Out n About – December
Out n About – December
Sean Farnsworth
By Callie Thomas
Athletes have an acute connection between mind and body. With the proper training and state of mind, they’re driven to meet the most rigorous physical challenges and have the tools to maneuver through many of life’s obstacles. Athletes become the ideal mentors by motivating other athletes through their life experiences and wisdom. 89123 resident Sean Farnsworth puts that into action by being an athlete and an inspiration to his students at Greenspun Junior High.
For the past 21 years, Farnsworth has been “paying it forward” not only by encouraging the students in his physical education classes but by reaching out to the community and raising funds for charitable organizations. Using his athleticism, whether it’s cycling, running cross country or jumping rope, Sean makes a difference. “I absolutely love what I do, even after two decades,” says Farnsworth. His position at the school has also allowed him to become involved in several community activities, including Jump Rope for Heart. “I shaved my head on KLAS channel 8 for that one,” says Farnsworth, who also donates his time coaching soccer for Henderson United Youth Soccer. He’s been actively involved with the Josh Stevens Foundation, which encourages acts of kindness, and also finds time to feed the hungry by donating to the Three Square Food Bank.
Sean puts the pedal to the metal each year during the annual 103-mile century ride at RTC Viva Bike Vegas. The event brings cycling enthusiasts across the country together to join the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada in a ride that benefits local charitable organizations. “I run and ride in as many events, like RTC Viva Bike Vegas, as I can that raise money for worthy causes,” says Farnsworth. The Viva Bike Vegas ride benefits three local charities: Nevada Cancer Institute, After-School All-Stars Las Vegas and Nevada Child Seekers.
It’s hard to keep up with this busy coach, but he invited us along for the ride to get a bit more insight on how this mentor rolls.
What influenced you to become a teacher?
“I really became a teacher to repay a debt. I had a coach in high school who turned my life around. He got me into running and that got me into college. When I got my first teaching job, I went back to thank the coach who made the life I have now possible.”
That meeting must have been special. What did he say?
“When I thanked him and said I didn’t know how I could ever repay what he had done for me, he looked at me and said that I couldn’t, but that I could do the same thing for someone else. I have never forgotten that conversation.”
He was truly an amazing influence in your life.
“Yes. One of the things my coach said often was that who you are speaks so loudly that no one can hear what you say. It’s something I think about often.”
You are so generous giving your time and talents to a number of charities in the city. I understand that your family has also become involved in several organizations.
“My family never turns down a friend or someone in need. In fact, we have helped complete strangers and never turn away an animal in need of rescue. We believe in the “pay it forward” idea—helping in any way possible and expecting nothing in return.”
Can you tell us about some of the organizations you’ve supported as a family?
My daughter, wife and I finished the Red Rock 5K. My wife ran and my daughter and I walked with friends. The proceeds went towards after school programs for kids.”
With all that activity, how do you unwind?
“Exercise – the more the better.”
Athleticism is definitely in your DNA. I almost hesitate to ask, but if you weren’t in your present career what would you see yourself doing?
“I have the greatest job in the world and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Loren V. Kiner
By Callie Thomas
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been over 30 years since gas stations actually had someone there to pump your gas for you, not to mention clean your windshield and even check your oil. No, it’s not a tale out of the Twilight Zone. This used to be the real-life way of doing business. The Imperial Auto & Truck Service Center in Henderson is setting out to practice this refreshingly new (or rather, old) way of doing things. Owner and 89074 resident Loren Kiner lives by simple principles that he applies to his business as well as his life: loyalty, trust, integrity and community.
Loren and his wife Lynda moved to the valley about 15 years ago, originally hailing from Ohio, where they owned three service centers and repaired vehicles for more than 18 years. “Selling our business and relocating to Henderson has been a great joy for us,” says Kiner. “We really enjoy making new friends and developing ties to the community.” Kiner and his auto business acumen have been welcomed by his customers, many of whom have also become friends. “I like giving that special touch of repairing something that might have been missed such as a taillight or a missing knob and just fixing it without monetary compensation. Our goal is to have people leave with more than they expected, right down to the little details that mean so much.”
