Out n About September
Out n About September
John Good
By Callie Thomas
“Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
What kid (or adult for that matter) wouldn’t love to explore the tomb of an Egyptian mummy like Indiana Jones? Wouldn’t it be great if these curious explorers also had the ability to use handy new state-of the-art technology that would allow them to “scan” a mummy replica and view actual medical imaging taken of a real mummy? They can, and so can you, thanks to resident John Good, the current board chair for the Las Vegas Natural History Museum who developed the Treasures of Egypt exhibit which opened last year. The exhibit features artifact recreations from King Tut’s tomb donated by the Luxor Las Vegas. It is one of only two sets of Tomb of Tutankhamun replicas authorized by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. Treasures of Egypt is just one of the many manifestations of John Good’s passion for science and education.
Good had a successful career as an advertising professional in Los Angeles before deciding to take a position at the National History Museum of LA County, where he was able to embark on his true passion. He oversaw the development and funding of special exhibits, including five National Science Foundation-funded projects. His accomplishments and dedication led to additional nonprofit and community appointments. Good served on the Long Beach Arts Council, as well as board member and president of Getty House Foundation and as co-chair of Smithsonian Week.
In 2002 Good decided to open his own company, Exhibit IQ, and in 2007 he relocated the business to Las Vegas, as many of the fabricators that created his unique exhibits were working in Vegas shows and themed casino resorts. “We strive to make science and cultural programs interesting and inspiring in order to engage the public,” says Good. “It provides an opportunity for them to become better informed and for students to consider science or culture-based careers.”
Exhibit IQ has produced science and cultural exhibitions and programs for museums, zoos, aquariums, universities, libraries and corporations around the world. “Our goal is to make science and cultural topics exciting and relevant through innovative design and strong connections to pop culture, like connecting science content with popular science-based TV shows or well known celebrity figures,” he said.
Good has taken his desire to inspire our youth and motivate more science and technology interest by co-founding and co-directing the Las Vegas Science Festival. The annual one week event celebrates science and technology in Southern Nevada. “The inaugural event in May hosted more than 50 events, partnered with more than 80 organizations and saw more than 15,000 participants. We already have set April 29 through May 5 for the 2012 Science Festival.”
Exhibit IQ continues its mentoring philosophy by supporting the West Technical and Career Academy in Summerlin. Select students formed a group to learn more about a project Exhibit IQ was working on with the Physics Department at UC Berkeley and skateboarding superstar Tony Hawk. The project demonstrates how physics principles like gravity, force, velocity, acceleration, inertia and balance make radical tricks possible in sports like skateboarding, BMX and snowboarding. The students suggested what they would include in the exhibit and designed a prototype of a moving exhibit element themselves. After performing tests they debuted it at the Las Vegas Science Festival on Expo Day. “Their recommendations are being used in the development of the final exhibit,” Good said. The students will also attend the opening of Tony Hawk Vert Science at Berkeley in 2012 and meet the famous skateboarding legend in person.
“It is important our youth see that there are many options for them in science, technology, engineering and math,” he said. “The next generation will be called on to solve significant challenges from climate change to water and energy issues, health care advances and next generation technology. We need to make sure that today’s kids are inspired and trained to meet those challenges. I hope that the little bit I’m able to give back to the community will make a difference.”
Lolita Kelley
By Callie Thomas
This year, the advertising for back to school supplies, backpacks, shoes and clothing started even before the last of the Fourth of July fireworks had fizzled out. Retailers wanted to get a jump on the school year, hoping to increase consumer sales. From crayons to khakis, the discounts were already in full force. Even old school programs like “layaway” have been offered to make it easier for parents to gear up for another school year, a sign that even more families might be struggling with getting their kids ready for the first school bell. Thanks to the efforts of 89144 resident Lolita Kelley and other committed volunteers throughout the community, families in need are able to clothe their children for school through an important program called Operation School Bell.
