In the Know

VIP Medical Centers

Quality medical care begins with the doctor-patient relationship, and that’s where VIP Medical Centers hopes to create a superior business model. With a low number of patients for each doctor, they can provide more individual attention and see to your medical needs in a timely manner, usually on the same day, so that you can get in and out and back to your daily life. Their approach to health care seeks to fit any busy lifestyle with flexible visits and individualized plans that strive to meet your needs better than a conventional practice. Additional specialty services such as weight loss counseling, back pain and even cosmetic treatments further expand their areas of expertise. Schedule an appointment today and see what personal health care is all about.

51-VIPDR (518-4737)  /  www.vipmedicalcenters.com

Tranquility Ponds

As a local specialist in landscaping ponds and water features, Tranquility Ponds offers complete construction, maintenance and repairs for all your water landscaping needs. Visit their newly remodeled showroom and choose from a full line of ponds, waterfalls, plants, pumps, fish food and more to help turn your desert yard into an aquatic garden paradise. Their courteous and cooperative staff will help you develop a design that fits your plan and budget, taking your project from conception to reality and saving you countless hours of sweat and frustration. No matter what kind of backyard scenery you can dream up, Tranquility Ponds is your one stop landscaping solution that will turn your own home into the most relaxing place you can imagine.

270-3791  /  9555 S. Eastern Ave., #115  /  www.lasvegaspondsupplies.com

Classic Canine III

This family owned and operated dog grooming and self wash facility seeks to solve all your dirty dog problems. At Classic Canine III, you’ll find a variety of services to fit every dog breed and human budget as they strive to keep every animal that comes through their doors healthy, clean and looking their best. Three fully stocked self wash stations provide everything you need to get your dog cleaned and dried, but if you’re not feeling very DIY, full service professional grooming is also available by appointment. Whether you take charge of bath time or leave it to the experts, your pooch will look and feel brand new in no time. Discounts offered include senior, military, CCSD and more. Mention this write up and receive 15% off your first visit.

483-3022  /  1651 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy., #160  /  classiccanine@gmail.com

European Wax Center

With a new location now open in Henderson, European Wax Center continues to expand across the valley. European Wax Center’s unique 4-Step Comfort Wax System cleanses, protects, waxes and rejuvenates the skin. The system uses an exclusive wax formulated in France that sticks only to the hair for a more pain-free experience. Their skilled estheticians will see to your every skin care need in a comfortable, clean environment. Bring the experience home by purchasing their result-driven body washes, lotions and exfoliating creams. With four benefit programs including the Prepaid Wax Pass and Guest Rewards, guests save money at every turn. Relax and let European Wax Center bring you the Ultimate Wax Experience for smooth results. First-time guests receive a free wax and get $5 off their next service for referring a friend!

998-4500  /  10271 S. Eastern Ave.  /  www.waxcenter.com

Brain Balance Achievement Center

Now open in Henderson, The Brain Balance™ Achievement Center treats children from as far away as Phoenix in the drug free Brain Balance approach to overcoming disorders such as ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s, Asperger’s, autism spectrum disorders and more. The Brain Balance Program seeks to correct functional imbalance between the brain’s hemispheres, helping kids overcome the challenges associated with learning and behavioral disorders without the use of medication. Following a detailed assessment of brain and body function, they’ll create a program of physical and cognitive exercises and dietary changes to precisely fit your child’s needs. With an encouraging environment and real time feedback, Brain Balance Achievement Center seeks to provide a comprehensive program that gives children hope for the future.

778-9500  /  11 S. Stephanie St., #120  /  www.brainbalancehenderson.com

Patty’s Closet

Patty’s got a brand new closet in Henderson, and it’s overflowing with all new goodies for trendy ladies with a taste for chic styles. Running hot on the success of their other Vegas locations, this newest shop is, like all the others, designed with stylish fashionistas in mind. The charming boutique features an eclectic collection of bags, jeans, shirts, tops, hats and accessories. Perhaps best of all, because only a limited number of each item is ordered from fashion hotspots including New York and California, you won’t have to worry about dressing just like the girl next door. It’s never been easier to piece together a look that’s all your own.  No matter how often you shop, you’ll always find new, exciting and one-of-a-kind threads in Patty’s Closet.

