Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort and Centennial Hills Hospital

The proportion of skiing and snowboarding head injuries is higher in children than any other age group. To help emphasize the importance of ski slope safety, Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort and Centennial Hills Hospital teamed up to provide hundreds of free ski helmets to local children throughout the month of January in conjunction with Lids on Kids, a national ski and snowboard safety education program.

Now in its fourth year, the program has donated a significant number of ski and snowboard helmets to help local youth get the safeguards they need while enjoying their favorite winter sports. “Fit is critical to a helmet’s ability to perform its intended function in the event of an accident,” says Kevin Stickelman, president and general manager at LVSSR, so to help ensure proper protection, trained volunteers were on hand to fit toddlers through pre-teens for their complimentary helmets. Then, before heading to the lift, children and parents participated in a short education program on ski slope safety and responsibility as part of the free service.

“In today’s troubled economy, LVSSR wants to ensure that cost doesn’t interfere with safety,” says Stickelman, “so while most resorts only offer helmet education, LVSSR takes it one step further. We believe that the health and safety of our kids is priceless.”

For more information on Lids on Kids, visit www.skilasvegas.com or www.lidsonkids.org.

In the Know

Koko FitClub

With a second new location now open in Henderson, Koko FitClub brings you another chance to rethink your traditional fitness regimen. If you’re tired of mindless repetition in your exercise routine, Koko is the place for you. This forward thinking fitness facility doesn’t ask for huge chunks of your precious weekly schedule, just thirty minutes (or less) per session. Utilizing their exclusive “Smartraining” technology, they’ll create an individual workout that not only ensures that you’re doing the right exercise the right way but also allows you to track your progress from one session to the next. It’s your own personal trainer at a fraction of the cost! So trade the noisy crowds of your local gym for a made-to-order routine that will help bring you maximum results.

487-KOKO  /  55 Horizon Ridge Pkwy.  /  www.kokofitclub.com

Kidz Kidz Kidz Preschool & Early Development Centers

Looking for high quality pre-school care to help your child learn and grow? Kidz Kidz Kidz aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment to educate and inform young minds. Their age appropriate programs stimulate physical, social and emotional development with help from a licensed and caring staff. Hands-on participation is the key here, with a learning program that teaches Spanish, sign language, science and much more. Tuition includes their unique “Watch Me Grow” service, which enables you to observe your child via the Internet as they enjoy their fun filled educational day. It’s not just a school, but a fully formed learning experience designed to prepare your child for those next important steps in life.

558-5439  /  1483 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy.  /  www.kidzpreschool.com

Nutrishop

Are you spending hours in the gym and not getting anywhere? Are you eating right and still can’t seem to lose that stubborn fat around the hips, thighs and midsection? Need to tone up or increase lean muscle? Nutrishop has helped thousands of people reach their health and fitness goals and they can help you, too. With more than100 locations nationwide, they’re bringing you the latest cutting edge nutritional supplements at reasonable prices, specializing in weight loss, strength and muscle gain and general health. Their trained staff spends quality time with each customer to ensure optimal success, so stop in and start getting the results you want today with Nutrishop. Mention this article and receive 25% off your first purchase on all non-sale items!

982-8811  /  9555 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 140  /  www.nutrishopusa.com

Glass Handbag

Finding your car keys in a dark parking lot will never be a problem again thanks to Glass Handbag. Offering high end purses with integrated lighting systems that illuminate the contents of the bag, Glass Handbag provides a convenient “see inside” accessory. Invented by fashion photographer Tamara Leuty, the light panels built into each purse help solve problems that have been plaguing women for decades, making them perfect for a trip to any dimly lit restaurant or night club. The patented system includes an automatic switch that responds as the purse is opened and closed, while the light panel is flexible, non-heat producing and runs off common AAA batteries. Browse on-line or shop in store for the perfect combination of function, technology and style.

