Dr. Joseph Adashek

By Callie Thomas

When’s the last time you heard of a doctor that makes house calls? The closest you’ll probably come to that is watching a Turner Classic Movie comedy starring Doris Day. What about a doctor that makes flight calls? Now there’s an idea—speedy service for sure. Resident Dr. Joseph Adashek is a board certified OB/GYN physician, a board certified Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist and an Associate Clinical Professor of the University of Nevada School of Medicine who just happens to have a passion for flying. Mix it all together and you’ll get a compassionate, caring and nurturing doc that volunteers his time to ferry patients with serious medical conditions and their families by plane to receive vital treatment through a nonprofit organization called “Angel Flight.”

It’s easy to consider Dr. Joseph Adashek an angel of sorts because of his devotion to taking care of women and children and his concerted effort to help support many local organizations throughout the community. He and his family are involved with Planned Parenthood and Dr. Adashek sees patients through the Shade Tree women’s shelter. In addition, he supports the efforts of the March of Dimes and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and his eight year old daughter has contributed hair for the St. Baldrick’s organization, a program that helps to conquer childhood cancer. Whether he’s delivering healthy babies or coming to the aid of high risk women, he’s been honored with a long list of awards that include being named “Top Doctor” several years in a row and the Nevada Cancer Institute’s Vegas Dozen in 2010. Dr. Adashek makes an indelible difference in the community, one patient at a time, and he talked with us about his personal style of doctoring, his love of flying and the women he’s devoted to at home.

Have you always wanted to be a doctor?

“All I’ve ever wanted to do was be a doctor. I literally live my dream each and every day of my life. I truly feel like I am the luckiest person in the world.”

Your patients feel lucky having you as their doctor. You really take care of them.

“When my father was dying of cancer, we waited every day for the doctor to come visit him. He was almost like a ‘number.’ I never wanted to be that type of doctor. I treat each patient like they are my sister or wife. I give them my cell number and come in on weekends and nights to see them. I never want them waiting all day just so I can pop my head into their room and say hello.”

You’ve taken that commitment to your patients to the skies. When did you first get interested in becoming a pilot?

“I’ve always wanted to be a pilot and take flying lessons. My wife saw it on a ‘to do’ list early in our marriage, so she gave me the gift of a few lessons. I loved it, so I continued with my training. I started out obtaining my Private Pilot Certificate and went on to obtain my Instrument Rating. I now own a high performance airplane and try to fly at least once a week.”

When did you decide to become involved with Angel Flight?

“I remember reading an article about it and thought that it would be a perfect charity for me to devote my time and energy. I can really make a difference and I see the immediate effect that I have for these people. Since I love to fly, it doesn’t feel like I’m going out of my way. Flying patients (usually cancer patients for chemotherapy or radiation) and their families is incredibly rewarding and they are so appreciative.”

Speaking of family, tell us about your wife and daughter and how you make them feel special.

“Yes, my wife Sharon and daughter Sydney. Every Friday is Daddy-Mommy-Daughter night and every Saturday is Mommy-Daddy date night. These are my favorite nights of the week.”

Jackie Evon

By Callie Thomas

If you’ve lived in the Las Vegas area over the last couple of decades, you’ll probably remember a local hot spot called Z’Tejas, where everyone met for after work drinks and south of the border fare with a Texas twist. It was not only the place to mix and mingle but also a place for great hospitality. If you ever paid them a visit, you may have run into Jackie Evon, who began her work in the food and beverage industry as a manager at one of their locations. That experience gave her the opportunity to get a leg up on her career, and she eventually moved on to show off her people skills at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Summerlin. That was ten years ago, and Evon is still running the restaurant as Operating Partner and remains happy to say that she loves coming to work each day and interacting with her guests.

It’s most likely that passion for customer service and meeting new people that has inspired Jackie to become involved in community organizations that make a difference. She finds herself drawn to groups that involve kids and programs that give them every opportunity to learn and grow, and she has been able to combine her interests by lending support to a charitable program where industry professionals help mentor young boys and girls seeking to learn more about the food and beverage business. Jackie shows that same enthusiasm for Project Mentor, a program of Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas that fosters career enhancing skills, and her dedicated involvement in other organizations has given her an opportunity to lend a hand by coordinating activities for our youth in need.

Your time at Z’Tejas gave you a great start meeting people in the community.

“I worked there for over five years and really got to know the Las Vegas community and all the great locals that frequented the restaurant.”

Was that the catalyst for getting involved in the Mentor Program with Boys and Girls Club?

“I was first introduced to this fabulous program when we hosted last year’s graduation ceremony for the Project Mentor kids at Fleming’s. I was really affected by their enthusiasm and wanted to think of a way to continue working with the Boys & Girls Clubs in this capacity.”

