Fun with Function

The Perfect Play Room on a Shoestring Budget

By ARAContent

Playrooms are ideal spaces for encouraging children”s creativity, providing them with the stimulation they crave, and helping them create a connection with others. The great news is that you don”t have to build an addition onto the house or set aside your family vacation fund to create a great playroom.

A Cubby or a Nook

Many unused extra spaces in the home can function as a perfect playroom.  A sewing room you no longer have time for or an extra bedroom that isn”t being used are great options, but smaller spaces under staircases and large closets can also make for great play areas, giving an almost fort-like feel for your child to play make-believe in.

“Don”t let a small space rain on your playroom parade,” says Nancy Bohnett, Academic Director of Interior Design at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. There are simple ways to make a room feel larger, like adding a mirror. It can be used for dress-up time and helps the space feel larger.  Children can also use washable markers and paints on the mirror, which can easily be cleaned once playtime is over.

Regardless of whether you choose an enclosed room or a more open area, the important thing is that you make sure the space is safe and secure for the ages of children who will be playing in it.

A Room with a Reason

Once you’ve found the perfect play spot you must define a goal for the room, taking into account who will be using the space. Need some direction? Review online resources for playrooms or visit stores that offer playroom ideas. Places like Target and even children’s clothing stores can be great resources for fun, functional and inexpensive ideas and designs.

‘Create universal spaces that will grow with your children,’ encourages Bohnett, ‘Your first child may be a 3-year-old girl who loves princesses, but she may outgrow her love for pink in a few years and gain a baby brother who will also use the space as he grows.’

Keeping it Simple

When it comes to the walls, playrooms should be bright and cheerful, but there”s no need to go overboard with paint. ‘The reality is that children”s tastes change as they grow. Creating an accent wall in a favorite color is a great way to bring color to the space and save money. It can be something your kids help with, putting their handprints on the wall or something fun, and can be easily changed over time,’ says Bohnett.

In fact, Bohnett encourages restraint in all the decor. ‘Be careful not to choose a theme that will be outdated in a short period of time. Allow the toys and creative pieces your children create in the room to dictate the space. You”ll save time, money and frustration in the long run,’ she says.

The Nuts and Bolts

Decorating your room is important, but you also need to think about the functionality of the space. Durability and safety are important factors, allowing for kids to be free to create and play, while keeping the elements of the room intact.

The Down Low

When it comes to flooring, hard and washable surfaces are ideal for these spaces. ‘Having floors that can withstand the rigors of childhood play is important for a parent”s sanity,’ says Bohnett. ‘Not only do children play with many things that roll along the floor, but they also play with messy things like paints, clay and Mommy”s nail polish.’ Laminate wood or tile is washable and a great choice for kids. Individual carpet tiles are also a great way to add both texture and softness to the room, and if one tile gets ruined, it’s economical to replace.

The Sunny Side of the Street

Lighting for the space can be a breeze as well. Overhead lights that are already built into the space, daylight and some indirect light are all you need. Grab an old lamp from the garage and paint it to match the new scheme. It”s a great way to personalize the space and an inexpensive alternative to a custom child-themed lamp.

For the Grownups

Don”t forget that even in a kids” space, parents need a little room. Make sure there”s a comfortable place for you to sit and supervise your children.

Finding your Fill

Now that your room is taking shape, make a list of the items you”ll need and want, whether it”s an easel for your little artist, bins to store a large collection of blocks or a table for the perfect tea party.

You may find that you have many of the items you need, whether they are crammed into your child”s current space or stored in the garage.  For the items you need to purchase, take advantage of places like Ikea online, peruse a garage sale, check the listings on Craigslist, find some treasures on eBay or visit a recycled furniture store to pick up pieces you need.

With a little TLC and some paint, any piece can make a great addition to your playroom. A vamped up chest of drawers is a fabulous hiding spot for puzzles, games and tiny trinkets. Fill the drawers with plastic ice trays for sorting costume jewelry; silverware organizers for pencils, paint brushes and craft supplies; or shallow plastic food containers for Legos and the like.  Closet sweater stackers and over-the-door shoe organizers are also great places for coloring books and art supplies. The possibilities are endless.