558-6342  /  605 Mall Ring Circle, #120  /  www.ilovepattyscloset.com

Summer Movie Preview

By Mike Sweeney

Summertime is almost here again. That means outrageous temperatures, family vacations and more movies than you can shake a stick at. So hit up Fandango for tickets and grab your popcorn as we run down some of the best summerentertainment your local multiplex has to offer.

Hero Worship

You know the world’s in big trouble when it needs a full squad of superheroes to save the day. Marvel’s greatest icons come together for an unprecedented team up in The Avengers (May 4) as Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the Hulk join forces to take down an army of otherworldly baddies led by Thor’s brother, Loki. Geek legend Joss Whedon directs this comic book dream project starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo.

When a diabolical mastermind known as Bane threatens to destroy Gotham City, Batman answers the call in The Dark Knight Rises (July 20), director Christopher Nolan’s conclusion to his epic trilogy. Christian Bale dons the cape and cowl for the final time, facing off against Inception’s Tom Hardy as the ominous villain. Anne Hathaway co-stars as Catwoman, here a mysterious associate of Bane’s who may be both friend and foe to Batman.

Your friendly neighborhood web slinger gets a reboot in The Amazing Spider-Man (July 3) with The Social Network’s Andrew Garfield taking on the role of high school nerd turned wall crawler Peter Parker. We’ll see a new version of Spidey’s origin story, including his romance with first love Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) and his battle with scaly green bad guy the Lizard (Rhys Ifans). Martin Sheen and Sally Field co-star as Peter’s Uncle Ben and Aunt May.

To Be Continued…

It wouldn’t be summer without a bumper crop of sequels, and one of the most anticipated this year is Men in Black 3 (May 25) with Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones reprising their roles as agents of the alien police force. When Agent K (Jones) mysteriously disappears, Agent J (Smith) travels back to 1969 to stop a young K (Josh Brolin) from being murdered. Chaos ensues with the fate of the world in the balance – all in a day’s work for the MIB.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Bruce Willis join the fight for freedom in G.I. Joe: Retaliation (June 29). When most of their team is wiped out in a sneak attack, the real American heroes strike back against the insidious terrorists of Cobra. This sequel looks to up the ante on the original and breathe new life into the action saga, continuing toy maker Hasbro’s domination of the summer movie season alongside their blockbuster Transformers franchise.

Matt Damon may be gone from the lead role, but the identity of “Jason Bourne” lives on in The Bourne Legacy (August 3) with Jeremy Renner taking over the mysterious alias used by Damon in the smash hit film series. This action packed spy thriller, directed by the original trilogy’s writer Tony Gilroy, examines the consequences of the original Bourne’s actions while pitting Renner’s Aaron Cross up against yet another far reaching CIA conspiracy.

Other Worlds and Alternate Realities

A classic fairy tale gets a new spin in Snow White and the Huntsman (June 1) as the legendary princess (Kristen Stewart) and the hatchet wielding hero (Chris Hemsworth) team up with some resourceful dwarves to start a rebellion and bring down the evil queen (Charlize Theron). With epic battle scenes and sinister villains, this dark fantasy mixes a dose of the Brothers Grimm with a modern action sensibility to give us a new perspective on “the fairest of them all.”   

Decades after the success of his sci-fi masterpiece Alien, director Ridley Scott returns to the same universe with Prometheus (June 8), which follows a spaceship crew that sets out to explore an advanced extraterrestrial civilization and uncovers a terrifying mystery. Long in development, with plot details still shrouded in secrecy, this has been one of the most talked about films of the summer with a cast that features Michael Fassbender and Swedish actress Noomi Rapace.

Who else but producer Tim Burton would take on a tale that imagines our 16^th president doing battle with hideous monsters? Based on Seth Grahame-Smith’s satirical novel, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (June 22) follows Honest Abe (Benjamin Walker) through a double life of political upheaval and vampire slaying as he fights to save the Union from an undead plot for dark supremacy and avenge his mother’s death at the hands of blood sucking fiends.