767-2067  /  6405 S. Tenaya Way, #100  /  www.glasshandbag.com

Luna Rossa Ristorante

A local favorite for years with their Lake Las Vegas location, Luna Rossa now brings their delicious food and culinary flair to a new venue on Fremont Street. This family owned Italian restaurant chain features modern innovative cuisine in a vibrant cosmopolitan environment, adding a splash of Mediterranean color to downtown. Specialties include thin crust pizzas, daily homemade pastas, mesquite grilled fresh fish, split-roasted meats and fowl, Fiorentina style steaks and much more. Don’t forget to order some tasty panna cotta or tiramisu for dessert! You’ll also find plenty of outdoor seating space, a full bar and menu items for the kids. Whether at the Lake or this new downtown location, Luna Rossa is the place to be for a mouth watering taste of Italy you won’t soon forget.

928-5862  /  450 Fremont St.  /  www.lunarossaristorante.com

Beach House Grill & Bar

With two great locations in Henderson, Beach House Grill & Bar offers the perfect ingredients for a fun night on the town. You’ll find all the traditional grub here, priced reasonably enough for just about anyone to enjoy. The downstairs lounge area has plenty of big screen TVs for all the best sports action, while the second floor patio provides fire pits and a well stocked bar. Kick back, enjoy the view and sample everything from small bites to full flavored meals any time of day or night. There’s even an exciting arcade area for the kid in all of us. So pay a visit to Beach House Grill & Bar and enjoy enough delicious food, challenging games and good company to keep you entertained until the sun comes up.

632-2983  /  10430 S. Eastern Ave.

558-9191  /  30 E. Horizon Ridge Pkwy.

Brendan Villhardt

Liberty High School
Class of 2012

“Be prepared” is the motto of the Boy Scouts of America, and those are two words that Liberty High School senior and Eagle Scout Brendan Villhardt takes to heart. As someone who favors structure and diligence, Brendan takes a serious approach to academics but always finds time to help out in the community. Whether it’s recycling at school, helping close down abandoned mines or running a food drive with his fellow Scouts, no project is too big or small. With his sights set on a career in the aeronautics industry, the future is as wide open as the wild blue yonder. He’ll be working hard to get there, and that puts Brendan Villhardt – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.75
Activities/Awards/Community Service

• Boy Scouts of America, 2000-Present
• Eagle Scout Award, 2011
• Scouting for Food Program, 2004-Present
• Scholastic Clay Target Program, 2008-Present; 2^nd Place, B Class, 2011
• Environmental Awareness Club, 2009-Present; Secretary, 2010-11
• AP Club, 2011-Present
• Liberty High School Website Designer, 2011-Present
• Student of the Month, 2009 & 2011
• Straight “A” Award, 2008-Present
• Perfect Attendance Award, 2008-Present

Goals & Aspirations: “My biggest goal right now is to get all straight A’s my senior year of high school, which will make me one of the valedictorians of my graduating class. I hope to go to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, where I have already been accepted. I want to study aerospace engineering so that I can design and build the aircraft of tomorrow.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am, by far, most proud of my accomplishment of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. It takes years of dedication to scouting and hard work to get to Eagle, and not many people do, so that’s why I’m proud of it.”

Brendan is Successful Because: “I would have to say that being very organized and punctual makes me successful. I have a place for everything, and everything is always in its place. I also get things done on time, and I never procrastinate.”

Part of the Solution: “I think that a key issue for young adults today is using a cell phone while driving. Too many kids use their phone while driving, and it leads to very unsafe driving conditions. I can be part of the solution by setting an example by turning off my phone before I get in my car.”

Cause for Concern: “I would want to be president of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. They are a nonprofit group whose goal is to protect wildlife around the world. They are most noted for their efforts to stop the illegal whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary near Antarctica. I feel they have a very noble cause and the senseless slaughter of whales must be stopped.”