You give the kids an opportunity to learn from the pros?

“We host several on-site educational tours and lessons. They are introduced to real professions in a career that interests them and invaluable hands on job training in a real restaurant environment. We hope the experience has a positive impact on their individual futures.”

Have you been involved in other children based charities in the community?

“I’ve worked with Par for the Cure and Make a Wish Foundation as I really enjoy getting to work one on one with the children. I’m very passionate about getting involved in different fundraisers and community events. Living in Las Vegas for almost 20 years, I can honestly say I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful community.”

By the way, congratulations on being awarded the Woman of the Year Award by the Boys and Girls Club at the Steak and Burger Event.

“Thanks! It was really a special moment for me this past year, and I have been so grateful to build a relationship with not only the board of governors who dedicate their time to the Boys and Girls Club, but most of all with the children of the community.”

Speaking of children, you’ve just become a new mom?

“Yes, my daughter Blake Sydney is two months old now. My husband and I call her our ‘miracle’ baby! The passion I have for my job and my family gives me the excitement and energy to give it my best and give it my all every day.”

A Mental Tune-Up – Mood Music for a Happy Life

By

Michelle Vessel

We’ve all had experiences that underscore the profound connection between music and mood. Think of that final stretch of an arduous jog, when your jelly-like legs feel like they just can’t take anymore… until your playlist delivers the theme from Rocky to help carry you past the finish line. Or perhaps you’re stuck in traffic, craving some mindless bubblegum pop, only to turn on the radio and find Eric Clapton’s melancholy “Tears in Heaven” melting your heart. Situations like these prove that music can do more than just entertain us. It has the power to change attitudes and outlooks and give a much needed boost to our lives and overall well being.

Facing the Music

The complex relationship between music and human emotion has been a puzzle for thousands of years. From the days of Aristotle to the emergence of psychology and beyond, great thinkers and researchers have long studied and pondered the way music affects our lives. In recent years, scientists have examined scenarios ranging from music’s potential for stress relief to the optimal tunes for boosting athletic performance. Other research has highlighted the use of music in conquering depression, enhancing surgical recovery and stimulating endorphin levels.

Thanks to the wealth of recent research on this subject, as well as the unprecedented access to tunes old and new through services such as iTunes and Amazon, it’s easier than ever before to use music to tweak your mood. Whether you need a stiff dose of classic rock to pump you up on a Monday morning or a soothing sonata to help you drift off to dreamland at night, today’s technology makes it easier than ever to create a custom playlist with just a few clicks of the mouse. Here are some guidelines you can follow to find the right song to shift your mood.

Exercise

The effect of music on human performance is one of the most well studied aspects of the music-mood connection. Researchers have found that music can help people who are engaged in exercise feel less tired, work harder and improve their motor skills. An exciting trend that has emerged from this research is the increasingly popular practice of using songs of certain tempos to regulate speed and exertion during exercise regimens. Focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm while you burn calories can not only improve your form but increase speed as well. The website jog.fm (www.jog.fm) categorizes popular workout songs according to their beats per minute (BPM) so you can develop a custom fitness playlist based on your desired pace. Here’s a sampling of some tunes that can help take your ordinary day at the gym to the next level:

•  “We Will Rock You” – Queen (164 BPM)
• “The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World (162 BPM)
• “Run-Around” – Blues Traveler (151 BPM)
•  “Fly Away” – Lenny Kravitz (160 BPM)
• “Hey Ya!” – OutKast (160 BPM)

Relaxation

Whether you need to unwind after a tough day at work or you’re looking for some pre-bedtime bliss to ease you into a good night’s sleep, the right music can definitely do the trick. According to researchers, the most relaxing music has a slow, steady tempo and a soothing, harmonious melody. Finding the right combination can mean the difference between forty winks and forty minutes of tossing and turning. If pure relaxation is your goal, steer clear of songs that have rapid or sudden changes in rhythm or volume. If music with lyrics turns out to be too distracting, consider slow paced classical music (try Debussy or Ravel), nature sounds or white noise. If you want to chill out for the night, here are some easy listening sounds to help you drift off:

• “Watermark” – Enya
• “Come Away With Me” –  Norah Jones
• “I’m Only Sleeping” – The Beatles
•  “Saeglopur” – Sigur Ros
• “Fade Into You” – Mazzy Star

Mealtime Music

Dinner prep can be a major source of stress for busy families. Getting everything chopped, cooked and on the table in a timely manner can drive you crazy without something else to occupy your mind. Diffuse the tension and enjoy your time in the kitchen more by cooking up a playlist that’s peppy but not too over-the-top energetic. Once dinner’s on the table, take things down a notch and choose slightly slower, sweet, soothing sounds that will encourage conversation, relaxation and a measured pace of chewing. Here’s a list of easy going but upbeat songs that should be able to carry you through both cooking and enjoying a nice dinner:

•  “Kiss Me” – Sixpence None the Richer
• “There She Goes” – The La’s
• “Put Your Records On” – Corinne Bailey Rae
• “Beyond the Sea” – Bobby Darin
• “Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley & The Wailers

Meditation

Having trouble getting into the groove when it comes to meditation? Music can help you calm your “monkey mind” and get your “om” on. Depending on what your meditation goals are, you can select from a wide variety of tracks ranging from playful songs that can encourage contemplation while you clean up around the house to specialized chants and chimes to guide more structured sessions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, utilizing a cross section of several different styles of music can enhance your meditation practice. Nirvana is barely a breath away with these mindful tracks that will help keep you focused and self aware:

• “Sonata for Harp, Op. 127: Lento Misterioso” – Yolanda Kondonassis
• “Breathing Meditation” – Deepak Chopra
• “Three Buddhas” – Xumantra
• “Improperia: Popule Meus” – Capella Gregoriana
• “Shanti/Ashtangi” – Madonna

When it comes to regulating your mood, you don’t have to let your emotions get the best of you. Changing your outlook can be as simple as skipping to a new track on your MP3 player. So jump into the proverbial driver’s seat, crank up some carefully selected tunes and let the age old connection between music and the mind take over and change your day for the better.

Tech Tools

If you’re looking for help building your mood boosting playlists, here are a few websites and tools to help put the right music at your fingertips whenever you want it.

Pandora (www.pandora.com)

This website lets you create a personal radio station based around any artist or song you choose. Just plug your favorite tunes or singers into their search engine and you’re all set.

Stereomood (www.stereomood.com)

Choose from hundreds of mood based playlists that other users have submitted, ranging from “optimistic” to “busy” and everything in between to find the right tunes for you.

Moodstream (www.moodstream.gettyimages.com)

This cool web-based tool from Getty Images is a mood enhancing dashboard that includes sounds and images designed to provide creative inspiration.

Musicovery (www.musicovery.com)

A colorful dose of fun, this site lets you chart your mood on a grid, then helps you create a vibrant looking “family tree” of mood music that’s color coded according to genre.

Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour

Entertaining crowds at Harrah’s is only a small part of what comedy magician Mac King enjoys doing. He’s also been finding time to help encourage kids to read with Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour. As part of Nevada Reading Week 2012, Mac made a special visit to five local elementary schools, bringing his message to hundreds of children across the valley.

A longtime supporter of childhood literacy, King held assemblies at each school, where he read short stories to the students, performed tricks from his show and discussed the importance of reading. During his scheduled visits, he hand delivered books collected from book drives held throughout February of this year with the Las Vegas Wranglers hockey team, the Springs Preserve, Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada and the Public Education Foundation. Donations helped benefit Clark County READS, the literacy initiative of the Public Education Foundation. Since its inception in 2011, Mac’s program has collected more than 6,000 books for local elementary school students.

“I’d like to thank the community partners that helped make Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour: Nevada Reading Week 2012 really special,” said King. “I greatly enjoyed sharing the love of reading with my new pals and the enthusiasm was priceless. I look forward to making new pals next year.”

For more information on Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour, visit www.mackingshow.com.

Greater Las Vegas McDonald’s Operator Association

McDonald’s may be best known for its Quarter Pounders, Chicken McNuggets and a smiling clown named Ronald, but the Greater Las Vegas McDonald’s Operator Association has proved there’s more to the fast food chain than just hamburgers and fries. This past March, the Association presented a check awarding over $10,000 to the local winners of the MAC Grants.

Southern Nevada teachers were in stiff competition when they applied for a number of MAC Grants from the home of the Golden Arches. This special program is designed to “Make Activities Count” for students and teachers, helping to raise money for distinctive, hands on projects that classes would like to do but often lack the money to fund. Teachers submit applications along with a project description and proposed budget, and final selections are made based on those that offer the most unique and exceptional learning experience. Grants were awarded to elementary and middle schools across the valley in amounts up to $500 for programs and items such as books, fitness equipment, science kits, musical instruments and much more.   

“It’s a great way to support our schools and to show our commitment to kids’ education,” says Tom Arlt, President of the local McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association. “It’s amazing to hear about some of the great projects the teachers and kids are involved with.”

Guns, Grub and Games: A Guys’ Night Out in Vegas

By

Mike Sweeney

Thanks to Hollywood, most people’s image of a guys’ night out in Vegas conjures up stolen Bengal tigers, drunken weddings and a chronic case of hangover induced amnesia. Hard to imagine in a place known as Sin City, I know, but that’s no reason to think that you and your fellow dudes can’t enjoy a completely “brodacious” night on the town and emerge with your wallet, your clothes and most of your dignity still intact. So kiss your significant other good bye, suit up in some stylish duds and get ready for a good time with nobody but the boys.