Creating a safe but fun playroom for your child shouldn’t break the bank. By being creative, repurposing the things you have and staying away from trendy themes, you can count on a playroom that works for your family for years to come. To learn more about The Art Institute’s schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Historic Fifth Street School

A Cultural Hub in the Making

By Lisha Ross

In a city with a never-ending “out with the old” attitude, it’s invigorating to come across an antique like the historic Fifth Street School. Those of us who rarely venture downtown because of traffic or lack of interest are missing out on this newly renovated cultural epicenter. With the restoration of the Fifth Street School, Clark County has succeeded in rehabilitating one of its more dated landmarks, while simultaneously creating a cultural oasis for all to enjoy. Simply driving through the school’s main gates is like traveling through a portal in time and space, beckoning visitors’ imaginations back to a time when curious young minds roamed the halls. This energy echoes off of every brick, reconstructed beam and newly created sculpture, giving the space a distinctly vibrant feel that transcends the somewhat sordid surroundings that have come to characterize central Las Vegas.

Into the Past

A complex with a rich and colorful history, the Fifth Street School’s roots go back as far as the Depression-era days of the 1930s and Las Vegas’ early population booms. With the building of the dam and legalization of gambling in 1931 came huge economic growth, and the city had a need for a larger school for the children of its 12,000 residents. Until 1966 it was known as The Las Vegas Grammar school, which served 150 to 200 students each year in grades first through eighth. In the following decades, it served as Clark County offices, until it was turned over to the Redevelopment Agency on August 4, 2004, and rehabilitation of the old school began.

Perfectly Present

Today the complex houses local arts and architectural organizations, adding to the creative vibe that permeates the grounds, in addition to hosting a diverse array of educational, fun and entertaining cultural events throughout the year. Film screenings, poetry readings, lecture series’, theatrical performances and seasonal festivals are just a few events that families can enjoy in various areas of the school. What was once the locker room is now an art gallery; where kids used to shoot hoops in the gym is now an auditorium. What is now called Centennial Plaza is home to the award-winning sculpture by Stephen Hendee (which also doubles as a marker for the city’s centennial time capsule), a re-creation of the Liberty Bell, and benches for watching the world go by.

Go for the events, stay awhile to appreciate the Spanish Mission-style architectural elements. In fact, the architecture is so impressive that it was the recipient of the highly competitive Best of 2008 Award for design excellence. With white walls, rust-colored beams, open and semi-enclosed courtyards, the simplicity of its design is deceiving, given the amount of work that went into the restoration. The entire complex was restored to what experts determined to be its original colors, 141 doors and windows were carefully re-created, and the decorative fountain in the center courtyard, backed by green and blue mosaic tile patterns, is a spitting image of the original.

Looking Forward

Though it’s been slow to get its bearings, the future is looking bright for the historic Fifth Street School. Already, numerous events have been scheduled that will surely become annual favorites, including the highly acclaimed Vegas Valley and Target Children’s Book Festivals: A Celebration of the Written, Spoken and Illustrated Word slated to run again in November 2010. Also returning in October 2010 is Oktoberfest. This family friendly outdoor festival features a beer garden, traditional games and activities, Bavarian dancing, German and Bavarian food and much more. February 20^th, the Woody Woods Big Band will perform inside the auditorium, so put on your dancing shoes and prepare to jump and jive with the whole family. Summer of 2010 will usher in the Downtown Children’s Series, a summer’s worth of performing arts and cultural entertainment for children.

The gallery, a rotating exhibition of art and photography by local artists, is currently only open during special events; however, groups and individuals may call Jeanne Voltura at 229-1012 ahead of time to schedule a walk-through. Original photographs of the school in its younger years are on display a few times per year. If they’re not in the gallery, they are likely floating around the complex somewhere, and you just might be able to request a viewing–they truly are a must-see.