Erika Hanuscin

Green Valley High School
Class of 2012

Keeping up with school and sports is always difficult, but Green Valley High School senior Erika Hanuscin has got the dedication it takes to excel at both. Committed to excellence both in the classroom and on the soccer field, she strives to do her best every day, and in return has reaped the benefits of continued success. Grounded and hardworking, Erika realizes the importance of positive relationships and surrounds herself with a reliable support system of family, friends and teammates to help her along the way. With dreams that have no limits and strong role models to keep her inspired, Erika Hanuscin rises to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.8

Sports/Community Service/Awards

• Varsity Soccer, 2008-12; Captain, 2010-12
• C.H.A.N.C.E., 2010-12
• Usher at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2002-10
• Varsity Letter, 2008-12
• All State, 2009-10; All Region, 2009-11; All League, 2009-11
• Scholar Athlete, 2008-12
• Nevada All State Academic Team, 2008-12
• All American Scholar Athlete, 2011-12
• All Region Scholar Athlete, 2011-12
• Athlete of the Month, 2012
• Nevada State Champions (Soccer; 2010-11
• Most Valuable Defensive Player, 2010-11
• AP Scholar Award, 2010-11

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “One of my accomplishments I am most proud of is winning a Nevada State Championship with my Green Valley High School soccer team. That is one of the highlights of my high school years. I am also proud of maintaining a perfect GPA through high school. I am a student athlete and I take both parts of that very seriously.”

Erika is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Dealing with the death of my grandpa, my cousin and my aunt has definitely made me the strong person I am today. Family death is definitely something that makes you appreciate the life that you are given because you never know what will happen. Life can be taken away from you as easy as it was given to you.”

Improving Student Life: “I think that more kids should be involved in some club, sport or activity at high school. It would be a great idea to make it mandatory for at least one year, and if they didn’t like it, then they would not have to participate again. This would help kids meet new people and make new friends.”

Erika is Successful Because: “I believe the fact that I have a drive and determination to be the best student, athlete, friend and person is what makes me successful. I will work hard to achieve something that I know I can. I like to strive for greatness and working hard is how I get there.”

Jaime Lemcke

Coronado High School
Class of 2012

Strength of character and independence are not just born out of overcoming adversity but from years of supportive encouragement, a notion that Coronado High School senior Jaime Lemcke represents with superb poise and grace. Devoted friendships play a key role in this volleyball superstar’s world, whether it’s depending on fellow students or admiration from teammates. While high school may be a priority, it’s the connections of family that have formed the strongest bonds and helped instill a sense of will power, leadership and integrity that others hope to emulate. It’s these admirable qualities and more that place Jaime Lemcke – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.8

Sports/Activities/Community Service

• Freshman Volleyball, 2008
• JV Volleyball, 2009; Team Captain, 2009
• Varsity Volleyball, 2010-11
• Club Volleyball, 2008-10
• Track, 2010
• Habitat for Humanity, 2009
• Free to Be You and Me, 2012
• Student Council Commission, 2009
• Physical Therapy Office Volunteer, 2011-12

Awards

• Rising Star Award, 2008
• MVP Players Award, 2009
• MVP Coach’s Award, 2009
• Sportsmanship Award, 2011
• Nevada All State Academic Team, 2011
• Scholar Athlete, 2008-11
• AP Scholar Award, 2011

Jaime Looks Up To: “I look up to Diana Hunter, a beautiful woman I have known since I was born. She radiates happiness, helps others before she helps herself and, more than anything, she loves stronger than anyone I know.”

Jaime is Stronger and Wiser Because: “My mother passed away when I was three years old. I struggled for a long time with the idea that my mom wouldn’t be around to see me grow up and guide me through life’s obstacles, but with the help of my family and friends, I stayed strong.”

Part of the Solution: “A big issue facing young adults today is low self esteem and body image. An easy way to be a part of the solution is to be nice to everyone and tell them how awesome they are. Show them that they are important and perfect just the way they are.”

Cause for Concern: “I would like to be the president of an organization that aids underprivileged children. There are many evils in the world – poverty, hunger, disease – but children should never be subject to suffering. Kids should be able to play, laugh and enjoy life without worry.”