Kiner’s business has continued to grow, and as a result, he is able to help the community by doing business with customers that do business with him, providing services to school fundraisers and by supporting the Girl Scouts. “We’re building a community in our community of those you can count on,” he said.
Loren took a few minutes away from his busy schedule to give us the chance to “look under the hood” and get to know him, his family and why he’s devoted to giving back.
I understand that Imperial Auto & Truck actually has its own scholarship program?
“That’s true! Because we had so many Imperial students graduating from high schools here in Nevada, we began a scholarship program to award two high school seniors planning to attend a Nevada college. They submit an essay on how they plan to benefit the community with their career. We then select the two winning entries each year.”
Do you support any other organizations?
“Yes, every holiday we help organize a program that I call ‘Imperial Wheels for Meals’ that helps Catholic Charities. Patrons bring in a $30 gift card from Smith’s Grocery Store in exchange for our technicians performing several wheel and tire services worth more than $100. We in turn donate the cards to Catholic Charities to provide meals for those who would be without at the holiday season.” To see how you can help, call 568-4053.
One might say you are a man of great integrity.
“Not much in this life impresses me more than a man’s integrity of his words. I believe my upbringing and those that I have been privileged to know have taught me that a man’s word is his greatest possession, next to his trust in God.”
What would you say you are most passionate about?
“I’m passionate about living and maintaining a lifestyle that my customers and friends want to be a part of—one of quality and honesty.”
How do you unwind after a busy week? Where might we find you on a typical Saturday night?
“Friday evenings are spent with family and friends dining together at Sunset Station. After having five children and five grandchildren (numbers six and seven are on the way), our Saturdays are spent around Wrangler hockey, 51’s baseball games, dining out or just playing cards around the kitchen table.”
What’s the one belief that you hold most true?
“I believe in building lasting relationships in our family and with our friends.”
Jim Twomey
By Callie Thomas
The wheels have been turning in the mind of 89052 resident Jim Twomey for some time. After making a living in the corporate world for almost 25 years, he finally decided to follow his passion for cycling, so he hung up the business suit and opened his own bike shop instead. “I’ve wanted to do it for about 20 years,” says Twomey. JT’s Bicycle Shop was born and continues to thrive, largely because of the personalized service that Twomey instills in his staff. “It seems simple,” he says, “but good customer service is getting harder to find.”
Before moving to Nevada, Jim was the president of a local bike club. Once he landed in Henderson, he helped to start the Green Valley Cyclists Bike Club. “Biking has been a hobby, a chief form of exercise and a way of making friends for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I’m proud to support the growing biking community in Southern Nevada through my bike shop and community cycling events like RTC Viva Bike Vegas.” The annual ride brings cycling enthusiasts across the country together to join the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada to ride up to 103 miles to benefit local charitable organizations.
“I enjoy doing whatever I can to pass on my love of cycling and combine it with a great charity,” Jim said. “It brings a lot of personal satisfaction.”
At the recommendation of a friend, Twomey became involved with The Shade Tree Homeless Center for Abused Women and Children, and with assistance from his store manager, Eric Neuhaus, JT’s Bicycle has sponsored an annual benefit for the last four years. The shop gives participants in the event an opportunity to try out the latest bike models in a supplier’s demo truck. Prizes are raffled off, which include a new bicycle from one of their vendors, Giant Bicycles. All proceeds from the benefit go to The Shade Tree.
When he’s not entrenched in the world of cycling, Jim likes to be involved with his family, who share his love of sports and athleticism.
Tell us about your family—any other cycling enthusiasts?
“My wife Kathi works in the store a couple of days a week with me and is also a cyclist. Our daughter Katherine lives here in Vegas with her husband Sean, and both are swimmers and runners; my son-in-law is a tri-athlete. I have two grandchildren – seven year old Gretchen, who loves to ride horses, and my grandson Charlie is four and into karate.”
Wow, you have a very active family! Do you ever just get to kick back and unwind? How do you de-stress from a busy week?