Since some dates are tentative, and smaller events have not been solidified yet, be sure to check out www.artslasvegas.org for schedules and additional events. Most events at the school are free and open to the public.

Whether you go there to watch a show, stroll the courtyards or take a class, you’ll get a good glimpse of what this city could be like if only we would preserve and value the most intriguing aspects of our past, and move creatively into the future.

The Watkins Family

By Callie Thomas

It has been said that the family that plays together, stays together. The sentiment turns out to be true, as attested by our 89123 residents, the Watkins family.

Richard and Bettinna Watkins are the guiding forces that instill a strong work ethic and community participation in their family, which includes eldest son Richard Jr. and daughter Tiffany.   “Our family is successful because we share a single united goal, and that is to love one another,” says Bettinna Watkins.  “People frequently ask us how our family can be so close and loving, and it’s a very simple answer.  We spend as much time with each other as possible.”  Part of that time is spent helping others throughout the community.

Through his work with the Palms Hotel as a Count Room Manager and within the casino industry, Richard Sr. has formed many relationships with some of the community’s leading organizations and individuals.  By the same token, his wife Bettinna is a Call Center Supervisor for Vegas.com, the official Vegas travel site where she manages agents and interacts with Las Vegas tourists, as well as interacting with many of the celebrities that do business with the online resource to promote their shows.  Together they have had an opportunity to learn where help might be needed and are always eager to lend a hand.  “As a family we are always happy to volunteer for a number of community programs and events,” Richard said.  “However, the organization that has meant so much to us personally, The Children’s Heart Foundation, is where we find ourselves most closely associated.  Particularly as the foundation was so instrumental in helping us get through one of the most difficult times in our lives when our son Richard went through heart surgery.”

Four years ago, the Watkins family experienced first-hand the Children’s Heart Foundation commitment to making a difference in the lives of children with heart conditions and their families throughout Nevada.  The organization lends emotional, educational and financial support to inspire a higher quality of life for all.  Each year, the foundation provides a carefree camp experience for children with heart conditions called Camp Mend-A-Heart, which the young Richard has attended.  “It has truly made an impact on his growing into teenage years,” Bettinna said.  “He has learned self-confidence and that nothing is out of reach as long as he is willing to try.”

The Watkins’ are proud to participate in the 7^th Annual Walk with the Heart of a Child fundraising event later this month.  They will walk as a family team to help raise dollars to assist other families in Nevada whose children have been afflicted with heart disease.  Teams will gather to walk in celebration and remembrance of all the children who fight the disease and to create community awareness.   The event is expected to draw more than 1400 participants, and monies raised will help fund programs like Camp Mend-A-Heart, Smart Heart Scholarships, Family Outreach and others. For information on the event, visit chfn.org.

Richard and Bettinna Watkins are optimistic about their family’s future. They look forward to seeing their children begin high school soon and grow up to be successful in their endeavors, knowing that they have the love and support of their family to rely upon.  They are proud of being the best parents they can be and for giving back to the community that is their home.  “Giving back, to us, is sharing your time and energy with an organization that stands for a noble cause.  Being a member of the community means sharing the responsibility of being a part of something bigger than yourself or just your family, and helping to make our neighborhood a better place.”

Jim Mason

By Callie Thomas

“You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality.” – Walt Disney

Back in 1965, when 89074 resident Jim Mason’s family moved to Las Vegas, they didn’t know that they would be taking a literal part in making a difference in the way our city is viewed today.  Taylor International, a family-owned and operated company specializing in hospitality, restaurant and commercial construction, has had a part in building some of the largest hotel casino projects in the state, including the original Caesars Palace, The International, MGM Grand (Las Vegas and Reno), Stratosphere, Desert Inn, Venetian and Palazzo.  Jim Mason and his brother Bill purchased the company from their father Stuart in 1998 and became the third family generation to own the business.  “Taylor is a small company who just so happens to do very big jobs,” says Mason.  “We keep a small, dedicated staff that is committed to giving the client the best service possible.  We get to know each owner and pride ourselves on personal attention to each job.”