Make ‘Em Laugh

Would you trust some of the biggest names in comedy to keep your subdivision safe? Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill lead the Neighborhood Watch (July 27) as a group of suburban dudes just looking to escape from their hectic family obligations. But when they uncover an alien plot to take over the planet, these slackers are the only ones who can stop it. With a script from the writers of Superbad, this one’s sure to be out of this world.

Sacha Baron Cohen returns to the farcical style he made famous in Borat with his new comedy The Dictator (May 11). This faux documentary follows Admiral General Alladeen, a military dictator from the fictional Republic of Wadiya, whose visit to the U.S. turns into one hilarious disaster after another. Ben Kingsley and Anna Faris co-star in this irreverent romp that highlights Cohen’s flair for improvisation, not to mention his fondness for controversy.

For those that enjoy a little melody with their comedy, Rock of Ages (June 15) adapts the popular Broadway musical about a waitress and a busboy who fall in love during the big hair music era of the 1980s, all set to the tunes of Def Leppard, Foreigner, Posion, Twisted Sister and more. Tom Cruise steps into the black leather pants of rocker Stacee Jaxx, lead singer of Arsenal, with a supporting cast that includes Catherine Zeta Jones, Alec Baldwin and Paul Giamatti.

A Lunch Buffet with Spice – Taj Palace Indian Restaurant

By Aly Wagonseller

For many, the exotic spices and flavors found in Indian cuisine are a complete mystery. I doubt it’s because we’re afraid to try new things, but more likely because, despite the glut of AYCE sushi bars, kabob joints or Italian bistros that saturate the Vegas Valley restaurant scene, Indian eateries continue to be a rarity. So, when asked by a vegetarian friend to join her for the luncheon buffet at Taj Palace Indian Restaurant, located at 9530 S. Eastern Ave., I was both thrilled and apprehensive.

Indian food is A+ in my book. I love the exotic amalgamation of flavors that permeate the curry sauces and gravies so prevalent in this homey style of cooking. Freshly roasted cumin, coriander, cinnamon, clove and cardamom, paired with spicy peppers and tart tamarind create a flavor profile that’s anything but boring. Still, a buffet is usually synonymous to yuck in my book; subpar menu choices of questionable freshness, all sitting in a water bath, heat lamp environment that typically does nothing but suck the life out of the food. This is where I was pleasantly surprised with Taj.

As we were seated by some of the friendliest wait staff I’ve encountered, I noticed the restaurant was nicely decorated with wood flooring and upscale Indian wall hangings and light fixtures, creating an atmosphere much nicer than your average neighborhood eatery.  I could have done without the smell of incense that clashed with the competing scent of curry, but I’m one that would rather relish the aroma of what’s cookin’ in the kitchen than an unnecessary, artificial cover-up. At the table, we were graciously treated to a basket of delicious Garlic Naan bread. Freshly baked in their onsite, tandoori clay oven, the bread was fluffy yet lightly charred and crisp, seasoned with just enough garlic to complement the varied selection offered in the buffet menu.

Both vegetarians and their carnivore adversaries are treated to a nice assortment of fare, a representation of some of the more popular items on Taj’s regular dinner menu. In general, I was impressed with the freshness and integrity of the food, something so often missing on your standard buffet table. Fried items that included vegetable samosas were not greasy in the slightest and remained crispy, as if they’d just been removed from the deep fat fryer. Jasmine rice was perfectly cooked with a nice punch of cinnamon and cardamom, each grain separate from the next as it should be. Lentils, when served in an earthy and comforting Dal Makhani, had just the right amount of bite. Vegetarian standouts included the Navratan Korma, crispy green beans, corn, peas and carrots blanketed in a rich and creamy yogurt tomato sauce, and the Baingan, roasted baby eggplants, the sweetness of which paired nicely with a spicy sauce that’s perfect for dipping your naan.

Meat eaters were treated to Goat Curry, a dish likened to a less fatty version of beef short ribs; Chicken Tikka Masala, a classic dish that, while tasty, had a bit too much acidity for me; and Chicken Korma, tender chicken in a decadent, fragrant yogurt sauce. Flavorful Tandoori Chicken rounded out the entrée menu, the bright red hue of the outer skin surprisingly tame in the spice department, yet delicious when served with the accompanying pungent, crispy onion.