“My wife and I like old movies from the ‘30s and ‘40s, and we are big fans of Alfred Hitchcock films.”
Hitch produced so many great movies—bet it’s hard to pick just one on a Saturday night. What do you like to do on Saturdays?
“On Saturdays, I work at the shop. On Saturday night, you might find me with my wife at an Italian restaurant.”
That sounds good! If you could do it all over again, what other job would you like to do?
“If I could start all over, I think I would like to be a forest ranger.”
That’s easy to see—as a cyclist you’ve gotta love the outdoors. Any other hobbies?
“My wife and I go to Cedar City, Utah each year for the Shakespeare Festival. We usually see all the plays.”
Your interests are very diverse. Is there anything that you could tell us that you think your friends would be surprised to know about you?
“I once studied in a seminary to be a priest.”
There’s no way to top that, but I bet you have some words of inspiration for us?
“Life is like riding a bicycle—in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
Mehdi Zarhloul
By Callie Thomas
It’s no secret that good food has a way of touching your soul. A great dish can make an ordinary day seem special, fill a holiday with generations of tradition and give comfort on a cold, wintery day (even in Las Vegas, where 60 degrees qualifies as “cold.”) It’s clear that 89012 resident Mehdi Zarhloul has put his heart and soul into each and every dish he’s created during his 20 year career in the food industry. “Food is my passion,” says Zarhloul. “I obsess about ways I can improve my guest’s experience.”
Zarhloul was raised in Casablanca, Morocco and immigrated to the United States at the age of 16. Here, he says, he was able to “live the American dream” by pursuing his culinary passion. Mehdi has worked in many casual and fine dining restaurants under various titles, including Assistant Food and Beverage Director at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. In 2005, he stepped down from that position to follow his dream of opening his own restaurant business. “I noticed there was an untapped niche for Mediterranean food, and after researching and experimenting for some time, I opened the Crazy Pita,” he said. “It’s a fresh, casual Mediterranean concept with made to order grilled skewers, rotisserie chicken, salads and pita sandwiches that are blended to create an inspired and wholesome cuisine.”
While the business opened in a difficult economic climate, it has since thrived, earning scores of accolades, including being ranked the #1 Mediterranean restaurant in Las Vegas by AOL. Crazy Pita was also ranked in the Top 100 list of Best Concepts in America, and this past March, the ISCS ranked it in the top three retailers of the year.
The busy entrepreneur sat with us and gave us a little more insight into the secrets behind the success of Crazy Pita and his own “crazy” life.
Why do you think people keep coming back to the Crazy Pita?
“Hopefully it’s the delicious food, but it’s also the extra effort and acts of kindness our team extends throughout the community that make us successful.”
How do you and your team reach out to the community?
“We’re a major supporter of the Josh Stevens Foundation, which was founded after 13-year-old Josh Stevens died of a tragic accident. Josh’s time on earth was much too short, but his kind heart and spirit live on through the Foundation, which advocates helping others through acts of kindness. Every October, the Crazy Pita celebrates Josh’s birthday, and all proceeds from his favorite pita go to support the Foundation. I hope community members will think of the Crazy Pita, whether it is supporting a little league, local school or police and fire benefits.”
On a typical Saturday or Sunday, where might we find you?
“If I’m not working, I’m either cooking dinner for my wife or trying out a new restaurant.”
You really are passionate about dining! What’s the best dish you’ve ever eaten in town and where?
“The chocolate Eskimos at the Vernadah restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel.”
What would you say is your most memorable Las Vegas experience?
“The day I proposed to my wife at the Alize restaurant in the Palms Hotel.”
Is there something you could tell us that you think others in the community don’t know about you?
“I like to drive around as if it’s Sunday every day and listen to Shirley Bassey with the volume turned up.”
Small world. Shirley Bassey has a Vegas connection, too, going back to her debut at the El Rancho in the late ‘50s. What else inspires you? Do you have a favorite quote?