Jim’s dedication, hard work and commitment are not only evident in the way he and his brother run their company, but also in the way he and his family stay involved with the community and help those in need. Growing up, he witnessed first-hand how his mother and father became examples of reaching out to others.  Community involvement is an integral part of his own family, which includes wife Gwen and their two daughters, Rachel and Shelby. “For Gwen and I, being involved was never a question,” Jim said.  While he and his family take an active role at Temple Beth Shalom, Congregation Ner Tamid, as well as community organizations such as Susan G. Komen Foundation, KNPR Public Radio and UNLV, their hearts are most closely associated with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

“I have had a connection to the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for over 35 years.  My mother and father helped start the local chapter after my sister was diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes,” he said.

The national organization is the leader in research to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes in the world.  It is the largest charitable fundraiser and advocate of diabetes science world-wide and sets the global agenda for diabetes research.  The mission of JDRF is to not only find a cure for the disease, but also the complications that may arise.

In the early days of the foundation, Taylor construction would provide office space for the organization to use where they launched the first fund drives, special events and awareness campaigns. Jim found himself stuffing envelopes around the Taylor conference table, as ball boy for the Sugar Daddy Tennis Tournament Fundraiser and later organizing groups for the Walk for a Cure.  He has helped sell tables for the annual gala, and his wife Gwen has coordinated volunteers for the event.  “I’ve always appreciated how the organization would not only help fund medical research, but also get involved on the front lines with assisting families coping with the day to day issues involved with this chronic condition,” says Jim.  “As a business owner, I appreciate that JDRF consistently rates in the top 10 on utilization of each dollar donated.”

Jim Mason may be helping to build much of what Las Vegas offers to its visitors today, but he is also helping the people that make up our community.  Helping others and giving back comes naturally to Jim as he sees it as another family tradition he intends to carry on.  “Giving back is important.  It is part of what I was taught you should do.  It ultimately helps everyone in our community.”

Christina Primack

By Callie Thomas

“Your work is to discover your world and then, with all your heart, give yourself to it.”
– Prince Guatama Siddharta

If there were one word that would describe 89052 resident Christina Primack, it would be dedicated.  Christina is always hard at work helping others find jobs in the community.

Christina has resided in our community since childhood and has a heartfelt passion for her hometown.  While her career had been primarily in the real estate industry, covering all facets from the building and lending process to sales and marketing, Christina has taken her former career skills and put them to practice by becoming the Director of Project Ezra.  “When the economy made a drastic turn, I reached out to my network for employment opportunities.  This is how I learned of Project Ezra, a program of the Jewish Family Service Agency (a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization.)  As director, Primack assists and empowers those in need of jobs with employment opportunities.  “By utilizing my extensive contacts and applying my marketing skills to create greater opportunities for the unemployed in our community, the program has reached far greater successes than anticipated,” Christina said.

The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas allocated a grant to the Jewish Family Service Agency last March to begin the Project Ezra program.  Project Ezra continues to generate support through private donations, corporate sponsorship and other grant opportunities.  In addition to assisting with employment, Project Ezra provides other services, including counseling and financial aid.  “Our clients are dealing with extraordinary challenges that they have never faced before, including foreclosure, joblessness, loss of health care, hunger and depression,” Primack said.

Project Ezra clients encompass a wide range of individuals from age 17 to 87.  Christina has been the director of the program for the last ten months and in that time has coached and mentored over 450 unemployed people.  Over half have successfully secured employment by learning the techniques that Primack teaches and utilizing the resources that she provides.  “We are identifying job opportunities for people educated with master’s degrees as well as those without a high school diploma.  We have also assisted others with physical and mental disabilities.  I coach my clients to reach out to their growing network of contacts and focus on conducting interviews with poise and confidence. I’m very determined about getting our community back to work and aiding building in self-sufficiency.  Everyday I help facilitate meaningful success stories that make a difference in people’s lives and motivate me to work even harder.”

