

AS 

LOW 

AS 

$ 

149 

WHOLE HOUSE AIR DUCT CLEANING 

PER SYSTEM 

$ 

119 

DRYER VENT CLEANING 

AND SAFETY INSPECTION 

$ 

29 

WHOLE HOUSE 

PLUMBING 

INSPECTION 

OR WATER 

HEATER FLUSH 

13

By: Gayla Kalp / Life is Laughter 

friend of mine sent me these road signs. I 

A thought they were exceptionally funny. Which 

ones are your favorite? 

1. Police car loses wheels to thief! Cops are 

working tirelessly to nab suspect 

2. Before the crowbar was invented, crows had to drink at home. 

3. Water is heavier than butane because butane is a lighter fluid. 

4. To some, marriage is a word, to others, it’s a sentence. 

5. Never iron a four leaf clover. You don’t want to press your luck! 

6. Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age. Sometimes, age just 

shows up all by itself. 

7. Some people are wise, some are otherwise. 

8. My relationship with whiskey is on the rocks. 

9. The problem with political jokes is that they sometimes get elected. 

10. Kleptomaniacs always take things literally. 

11. Terrible Summer for Humpty Dumpty but he had a great Fall. 

12. Huge fight at local seafood diner! Battered fish everywhere! 

13. I sued the airline for losing my luggage. I lost my case. 

14. Where there’s a will there’s a relative. 

15. Cold? Go stand in the corner. It’s 90 degrees. 

16. And to the thief who stole my glasses, I will find you…..I have 

contacts. 

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

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

14 

Funny Road Signs 


Here I am celebrating a milestone birthday this 

year. Really? (Not publishing which one haha) 

I look around at so many mementos of my life stashed on cluttered 

shelves and in closets but discarding them has never been an option 

before. 

I did have the good sense to take around 3,000 photos and have 

them scanned to flash drives. Then I made books called “My Life in No 

Particular Order” Parts 1, 2 & the yet to be completed #3. 

The thought is if I wind up in assisted living one day, I’ll have all my 

memories in those books. That effort only cleared out one closet. 

Planning 

for anything 

less than total 

independence is 

daunting and sort 

of surreal. I know 

there won’t be 

too many options 

and I also know 

I can’t predict 

anything. 

But what I do 

know is I don’t 

want to leave a 

mess behind. So, 

I sort, discard, 

It’s My Birthday! 

By: Adrea Nairne-Barrera / Senior Moments 

organize and 

condense any way 

I can. Admittedly 

I’m not very 

efficient at it. 

I think I’m living one of the best parts of my life right now. Best of 

all, I’ve actually accomplished most of what I started out to do these 

last several years. 

I thought for sure I had set the bar too high so the joy is that much 

more rewarding. 

To sum it up: I finished getting my father’s book published. I was 

able to get my original birth certificate that had been sealed forever. 

I found my birth father’s side of the family and now have two half 

siblings on that side. I’m still working at a job I can do at home. 

I’m reasonably healthy. I have a wonderful “significant other” in 

my life. 

There’s more but the whole point is that on my birthday, I like I got 

things done. 

And yes, I still watch “General Hospital” every day! It started 60 years 

ago and I saw the 1 st episode in boarding school. (Luke is gone now, 

or is he?) Some things stay with you forever. 

So Happy Birthday to all of you Leos! 

Adrea likes to opine and find the lighter side of life as a senior.

Composers Showcase 

By: Dianne Davis / That’s Entertainment 

The Composers Showcase at Myron’s Cabaret 

Jazz at the Smith Center is one of Las Vegas’s 

hidden gems. 

This monthly event is always the 

same - yet different. 

The Showcase features original 

songs or music composed by locals 

or visitors. and played, sung, or 

performed by known artists and/ 

or those who are or should be 

headlining shows. 

Composer/arranger/singer/ 

entertainer/musical director Keith 

Thompson brings a roster of talent 

that often has the audience on 

its feet in appreciation. Broadway 

veteran Keith’s personality and welcomes kick off the upbeat evenings 

with humor and good vibes. 

That twinkle in his eye sends a signal - Come along with me. We’re 

gonna have a good time. 

The Wednesday evening event (9:30 pm) is a mix, mingle and 

reunion for entertainment industry people. Some come to present 

original material, many to see and support each other. 

Some in hopes of convincing Keith that they have something to bring 

to the table – or in this case – the stage. Numerous regular supporters 

attend to simply sit back and enjoy. 

Others are there to be with performers they admire and enjoy. Myron’s, 

a 240 seat venue, is the perfect setting for this unique gathering. 

A few who have enriched The Composers Showcase with their talent 

include Clint Holmes, Dennis Blair, Elisa Fiorillo, Travis Cloer, Vita 

Corimbi Drew, Giada Valenti, Chadwick Johnson, Kelly Clinton-Holmes, 

Ronnie Rose, Melanie Moore, Caitlin Ary, Jonny Bird, Sam Holder, 

E’Stefano DiSanto, Matt Dorman, Rachel Eckroth, Rylan Leo Helmuth, 

Richard Oberacker, Abigayle Rose, Mark Vogel, Valerie Witherspoon, 

Riley Cohen, Elisa Fiorillo, Crystal 

Lewis, Lisa Dawn Miller, Steph 

Payne, and Tymara Walker. Plus, 

the extraordinary musicians who 

bring the music to life. 

The Composers Showcase LV 

LTD is a 501(c)(3) organization 

dedicated to providing a platform 

and a forum for professional 

and aspiring composers and 

songwriters. Profits provide 

scholarships and benefit the TCS 

Entertainment Community Relief 

Fund. 

For dates and tickets, contact TheSmithCenter.com or 702-749-2000. 

Let this hidden gem shine for you. 

Dianne Davis is the lead reporter for Sun City Anthem TV (SCA- 

TV) specializing in entertainment and is Las Vegas Associate Editor 

of lasvegassplash.com. She hikes, works on her stand-up comedy, 

and looks forward to more travels with her husband Burt. 

Welcome to the 

Rhinestone Room 

Tony Arias with Composers Showcase Director Keith Thompson. 

Tony could not have chosen a better first guest for his initial Vegas Voice 

Rhinestone Room video than the “Maestro.” 

You can watch this great video on our YouTube channel or on our sister 

website: vegasvoicetv.net 

15

Vegas Turns Out for Michael Grimm 

By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places 

Michael Grimm, the humble Southern soul 

singer from bayou country, collapsed with 

stroke-like symptoms in late May and landed 

in the intensive care ward of a 

local hospital fighting for his 

life. By mid-July, weakened by 

his time on a ventilator, Grimm 

completed out-of-state physical 

and speech therapy and 

returned to his Las Vegas home. 

Grimm’s charismatic 

nature and haunting vocals 

won over audiences in 2010 

when he edged out 10-year old 

singer Jackie Evcancho to win 

America’s Got Talent’s Grand 

Prize. Grimm further won 

America’s hearts by committing 

grand prize dollars to build a 

new home for the grandmother who raised him. 

Lucie Grimm 

(Photo courtesy Ed Foster) 

He dedicated his winning song, “When a Man Loves a Woman” to 

Lucie, the girlfriend who is now his wife. 

When word leaked out of Grimm’s illness, local crooner and close 

friend Mark OToole sprang into action with his energetic “Let’s-Put- 

On-A-Show” enthusiasm aiming to raise money to defer Grimm’s 

exploding medical bills. Over 500 fans crowded into the Silverton’s Veil 

Showroom last month as dozens of Las Vegas performers contributed 

in a tribute to their friend while even more joined the event online and 

phoning in donations. “It’s hard for me to swallow the outpouring of 

love,” Grimm said of the benefit, just days after returning home. Wife 

Lucie had partnered with OToole and his production team of Megan 

Belk and Kathy Wolfe, all the while keeping the event under wraps from 

hubbie Michael. 

Singers, musicians, magicians and comedians quickly volunteered 

their services swelling the program to four hours. Among those behind 

the scenes were, Henderson’s Steve Beyer Productions who donated 

the equipment and manpower to awe the audience with sound and 

lighting services and Aron Elekes whose Go Live Vegas production firm 

produced and live streamed the event. 

With a short production window, many of the city’s top names 

who had prior commitments sent video tributes that were assembled 

and produced for showing by singer Terri Haley. “I put my Sugar 

Shack podcast on hold,” Haley told The Vegas Voice, adding that she 

established her Las Vegas roots early on with Grimm. 

“I did my first Vegas duet with Michael, Will You Still Love Me 

Tomorrow,” adding sheepishly, “He sang backup.” 

Among those appearing were fellow America’s Got Talent alumni 

Tape Face, Terry Fator, Murray SawChuck and Trump impersonator 

John DiDomenico. 