You might not know much about Indian cuisine, but at $10.95 per person, the luncheon buffet at Taj Palace may be your ticket to adding some spice to your midday meal. They’re also open for dinner with an extensive menu that includes smooth Taj Mahal lager and wine. For info, call them at 685-0222.

How Sweet It Is

By Hana Haatainen Caye

It seems like the issue of sweeteners has never been so complicated. Use this, don’t use that. Go organic. Avoid processed sugar and aspartame. Ban high fructose corn syrup. If you’re confused, welcome to the club. So what’s the best choice? As with any other food product, you’ll want to stick with options that are less processed and higher in nutrients. Still need some help deciding? Here are some sweet nothings for you to consider:

• Stevia

A member of the chrysanthemum family, the herb stevia (also known as sweetleaf) can be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar. Despite having a sometimes bitter aftertaste, stevia has gained popularity for its calorie free status, and since it contains no carbs, it ranks a zero on the glycemic index, which measures the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels.

Baking with stevia can be a bit tricky, as some types can be sweeter than others. The general rule of thumb is to substitute one cup of sugar for ½ teaspoon of stevia extract powder or 1 teaspoon of liquid stevia. To add bulk to the recipe, you will need to add 1/3 cup applesauce, yogurt or juice, according to your specific taste preferences.

• Honey

Raw honey has often been called one of nature’s wonder foods due to its impressive amount of nutrients, which include natural enzymes, phytonutrients and minerals. While not a zero like stevia, it rates low on the glycemic index at only 30, versus refined white sugar’s GI of 80. In order to access the numerous health benefits, raw honey should be consumed raw as increased heat will destroy the beneficial enzymes and phytonutrients.

As with stevia, baking with regular (non-raw) honey requires some adjustments. Use ¾ cup honey for every cup of sugar. Since you will be adding more liquid, make sure to cut back on others or add more flour to maintain the consistency required in the recipe. Honey helps make baked goods moist and acts as a natural preservative.

• Coconut sugar

Packed with nutrition and low on the glycemic index at 35, coconut sugar can replace refined white sugar for baking, offering a taste that’s similar to brown sugar with hints of caramel. Rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, coconut sugar offers a healthy alternative that can help keep blood sugar levels low and reduce your risk of diabetes.

Coconut sugar can be substituted 1 for 1 with regular sugar when baking; however, you might have to add more to suit your taste, as it is not quite as sweet as regular sugar. It works well in hot cereals and steamed grains such as oatmeal or sprinkled over fruit.

• Turbinado sugar or raw sugar

While turbinado sugar (raw sugar) ranks a bit higher on the GI at 65, it remains a good option because there is no bleaching and minimal processing involved. Additionally, it has fewer calories than refined white sugar. The crystals are much larger than normal and it retains a slight molasses flavor, making it a perfect addition to coffee or tea.

There are a few challenges when it comes to baking with raw sugar, as the coarser texture tends to create a sandy consistency. Dissolving the sugar in liquids (such as beaten eggs and vanilla) before adding flour and other dry ingredients generally resolves this issue.

As you can see, there are plenty of artificial sweetener alternatives available. Experiment until you find the perfect solution to suit your tastes. Before long, you’ll be saying, “How sweet it is!”

The Sweetest Choices

Here are some other good, healthy sweeteners made with minimal or no processing:

• Barley malt
• Blackstrap molasses
• Date sugar
• Fruit juice
• Rapadura
• Sucanat (a non-refined cane sugar)
• Unrefined maple syrup

Andrea Perea

Silverado High School
Class of 2012

Confidence, passion and hard work can take us to great heights, and Silverado High School senior Andrea Perea is aiming higher than many dare to dream. A lifelong dedication to competitive gymnastics has brought her much recognition and scholarship offers from all over the country, including the U.S. Air Force Academy. But realizing her full potential also means being a role model to peers and striving to inspire self assurance and strong values in all those around her. There’s nothing that can’t be conquered by a positive attitude, and knowing that helps place Andrea Perea – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.6
Sports/Activities/Community Service