When Christina isn’t spending time with husband Brett, their two children Austin and Ashley and her toy yorkie Abbey, or expressing her creativity through her contemporary paintings which have been shown in several local galleries, she continues to actively support the community through a number of organizations. These include having served on a variety of boards and committees such as the Jewish Community Center of Las Vegas, Congregation Ner Tamid and Jewish Federation of Las Vegas.  Primack is also an advocate of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), lobbying local and national legislation.  “The work I do today is the most important and fulfilling work I have ever been privileged to participate in,” she said.  “Mentoring those adversely impacted by the economic downturn and presenting them with viable job opportunities is a responsibility I take very seriously, and it is the most important mitzvah (blessing) one can do!”

Sarah Lucas

Odyssey Charter High School

Class of 2010

Odyssey Charter High School senior Sarah Lucas is taking the road less traveled, and she’s not afraid to make bold moves or even start from scratch to achieve her dreams. She did, after all, make a conscientious decision to leave public school for a charter school in order to pursue her passion for tennis. In doing so, she’s demonstrated that she’s a self-disciplined self-starter who’s not willing to neglect her studies in order to reach athletic fame. Whether negotiating for AP courses for the good of all her peers, or going from rookie to all-star in just a few years, she’s leaving her mark, making Sarah Lucas – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.33

Sports/Activities/Community Service:

• Liberty High School Tennis, 2006-Present; Team Captain, 2009-10
• USTA Competitive Tennis, 2007-Present
• Las Vegas “No Quit” Tennis Academy, 2007-Present
• OHS Student Council Founder, 2009
• OHS Hispanic Society, 2009-Present
• Inspiring Children Leadership Program in Nevada, 2007
• Assistant to “Going Green” Las Vegas Rock Landscaping Company, 2008
• USTA Nevada Intern, 2008-Present

• Obama Campaign Volunteer, 2008
• Feed the Homeless Programs Volunteer, 2009
• Article for Inside Tennis Magazine, 2009
• Tony Bennett Fundraiser Committee, 2008/09

Scholarships/Awards:

• East Coast Leadership Tour, 2008
• Best Athlete Award–Hilton Tennis Academy, 2007
• 4-Time Liberty High School Athletic Award–Varsity Women’s Tennis, 2006-10
• 3-Time Nevada All-State Academic Award, 2007-09
• USTA Nevada Sportsmanship Award, 2009
• USTA Nevada Rudy Ruettiger Award, 2009
• Individual Competition Regional Finalist, 2009
• Women’s Tennis State Runner-up, 2009
• Athlete of the Month, 2006-09
• Varsity LHS Tennis Letters, 2006-10
• Carol Wolfington Heart Award, 2008
• National Society of High School Scholars, 2009

Goals & Aspirations: “My goals are to graduate high school with an honors diploma, straight A’s and the highest G.P.A. I can earn, and to get a college scholarship to play tennis for a women’s tennis team.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of my success in tennis and in school. Even though the odds were stacked against me because of starting later than anyone competing in a high level of tennis, I never gave up. I have come a long way since I started in 2007, and it has been the journey of a lifetime.”

Sarah Looks Up To: “I really do look up to my mom, Mary-Carmen. She was the only one of eleven brothers and sisters to leave her home town in Puebla, Mexico to live in the United States. With a lot of hard work and dedication, she learned the language, found a job and bought a small condo. My dad has a similar story. They have taught me many lessons of life from experience and wisdom, and I listen.”