Bill Medley, founding member of the Righteous Brothers, plans 

an August 9 tribute to Grimm at the Smith Center’s Myron’s Cabaret 

Jazz. The two share a 20-year friendship that’s seen them tour together 

and Grimm join the Righteous Brothers band as guest guitarist. They 

plan to share stories and again perform together. (Tickets available at 

theSmithCenter.com)“It’s been overwhelming with the outpouring. 

“It’s been boxes and boxes of get well cards and donations,” Lucie 

Grimm said of the well-wishers. “A heartfelt “Thank You” to everyone 

who expressed get well wishes.” 

16 


Bathroom Remodeling 

Made Effortless 

0% Interest * up 

to$1500 Off 

Financing Available 

Your Bathroom Remodel 

Not to be combined with any other offer. *No interest for 12 months. 

Subject to credit approval. Ask a sales representative for details. Expires 8/31/2023. 

Schedule your free in-home design consultation today. 

702-509-7503 

Complete Bathroom Remodeling • Tub & Shower Updates • Aging & Accessibility Solutions 

3655 East Patrick Lane, Las Vegas, NV 

NV Lic # 81688, 81689, 81690 

17

46 

Whatever Happened to 

Customer Service? 

By: Liz Breier / This & That 

It cannot just be me. It seems that I cannot order 

anything without there being an issue. 

I now order many items because that is the way 

of the world now. If we didn’t order over the computer or phone before 

the pandemic, we all do now. 

My issue is with the way things are sent. Recently, I ordered a rather 

costly shampoo and conditioner. 

They had a great sale and even offered some “extras’ (like sample 

sizes for traveling) I thought that was terrific until I opened the box and 

discovered leaked shampoo everywhere. 

Yes, I was able to get it (eventually) rectified but not without endless 

emails, phone calls and sending photographs. 

18 


Then there were the replacement refrigerator panels – it only took 

3 months and numerous emails and calls, but happily those finally 

arrived. One was damaged and they wanted me to send it back. 

I got Samsung to agree that one picture is worth a thousand words 

and the manufacturer agreed to replace the panel – except I’ve since 

had more than a dozen emails and a subsequent request for the serial 

number (which they certainly could have requested initially). 

Mind you, I still have not been told that the replacement has been 

sent. Update: the serial number that Samsung had on the panel (and 

the box it came in) was the “wrong number” and now I need to drag 

the panel to a FedEx office. Once received (hopefully) Samsung will 

replace it. 

Why is it like this? Is it that difficult to properly shrink wrap a large 

bottle of shampoo? Is it so much trouble to properly protect a stainlesssteel 

panel? 

The amount of effort, time and cost that goes into the replacement 

from the seller is far more than the proper packaging it would have cost 

if done correctly in the first place. The consumer (me!) is aggravated 

and forced to spend so much time trying to get the issue rectified - 

which does not necessarily make for good repeat purchases. 

Someone, somewhere, must realize that there has to be a better way 

and can implement some common sense solutions. 

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.

19

20 

PLAY • CHEER • VOLUNTEER 

Presented by 

It’s Coming! 

By: Liz Palmer / NSG 

Sadly, all good things must come to an end, 

such as our early bird registration discount for 

the Nevada Senior Games. 

But there’s another good thing that is 

ongoing. You can still register for your sport (or sports) at our website, 

nevadaseniorgames.com. 

That’s where you’ll find all the information about our September 

and October competitions; details like dates, times, venues, order of 

events, and final registration deadlines. 

If you click on Sports Information at the top of our home page 

you’ll be directed to a listing of our sports. Click on the orange “2023” 

link by your sport of choice for all the information. And then click on 

Registration Information in order to securely register. 

I’m especially excited about our first competition, which is Dance 

– solo, couples, and teams to be held at the Clark County Library. The 

date for that event is September 9 and registration closes August 28. 

We’ll take a short break before really launching into our September 

competitions. Pickleball, Tennis, Cornhole, Bowling, and Racquetball 

finish out the month. 

And then we keep on rolling right through October with Table Tennis, 

Track and Field, Cycling, Swimming, Badminton, Archery, Basketball 

Skills, Golf, Shuffleboard, and finally our Road Races on October 28 th . 

What a lineup! 

Although not a qualifying year for the next national competition in 

2025, it’s a great opportunity to keep your skills sharp, enjoy some fun 

competition, and make new friends. 

And that national competition in 2025? The host city was just 

announced – Des Moines, Iowa! 

Remember to check out each sport’s closing date on our website. 

We’re excited to welcome you to experience Fitness For The Fun of It! 

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. 

Schedules, Online Registration & More Info: 

NEVADASENIORGAMES.COM 


Where the 50+ Play! 

Sept & Oct in Las Vegas Area 

• 20+ sports for active adults ages 50+ 

LAST CHANCE — SIGN UP NOW! 

• All events open to public for FREE 

COME WATCH ALL THE ACTION! 

• Be part of the excitement & fun 

VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN! 

By: Betty Boyd / Love of the Sport 

Brad Whitlock is the President of Curling 

Vegas. He started curling at age 57 in 2010 

and had been doing this for over 12 years while living in Los Angeles. 

Brad got interested in curling 

by watching it when it was in 

the Olympics. He was intrigued 

by the sport… including the 

yelling that ensued. 

Brad signed up for a class 

while in LA and got hooked on 

this sport. He and his wife moved 

to Las Vegas in 2012. When he 

discovered a curling club was 

starting in town, Brad got 

associated with them. 

Curling Comes to the 

Vegas Valley 

Brad Whitlock 

The club was not as far along as L.A. They needed more players and 

a good number of them required the basic lessons. Brad was able to 

teach them. 

“Almost anybody can play curling, and even when you are not 

that good at first. There is a tolerance for this since it is not a highly 

competitive sport,” states Brad. 

People try to help others learn the sport, which is an amicable, 

friendly way to stay interested in curling. The club eventually grew, and 

Brad became more involved until he became President. 

The club is now trying to get its own building to play more frequently. 

Currently, they are only able to play one day a week. 

During the last Winter Olympics, Brad and the club gave lessons to 

close to 500 people for three months. And it would have been more if 

they had more time available. 

Everybody was having a good time playing. And the best part: you 

can start at any age since they have youth and seniors curling. 

People who have relocated from Michigan or Minnesota play in the 

club and enjoy it. There are no skates involved, but a unique shoe with 

a Teflon surface to slide easily. 

Curling is growing all the time in Las Vegas. For more information 

on the club, visit: curlvegas.com. 

Betty Boyd, is a lover of all sports, a freelance writer, and a Solera 

resident. You can contact Betty at: bboyd0306@gmail.com.

About Our Food 

By: Tom Harmon / Lean Dog 

Hey kids, let’s talk about our food! 

The industrialization of food production 

over the last 60 years 

has revolutionized the way we grow, process, 

and distribute food. While it has brought 

about many conveniences, it has also had 

a negative impact on the nutritional value 

of our food. 

In the United States, getting complete 

nutrition from our food has become 

increasingly challenging, leading to a rise 

in diet-related health problems. 

The first challenge is soil depletion. 

Modern agriculture practices emphasize high-yield crops, and heavy 

use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to maximize 

production. While this approach may increase crop yields, it depletes 

the soil of nutrients, leading to a decline in the nutritional content of 

the food. 

The second challenge is food processing. The food processing industry 

has become more sophisticated and efficient, but it often comes at the 

cost of nutrition. Many processed foods contain added sugars, salt, 

and unhealthy fats, which can lead to obesity, heart disease, and other 

health problems. 

The third challenge is transportation and storage. As food travels 

long distances and sits in storage, it loses nutrients. 

Fresh produce, for example, may be picked before it’s fully ripe to 

extend its shelf life, but this means it 

hasn’t had the chance to develop its full 

nutritional potential. Moreover, the longer 

it takes for food to reach consumers, the 

more it is exposed to light, heat, and air, 

which can damage its nutrient content. 

Finally, consumer behavior is another 

challenge. Many people opt for convenience 

foods and snacks that are high in calories 

and low in nutrients. 

The good news is that we don’t have 

worry about any of this if we stick with the three pillars of health 

and longevity. Quality food, quality exercise, and quality nutritional 

supplements! 

Actually. there’s a fourth…hug the ones you love often. 

Tom Harmon is a Certified Fitness Trainer & Nutritionist and 

owns Lean Dog Fitness in Henderson. Call 702/297-6440 to book 

your free intro/assessment to begin your journey to reclaim your 

health. www.leandogfitness.com 

21

By: Dianne Hahn / Back in the Days 

Summer is here, but I’m going to have to skip it 

this year. None of my summer clothes fit! 