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln
Humana Crafters for Charity
Once a week, a dedicated group of 20 local women get together for an afternoon of knitting and crocheting. But this isn’t just a hobby or a social hour for them. They’re putting their artistic, tailor-made talents to use for a good cause.
Humana Crafters for Charity have worked tirelessly throughout the year to fashion blankets, quilts, hats and scarves to be donated to Southern Nevada veterans. Each piece is unique and made with loving care, some taking over ten hours to complete, but it’s time well spent for these ladies if they can help benefit the community. For the second consecutive year, items will be donated via the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, which provides services to more than 35,000 local veterans each year. The generous contribution of much-needed blankets and clothing will help keep our less fortunate vets warm as the cold winter months approach.
Bound together by a love of community and a passion for crafting, Crafters for Charity is making life better for the less fortunate, one stitch at a time. For more information on the Humana Guidance Center in Henderson, or if you’re interested in joining the Crafters yourself, call 269-5200.
Windermere Real Estate
While they may be in the business of selling houses, Windermere Real Estate also believes that every child deserves to have a place they can call home. As part of their annual Community Service Day, Windermere helped make that dream a reality for the residents of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Boulder City.
On October 21st, Windermere volunteers spent the day at St. Jude’s 40-acre campus, weeding and landscaping the grounds, sorting and pricing inventory in the gift shop and organizing the mail room. Making life better for the abused, abandoned and neglected children who call the ranch home was a priority for Robyn Yates, Owner/Broker of Windermere Prestige Properties. “Helping create an environment that children can be proud to call ‘home’ is the perfect project for Windermere,” Yates said. “We want to show the residents at St. Jude’s there are people in the community who care about them.”
The idea of “home” may mean different things to different people, but thanks to the agents, staff and family members of Windermere, it means something special to the children of St. Jude’s. For more information on how you can help, call 294-7100 or visit www.stjudesranch.org.
In the Know
Circuit Spa
Are you tired of the same old exercise and wellness routines? Why not try something a little more unique? Circuit Spa combines a passion for healing with the latest in technology to get you energized and renewed. The owners believe in staying one step ahead of the latest innovations in medicinal therapy and rejuvenation in order to bring you a top-notch health regimen. Similar to a gym or sports club, Circuit Spa will help you create a custom five-step circuit plan and give you full access to their cutting-edge equipment and services, including vibrational plates, radiance light systems, body wraps and more. With a lot of dedication, a little sweat and a high-tech helping hand, you’ll be feeling fit and revitalized in no time.
565-ISPA / 3019 St. Rose Pkwy. / www.circuitspa.com
Popcorn Girl
How much do we love Popcorn Girl? Let us count the ways: Mac & Cheese, Sour Cream & Chives, Southwest Jalapeno, Cotton Candy, Cinnamon Toast, Kettle Corn, S’mores, Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate & Caramel Pecan and many more. The list continues with over 50 crunchy, sweet, savory, spicy and original flavors of popcorn that’s popped fresh throughout the day. A gourmet celebration of the kernel, Popcorn Girl uses nothing but the finest ingredients, real cheeses and a secret-recipe caramel made from scratch. Did we mention they also have homemade fudge, taffy and nostalgic candies? With decorative tins, festive bags and customized packages, Popcorn Girl offers the perfect treat for original gifts and memorable movie nights. Stop by or order on-line today!
568-0557 / 1000 N. Green Valley Pkwy., #510 / www.popcorngirlvegas.com
Body Spa Wellness
With a new location on St. Rose Parkway, Body Spa Wellness continues their tradition of excellent customer service and life-changing results. Hands-on owner Debbie Ritchey has taken the professional salon business to the next level of convenience with all of your beauty needs under one roof. In addition to offering the most experienced technicians in cutting-edge treatments for hair and nails, Body Spa provides a full menu of med spa services, including massage, circuit training and skin care. For continuing education, you can also attend one of Dr. Patti Beckstead’s free seminars and learn how to naturally balance hormones to help you achieve all your life goals. Make an appointment or stop by for a visit today and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
565-0990 / 3019 St. Rose Pkwy. / www.bodyspasalons.com
Scheme Events
A passion for contemporary design and premiere event planning brought four brilliant and artistic women together to form Scheme Events. Jacqueline, Rissa, Tara and Traci have combined their inspired ideas and exceptional talents to build a business focused on creative design, personal relationships and producing unforgettable events. From weddings to bar mitzvahs to holiday parties and more, they’ll provide the very best in conceptual design and specialty décor. Need help managing RSVPs or styling your wedding attire? These hard-working ladies will help you coordinate all the logistics. Stuck on what to do for your event? Let them guide you through an idea building session to help figure it out. No matter the size or style of the occasion, Scheme Events will help make sure it’s as special and memorable as can be.