Asli Kupoglu

Green Valley High School

Class of 2010

Green Valley High School Student Body President Asli Kupoglu is taking it all in stride. That’s not to say that she doesn’t apply herself diligently to all that she does, be it taking a leadership role, scoring on the athletic field or helping others through volunteer work. Nor does it mean that her curiosity, intelligence and ambition don’t propel her toward learning from life’s experiences and moving onward. It simply means that she doesn’t let the small stuff get in the way of her plan to live life to the fullest, always remembering to be thoughtful and respectful of others along the way, and for that, Asli Kupoglu is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 3.6

Sports/Activities:

• Varsity Cross Country, 2006-08

• Varsity Soccer, 2006-Present
• Band, 2006/07

• Student Council, 2009-10
• Student Body President, 2009-10
• Vegetarian Club, 2010

Awards/Community Service:

• Rotary Student of the Month, 2010
  JDRF Volunteer, 2009/10
• Canned Food Drive Volunteer, 2009/10
• Gators Give, 2009/10
• PB & J-a-thon, 2009/10
• TLC Nursing Home Volunteer, 2009/10
• Blood Drive, 2010
• Clark County Museum Guild, 2009/10

Goals & Aspirations: “Some of the many goals I have now are to get good grades, stay healthy and do one nice thing for someone everyday. Some of my future goals are to do well in college, volunteer as much as possible and travel the world.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of becoming student body president; I worked so hard in order to make this happen, and I love doing it.”

Asli is Successful Because: “I believe I’m successful because of my determination. When I want something, I don’t rest until I’ve achieved whatever it is. I’m successful now, and I will be successful in my future, too, because of this awesome drive I have.”

Asli Looks Up To: “I really look up to Ellen DeGeneres. She has such a playful attitude, but at the same time she does so much for others and the community. I’ve never once seen her sad or feeling sorry for herself. She understands that life can’t be taken for granted, and that it’s a celebration. I have that kind of attitude towards my life as well.”

Logan Bryan

Coronado High School

Class of 2010

Coronado High School valedictorian candidate Logan Bryan is a young man with his heart and mind right where they ought to be. His goals are of a simple sentiment, as he says himself, “to serve his fellow man.” To reach that end, he works on his own personal growth, appropriating his time to diligent study, honing his leadership skills and occasionally helping out global humanitarian efforts. Performing it all humbly and with great appreciation for the support of his family and the rewards of faith, Logan Bryan is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.8

Sports/Clubs:

• Track & Field, 2009-Present
• Football, 2006
• Orchestra Member–Savior of the World Production, 2008
• Student Body Treasurer, 2009-Present
• Junior Class Representative, 2008-09
• Sophomore Class Representative, 2007-08
• Freshman Class Representative, 2006-07
• National Honor Society, 2008-Present
• Varsity Quiz Team, 2008-Present
• Co-Founder of Underground Ping-Pong Federation
• Hip-Hop Club, 2009-Present
• Students for Soldiers, 2009-Present

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• ACT Perfect Score (36; 2009
• Eagle Scout
• National Hispanic Scholar
• National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation, 2009
• AP Scholar, 2009
• Varsity Letter–Varsity Quiz, 2009
• Nevada Prize Exam Award Recipient, 2008/09
• Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA; 2009
• Principal’s Advisory Board, 2006-Present
• Smiles for El Salvador Humanitarian Mission Participant, 2009
• Tiny Tim’s Foundation Volunteer to Chihuahua, Mexico, 2007-08
• Cougars Care Volunteer/Participant, 2008/09
• Teen Advisory Group–Paseo Verde Library, 2009-Present
• PKD, Race for the Cure & Shade FoundationVolunteer, 2007-09
• Danny Gans Memorial Champion Run for Life, 2009
• Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, 2009

Goals & Aspirations: “My goal is to graduate as a valedictorian, attend Brigham Young University, serve an honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and go to medical school. I hope to help people as a doctor, especially those with low incomes and no health insurance.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of my participation in the Smiles for El Salvador Humanitarian Mission.  The experience of performing dental and medical work for over 500 El Salvadorian teenagers was life-changing, instilling in me a desire to serve my fellow man.”