Don’t scold. A gal hasta have a bit of fun! 

But those extra pounds I acquired are 

stubbornly sticking to my bones! My summer 

clothes bunch, and crease, and I huff and puff 

when I walk. 

Steps seem higher, staircases longer, and I 

need a pogo stick to get up onto the average 

street curb. 

I bought some books about eating healthy 

and losing weight. Other than fish and 

chicken, they said you shouldn’t eat anything 

white. 

No flour, potatoes, rice, or sugar. Gimmie 

a break! What’s left? Oh yeah, lettuce and 

brown rice. 

Another book talked about portion control and included a list: 

Cooked pasta: Your fist size. (I feed more to my dog!) 

Dry cereal: Small white wine glass. (Huh? Do you mix the cereal 

with the chardonnay?) 

Cooked rice: A cupcake wrapper. (That’s filling!) 

Nonfat cheese: A pink eraser. (OMG! I gave up eating those in grade 

school!) 

22 

Summer is Here! 

Happy Birthday To My Dad 

By: Pat Alexander / Art of Entertaining 

This month brings thoughts of my father. He 

was born in August and was 

a very gentle man who never 

raised his voice, loved a good joke and dinnertime 

always found us around the table laughing at his 

latest favorites. 

He loved cars and every Saturday we went to 

his friend’s repair shop so he could be around his 

beloved automobiles. I would walk, with my hand in 

his, the several blocks to the garage and It was the 

highlight of my Saturday mornings. I still love the 

smell of gasoline and the memories it brings. 

For my high school graduation, he gave me my 

first corsage, miniature yellow roses. Of course, 

yellow roses are my favorite. 

Daddy was a first-class carpenter, mechanic and handyman. When I 

bought my first house, he came to help paint and do fix-it things. 

My sisters and I have always joked that since Daddy had no sons, God 

made sure his three daughters were all born with a hammer in their 

hand. I was right there with him, yielding paint brush, hammer and 

nails. It was a wonderful, memorable two weeks of working together. 


Potato: A bar of soap. (Good news! It didn’t mention toppings like 

butter and sour cream. They’re okay, right?) 

Muffin: A standard light bulb size. (Itty bitty!) 

Frozen yogurt: A baseball. (Would it kill them to make it a softball?) 

Nuts: 2 egg cups. (Two! They actually let you have two! Be still my 

beating heart!) 

Vegetable oil or mayo: A quarter. (A 

quarter of what? Oh! Like 25 cents? Why 

bother?) 

Chocolate: A package of dental floss. (That 

doesn’t even deserve a comment!) 

Vegetables: A small scoop of ice cream. 

(Yum, over the top!) 

Lean red meat: A computer mouse. 

(Delicious! Fillet of mouse!) 

I threw that book in the trash! See why I 

hate diets? You eat scraps! They simply don’t 

work…for me, anyway! 

If that isn’t bad enough, I’ve been grappling with another issue - 

another birthday! Now I’m worried about being over the hill too! We’ll 

save that for another day. 

However, you’ll be happy to know I’ve resolved my immediate diet 

dilemma. Like Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind. “I’ll think 

about it tomorrow!” 

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

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

He loved ice cream and every night at 8:00 pm he would give me 

the “look” that signaled it was our ice cream time – his favorite was 

two scoops of chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce, 

half a banana, wet walnuts, whipped cream and a 

Maraschino cherry on top. 

It was a ritual that holds a special place in my 

heart. By the way, wet walnuts are an East Coast 

thing. 

If you haven’t tried them, you really must. Total 

decadence and so delicious. Here’s a recipe: 

“Wet” Walnuts: In saucepan, combine 1 cup 

light corn syrup (Karo), 1 cup brown sugar and ½ 

cup water. Bring to a slow boil, stirring well. Add 2 

cups halved walnuts. Lightly boil an additional 2 

minutes, stirring constantly. 

Remove from heat. Add 1 tsp. vanilla. Stir well. 

Cool. Store in refrigerator. Stir before using. You 

can add 3 tbs. butter, and milk in place of water, for additional richness, 

but it tends not to store as well. 

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.

23

24 


25

With summer in mid-swing, our skin can 

really take a beating. While a summer glow 

sounds so nice and 

looks healthy, it can also dry out and 

make older skin look more wrinkled and 

crepey. 

That is never a good look. 

Here are some simple things we can 

do to help get through the rest of the 

summer without looking like a prune: 

1. Using sunblock everywhere 

your skin is exposed when outdoors is 

important, but during your daily routine 

don’t forget your chest. We often focus on 

our face and neck and stop there but the 

chest area is equally important. 

The chest is often brought into focus if you’re wearing a nice 

necklace. We want a soft pretty chest, not a wrinkly one. 

2. Drink more water. Our skin needs moisture. Remember if you 

are enjoying an alcoholic drink, alcohol can dehydrate you. Include a 

glass of water to sip on alongside your beverage. 

Heat stroke is no joke. Stay hydrated for your overall health. 

26 

The Beauty of the Shrug 

By: Lisa Kemmerling / Fashion Couture 

Summer Fashions are fun, full of color choices 

and usually provide 

the utmost comfort for 

women on those hot 

Nevada days. 

The question I’m often asked is “I don’t 

like all the sleeveless tops and dresses, because 

I don’t want to show my arms.” There’s an 

easy fix to that and allows an individual to 

stay cool and comfortable as well as present a 

Fashion forward look. 

The perfect fix is the Shrug. Also known as 

a woman’s close-fitting cardigan or jacket. 

There are many Bolero styles that are also 

considered shrugs. 

Only the arms and shoulders are covered. 

These great little accessories come in several 

colors white, creme, black and sometimes in 

summer hues. 

Over the years, the shrug has changed. The origins of the shrug go 

back as early as the 1940s. Shrugs flatter every type of body and can 

change the look of any top or dress. 

Your Skin & Summertime 

By: Linda Bateman-Gomez / Timeless Beauty 


The beauty of the shrug is how it looks paired with a skirt, dress 

or slacks. 

In 1989, when I was planning my wedding my attendants found 

the most beautiful dress that was spaghetti 

strapped, with none other than a lovely white 

satin shrug to go over the dress. To this day, I 

look back on those dresses with fondness. 

They were stylish, and yet provided the look 

of being discreet for a church wedding and 

removable for the reception later. 

The shrug for over 60+ years has been 

providing the coverage that most women want, 

without taking away the look of the outfit. 

When looking for a shrug, start with going 

online and see what stores carry them. Usually, 

they can be found in your big box stores like 

Dillard’s, Nordstroms, and Macy’s. 

If all else fails, and color choices need to 

be more specific other than white or black - 

there’s always Amazon. 

Lisa Kemmerling is the owner of Clean Lines Fashion Consulting, 

helping individuals with their packing needs for travel, as 

well as finding current styles for both men & women. You can 

contact her at: lisa@cleanlinesfashion.com or 925/518-4950. 

3. Moisturizing is important any time of year but after soaking up 

the sun (especially if you get sun burned) slather on that lotion. 

4. Wear cute hats for more protection and a bit of style. Hats will not 

only help protect your face from the sun 

but also your hair. 

If your hair is color treated, the sun can 

change the color. Older hair is also more 

fragile and protecting it from anything 

harsh is important. 

Aside from protecting your face and 

hair, there are so many cute, light weight 

summer hats that will also make you 

look stylish. If your concern is hat hair, 

a visor will help with sun on your face. 

Remember: any protection is better than 

nothing. 

Summer is my favorite time of the year. 

Long days, outdoor activities and the grandkids out of school for fun in 

the sun. Enjoy every second, fall will be here before we know it! 

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.

27

28 

Being Water Smart 

By: Howard Galin / Happy Gardening 

Already this summer we’ve experienced many 

days of “record breaking” temperatures. Be 

ready - the month of August promises more of 

the same! 

Unusually high temperatures combined with prolonged hours of 

daylight and minimal humidity makes it quite difficult to keep our 

gardens healthy and attractive. We are spending less time actually 

working outdoors so we want to focus on effective steps to address our 

landscaping needs. 

In summer, we must maintain adequate moisture levels in the 

soil to protect the plants and their 

roots. Most non-native plants need 

to be irrigated twice a day, six times 

a week for about 30 minutes, while 

native plants such as cactus, yucca 

and agave need just 10 minutes of 

irrigation once a week. 

Switching over to a desert 

landscape can save hundreds of 

gallons of water! Outdoor water 

wasted is water lost! 

Unlike water used within your home, outdoors water cannot be 

recycled by the Water Authority and used for Return Flow Credit. 