Barry S. MacNeill Jr.

Coronado High School

Class of 2012

Coronado High School senior Barry S. MacNeill Jr. always sets the bar high, whether it’s the literal bar at the top of the pole vault or the bar for success that he strives to reach every day. This dedicated athlete and future fighter pilot makes the most of any opportunity, attacking each new challenge with a combination of strength, leadership and accomplished skills. From football to marching band to charity work in the community, Barry understands the importance of being well rounded and never settles for the bare minimum. He’s constantly soaring to new heights but looking to soar even higher, and that helps Barry S. MacNeill Jr. to be – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.2

Sports/Activities/Awards/Community Service

• Freshman & JV Football, 2008-09
• Varsity Football, 2010-11
• JV Track and Field, 2009
• Varsity Track and Field, 2010-12; Captain, 2011-12
• JV Marching/Concert Band, 2008-09
• Varsity Marching/Concert Band, 2009-12; Drum Major, 2011-12
• Scholar Athlete Award (Football), 2010
• 4^th Place Regional Finalist (Pole Vaulting/Track and Field), 2011
• Pure Sky Vault Club, 2010-12
• Three Square Food Drive Volunteer, 2009-11

Goals & Aspirations: “My current goal for the upcoming track season is to break the school pole vault record and qualify for the state meet. I have practiced and trained diligently for the past four years and believe this goal is well within my grasp. My future goals include gaining admittance into the U.S. Air Force and earning a commission to serve as a fighter pilot.”

Barry is Successful Because: “I believe the reason for my success lies in my ambition and desire to always get the most out of everything I do. By always giving 100% and having high expectations for myself, I feel this gives me the best chance for success.”

Cause for Concern: “Growing up in a military family, I have visited Nellis Air Force Base, where my parents work. On many of my trips, I noticed a group of soldiers who were collecting gifts for the Toys for Tots program. My mother informed me that the soldiers gather toys during the holidays and then deliver them to less fortunate children. I would be honored to be the president of this type of program due to its direct relationship with its recipients.”

Improving Student Life: “In our school, as well as others across the valley, many teachers have been cut from the staff due to the budget. School class sizes are growing, giving students less one on one time with their teachers. By increasing the number of teachers on staff, I believe each student will have more individual time with their teacher and have a better chance for success.”

Barry is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Being in the marching band as well as on the football team has been a tough challenge for me. These two groups don’t usually get along too well. However, as a key member of both groups, I have been able to mediate disputes and help ease the drama between them. This effort has led to making both programs stronger. Being able to solve conflicts between multiple groups is a great skill that will help me in the future.”

A Spectrum of Style

A Spectrum of Style

In the Moment: The Benefits of Mindful Living

 By Brian Sodoma

Many people would agree that life is better today than it was 50 years ago. Everything seems faster, lighter and more organized. We’ve traded our rotary phones and clunky address books for all-in-one iGadgets. On the down side, that speed and efficiency can also bring unwanted stress and tension to our bodies, relationships and careers. But with some pause and reflection, many of these ugly side effects can be avoided, and you’ll be amazed at how much happier and productive your days can become by taking a moment to reflect on the small things around you.

The idea of “mindful living” entails being conscious of the present moment. It involves stripping away the mental clutter, to-do lists and worries of tomorrow and yesterday in order to focus on the now. Above all, it’s a realization that the little thoughts and fleeting moments we often deem as unimportant can have a tremendous effect on the way we live our lives. By practicing mindfulness in our personal and professional lives, those moments can become significant.