Logan is Successful Because: “I am successful because of the goals I set for myself. There are times when I fail or when I feel like I can’t do it, but I just look to the help of God and my family, and I get up and keep trying. In the end whatever happens, I know that’s what God had in mind for me.”

Part of the Solution: “Texting and Facebook is depersonalizing our world.  Young adults no longer have the guts to ask someone on a date in person, or to communicate in general.  I think communication is the key to an ideal society. Young adults need to learn how to step outside their virtual world and join the real world of face-to-face interaction.”

Kevin Dimond

By Callie Thomas

When using words like honor, integrity and tenacity to describe 89012 resident Kevin Dimond, you would think we, or rather he, lived in another century.  A bygone era as it were, from today’s fast-paced, “get it quick by whatever means possible” society.  But that simply isn’t so.  In fact, Kevin Dimond infuses a level of hospitality, ethics and class into our community today and every day, all the while mentoring others to do the same.

As General Manager of Aureole Restaurant at Mandalay Resort, part of the Charlie Palmer Group of dining outlets, Dimond utilizes his extensive hospitality and culinary skills which he gained at a very young age.  “I come from a hospitality and hotel family, so I grew up with conversations about the industry across my dinner table every night,” he said.  “I originally trained as a chef and learned the basics of the restaurant business. I went on [LR1] to the Culinary Institute of America, and later worked for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company for 14 years. traveling around the world with the organization.”

Even with all the constant moving, Dimond was engrained with the Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service philosophy and their unwavering commitment to service in their communities.  When Kevin arrived in Las Vegas in 2003 and was introduced to the Epicurean Charitable Foundation, it was as natural as breathing for him to become involved with the group.  “It is a great organization whose primary mission is to provide college scholarships for local area high school graduates that might not otherwise have the means to go to higher education,” Dimond said. This past fall, he was named executive board president.  In his role, he will continue the group’s mission by establishing college scholarships for local students seeking a career in the hospitality and culinary industries.

The Epicurean Charitable Foundation (ECF) was formed in 2001. It is comprised [LR2] of more than 40 top food and beverage executives who are dedicated to making a difference in the hospitality industry and the community through support of the local education system and related industry organizations, charities and associations.

For Dimond, the experiences he’s gained from his work with the Epicurean Charitable Foundation have been rich and rewarding on a variety of levels.  Foremost are the opportunities to meet and work with other industry leaders in the community.  “I really respect the members of our board and value the assistance I get from them.  I work with Adam Odegard in Mandalay Bay, who’s also an ECF member, and when I visit him on issues of the foundation, he always has time and meaningful advice for me.”

Dimond also enjoys his involvement with the generous donors and other community organizations that have incorporated ECF into the network of causes that help to make the community stronger.  But perhaps what remains paramount is the relationship that the foundation has with its scholarship recipients.  “We not only provide college scholarships for 100% of the student’s tuition, but we also provide them with a member of our board as a mentor.  We believe that this scholar/mentor relationship is an invaluable tool in making a real difference in our community and industry,” he said.

While Kevin has much to be proud of throughout his career and in giving back to the community, which includes acting with care, compassion, diversity and integrity, and building relationships that transcend the test of time, he is especially proud of his family, which includes his wife Kirsten and their three sons Paul, Clayton and Devin. [LR3] “Although I have seen and done many things, I have never felt more accomplished than when my son graduated from UNR, when I was coaching my son’s baseball team, playing with my youngest son and when my wife gives me a new tie.”

In the Know

Need ideas for family fun and friendly outings? Get your creative juices flowing at The Pottery Studio (9480 S. Eastern Ave., #160), a place where you, too, can make a memorable ceramic keepsake in just four simple steps: 1) Choose from over 300 pre-made ceramic pieces; 2) pick a design using stamps, stencils, sponges, paint and brushes; 3) select your colors; 4) create your masterpiece and have fun! The Pottery Studio provides everything, including inspiration from books, examples, and the space itself–a So-Ho inspired room with brick walls and hardwood floors that give off a distinctly artsy, warehouse/studio feel. Take advantage of their grand opening special: half price birthday parties until Aug. 31, 2010. Call 455-P8NT (7868) for info about birthday parties, bridal/baby showers, fundraising opportunities and more.