Kelley’s family moved to Vegas in 1972 when her husband got transferred with the Hilton Hotel Corporation. Kelley had been involved with the Lions Club Ladies Auxiliary and her children’s PTA, as well as an auxiliary of the Assistance League of Southern California in her hometown. After moving to Las Vegas, a friend asked Kelley to join the Assistance League chapter in the area, which, in 1983, was still in its infancy. “Our main philanthropic program was Operation School Bell to help clothe needy children in grades K-8 recommended through the Clark County School District,” she said. “We started in a decorated classroom in a junior high in North Las Vegas. All of our clothing at the time was nearly new, donated by our members.” Kelley and other volunteers sorted through the many donated bags of clothing and took them home to be washed and mended. They clothed 350 children in that first year. Today the league provides clothing, shoes and supplies to more than 7300 students in Clark County each year. “The Assistance League does this with no paid staff,” says Kelley. “All of our members are volunteers. I have never known so many caring women, and being a part of this group has been a privilege.”
Throughout her membership, Kelley has also held various board positions and chaired several committees. In 1996, through its Fund Development Committee, the organization received a $1.67 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The grant required that the group raise matching funds, and the dedicated team rose to the occasion to help build the league’s facility, which today still houses Operation School Bell, the Thrift Shop and meeting space at 6446 West Charleston. “I loved being the Chairman of Operation School Bell, working hands on with the children,” notes Kelley. “Nothing compares to seeing the delight on small faces when they receive brand new clothing, shoes and supplies for school that they were able to pick out from a stylish selection. This has given me an amazing sense of satisfaction.”
ast year, Kelley held the position of Fourth Vice President, Chairman of Fund Resources. “This has not been an easy year for any charity with the state economy, but we have been blessed with so many hard working volunteer members,” she said. This year, the League will partner with the International Academy of Design & Technology to inspire donations for Operation School Bell. In the words of Project Runway host Tim Gunn, the group will “make it happen” by creating a giant outfit that will be displayed in shopping malls and at media interviews across the valley. The oversized outfit will include a pair of 6-foot-tall jeans, a 4-foot-long shirt and a 5-foot-long hoodie.
Lolita Kelley has inspired others to reach out and lend a helping hand throughout the community, which includes her own three children. “I’m proud of all the wonderful projects that Assistance League does for our community. We have been very fortunate to live in such a caring and giving city.” For information on Operation School Bell, call 870-2002 or visit www.allv.org.
Meet the Neighbor – Todd Gainley
By Callie Thomas
What do you get when you combine Little League Baseball with Justin Timberlake? In this case, it isn’t the makings of a new movie concept, although it would be easy to envision Timberlake playing the role of a baseball coach to a minion of little leaguers. The common denominator in this scenario is resident Todd Gainley, and yes, he IS a Little League Baseball coach, but that’s just one of the many hats he wears to help kids and families throughout the community.
By trade, Gainley wears another hat–that of a Mortgage Sales Manager with U.S. Bank, and he’s been in the financial services industry since graduating from college in 1984. At present, he’s busy putting together a team of loan officers to help better serve the bank branches and the community at large. Aside from fostering his career in finance, you might very well find Gainley out on the school baseball field, donning a baseball cap as coach, stat keeper and parent while motivating young players to give it their all. If that weren’t enough, he’s dedicated his time and talent to help Shriners Hospitals raise awareness and funds to support their mission. The group provides the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment. The organization also supports innovative research and exemplary teaching programs with funds raised through their annual golf event hosted by…you guessed it…Justin Timberlake.
Since 1983, the annual PGA Open has taken place to benefit Shriners Children’s Hospitals. The tournament allows fans to get up close and personal with the PGA Tour players, sometimes going inside the ropes and standing right in the middle of the action. Gainley leads a team of volunteers that support the event. “I have had as many as 18 committees on my team,” he said. “Volunteering is an opportunity to give back and bring something to the community that we might not get to see.”
The 2011 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open starts with community events beginning September 26th and runs through October 3rd, when the Tough Day Challenge wraps up the tournament festivities. The event exemplifies the ongoing commitment between Timberlake and Shriners Hospitals for Children to continue the tradition of the PGA Tour event in Las Vegas. Over 100 well-known golfers will participate in the competition at TPC Summerlin. Every aspect of the event is supported by the volunteers who are responsible for everything from accompanying the professionals during the tour and displaying their scores to managing security, recording distances and more. Gainley is proud of the many wonderful experiences he has had by supporting the group. “One experience in particular is when my son met golf pro Billy Mayfair. He made a point to get eye to eye with my five year old,” he said. “Mayfair gave him a golf ball and made him feel special. That is the theme of volunteers…we work hard to breathe life into the tournament, and at the end of the day, we laugh and share our stories with each other.”