Mindfulness in Relationships

Mindfulness has an important place in all our personal lives. A simple act of kindness can alter the dynamics of any relationship for the better.  Kathleen Hall, founder and CEO of the Stress Institute in Atlanta, believes that mindfulness is an opportunity for all of us to help create positive energy in our interactions. “Think of how good we feel when someone just says a kind word to us,” Hall says. “You’re more inclined to treat someone else like that, too.” To that end, Hall likes to use the acronym ACE (Awareness, Choices, Energy) to help people seeking to use mindfulness to improve their relationships. Let’s take a closer look at these three steps:

• AWARENESS. You can help yourself be more “aware” of your likes and dislikes by creating a simple two-column list. Once you’ve got it laid out, take a look at both sides, the things you are passionate about and the things that bother you. Don’t pass judgment,  just take in what you’ve written down and think about why it’s there.

• CHOICES. Once you’ve listed and analyzed the things you don’t like, start figuring out what “choices” you can make to change them or move them over into the “like” column. If some of those dislikes are the result of relationships with family, friends or co-workers, have a candid talk with them to help iron out the issues. Now you’re putting mindfulness into action by taking charge and bringing about real change.

• ENERGY. Thanks to the choices you’ve made and the actions you’ve taken, you’ll feel invigorated with a new “energy.” In Hall’s words, you are “listening to your life” and those choices you made will lead to other choices. More mindfulness breeds more action, more reflection breeds more results. Increased awareness is your new power.

After a few weeks of following ACE, you should be feeling a new level of control and a greatly reduced amount of stress. By making changes within your individual self, you’ll be building a strong support system of family and friends that will only help create more personal awareness.

Mindfulness in Business

While it may be easy for most of us to practice some degree of mindfulness in our personal lives, it can be difficult to find a break from the pressure and headaches of the nine-to-five grind. But whether you’re a minimum-wage gas station attendant or Warren Buffet, mindfulness can be an important part of any individual’s workday world. Being aware of how your actions can impact each situation, positively or negatively, can have a huge influence on your career.

Stress from work can be a literal killer. Projects pile up, deadlines creep closer, demands come down from the home office, and before you know it, you’re strapped to a heart monitor and eating stale meatloaf from your hospital bed. If you take more stock of your work surroundings and bring some mindful living practices into your professional life, you’ll not only lower your stress, but also boost your immune system and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

The best way to practice mindfulness at work is to simply take a break. Staring at a computer monitor or lifting heavy boxes for hours on end can weigh you down, both physically and emotionally. A two-or-three minute break just a few times a day can help pull you out of the pressure cooker and reshape your focus. Find a quiet, secluded place at the office and bring a visual or auditory aid that will help you escape – a picture of a tropical beach, a soothing track on your MP3 player. Enjoy your solitude. Breathe. Detach yourself from your obligations.

After some treasured peace and quiet, you should return to work with all-new energy. You’ll find yourself better equipped to analyze all those stock portfolios, sort through endless sheets of payroll or stock all that merchandise with a much more directed, relaxed approach.

Mindfulness through Meditation

Whether it’s at home or on the job, mindfulness has often been associated with meditation. In trying to create a shift from mindless activity to something more productive, it’s important to turn your focus from physical action to thinking and reflecting on the moment. Dedicating a few minutes to meditation each day might take you away from household chores or other responsibilities, but it has been known to dramatically increase awareness and self-realization. If you want to get the most out of mindfulness through meditation, here are some tips to follow:

• Don’t sweat the specifics. The place you choose to meditate or the time you spend there isn’t as important as being consistent. Pick a time of day that works best for you, whether it’s first thing in the morning or right before dinner, and make sure you stick to it.

• Keep the focus on yourself. Concentrating on something as simple as breathing can help reduce stress as you move toward a more mindful state. Extend that process to the rest of your inner and outer self. Think about the way your feet move, the little noises your ears pick up, the feel of your clothes on your skin. An increased awareness of yourself will enhance your mindfulness of other people and things around you.

• Find a process that works for you. Some people use music when they meditate, while others prefer silence. Some may recall a pleasant childhood memory or turn their thoughts to a beloved family member. Find a calming approach or point of focus that keeps you in the moment. Knowing what works best for you may be a journey in itself, so give yourself time to help find your own meditative comfort zone.