612-9872 / 2510 Horizon Ridge Pkwy., #220 / www.schemeevents.com
Gaati Thai Kitchen
With over 20 years of restaurant industry experience, executive chef Maliwan Chen and co-owner/manager Sue Kohengkul are bringing healthy, authentic Thai cuisine to the masses. If the delectable aromas aren’t enough to hook you the moment you walk in the door, sit down and sample some of their classic fare. Crab fried rice, pad thai, lemongrass chicken and various homemade curries are just some of the delicacies you’ll find on the menu. What you won’t find are pre-packaged, processed sauces or MSG. Their all-natural ingredients are made in house, bringing quality freshness to their traditional dishes and innovative creations. You’ll savor every exotic bite from start to finish for a dining experience that’s sweet, spicy and always sensational.
998-9800 / 10545 S. Eastern Ave., #100 / www.gaatithai.com
Bread & Butter Restaurant
With fresh, quality ingredients and a friendly neighborhood feel, Bread & Butter Restaurant is serving up some fun and funky breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Almost everything is made in house, including their delicious bagels, breads, salads and sandwiches. To wash things down, try some roasted coffee or herbal tea, or escape from the daily “grind” with a brewed chocolate drink called Choffy. And the menu isn’t the only thing that’s unique. The decorations are all re-used material and the dishware comes from second-hand stores, keeping costs down while creating a one-of-a-kind vibe. There are always fun promotions going on as well, such as Moustache Appreciation Day and Happy Hour for Kids with milk and cookies. So pull up a chair, kick back and enjoy some old-fashioned, home-baked hospitality.
675-3300 / 10940 S. Eastern Ave. / www.facebook.com/breadandbutterlv
The Dishes You Can’t Miss – Eating Local Has Never Tasted So Good
By Aly Wagonseller
In recent years, Las Vegas has become a culinary Mecca for the discriminating food enthusiast. Some of the most talented chefs from all over the world have set up shop in trendy locales on the Strip. Astounding food, spectacular service and somewhat hefty price tags have become commonplace all over town, carving out a niche in our city for some of the biggest and best restaurants in America.
Still, some of the best dishes our city has to offer can be found in tiny hole-in-the-walls in the nooks and crannies just off the Boulevard. Places where family recipes are born of sweat and tears, where independent restaurateurs struggle to survive in a cruel industry and manage to triumph over incredible odds. These are the places that give neighborhood dining a good name. Whether you live in Anthem, Summerlin or somewhere in between, here’s a few standout dishes you shouldn’t miss. You’ll get to take advantage of some amazing food, help support grateful local business owners and inject some livelihood into our community and economy.
With the growth of our city comes diverse world cuisine; dishes with names you can’t pronounce, ingredients you can’t decipher and presentation that some might consider less than appealing. One must-try example is a dish called Adjarski Khachapurri, found at Forte European Tapas, 4180 So. Rainbow Blvd. Piping hot, impossibly crusty bread that’s shaped like a hollowed out canoe is filled with mildly salty pickled cheese and a raw egg. Twirl your fork through the egg, cooking it with the heat of the bread as the cheese melts underneath. Savor that first delectable bite as you listen to other patrons speaking in heavy, Eastern European accents, which only adds to the allure of this tiny little haven.