Single family homes use 46% of the water in Southern Nevada. 

Multifamily homes use about 29%. The Southern Nevada Water 

Authority monitors when and how you are using water. 

Excessive usage can lead to high water bills and fines for violating 

watering rules. The Authority encourages residents to monitor 

usage by providing rebates for installing “water-smart” irrigation 

programs to manage your irrigation needs and “strap-on” devices 

onto your water lines to alert you of water leaks. 

The devices are controlled through your cellphones. You are 

encouraged to convert from septic tanks (where no water can be 

reclaimed) to public sewer connections where it can be recycled. To 

obtain information regarding purchasing water saving devices and 

applying for rebates, contact the Southern Nevada Water Authority 

at: SNWA.com 

At home, you can reduce water usage and maintain soil moisture 

by substituting rock mulch with organic mulch around your 

landscaping. Have any grass? Remove it and receive a $3 per square 

foot rebate. You will save money as well as water! 

If you take advantage of water-saving programs and use water 

more efficiently, you can reduce your monthly water bill, maintain a 

healthy beautiful garden and protect our water supply. 

Have any gardening questions? Contact me: Theplantwhisperer28@ 

gmail.com. 

Howard Galin is a University of Nevada certified Master 

Gardener who lectures on, and writes about native plants and 

desert landscaping 


Barrett-Jackson Auction 

By: BJ Killeen / Down the Road 

One of the advantages of getting older is that 

we now have the money to spend on hobbies 

that we couldn’t afford when we were younger. For 

many, one of those hobbies is cars. 

What’s nice is that the vehicles we lusted after as teenagers we can 

now own - mostly. And there are few better places to find your dream 

machine than the Barrett Jackson auction that comes to Vegas every 

year in early summer. 

I said mostly because many of those muscle cars have skyrocketed in 

price. But there are still bargains to be found. 

Barrett-Jackson auctions are held all over the country, including 

here in Las Vegas, Palm Beach, New Orleans, Houston, and the bigdaddy 

one in Scottsdale, Arizona, every January. A bonus of the auctions 

is that a handful of cars are sold for charity. 

The Las Vegas auction raised $865,000 for the American Cancer 

Society as well as Kristi House, a charity that provides treatment and 

advocacy for childhood trauma. 

The majority of vehicles are sold for no reserve, which means highest 

bidder wins, no matter what the price. The auction is also one of the 

largest sellers of memorabilia. 

This year, a Mae West visible gas pump set a world record for vintage 

gas pumps, going for $368,000. Barrett-Jackson will also auction 

motorcycles, boats, and just about anything else that moves. 

The top-selling vehicle this year at Las Vegas was a 2019 Ford GT 

Lightweight Edition for $990,000. 

Not all vehicles go for absurdly high prices. A 1999 Bentley Arnage 

went for just over $15,000, a steal from its original price of $215,000 

and a 2005 Maserati Quattroporte crossed the block at $11,000, which 

sold for $95,000 new. 

If you do bid, you also have to pay a bidder’s premium of 10% in 

addition to the price of the car. The auction can also help arrange 

delivery, financing, and insurance on site. 

For more information, or to see what all the cars sold for, as well as 

upcoming auctions, check out barrett-jackson.com. 

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

For Medicare members 

Discover senior primary care 

that’s centered on you 

CenterWell offers personalized, senior-focused care that helps you live 

a healthier, happier life. 

Doctors who listen and care 

Same-day appointments 

24/7 access to the care team 

“ Since being a CenterWell 

patient, I’ve never felt better.” 

– Victor, CenterWell Senior Primary Care patient 

Discover the benefits of whole-person 

primary care for yourself. 

Schedule your tour now: 

702-819-9581 

AtCenterWell.com 

14 locations 

in Las Vegas 

We accept Original Medicare as well as many Medicare Advantage Plans including Aetna 

(including HMO Prime), Alignment Health, Humana and Wellcare. 

CenterWell does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. 

29

By: Renee Riendeau / Movie Revelations 

Moviegoers didn’t rush to the theater in 

significant numbers to see Harrison Ford’s 

final “Indiana Jones, 

Dial of Destiny” film. I attended the movie 

on the third day of release and there were 

only a handful of people joining me in the 

audience. 

The film cost $250 million but only grossed 

$60 million from the 4,600 movie theaters in 

North America. There was also $70 million 

from international showings in 52 markets. 

So, this flick enjoyed a $130 million global 

opening. The figures, however, failed to meet 

box office expectations. 

This time machine film was mostly filmed 

in Morocco. It included a chase through the 

city of German criminals following Jones and 

his sidekick and goddaughter, Helena (Phoebe 

Waller- Bridge). 

They were all attempting to capture the time 

machine for their own benefit in changing history. Some scenes were 

30 

Indiana Jones - Dial of Destiny 

English Teacher Agony & Ecstacy 

By: Jane Dow / Mutterings & Musings 

My favorite student sat slumped in his desk, 

soundly sleeping. He was a pathetic kid with 

abusive, druggy parents. 

But somehow he managed to come to 

school where, at least, he was safe. I didn’t 

want to wake him, but I was concerned the 

principal might walk in and see him sleeping. 

The only thing I could think of doing was 

moving my fake Ficus tree in front of him, 

so he would be sort of hidden. This was the 

thought process of a first year English teacher. 

I loved high school in the 60s. Although I 

was a mediocre B student, I excelled at English 

and goofing off. Therefore, when it came time 

to decide my future, I chose the only obvious 

option: English Teacher! 

In hindsight, the attributes of a successful English teacher should 

involve more than the ability to write a sexy 5-paragrph essay. Also, 

my stand-up comedy routine in Trig class didn’t prepare me for the 

hordes of Walking Dead freshmen who tried to devour me in Remedial 

Reading. 

In other words, during my first year of teaching, I was completely 

blind-sided when it came to classroom discipline. 


exciting, dangerous, and breath taking. 

One of the most captivating was when the young star, (Ethann 

Isidore) jumped in an empty plane and flew it to rescue Jones and 

Helena who had been captured by the 

Germans. Another “wow” scene is when Jones 

and Helena jumped out of plane together. 

This “Dial for Destiny” is the 5 th installment 

of the Spielberg/George Lucas adventure series 

which began in 1981. The movie was directed 

by James Mangold who took over for Spielberg. 

The current script calls for an older 

archaeologist as Dr. Jones is retiring from his 

university teaching position. (Interestingly, 

Ford announced this will be his last time 

playing this character). 

I can’t remember if or when I saw a previous 

Indian Jones film, but my movie rating is 8 

out of 10. It appears viewers are not interested 

anymore in an 80 year old hero, even if it is 

Harrison Ford. 

Renee Riendeau is the movie reviewer for The Vegas Voice. Renee can 

be reached at rriendeau@aol.com and is anxious to hear from you. 

How did I combat this pedagogical shortcoming? Fun! I put my 

theatre background to good use. 

During the unit on Romeo and Juliet, we hurled Shakespearean 

insults at one another (“Thou are a boil, a plague sore! “). 

When we studied British Lit., each student 

delivered a monologue dressed up as a British 

writer. I came as Queen Victoria to preside over 

the affair. 

During an Edgar Allen Poe unit, students 

brought one of his short stories to life by 

concocting a “Bag Full of Poe”--decorated 

bags filled with key objects from one of his 

stories. You can imagine what “The Premature 

Burial” bags contained. Vincent Price would 

have died from fright--or disgust. 

Over the years, I attended many workshops 

on Classroom Management. However, my Vice 

Principal Tim gave me the wisest advice: “Jane, if you say you’re going 

to kill ‘em, you’ve got to kill ‘em.” I understood what he meant. Don’t 

make empty threats. 

I miss those simpler, teen-filled years. 

Jane taught high school English and theatre for 30 years. She 

now spends her time being a Toastmaster, enjoying the endless 

entertainment options in our town, attending Pilates classes and 

spoiling her rescue, Mandy.

31

VETERANS! 

JOIN 

32 


US! 

There’s a 

lot more to 

us than a 

bunch of 

good looking 

guys in 

funny hats! 

For more information and a personal invite 

call: Larry Brower/Post Commander 

702/747-9840 

Doc Enos Post 983 

Henderson, NV, 89053 

Veterans: Love ‘em or Hate ‘em 

By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet 

Is it really possible for some individuals to hold 

negative views towards Veterans? 

I would say so. Lest we forget: soldiers returning 

from Vietnam routinely had garbage thrown on them and were spit 

upon as they walked through airports while wearing their uniforms. 

The contributions and sacrifices made by veterans are often revered 

and respected. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that not everyone 

holds a positive view towards veterans…even today. 