Todd Gainley is a parent that leads by example by lending his talents to the community. “I’m proud of the team we’ve put together at the Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Organization to support children in need. A good friend has always told me that many hands make for light work. Without the 700-1,000 volunteers, the event would not happen and many families would not have the care that the Shriners Hospitals offer.”
Rossi Ralenkotter
By Callie Thomas
Perhaps it is the commitment of a 60-year resident that truly happens in Las Vegas and stays in Las Vegas. This particular resident has not only helped to shape the face of the city, but has worked tirelessly to market its excitement to millions of visitors annually, supporting our local economic goals in the meantime. He has also contributed to making Las Vegas a better place to live and raise a family through his volunteer efforts with a variety of charitable organizations. Meet 89117 resident Rossi Ralenkotter, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
Born in Kentucky, Ralenkotter moved to Las Vegas in 1951, attended local schools, graduated from Bishop Gorman High School and then served in the U.S. Air Force. He holds a bachelor of science degree in marketing from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in business administration from UNLV. Ralenkotter began working for the LVCVA 38 years ago as a research analyst, and prior to becoming President & CEO in 2004, he was the Authority’s Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President of Marketing. His marketing expertise and collaboration with R&R Advertising led to the creation of the most successful branding campaign in tourism history. The phrase “What happens here, stays here™” has been integrated into everyday vernacular, commonly heard around the globe from news media to television sitcoms and major motion pictures.
“I’m proud of my professional achievements,” says Ralenkotter. “When I started my career at the LVCVA, I founded the Research Department, which is what shapes everything we do from marketing and advertising to our sales efforts.” Consumer research the LVCVA conducted was used in developing the “Vegas Stories” campaign which launched the now legendary phrase. As a result of the campaign, Ralenkotter was selected as “Co-Brand Marketer of the Year” by the prestigious Brandweek Magazine. He continues to serve as chair of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and is the incoming Chair on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Travel Association.
When he’s not traveling to promote the city or focusing on national and international travel policies, Ralenkotter devotes his time to charitable organizations to benefit the community. “There is a tremendous sense of pride in this community, and it’s only natural that those who live here continually strive to improve the quality of life in Southern Nevada.” Organizations that have benefitted from Ralenkotter’s support include St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, United Way and March of Dimes. He and wife Mary Jo are parents to five and grandparents to nine, so opportunities to assist kids are particularly special. He has assisted local schools including Bishop Gorman, St. Anne’s and St. Viators and is the Board Chair for Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas supports the development of children by instilling in them a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. There are an increasing number of children who are at home with no adult care or supervision and who are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. The organization teaches young people the skills they need to succeed in life through programs in three core areas: academic success, character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Ralenkotter has lent his marketing and branding expertise to the organization by arranging for a community assessment which has enabled the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas to realize their needs for family services. “I’ve been fortunate to live and work with a lot of caring, dedicated people over the years and some wonderful charities and organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.” This month, the Fourth Annual Clark County Association of Health Underwriters Charity Golf Tournament will take place at Paiute Golf Resort to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.
“Being involved in worthwhile charitable causes, as well as the youth of Las Vegas, is very gratifying. All of us need to be a part of our community through these endeavors.”
Help and Hope – Alternative Therapies for People with Special Needs
By Lindsay Minor
If anything is for certain, it’s that life is a journey fraught with many challenges and as many ups as there are downs. That is the case with all people, but for those who face life with mental and/or physical disabilities–and their families–it’s that much more complicated. Sadly, the problem is not as uncommon as we’d like to think. According to the most recent census research, as many as 1 in 5 Americans live with a disability of some kind, including (but not limited to) mental and developmental disorders such as Down syndrome, autism or ADHD; physical disabilities such as paralysis, deafness or blindness; and social disorders like depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
While modern science has come a long way in developing pharmaceutical and psychotherapeutic treatments for these conditions, experts also acknowledge that exercise and interpersonal interaction produce profound benefits for both able-bodied and disabled individuals working to reach their physical, mental and social potential. That aspect of treatment can be found in what is broadly known as “alternative therapy.” Used in conjunction with traditional medicine, alternative therapy is proving to be an integral contributor to optimal quality of life for those with disabilities.