Not as mysterious yet equally delicious is Yia Yia’s Pasticcio, made at The Great Greek Grill, 1275 W. Warm Springs #160. Chef Girair “Jerry” Goumroian calls upon his experience working at several fine dining restaurants on the Strip to transform this otherwise gut busting ground beef, pasta and cream sauce casserole into a soufflé-like alternative that preserves all the same flavors yet doesn’t weigh you down like a brick. Modern-day cooking has never tasted so good.
On the Thai scene, there’s nothing better than a humble Pad Kapow, a spicy and savory ground beef, vegetable, chili and Thai basil infused concoction that may as well be crack on a mound of rice. On any given lunch hour at Archi’s Thai Bistro, 215 and Rainbow, you’ll see 80% of their diners imbibing in its deliciousness. Not to be outdone, a new restaurant called Gaati Thai, 10545 So. Eastern, also whips up a very respectable twist on the same fare. You’ll have to specifically ask for it since it’s not on their current menu, but the stylish décor and friendly staff at Gaati make it well worth a visit.
More restaurants, both old and new, are bringing an endless list of great-tasting authentic dishes into town. East Coast Eats, 50 Valle Verde Dr., has Steak Bomb and Three-Way Roast Beef sandwiches flying off the flat top griddle to droves of sub sandwich aficionados. The busiest lunch spot in the District at GVR, The Crazy Pita, serves up tried and true selections like the Kefta pita, rotisserie chicken or creamy hummus. Catfish and gouda spiked grits or unbelievably tasty charbroiled oysters are served up to the tune of Zydeco music at Lola’s Louisiana Kitchen, 241 W. Charleston Blvd, adjacent to a trendy art district. I could go on, and I know I’m missing more than just a few, because there’s some great digs off the beaten path in this town. I hear about them all the time and I’d love to hear about some of your favs. Send me a note at Editor@ppplv.com. I’m hungry and always looking for something good to eat.
Wyatt Reid
Silverado High School
Class of 2012
It’s no secret that hard work pays off, and it’s been paying off many times over for Silverado High School senior Wyatt Reid. While he’s made a name for himself on the baseball field, he credits much of his athletic success to his dedication to academics and his passion and appreciation for everything about school. With great role models, strong faith and a commitment to achieving his goals, he doesn’t let any challenge stand in his way. He’s got his feet firmly on the ground, but he’s still reaching for his dreams, and that makes Wyatt Reid – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.49
Sports/Activities/Community Service:
- Varsity Baseball, 2009-Present
- Varsity Tennis, 2011
- Boy Scouts of America, 2006-Present
- Interact Club, 2010
- Eagle Scout Project, 2011
- Gene Ward Elementary Toy Donation Volunteer, 2010
Awards:
- Varsity Letter in Baseball, 2009-Present
- Varsity Letter in Tennis, 2011
- Scholar Athlete, 2009-Present
- Athlete of the Month, 2011
- Student of the Month, 2010
- Academic Letter, 2010
- Nevada All-State Academic Team for Baseball, 2010
- Skyhawk Award in Baseball, 2010
Wyatt is Successful Because: “The reason I am successful is hard work. As a young boy, my parents’ expectations were high. I set out to reach those goals through hard work and dedication.”
Wyatt Looks Up To: “I look up to my father because he is the greatest human being I have ever known. He risks his life on a daily basis for his work as a Fireman for the Clark County Fire Department. He is a loving father and grandfather, and he is the person that taught me all about hard work. All his life, he has been teaching me to go after my dreams.”
Part of the Solution: “The key issue facing young adults is their lack of things to do. The reason most kids get into trouble is that they don’t have uplifting activities or wholesome places to spend their time. A way to fix this is to encourage young adults to participate more in school clubs and sports. If students reach out and ask fellow classmates to participate in these activities, then this problem can be greatly changed.”
Wyatt is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Two summers ago, my scout group went on a 50-mile hike, which was done in six days. It was a mental and physical battle. We would wake up in the mornings and hike our nine or so miles and then eat dinner. I learned that with help from others and a drive to complete a task, anything can be accomplished.”