As veterans, we may wonder why that is. Maybe shedding a light on 

the nature of these prospectives will help. 

Back in the day, anti-war people 

had their reasons - right or wrong. 

Today, anti-gun people (perhaps 

those as the ‘Nam days) have their 

reasons. 

Why? Because veterans have 

been trained in weapons of war, 

and usually are not anti-gun and 

support safe and sane gun ownership. However, there are some other 

underlying reasons that may serve to enlighten us. 

Lack of Understanding. Without firsthand experience or exposure to 

the realities faced by veterans, it becomes difficult for individuals to 

empathize or appreciate their sacrifices. 

In certain cases, negative attitudes towards veterans may stem from 

political or ideological differences. Veterans are often associated with 

military intervention or wars that might be deemed controversial 

or unjust, and some may harbor concerns about the potential risks 

associated with veterans’ military training or war-related trauma. 

Worst of all, misplaced anger towards the government or military 

institutions may be transferred onto veterans who were only serving in 

the line of duty. 

Negative experiences with individual veterans can shape one’s 

perception of the entire veteran community. It is crucial to recognize 

that negative incidents are not representative of the entire veteran 

population. 

While it is important to acknowledge and respect the sacrifices 

made by veterans, it is equally vital to consider the complexities that 

may lead to negative attitudes towards them. Misconceptions, lack 

of understanding, political differences, personal experiences, can all 

contribute to negative views. 

To help fix it, we can promote dialogue and education to help 

bridge the gap for better understanding of the veteran experience. 

Ultimately, it is essential to approach this topic with compassion and 

open-mindedness to foster a society that appreciates and supports its 

veterans. 

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. Readers can contact him at skysoldier503@ 

gmail.com

What Have You “Swept Under the Rug?” 

By: Pat Landaker / Positive Aging 

“ 

Swept Under the Rug” is 

the idiom for that bump 

that’s been under your rug 

for years. Yes, the one you 

continue to ignore, hoping it will just disappear 

and go away. 

What makes up that bump? It’s years of 

negative issues you’ve faced or rather didn’t face 

and thought would stay forgotten or hidden. 

Surprise! Now, they’re here confronting and 

challenging your peace of mind. 

Everyone sweeps things under the rug - and it 

can start at a very young age. When things are 

a bit too tough to deal with, we stuff them away, 

out of sight and out of mind. 

And when they pop up, we whack them right 

back down with plans on dealing with them 

another day or never at all. It’s what we do when 

we don’t know what else to do. It’s why we find 

ourselves facing the same issues years or even decades later. 

It’s time to lift the rug and mine through the things underneath it. 

Give each one attention, awareness, focus and a solution. 

Decide to either purge it or fix it. Then, you can release the frustration 

and stress it places on your mind and your 

health. 

Start by identifying why each thing under 

the rug exists and what emotional challenge it 

represents. What you’ll find interesting is most 

things can be purged simply and immediately. 

Discovering and rediscovering what’s under 

the rug can be one of the most freeing activities 

you can do - and you’ll learn more about 

yourself. 

Clearing what’s under the rug is an 

opportunity to understand and validate your 

emotions and gain clarity about your WHYs. 

Much of what stresses you are things you dealt 

with but never removed from under the rug. Now 

you can toss them away officially. 

Take a deep breath. Lift your rug. Set yourself 

free. This is positive aging! 

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

Living La Vida Senior, Ageless Aging, and CSA Senior Solutions. 

She teaches Positive Aging at UNLV/OLLI. www.patlandakerAGEncy. 

com or contact@livinglavidasenior.com 

READ THIS 

The Vegas Voice is the largest monthly publication for the 50 Plus market in Nevada! 

We’ve been around for over 21 years with a readership that is loyal to our advertisers. 

Let The Vegas Voice work for your business. Call us today - 702-251-4441 to Advertise. 

The Vegas Voice, reaching your market through Print, Radio and Streaming Video. 

TheVegasVoice.net 

33

I 

’ve always been the healthy one. My mom and 

dad had lived into their eighties, but my two 

younger brothers were already gone. 

I was the only one left in my family. Yes, I was the healthy one, but 

things were changing. 

In March I joined my husband Ray for a 

delightful Italian dinner. Suddenly I noticed 

that Ray’s voice seemed to be far away and I 

was actually slipping off my chair. The next 

thing I knew my husband was calling for 

an ambulance and we were on our way to 

Summerlin Hospital. 

A couple of days later after a myriad of 

tests, I was home wondering what happened to me. My exams were 

inconclusive and I was cautioned to avoid Italian or spicy foods. 

A few weeks later, history seemed to be repeating itself. Once again I 

found myself in the emergency room at Summerlin Hospital. 

A few more tests and I was warned to watch my diet, even though I 

was not overweight. I was beginning to feel like an “April fool.” 

34 

The Pressure Was On 

By: Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker / 

Out & About 

Sleep Apnea & the Heart 

By: Kyo Mitchell / A Healthier You 

Many individuals develop sleep apnea as they 

grow older. Structures in the upper respiratory 

tract obstruct 

the air flow causing the pathological 

stopping and starting of breathing. 

The usual medical solution for a 

person suffering from sleep apnea is 

to give them a C-PAP machine to be 

used at night. The C-PAP works by 

using air pressure to force open the 

obstructed structures allowing the 

individual to breathe more freely. 

While this strategy is good in 

theory, many individuals find the 

mask extremely uncomfortable. 

They cease using it after a period of time. 

Beyond the fatigue that can occur with sleep apnea, more serious 

complications can occur, including atrial fibrillation, a serious 

dysfunction of the heart. It should be noted that while there is no 

proven causation between sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation, those 

individuals who have sleep apnea are four times as likely to suffer from 

atrial fibrillation. 

It has also been shown that treating sleep apnea can help decrease 

the severity of the atrial fibrillation. Therefore, if sleep apnea can 

affect both health issues and quality of life but the current method of 


Then one night in May I awoke with a start. My left side felt like it 

was on fire. By 6:00 am I could hardly bear the pain, and Ray and I 

were once again on our way to Summerlin Hospital. 

But this time everything was different. My blood pressure was nearing 

200, completely out of control. My symptoms were so severe that there 

was a serious chance I would not survive. 

Fortunately, the head of the emergency 

department was not giving up on me, and even 

though the hospital was filled to overflowing, 

she continuously monitored my condition as 

she made her rounds. 

A few hours later I awoke to find that my 

pain was almost gone. Ray was waiting for 

me and I could tell from his smile that my 

condition was greatly improved. My blood 

pressure was under control. 

I don’t know what magic potion the nurse used that day, but I will 

always be grateful for her determination to save my life. Because of her 

dedication, I still have a lot of living to do! 

Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker is an award winning writer & 

travel agent. She can be reached at Merryman2@aol.com. 

treatment is too uncomfortable for many individuals to be effective, is 

there another possible strategy to treat this? 

High up in the throat (just behind the nose) there are structures 

known as adenoids. Adenoids are similar to tonsils. 

Both adenoids and tonsils are 

part of the lymphatic/immune and 

help the body deal with infections 

and allergens. The problem in 

many cases is that the adenoids 

and also possibly the local tonsils 

can sometimes become chronically 

infected and inflamed. 

This causes them to swell 

and become enlarged. Excessive 

swelling can block the posterior 

nasal passageways, especially when 

a person is laying down. 

The person then must breathe through their mouth contributing to 

obstructive breathing of sleep apnea and the snoring heard at night. 

To treat this, the adenoids and tonsils must be freed from recurrent 

infections so that their swelling decreases, the airways are more open 

and the person can freely breathe through their nose. 

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.

35

Pickpocketing is a crime that was depicted as far 

back as Shakespeare. 

In those days, travelers 

worried about the possibility of theft of money 

when they ventured into foreign lands. Others 

didn’t trouble themselves too much about “petty 

thieves.” 

Today we don’t need to go further than 

the local drugstore to become the target of 

“experienced crooks.” Yet men still use their 

back packet and women carry huge handbags 

filled with identifiable items. 

In an effort to draw attention to our dangerous 

habits, Amy Nofziger, AARP’s Director of Fraud 

Prevention, created an illustrated page titled 

Wallet Audit. It appeared in a recent issue of the magazine and these 

are the warnings she emphasized: 

36 

Check Your Wallet 

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

Rule of Law? 

By: Dan Hyde / Call to Action 

The last time you went to the grocery store, did 

you fill up your cart, bypass the checkout cash 

register and make a beeline to your car quickly 

unloading the “gifts” into your trunk and leave 

the parking lot? 

If you’re like most 

people, the answer 

is no. But for a 

growing part of our 

population paying 

for what you “buy” is 

merely an option. 