Mindful living may not be the key to solving all your problems, but it can provide a break from the daily grind of the world. By pausing to reflect on the moment and being more aware of your surroundings, it’s easier to let go of stress, take things slow and get the most out of life.  

13th Annual Make a Difference Day Food Drive

Las Vegas is known for being a city filled with prominent figures, and despite their busy schedules, they’re always willing to help out with a good cause. That special brand of solidarity was out in force as part of the national 13^th Annual Make a Difference Day Food Drive held at the Summerlin Smith’s Food and Drug on Saturday, October 22^nd.

International star Robin Leach, X Factor contestants Equality and Mayor Pro Tem Stavros S. Anthony joined with local TV news personalities to lend support to the yearly drive to benefit the Las Vegas Chapter Salvation Army Food Bank. Philanthropist Mary Vail, OSG hosted the drive, which successfully collected 3,880 pounds of food and other necessities. Vail was also instrumental in encouraging businesses across the valley to host their own in-office food drives this year.

To date, the annual food drive has collected over 44,480 pounds of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items and has received numerous recognitions for its efforts to assist those in need. The Salvation Army Food Bank services over 200 families a day, 52 weeks a year. Thanks to the generous efforts of everyone involved in this year’s food drive, their mission of mercy shows no signs of slowing down. For more information on how you can help the Salvation Army, call 870-4430 or visit www.salvationarmylasvegas.com.

A Taste of the Old Country: Your Friendly Neighborhood Pubs

 By Mike Sweeney

“Here’s to a long life and a merry one

A quick death and an easy one

A pretty girl and an honest one

A cold pint – and another one!”

— Irish drinking toast

In recent years, many Strip casinos have launched their own version of a traditional Irish or English “public house” serving up cold beer and fatty bar food. While it’s hard to resist the siren song of a good pint, many of these places are simply chasing a trend, catering more to the tourist crowd while sadly lacking a sense of culture and community. But venture out into the local neighborhoods and you’ll find a bustling pub scene offering plenty of good craic! That’s pronounced “crack,” and it’s got nothing to do with street drugs. It’s an Irish twist on an old English word that signifies just what we’re looking for: a good time being had by all.

My Kingdom for a Pint

Long favored by UNLV students and local ex-pats, the Crown & Anchor British Pub (739-8676; www.crownandanchorlv.com), located at Tropicana and Maryland Parkway, brings a dose of English authenticity to Las Vegas. The Tudor exterior and dimly-lit bar and restaurant evoke the old world charm of the British Isles. Pick your poison from over 30 beers on draught, from the best in English and Irish ales (Smithwick’s, Guinness, Newcastle) to great tastes from Belgium, Germany and beyond. Join their “Down the Hatch” Club by drinking all 30 beers on tap (not at the same time) and you’ll take home a free T-shirt!

Time-honored English cuisine, from bangers and mash to steak and kidney pie, comprise the menu. From noon to 10pm on Sundays, enjoy a traditional English dinner of beef or lamb roast with potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and sinful onion gravy. If you fancy something fit for a Yank, the British Burger can’t be beat. Order after midnight and get the whole half-pounder for just $4.95. Larger appetites can tackle their all-day “Full Monty” English breakfast, with two eggs, rashers (English bacon), sausage, grilled tomato, baked beans and toast. Your arteries might protest, but your taste buds will dance a jig.

For entertainment, show off your smarts on Thursdays at 9:30pm with Crown’s Quiz Night, where you and your mates can compete to win a $50 bar tab. Fans of football (that’s soccer to most of you) can catch the best matches here on the “telly.” There’s no need to leave man’s best friend at home, either, as dogs are always welcome on the inviting patio.

Happy Hour: 3-6pm daily; graveyard specials from 12am-6am daily.