What’s the Alternative?
Before venturing into specific alternative therapies, it’s important to understand just how various and far-reaching the gamut of disabilities is. According to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, people with mental illness may suffer from “reduced ability to function psychologically, socially, occupationally or interpersonally.” There are varying degrees of mental illness and several classifications including mood (depression or bi-polar), anxiety (panic or phobia), cognitive (Alzheimer’s or dementia), developmental (autism or learning disability) or personality disorders (borderline or antisocial). Physically disabled individuals may include those with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, visually or hearing impaired or simply mobility impaired. In addition, many people are temporarily disabled during part of their lives–whether aged, infirm or recuperating.
There are no easy solutions to the riddles these conditions create, and no miracle cure-all, but progressive institutions like Spirit Therapies, Bubble Swim School, Kravenko Foundation and Studio 8 Ten are doing what they can to help individuals with disabilities cope with and, in some cases, overcome their limitations.
Spirit Therapies
At Spirit Therapies, a volunteer-run nonprofit group, a horse is not just a horse, of course, it’s a four-legged therapist that helps people of all ages with special needs improve their lives through physical contact, exercise and interaction with others. They offer therapeutic horseback riding for people with Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries and emotional distress, as well as active and veteran military personnel.
Spirit asserts that the physical benefit associated with the horse’s warm body and three dimensional gait has been shown to increase circulation, relax muscles, strengthen weak muscles, increase mobility in the pelvis and trunk, develop balance and coordination as well as improve posture. Moreover, it provides riders with something they might not get in an ordinary day: adventure and freedom. “It’s amazing and exciting to see the success of these individuals,” says coordinator Charla Glimp. “The therapy impacts every area of their lives with physical, mental and emotional benefits while also increasing communication and social skills.” Visit www.spirittherapies.org or call 219-1728 for further information.
Bubble Swim School
Bubble Swim School is another place where recreation becomes a life-altering event. Bubble conducts adaptive aquatic therapy and swim lessons for people 1 ½ years of age and older with special needs. They are the only establishment in the western United States offering adaptive aquatic therapy for children with autism and the only swim school in Nevada with accredited special education teachers.
Owner David Perkins contends that because the water requires three times more effort to move through, it stimulates the entire body, encourages relaxation and provides the extra stimulation that children with autism, as well as those that are hyperactive, seem to need. He also adds that aquatic interventions have shown to be a significant factor in the development of sensory processing, providing a calming tactile stimulation that decreases a child’s hyperactivity and stress. According to Bubble, aquatic programs have been used with great success for children with autism, spina bifida, hyper active disorders and other mental and physical disabilities. For more info, visit www.bubbleswimschool.com or call 368-SWIM.
The Kravenko Foundation
Another nonprofit group, The Kravenko Foundation seeks to improve lives through the art of dance. Their alternative therapy is based on a fairly simple concept. Autism and other similar developmental disabilities are often marked by inattentive behavior, language skill deficits and difficulty bridging information between each side of the brain. Learning to dance requires both brain hemispheres, as participants must hear the music, process a sequence and then dance. Kravenko facilitates the process by offering three unique programs: On Site Dance, Movement & Expression and Musical Chairs.
Through the On Site Dance program, senior dancers of the Kravenko Dance Academy perform for area schools and youth groups in an effort to increase awareness of what is possible for both at-risk children and those with physical or developmental disabilities. Their Movement & Expression program gives participants with autism or similar disabilities a chance to experience the fun of moving to music, the excitement of dance and the challenge of achievement. Finally, Musical Chairs provides children confined to wheelchairs an opportunity to move to music accompanied by teenage dancers in an assortment of creative, contemporary and traditional dances. Says director Janet Kravenko, “In the beginning they are all a bit reserved, but then they discover they can do it. Their optimism increases and they learn the reward of it all.” The Kravenko Foundation can be reached at www.kravenkofoundation.org or by calling 876-2806.
Studio 8 Ten
For adults with mental and physical disabilities such as autism, traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy, among others, there’s alternative therapy and work available at Studio 8 Ten, a division of Transition Services Inc. The program, which began more than 10 years ago, not only introduces participants to crafting, it offers disabled individuals a chance to earn a paycheck and exercise their creativity while gaining independence and more control over their lives.