This problem is 

escalating throughout 

the country at an 

alarming rate and 

the rule of law that 

most of us respect is 

increasingly becoming 

a joke. Taking responsibility for our actions has become more myth 

than fact. 

A foundation of widespread societal anarchy has been laid. Once it 

metastasizes - and its well on its way of doing just that - our entire 

system of rule of law and governance collapses. 

Police and security guards have their hands tied when trying to 

enforce the law. A theft in progress, even one that they witness in-theact 

is systematically ignored. 

Of course, this does nothing but encourage more theft. Why? Police 


1. Never store your house key in your wallet. With your address 

on adjacent cards, burglars can rob your home before you return. 

2. You don’t need checks to pay nowadays 

so don’t include a blank check. A few small 

bills suitable for tips, and sufficient for a taxi 

(if there’s an emergency) are enough. 

3. Leave your Social Security card and 

store credit cards in a safe place at home. 

4. Carry your Medicare and related 

insurance cards only when you are actually 

going to a medical appointment. 

Nofziger stated that only your driver’s license 

and one credit card are essential. I suggest you 

hide them in an inaccessible spot - perhaps a 

waist pouch or money belt. 

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. 

agencies nationwide are under the constant threat of “defund the 

police” movements which in turn has handcuffed (excuse the pun) the 

agencies from taking decisive action for fear of losing their jobs. 

From grocery store chains, home improvement centers to drug 

stores, all are victims of this so-called “victim-less” crimes. Have you 

ever heard of anything so preposterous in your life? 

It is now common 

to see stores locking 

up their shelves in a 

vain effort to prevent 

theft. It places the rest 

of us “law abiding 

citizens “ in a shoppers 

bind. 

Every time we want 

to purchase something 

out of a locked shelf, 

we have to call for 

assistance. That 

makes our shopping 

experience a dreadful act and challenges our patience. 

What do we do? Parents need to step up and hold their children 

accountable for their actions. But most importantly, and the only way 

to effectively reverse this widespread lawlessness is to hold all of our 

elected officials to account. 

Rule of Law begins and ends with them! If they have no respect for 

the law by advocating “defund the police” actions no one can or will! 

Dan Hyde is a passionate and effective advocate for the senior 

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

Motown, Soul, Rock n' Roll 

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 2:30 p.m. 

At Congregation Ner Tamid 

37

South of San Antonio, Medina shimmered in 

furnace-like weather when more than 1,400 

militia rallied on August 18, 1813 to defend the Republic of Texas. It 

became Texas’ deadliest fighting for independence and ended the first 

Republic of Texas. 

Obscured by Alamo legends, the “Battle of Medina” decimated the 

Republican Army of the North when they came against the Spanish 

Royal Army representing Mexico. Thousands of Texas fighters lost 

their lives. 

Another 300 were executed. Among the dead, an elderly veteran of 

the American Revolution. 

The Spanish army had 

cannons, the Texans, muskets 

and swords. Acquiring his early 

combat experience that day, 

19-year-old Spanish lieutenant 

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna 

- Mexico’s future dictator 

whose approach was to take no 

prisoners. 

The Spanish Royal Army 

murdered nearly half the 3,500 

Medina’s inhabitants, setting 

into action the dynamics 

leading to the Texas Revolution of 1835-36 and the battle at the Alamo. 

Following the Battle of Medina, the Spanish Royal Army marched 

into San Antonio, placing it under Spanish rule and enslaving women 

into domestic work for the army. To maintain control, they bullied and 

terrorized. 

Ten civilian men were executed daily on the Plaza. Rule by fear set 

the stage for the legendary Alamo battle years later. 

Declaring himself “Napoleon of the West,” Santa Anna flourished 

more militarily. At daybreak, March 6, 1836, he and his army attacked 

the Texas Independence fighters at the Alamo. 

Historic reenactments of the Battle of Medina showcase Medina’s 

unique history as the site of Texas bloodiest battle. Signage marks 

where the heaviest opposition took place, land haunted with history. 

In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican War 

on American terms. Mexico recognized American claims to the Rio 

Grande boundary with Texas and conferred rights to California and 

New Mexico. 

Medina, a small close-knit Texas community, has a genuine storied 

history. And by commemorating the bloody battle fought on its soil 

more than 200-years ago, Medina would like the rest of us to know 

about and “Remember the Battle of Medina!” 

38 August 2023 

Remember the Battle of 

Medina! 

By: Kathy Manney / Around Our World 

Kathy draws her articles from a diverse personal background. She 

hopes readers enjoy her column as much as she enjoys the writing and 

sharing. 

Energizer Bunny 

By: Mary Richard / Health Fitness 

We’ve all seen the “energizer bunny” 

commercial. Well, I’ve been called that 

frequently! I keep on going, going, going. 

I’ve been asked, “where do you get your energy?” I’ve been so active 

all my life, so it’s no big deal to “keep going.” 

I was always dancing to music at a young age. My mom put me 

in dancing school to release some of that energy! Yes, that’s where I 

started loving dancing and the joy of entertaining! 

Even now, 

at the “young” 

age of 78, I still 

dance as much 

as I can. I teach 

Zumba, toning, 

dance classes as 

well as an usher 

at The Smith 

Center. 

What do I 

eat to keep up 

my energy? 

Anything I want! 

In reality, I try to 

eat healthy with 

rarely red meats, 

but mostly 

vegetables, fruits 

and chicken or 

fish. 

I drink lots of water per day. Rule of thumb is the take your “honest” 

weight, divide it by two and that’s how many ounces of pure water you 

need each day. If you exercise (especially in this hot Las Vegas heat) 

you need even more water to keep hydrated. 

I admit to having a sweet tooth. But I’ll always eat sweets in 

moderation. 

At 78 years young, I feel so blessed to do what I do each day. Yes, I 

do get tired sometimes, but I know my body and when to stop or slow 

down. 

When I find some healthy recipes on the internet, I’ll print them out 

and try them out at a later date. I also have shared some interesting 

ones to readers on occasion. 

Getting 6-7 hours of sleep per night sometimes is a little difficult with 

my super busy schedule, but I do find that sometimes I fall asleep in 

front of the TV. 

My goal is to have my100th birthday announced on the TODAY show! 

Well, that’s a great goal to have, right? 

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.

39

Buy This Because I’m a Celebrity! 

By: Susan Goldfein / Susan’s Unfiltered Wit 

read an article about the proliferation of 

I celebrities entering the beauty business with 

their own product lines. Examples are Gwyneth 

Paltrow founder of Goop, and Rare Beauty founded by Selena Gomez. 

This got me thinking outside the beauty box. There’s 

a whole world of potential products to which celebrities 

can link their names. Below are a few suggestions. 

Trumpe l’oeil by Ivanka Trump: The former first 

daughter, has applied her vast knowledge of the fashion 

industry to creating a stunning new line of wallpaper 

specifically designed to deceive the eye. 

Taking poetic license from the original spelling, 

Trompe l’oeil, Ivanka artistically applies the art of fakery, 

making two-dimensional representations appear real. 

The buyer can select from a wide range of murals, including, but not 

limited to, the bathroom at Mar-a-Lago, with or without storage boxes, 

Donald and Melania descending the escalator, or any one of Trump’s 

golf courses. If your decorator selects the latter, we recommend 

Bedminster because one can select from several options, including the 

ninth hole with a portrait of Donald in golf shorts. 

Hotter Wheels by Pat Sajak: After 42 years of hosting one of 

America’s favorite game shows, if there’s one thing Pat Sajak knows, 

it’s wheels! Although he’s retiring after this season, we won’t catch Mr. 

Sajak lounging by the pool. 

Rumor has it that he has turned (pun intended) to entrepreneurship 

and will soon be releasing a line of designer tires for all your moving 

vehicles. Mr. Sajak was overheard at a party telling a friend that he is so 

tired (pun intended) of looking at nothing but black where the rubber 

meets the road. 

His tire line will offer the proud vehicle owner a 

wide choice of colors, including neon and psychedelic 

stoner designs. The first wheels off the assembly line 

will be manufactured to fit your average sedan and 

SUV. If successful, Mr. Sajak plans to expand the line 

to accommodate multi-wheel semis, mobile homes, 

wheelchairs, and shopping carts. 

Ballistic Blinis by Vladimir Putin: Given the 

recent attempt at a coup, and uncertainty about the 

outcome of the next U.S. presidential election, Russian 

President Vladimir Putin has fast-forwarded his retirement plans. 

Mr. Putin had planned to rig elections in his favor for another five 

years. However, behind the scenes in his current residence, Putin’s 

Palace, Putin has been observed sneaking into the kitchen at 2:00 am, 

bare-chested, with bags of flour. 