Fired Up

Want to start off with a bang? Machine Guns Vegas (476-9228; www.machinegunsvegas.com) combines high tech firearms with the feel of a plush ultra lounge for a fully automatic party experience. Just minutes from the Strip, MGV stocks an arsenal of everything from modern assault rifles to World War II era classics for you to test out on their shooting lanes. Book a themed experience if you want to fire weapons used by SEAL Team Six and make your Call of Duty fantasies a reality. Authenticity is guaranteed thanks to a staff led by former military and veterans from services such as Wounded Warriors. Add to that free round trip transportation from the Strip, and you’re out of reasons to say no. Call ahead or go online to make reservations.

If the smell of gunpowder in the air isn’t your thing, cruise down to Pole Position Raceway (227-7223; www.polepositionraceway.com) and take a spin in one of their Formula EK20 karts at speeds up to 45 mph. These aren’t the lame old “go karts” you remember puttering around in as a kid. These are high performance electric machines that accelerate harder than their gas powered counterparts, giving you a wicked speed boost as you careen around the track. With quieter engines and no gas or oil leaks, the ride is much smoother as well. The staff will even keep track of your race results with their high tech scoring system, showing things like your fastest and average lap times, so strap on a helmet and satisfy your ultimate need for speed.

Feeding Frenzy

Once you and your dude crew have gotten your adrenaline rush and you’re ready for a hearty meal and a cold beer, consider a stop at Hofbräuhaus (853-BEER; www.hofbrauhauslasvegas.com). An exact replica of the legendary Munich beer hall, Hofbräuhaus brings you a unique experience straight from the heart of Deutschland. Quench your thirst with one of their classic brews in a one liter stein or the infamous two liter glass boot while you enjoy live nightly entertainment from the house band Die 3 Zünftigen. To satisfy your appetite, you’ll find plates of Bavarian sausage (pork, chicken or veal) with juicy sauerkraut and onion mustard. Don’t forget to try the homemade spätzle, a special type of German egg dumpling, or go even more traditional with some old fashioned Wiener schnitzel.

If your group’s tastes run a little more gourmet, bring the guys to Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar (369-3971; www.fireflylv.com). The tapas feast runs day and night, and just because the plates are small doesn’t mean they’re any less tasty. On the cold side, you’ve got apple and manchego salad, shrimp ceviche or artichoke toasts. The warmer side offers eggplant cannelloni, ham and cheese croquetas, stuffed dates wrapped in bacon and much more. When it’s time for a nice beverage, they’ve got a wide selection of fine wines, beers and signature cocktails. But don’t leave without trying their house specialty sangria, which marinates for three days and pairs perfectly with any of their culinary treats. Comfy, affordable and always unique, it’s the perfect spot for a night (and a bite) on the town with the boys.

Cohibas and Consoles

There’s nothing like a nice after dinner stogie and some good guy talk, so make André’s Cigar Lounge (798-7151; www.andrelv.com) at the Monte Carlo your next stop. The atmosphere recalls a gentlemen’s club with plush furnishings and a warm fireplace, the perfect place for you and your buddies to unwind. Chef André Rochat knows the importance of a fine selection, and he’s got over 40 types of hand rolled cigars for you to choose from, including Montecristo, Fuente and Cohiba. Behind an impressive glass case, you’ll also find a nice collection of cognac, port and scotch. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, their cognac specialist will help narrow things down. Better yet, plan your trip around one of their VIP whiskey, cognac or scotch tastings.

Looking to tap into your nostalgic geek side instead? Take a trip downtown and visit Insert Coins (477-2525; www.insertcoinslv.com). Pick up your favorite energy drink, beer or cocktail at the glowing Beta Bar (try some Mountain Dew flavored vodka), then drop a few quarters into one of their classic refurbished arcade games such as Donkey Kong or Mortal Kombat and relive your misspent youth. VIP treatment enters a whole new level of play here with tables that include game consoles and HDTVs along with bottle service. Plug into an Xbox 360 and challenge your gang to a round of Modern Warfare 3 while you sip some smooth libations. Weekly events are always in swing with local DJs dropping beats to keep the party going all night long.

Whether it’s a bachelor party or just a fun evening with some old friends, hanging out with the guys is always a blast. Wherever the night takes you, from the gun range to the cigar lounge and beyond, remember to have a good time and don’t do anything you would be embarrassed to find posted on Facebook the next day. After all, guys may keep their secrets, but pictures never lie.

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know