• Competitive Gymnastics, 2005-Present
• Silverado Orchestra Ensemble, 2008-09
• Silverado Advanced Orchestra, 2009-Present
• Mu Alpha Theta (Math Tutoring Club; 2009-Present
• Member of Junior Class Committee, 2010-11
• Member of Senior Class Committee, 2011-Present
• St. Viator Youth Group and Core Team Member, 2011-Present
• St. Viator Confirmation Leader, 2011-Present
• Viatorian Youth Congress, August 2011
• Leader for 8^th Grade Retreat at St. Viator Middle School, 2011
• “Have a Nice Day Project” Founder and Leader, 2009-Present

Awards

• Nevada All Around State Gymnastics Champion, 2005-06 & 2008-10
• Regional All Around Gymnastics Champion, 2008 & 2011
• Western National Gymnastics Qualifier, 2010-11
• Western National Beam Champion, 2011
• Third All Around Western National Gymnastics Champion, 2011
• Student of the Month, 2008-10
• Academic Letter, 2008-11
• Straight A Honor Roll, 2006-Present

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “Part of the application process for the Air Force Academy is obtaining at least two Congressional Nominations. I applied for three and received all three. The fact that I demonstrated the confidence and qualities necessary to attend the prestigious Air Force Academy makes me exceedingly proud.”

Andrea is Successful Because: “The main reason I am successful is all the support I receive from everybody in my life, above all my family. My parents and my brothers have always been there to provide encouragement, love and advice. It is because of them and their examples that I am very goal oriented, I never quit and I always push myself to rise above expectations.”

Part of the Solution: “One key issue with teens is the ‘need’ for materialistic things, such as the latest iPods, phones, laptops, etc. I think kids need to appreciate what they have and demonstrate a more grateful attitude towards the things others are not so lucky to have. I wish people would take the time to read a good book or attend an incredible philharmonic orchestra concert.”

Cassidy McLean

Green Valley High School
Class of 2012

Life in the slow lane has never appealed to Green Valley High School senior Cassidy McLean. From a busy schedule on the soccer field to performing in choir, this diligent student and athlete follows a strong work ethic that has her on track for an advanced honors diploma and a demanding but eventful academic and athletic career at Northern Arizona University. Never one to dream small, she hopes to spend time traveling the globe and helping causes such as animal rights and protection. It’s those kinds of bold ambitions that elevate Cassidy McLean to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.214

Sports/Activities/Awards

• GVHS Women’s Soccer, 2008-12; Varsity Captain, 2011-12
• Club Soccer – LV Premier 94 White, 2006-12
• GVHS Bella Voce Choir, 2008-09
• GVHS Concert Choir, 2009-12
• Northern Arizona University Athletic Scholarship, 2012
• GVHS Athlete of the Month, February 2011
• Leading Goal Scorer (Team and Division; 2012
• All-Division Team, 2009-11
• All-Sunrise Conference & All-City Team, 2010-11
• Best Offensive Player, 2010
• Scholar Athlete Award, 2010-11
• Academic All-State Team, 2011-12
• State Champions, 2011
• Region Champions, 2011-12
• Nevada State Cup Champions (Club Soccer; 2011
• Players Showcase Champions (Club Soccer; 2011
• LV College Showcase Champions (Club Soccer; 2011
• Soccer at the Summit Champions (Club Soccer; 2011

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “One accomplishment that I am fairly proud of is when my high school soccer team and club soccer team each won state in the same year. I am proud to have been a part of all the hard work it took through the seasons to accomplish this.”

Cassidy Looks Up To: “Everyone, really; I am not very tall. On a serious note, though, I look up to my mother. She has always been there for me and had my back. My mom has instilled many great values in me that I cherish greatly. I hope that when I have a family of my own that I can be as good a mom as she has been for me.”

Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults today is bullying. It is an unfortunate part of high school which I have experienced myself but no one should ever have to. I would help to minimize bullying by being kind to my fellow classmates and standing up to those being picked on. Everyone should be doing these things anyway so that high school can be a better experience for all kids.”