Apparently, he’s been trying to replicate an old family recipe from 

Grandma Shelomova, whose blinis were famous all over Russia in the 

last century. Not wanting to face retirement with nothing to do, it seems 

Putin is preparing to launch his own food brand, featuring a line of 

gourmet blinis just like grandma used to make. 

This may indeed be just the beginning! 

Susan Goldfein’s newest book, Laughing My Way Through the 

Third Stage, is available at Amazon.com, BN.com, Read her blog 

at: www.SusansUnfilteredWit.com. Email Susan: SusanGoldfein@ 

aol.com. 

Lights, Camera & Action! 

40 


Our Vegas Voice family takes a break while shooting a TV commercial 

last month. They did a TV/video commercial for “OTO-TIP.” 

Pictured are Executive Director, “Chef” Bill Caserta (making his acting 

debut) Video Production and Director Jason Roberts, Original Mickey 

Mouse “Mouseketeer” Sharon Baird and our Hollywood Memories 

Beverly Washburn.

By: Stu Cooper / Happy Adventures 

“ 

Old friends…Sat on the park bench like 

bookends…winter companions…sharing 

a park bench quietly;…how terribly strange to 

be seventy.” The beautiful words of Paul Simon’s 

song “Old Friends.” 

Well, this month I will turn 70. Coincidently, Publisher Dan, my 

friend of 48 years will hit that mark three days later. We first met in 

June 1975 as we entered law school as 

22 year-old kids. 

Now, stop and 

take a deep breath 

- where did the 

time go? On my 

end, two children, two 

grandchildren and hundreds 

of events, including bar and bat 

mitzvahs and weddings for my family. 

And of course, traveling the world have filled these past 48 years, but 

oh my, how fast it 

has gone by. 

However, 

the making of 

memories need 

not stop at this 

advancing age. 

Even though some 

may say (golf pun 

intended) we’re 

on the back nine 

it sure beats the 

alternative. In fact, 

now is not the time 

to stop making 

memories. 

I say, go and 

Old Friends 

What happened to these kids? 

do, now! At this age, most of us have encountered health issues. 

However, if we’re standing, and in relatively good health, I say, go, 

now; do now. 

No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Continue to explore, face the world 

with a sense of curiosity and adventure. 

That’s why Dan and I, along with my Sharon and his Rana are 

headed out for a 70 th birthday European cruise. And unless Dan throws 

me overboard, I’ll report on our cruise in future editions. 

And that’s not all. Along with our Vegas Voyagers, we will go and do 

more (assuming the Almighty does not have other plans.) 

We have a couple of great fun-filled Bus to the Boat cruises in the 

works. We are also working on a Rhine River cruise in the very near 

future. 

We’re going to keep making memories, not only for ourselves, but 

also for our Vegas Voyagers family. Happy Adventures to all. 

41

Who Am I? 

By: Mark Richards / Games & Shows 

Below are “clues” to well-known people with 

each person’s initials below. How many do 

you know? 

1. Hollywood Madam ______ 

2. Female Olympic skating champion _____ 

3. Starred as the original Flash Gordon _______ 

4. Sad looking circus clown ______ 

5. Hand puppeteer on the Ed Sullivan Show ______ 

6. Film producer of The Keystone Cops in 1912 ______ 

7. Jockey who won the U.S. Triple Crown twice ______ 

8. Was in a duel with Alexander Hamilton ______ 

9. Hosted the Miss America Pageants in the ‘50s 

______ 

10. First black Archbishop of South Africa _______ 

11. Invented the Morse Code _______ 

12. Original lead singer of The Doors _____ 

BP * EA * SM *BC * HF * EK * AB *DT *JM * PF * MS * 

SW 

Answers on page 46 

Astral Projection 

By: Ali Guggenheim / Psychic Phenomenon 

Astral Projection Out-of-body experiences have 

been a part of our human tapestry throughout 

history. 

In “Develop Your Psychic Skills,” author Enid Hoffman claims, 

“Out-of-body experiences are much more common than most people 

suppose. Almost everyone has had an Astral Projection at least once, 

though many people don’t remember them. Others assume that they’ve 

been dreaming.” 

Astral projection has increased its credibility throughout history. 

Ancient scriptures speak of how clairvoyants were used in India and 

China to obtain military information about each other. Also, declassified 

CIA documents (1995) revealed that the U.S. Army repeatedly deployed 

intelligence officers to study astral projection throughout the 1980s 

In his book “Remote Viewing, What it Is” Tim Rifat writes, “At the 

height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union and the U.S. developed a new and 

terrible form of warfare called psychotronics. This school of espionage 

used ESP and 

psychic spying, 

telepathic 

hypnosis, and 

even remote 

killing.” 

Many other 

countries, such 

as Japan, Israel, 

Italy, France, England, etc., have also used psychics. 

Astral projection happens when you have an Out-of-Body Experience 

(OBE). Sadly, OBEs are primarily associated with near-death 

experiences, even though the OBE spectrum includes various psychic 

and spiritual states. 

OBEs can be spontaneous or intentional; either way, all the physical 

senses shut down, and thoughts dissipate. The OBE assumes our subtle 

celestial body through which our consciousness can function separately 

from our physical body. 

As we travel throughout the astral plane, we realize we’re part of a 

larger energetic reality. 

Imagine exploring beyond the earthly limitations of your physical 

body, surpassing timelines and dimensions. Astral projection enables 

us to experience and realize our multi-dimensional reality, providing 

clarity while strengthening our focus, awareness, and perceptions. 

Therefore, it’s essential to participate while in a high-vibrational 

state of mind since “Like attracts Like” here too. 

There is an abundance of material proving that the astral worlds 

exist. Millions of reports and participants reported accurate descriptions 

of places they’ve never visited, descriptions of events that they could not 

know about otherwise, and even seeing deceased relatives. And I can 

attest to this too! 

42 


To contact Ali or for spiritual consultations, coaching, workshops 

and readings, email: alivegasvoice@yahoo.com.

August 2, 1588 

By: John Beilun / Time Traveler 

Philip II of Spain ruled a vast empire. It 

included Central and South America, Spain, 

Portugal, Holland and Belgium. Not to mention 

England – that is until his wife, Queen Mary (otherwise called “Bloody 

Mary” due to the thousands of Protestants she had killed) died. 

Philip was also rich, made immensely so from the unimaginable 

treasure his Conquistadors stole during their 

conquest of the Americas and the subsequent 

rape of its inhabitants. Such wealth provided 

him the means to create the mightiest fleet 

in the world. 

The glory of his reign would have been 

guaranteed but for a pest across the sea - 

Elizabeth, who had succeeded her half-sister 

Mary as Queen of England in 1558. 

Like her father, Henry VIII, Elizabeth was 

Protestant. As such, she had no love for 

Philip’s Catholicism. And, in spite of the weak 

kingdom she had inherited, she did her utmost to torment her fellow 

monarch; no matter how rich and powerful he was. 

This included sanctioning privateers to capture Philip’s treasure 

ships and helping the Protestants in Holland rebel against Spain. 

The King of the Spanish Empire tolerated this for nearly thirty years. 

However, when Elizabeth executed her Catholic cousin Mary Queen of 

Scots in 1587, Philip had had enough and decided to invade England 

and rid himself of his tormentor. 

Spain quickly amassed a fleet of 130 ships plus two armies - one in 

Spain and the other in Belgium; 56,000 strong. 

On July 12, 1588, the fleet set sail from Lisbon and arrived off 

Cornwall within a week. Its initial goal however was not the invasion 

of England, but rather collecting 30,000 troops waiting on shore – and 

then onward to London. 

The English came out to do battle. Although their smaller ships 

outnumbered the Spanish 200 to 130, the Spaniards carried more and 

heavier guns and, consequently, had 50% greater firepower. 

After three days of fighting, neither fleet had lost a ship in action. 

The English however had used up much of their ammunition in their 

unsuccessful attempt to break their opponent’s formidable crescent 

formation. 

As planned, the tightly packed Spanish fleet then moved onto Calais 

to pick up the 30,000 soldiers. However, the men had been delayed and 

the Spaniards were forced to drop anchor and wait. 

Taking advantage of the situation, the English sacrificed eight of 

their largest galleons by filling them with pitch, brimstone, gunpowder 

and tar, setting them ablaze and casting them toward the closely 

anchored Spanish fleet. 

Fearing massive destruction from these fire ships, the Spanish 

panicked. They cut their anchor cables and scattered. 

Although no Spanish ships were lost, their crescent formation had 

been broken. The English easily attacked the disorganized Spaniards at 

will – all the while pushing them further up the Channel. 