Today, Studio 8 Ten participants produce 45 different products, including scrapbooks, journals, bath and body items and pet toys. The employees take pride in their product line and are able to connect with the community in a meaningful way through the sale of the products. Studio 8 Ten store supervisor Andy Caston says, “I see lots of improvement in our employees. This is their home away from home. Their social skills increase. They’re having fun with their friends and getting paid for it.” Visit their website at www.studio8ten.com or call 644-9418 for info.
For additional information on supportive services, visit the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services at www.dhhs.nv.gov or contact Nevada 2-1-1, a nonprofit resource for information about social or community services, by dialing 211 on your phone.
Why some people seem to be favored in life while others face a more challenging journey, we may never truly understand. But as we search for answers and cures, it is comforting to know that innovative treatments are out there, as well as kind-hearted volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to making life a little easier for others.
Sidebar
Local organizations that offer alternative therapy are numerous. Here are a few more:
The Caring Place (871-7333; www.thecaringplacenv.org): A nonprofit group for people touched by cancer that offers support groups, healing arts programs and art classes for children who have a family member with cancer.
Parks and Recreation: All area parks and recreation departments have therapeutic recreation. In fact, the City of Henderson offers their BLAST program (Building Lifetime Adult Social Ties) for adults of varying disabilities. The program provides recreation and independent living activities such as learning to swim or cook and offers participants the chance to experience and develop lifetime leisure skills in a community-based setting.
Best Buddies (822-2268; www.bestbuddies.org): A nonprofit group creating friendships between intellectually and developmentally disabled citizens and people without disabilities.
Positively Kids (262-0037; www.positivelykids.org): Provides Alternative Compatible Therapies (ACT) that include music, cranial-sacral, infant massage and stimulation to children suffering from chronic or terminal illness, as well as educational classes to family members.
Give Me A Break Inc. (898-2216; www.givemeabreakinc.com): A nonprofit group providing unique alternative therapy of all types to families caring for an individual with physical or mental disabilities, chronic or terminal illness, or where special physical or mental healthcare is required.
Sumita Beauty
In Hindu, the word “shukar” means gratitude; shukar gives abundance and makes you smile. It’s also the inspiration behind Sumita Beauty’s shukar bead bracelet initiative. This fashionable beaded bracelet represents Sumita Beauty’s gratitude, not only to their patrons, but to anybody who strives to make a difference in the lives of others.
Throughout the month of September, Sumita Beauty, leaders in the art of threading and Mehndi, will be selling shukar bead bracelets priced at $11, and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the customer’s charity of choice. Here’s how it works: Go to Sumita Beauty’s website at www.sumitabeauty.com, click on the “Help us choose our charity” icon, vote for the charity you’d like to donate to and purchase your very own shukar bracelet. Options include City of Hope Medical Care, American India Foundation, Red Cross, Pratham and Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, but you may also write in a vote of your choice.
Patrons can also purchase and vote at Sumita’s Fashion Show Mall studio. The charity that receives the most votes will be the beneficiary of all the proceeds from the sale of the bracelets. Who knew giving back could be both gratifying and fashion-forward? For more info, call 462-7980 or visit Sumita’s website.
La Isla Uniforms
On July 23rd, the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada learned a new skill, and, as is tradition, earned a new badge for their efforts. This particular endeavor was a bit unusual though, as they not only earned a badge, but they created it as well, thanks to Las Vegas Logos and Embroidery, part of La Isla Uniforms’ recent expansion.
To kick off the company’s Fashion for Passion event, several girls fashioned uniforms while others guessed what professions they represented. Later, Fernando Lara of Las Vegas Logos and Embroidery created an official Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada patch while giving the girls a tutorial on how a four-machine embroidery operates. Seamstress Lizbeth Alvarez took over from there, conducting the girls through all the stitching necessary to sew on badges and patches.
When all was sewed and done, a good time was had by all; the girls mastered another handy life skill; and La Isla did their very best to stoke in them the fires of passion and creativity. To continue their service to the organization and its participants, La Isla Uniforms is offering a special promotion to all Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada members, where they will sew on uniform badges complimentary through December 31st. For more info on La Isla Uniforms, visit www.laislauniformslasvegas.com or call 734-7070.
In the Know
In the Know
In the Know
In the Know