Kanani Espinoza

Coronado High School
Class of 2012

Even the best laid plans can sometimes go astray, but Coronado High School senior Kanani Espinoza has learned to embrace the opportunities that come with change. Possessing strong leadership skills and a keen sense of time management, this honor student focuses on accomplishing personal goals while participating in a variety of activities from student government to charity walks and volunteer work with local libraries. Drawing inspiration from family and friends, she’s reaching for her dreams while reaching out to others, and that helps set Kanani Espinoza – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.3
Activities

• Clark County Student Advisory Board Member, 2010-12
• Students for Soldiers, 2009-11
• Best Buddies, 2010
• French Club, 2011
• Multicultural Club, 2008-11; Secretary, 2010-11
• Coronado Student Council, 2008-12
• Student Body Second Vice President, 2011-12
• Junior Class President, 2010-11
• Sophomore Class Representative, 2009-10
• Freshman Class Vice President, 2008-09
• National Honor Society, 2010-12; President, 2011-12

Sports/Awards/Community Service

• Varsity Bowling, 2009-12; Captain, 2010-12
• Millennium Scholarship, 2012
• Athlete of the Month, January 2011 & January 2012
• FAAN Walk Volunteer, 2011
• Trick-or-Treat for Cans, 2008-11
• Cougars Care Chair, 2011; Co-Chair, 2008-10
• Mr. Coronado Chair, 2011; Co-Chair, 2008-11
• Church Festival Volunteer, 2009-10
• Junior Counselor at High School Student Council Conference, 2011-12
• Junior Counselor at Middle School Student Council Conference, 2010-11

Kanani Looks Up To: “I look up to my grandmothers, both of whom have passed away. I was always smothered with love by them, and even though my parents were divorced, they would both take me out to shop and have fun. I hope I can make them proud and show as much love one day as they had towards me. I have learned from them that love is infinite and that one day is all it takes to make an imprint on someone.”

Part of the Solution: “The key issue facing youth today is the lack of identity. Many kids don’t know who they want to be or become and begin searching through parties, friends and social experience to find themselves. I strive to be close to my family and know that they will always be here for me no matter what. I encourage my peers to take time and don’t be influenced by those surrounding you.”

Cause for Concern: “I would love to be part of any organization that deals with children. I am close with my siblings ranging in age from one year to ten years old. Any help that other kids could get just fills my heart and reminds me of the people close to me.”

Jacob Luna

Coronado High School

Class of 2012

Life can be a full time challenge when you’re juggling academics and athletics, but Coronado High School senior Jacob Luna knows that setting priorities will help keep him on the path to success. This avid swimmer hopes to one day compete in the Olympics while pursuing his education at Harvard and maybe even play guitar in a rock band. With such diverse goals, Jacob plans to take full advantage of every opportunity with continued dedication to hard work and perseverance. No matter what the future holds, Jacob Luna will continue to stand – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.75

Sports/Activities/Awards/Community Service

• Varsity Swimming, 2009-12; Captain, 2011-12
• Club Swimming on BCH Heatwave, 2002-12
• Coronado Guitar Ensemble, 2010-12
• Nevada State High School Champion (100 Butterfly), 2011
• MVP of Coronado High School Swim Team, 2009-11
• NIAA Scholar Athlete, 2009-11
• Varsity Letter in Swimming, 2009-11
• USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, 2010-11
• Nevada Club State Swim Meet High Point Winner, 2011-12
• Most Valued Chemist, 2011
• Most Improved Guitarist, 2011
• St. Thomas More Church Youth Group, 2007-10
• Book Cleaning for Kids to Kids Literacy Program, 2007-10

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “The accomplishments that I am most proud of are all of my swimming achievements because of the huge commitment that I have made to the sport and all the time that I have spent training. It is a great feeling to work toward a goal for so long and then finally reach that goal.”

Jacob Looks Up To: “A person that I look up to very much is my grandfather. He came to America with barely anything and no knowledge of the English language, but he was able to be successful through hard work and perseverance. I think that he is a perfect example of how anything is possible when you apply yourself to a situation.”

Part of the Solution: “A key issue that is facing young adults today is a growing percentage of overweight people in America. The problem is not a simple one and can be attributed to many causes, but it can be reduced by advocating healthier eating and a more active lifestyle.”

Cause for Concern: “If I could be president of a nonprofit organization, I would choose to have an organization that teaches young children in the community how to swim. Not only would it prevent them from possibly drowning, but it would introduce them to the sport. I think it is important for young kids to have an interest in physical activity because they will be more likely to continue this habit throughout their life and be healthier as a result.”