Only a few of the stoutly built Spanish vessels were sunk during the 

melee. However, when the Spaniards were finally able to regroup, they 

realized they were too far north and the winds and current were against 

them. 

So, on August 2, 1588, they withdrew from the “field” of battle and 

headed for the open sea. 

Although the Spanish had only suffered 

a few losses during the previous month, the 

trip home was decidedly different. Having 

expected a quick victory, the Spaniards 

didn’t have sufficient food or water for a long 

voyage. In addition, they no longer had the 

anchors that would be needed to ride out any 

ocean storms. 

While rounding Scotland and Ireland, 

they lost nearly half their fleet and men due 

to dehydration, disease, Atlantic tempests and 

treacherous Gaelic shoals. 

When the Spaniards finally reached home, it was with only 67 badly 

battered ships and less than 10,000 men - many of whom would soon 

die from their wounds and privations. 

And so, the Spanish Armada came to its end – not with a bang but 

a whimper. 

43

What Would You Do to Avoid Going to the Dentist? 

By: Vicki Wentz / Vicki’s Voice 

You know, there are few things in life that are 

guaranteed to cause my friends and family to 

collapse with what I like to call “laugh cramps” 

than when I injure myself. 

I don’t mean to suggest 

that they are not generally 

sympathetic and concerned, 

but...well, yes, I guess I 

do; These people are cold, 

I’m telling you, stone cold, 

heartless human beings. 

So, my sister and her 

daughter were visiting me last 

week, when my niece suddenly 

looked at me and burst out 

laughing, her eyes soon filling 

with those I’m-howling-so-hard-I’m-crying tears, unable to verbalize 

why for several minutes. Turns out, she was actually thinking of one of 

these injury events, which I happened a few months ago. 

Perhaps, dear reader, you will be kinder? 

I had showered and dressed that morning in somewhat nicer garb to 

go to the dentist (which I hate, so I try to distract him from considering 

the drill by wearing something sort of…shall we say intriguing). 

I had done my hair and put on big-girl shoes, and I was looking 

fierce people. I thought if I lived through the dentist visit, maybe I’d 

stroll by the Senior Center! 

I had a little time to kill, so I took the dogs out to check the pool, 

which involves cleaning 

out the skimmers - often 

saving the lives of whole 

families of frogs, but hey, we 

do what we can, am I right? 

The girls, however, disdain 

humanitarian work, so they 

just mosey around. 

With both skimmers clean 

and the surface debris scooped 

out, I was heading toward 

the gate when the toe of my 

shoe hit the corner of a stone embedded in the pool deck, and I went 

airborne…again. 

Now, being possessed with a keen and lightning mind, I immediately 

deduced that I was going down, no two ways about it, and I had a 

choice to make. I could try to save at least my top half, landing half-in 

and half-out of the water, by twisting in the air and letting my waist hit 

the rim of the pool. 

However, my aforementioned keen mind replied, You will likely suffer 

a broken rib or two, not to mention the probable concussion resulting 

from a gigantic slam on the head, so you will lie here by the pool for 

hours before you are discovered, because the dogs are not trained to do 

anything in an emergency except bark at you. 

My second choice was to fling myself out into the water completely, 

which would result in thoroughly ruined hair, make-up and outfit, not 

to mention the possible destruction of a pair of expensive big-girl shoes. 

But, in midair, I chose option two. 

Now, I haven’t mentioned the fact that this happened in early June, 

and we had decided not to spend the money to heat the pool, but to 

wait for the kind of days we’re suffering through right now to warm the 

water throughout the summer. Yep, I hit that ice-water, bottom first, 

fully clothed, made-up and coiffed, without a whimper. 

Just grim resignation. As the water closed over my head, I thought, 

“Of course!”(It did occur to me as I swam up from the depths that the 

dentist would have to be rescheduled now, so there’s a blessing in every 

affliction, my friend.) 

When I surfaced, the dogs were standing side-by-side at the edge of 

the pool staring at me, both heads cocked to the side. I swam to the 

steps, my newly ironed pants and silk blouse flowing out behind me 

and sat on the top step to take my big girl shoes off. 

I looked at the girls. They looked back at me. It was obvious what 

they were thinking: “Of course!” 

44 


Vicki Wentz is a writer, teacher and speaker living in North 

Carolina. Readers may contact her - and order her new children’s 

book! - by visiting her website at www.vickiwentz.com.

45

A Big Bunch of Blueberries-a-Day Keeps Dementia Away! 

By: Jan Fair / A No-Brainer Minute 

A 

ccording to Uma Naidoo, M.D., Nutritional Psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, 

blueberries can help you cope with anxiety, PTSD & other after-effects of trauma. In 

addition, they benefit your body and your brain-health. In her book, This Is Your Brain on Food: An 

Indispensable , xxxxx Guide to book, the Surprising Foods that Fight Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, 

& More, Dr. Naidoo also offers 40 delicious brain-healthy recipes and a Memory-Boosting Menu. 

The Scoop on Blueberries 

• They're antioxidant-rich, antiinflamatory 

and detoxifying 

therefore they reduce the risk 

of brain & mood disorders. 

• They're full of fiber, minerals 

and Vitamin C & K. 

• Suggestion: eat 1/2 to 1 cup 

'scoop' of these berries a day. 

• Frozen are as good as fresh 

as long as there is no added 

sugar, juice or preservatives. 

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 

“Blueberries” 

1. In one minute, name phrases 

associated with blueberries.. 

2. Make an alphabetical list. 

Antioxidant rich, 

Blueberry Buckle, 

Can't eat just one! … 

A No-Brainer Pick 

The Anti-Anxiety Food 

Solution: How the Foods You 

Eat Can Help You Calm Your 

Anxious Mind, Improve Your 

Mood & End Cravings 

by Trudy Scott 


Game Show Answers 

1. Heidi Fleiss 2. Peggy Fleming 3. Buster Crabbe 

4. Emmett Kelly 5. Senor Wences 6. Max Sennett 

7. Eddie Arcaro 8. Aaron Burr 9. Bert Parks 

10 Desmund Tutu 11. Samuel Morse 12. Jim Morrison 

46 


The Retirement Planning Specialist 

Helping Nevada’s Seniors With 

Peace of Mind for Over 27 Years 

You Only Have One Opportunity To Get Retirement Right... 

We can help you with the following: 

Investment Management 

Analysis of Risk money vs. Safe money 

Identification of fees and commissions 

you are currently paying 

What is the ranking and performance 

of your investments 

Social Security Maximization 

How to maximize benefits 

When is the best time to start 

collecting 

Potentially reducing taxes on benefits 

Insurance/Annuity/Long-term Care 

Protection from market loss 

Guaranteed Lifetime income 

Using Life Insurance for long-term 

care expenses 

Estate Planning 

Living Trust preparation or review 

Wills 

Power of Attorney for Financial 

Power of Attorney for Health Care 

Trust Amendments 

FAILURE TO PLAN CAN PUT 

YOUR RETIREMENT AT RISK!! 

Call Now For Your No-Obligation 

Consultation Today! 

702-897-9997 

ToddBauman.com 

Henderson 

Summerlin 

10120 S. Eastern Ave., 

10501 W. Gowan Rd. 

Suite 218 

Suite 100 


Las Vegas, NV 89129 

Advisory services are offered by by Bauman Advisory Group, LLC a a Registered Investment 

Advisor in in the State of of Nevada. Insurance products and and services are are offered through Bauman 

Financial Group, LLC. Document preparation services are are offered through Asset Protection of of 

America License #NVDP2014618301 and License #NVDP20178181195. Bauman Advisory 

Group, LLC, Bauman Financial Group, LLC and Asset Protection of of America are are affiliated 

companies. This ad ad is is not a a solicitation to to sell or or offer to to sell sell investment advisory services to to 

any residents of of any State other than the the State of of Nevada or or where otherwise legally permitted. 

Bauman Advisory Group, LLC, Bauman Financial Group, LLC, Asset Protection of of America 

and Todd Bauman are not affiliated with or or endorsed by by the the Social Security Administration or or 

any other government agency. Guarantees are are based on on the the claims paying ability of of the the issuing 

insurance carrier. 

47

Speaking to and for Las Vegas 

Speaking to and for Las Vegas 

Valley Seniors since 2003 

Valley Seniors since 2003 

#####ECRWSS EDDM##### 

POSTAL CUSTOMER 

PRSRT STD 

U.S. POSTAGE PAID 

PRSRT STD 

LAS VEGAS, US POSTAGE NV 

PERMIT #3235 

PAID 

Las Vegas, NV 

PERMIT NO. 3235 

48

August 2023

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?