Sing a song of amore for Italian food made from family recipes! Owners of Annie’s Gourmet Italian (1716 W. Horizon Ridge, #100), a casual Italian restaurant specializing in DeFalco family recipes, wanted to create a place where their neighbors could enjoy good food, wine and feel like they are in the DeFalco home. The warm atmosphere welcomes all, with sounds of Italian love songs playing as guests sip on Chianti and enjoy a home-style meal. All food is prepared fresh daily by Chef Annie Payton, CPCE and her mother, Connie DeFalco, a.k.a. Grandma Cungie. Specialties include lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, chicken Mediterranean, baked artichoke stems and rice balls, all made with PollyO cheeses and the freshest ingredients. Call 254-FOOD, or visit www.anniesgourmetitalian.com for information on dine in, takeout or catering.

Relax, party, live, entertain, BBQ, all in your own, immaculate backyard. Let BDS Enterprises (3060 Business Lane) make your yard a “vacation at home.” For over 15 years, BDS has been in the business of designing, installing, cleaning, repairing and refurbishing outdoor kitchen islands, fire pits, patio furniture and more. With more than 25 years of combined experience, they’ve certainly got the background to get you exactly what you want. It’s simple; you select the components, BDS creates a design to your specifications, and your island is assembled and finished in your backyard rather than built in a factory and craned in. Working with only well-established and specialized contractors, BDS can also help with landscape, synthetic lawn, concrete, pavers, shade or utilities. Call 448-5600 or visit www.bdsenterprisesusa.com to discover the backyard of YOUR dreams.

Trying to keep that New Year’s resolution to be fit? You can keep up with the steady drone of the elliptical, eh. Or you can find a beat and dance at Jazzercise Fitness Center (1450 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy.), where fitness is made to be fun. Jazzercise is a group fitness class bundling moves from hip hop, yoga, Pilates, jazz dance, kickboxing and resistance training into 60-minutes of calorie blasting excitement. Every class combines cardio moves to enhance endurance and burn mega calories, strength training to define muscles and strengthen your core, and stretching to increase flexibility. All ages are welcome, the moves are simple, and you don’t need dance experience, just the motivation to get your body moving. For more information, call 461-2855 or visit www.jazzercise.com to learn about the latest specials and class schedule.

Get ready to experience the new face of flavor; refined Californian cuisine fused with Oaxacan Mexican flair. Sabor (594 N. Stephanie St.) likes to call it Cali-Oaxacan fusion. Oaxaca, a south-eastern region of Mexico, has garnered a worldwide reputation for its contributions to the flavors of the world. Vibrant, inventive and diverse, Oaxacan cuisine is justly famous, especially for its creative mole sauces–sharp, thick, sweet and complex with a hint of smoke and dried chile heat. With an inspired menu full of fresh fish, shrimp, roasted chicken, pasta and steak selections, Sabor gives Cali-Oaxacan fusion the face it deserves in a comfortable dining room and elegant lounge. Stop in anytime for creative food and refreshing cocktails. Call 473-5377 for info.

The dedicated teachers of the private Christian preschool Henderson Christian Academy (2750 Robindale Rd.) have many common beliefs, one of those is that a child’s education is an all-encompassing family endeavor. It is for this reason that the academy hopes to be of service to the entire family, regardless of background, education or economic situation. In addition to the technical aspects of education, they aim to provide a nurturing family atmosphere with enthusiastic teachers who have an intimate sense of each child’s personality and needs. The second educational endeavor by the owners of Angel Christian Academy, Henderson Christian Academy offers services for children ages six weeks through full day kindergarten, before and after care included in the price of tuition, and small class sizes to better serve the Henderson and Las Vegas communities. Call 270-2595 to learn more.