Irish You Were Here

Next to the Orleans on Tropicana, you’ll find a Celtic haven called McMullan’s Irish Pub (247-7000; www.mcmullansirishpub.com). These “purveyors of the perfect pint” trace their publican dynasty all the way back to Thomas McMullan’s original public house in Ireland, which he bought in 1908. You’ll find a different draught beer on special every day of the week at just $4 for a 20oz pint. Enjoy a unique experience with the Draft Master Table, which lets you pour your own beers without leaving your seat. Just put down your credit card for a tab and serve yourself.

Food choices here include plenty of customary Irish fare. Start off with homemade crisps (potato chips) with Marie Rose and curry dipping sauces. Pile on cheese, bacon, tomatoes and sour cream and you’ve got their famous Irish Nachos. Don’t miss out on the beer-battered Coast Road Inn Fish & Chips, named after the original family pub in Ireland, and sample some Diddy’s Irish Stew with delicious braised lamb and a side of brown bread.

McMullan’s has its own version of the traditional Pub Quiz every Tuesday at 8pm, with a $100 bar tab going to the winner. On Saturday nights, John Windsor performs live music with plenty of jokes and Irish toasts to keep you in stitches. There are numerous other events and charity gatherings held throughout the year, including a “Halfway to St. Patrick’s” party every fall so you don’t have to wait an entire year between full-tilt, call-the-cops Irish celebrations.

Happy Hour: 3-6pm and 10pm-2am daily; graveyard specials from 11pm-7am daily.

When One Wife Isn’t Angry Enough…

The name alone is enough to draw you into Three Angry Wives (944-4411; www.threeangrywives.com), located in Boca Park in Summerlin. There’s nothing angry about the warm hospitality, cold beer and good food you’ll find here. With plenty of athletic events always playing on their many TVs, Three Angry Wives has the feel of an Irish sports bar with  traditional pub décor. Comfortable couches and chairs fill the casual lounge area, giving this place a more laid-back feel than some of its brethren. If you’re lost on your way to the Emerald Isle, an old-fashioned road sign above the bar points the way to Dublin, Kilkenny and Tipperary.

The pub grub here is a bit more Americanized but still tasty from start to finish. Kick things off  with potato skins, onion rings or mozzarella sticks – or go with the sampler platter if you can’t pick just one. There’s no shortage of sandwiches, including a tasty chicken cobbler ciabatta, a breaded chicken breast topped with cobbler baked apples and dried cranberries. If you’re feeling more traditional, the corned beef and cabbage is lean and plentiful and the shepherd’s pie has a creamy mashed potato topping with plenty of juicy chopped sirloin and green beans inside.

Happy Hour: 2-6pm, Mon-Fri, half off all beers and select appetizers.

A Quinn-tessential Public House

Located inside Green Valley Ranch, Quinn’s Irish Pub (249-3919; www.greenvalleyranchresort.com) has a more intimate feel than some of its brethren, though it still provides a lively atmosphere and a friendly staff that’s eager to please. There’s no food here, but you can quench your thirst with their daily 5-4-3 beer specials ($5 Irish Car Bombs, $4 Imperial pints, $3 pints) or whatever else wets your whistle. If you’ve got a high tolerance and decent aim (or you’re looking to impress that fair lass across the room), take advantage of their custom beer pong tables and challenge your mates to a round of competition.

For some of the best live pub music in town, stop by on Thursday and Saturday nights to check out the unique sounds of Darby O’Gill and the Little People. With a mix of traditional Irish standards and fun Celtic renditions of everything from Jay-Z to Justin Timberlake, they’ll have you singing, dancing and laughing until your glass is empty. But make sure you grab another, because Darby’s always ready with a toast. A man of many talents, Darby also showcases his signature dry wit and a healthy dose of Emerald Isle camaraderie as host of the weekly Pub Trivia on Tuesdays at 7pm.

Happy Hour: 12-6pm daily, buy one pitcher and get another for half price.

Whether you’re looking for a fun evening out with friends or just a quick beer after a long day at work, these neighborhood pubs will take good care of you. So stop by and raise a glass to the Old Country with friends old and new. Who knows, you might even become a regular. Sláinte!