A Step Above – Summer Minden

Bishop Gorman High School
Class of 2013

One generation’s leaders become the next generation’s shining examples, and that’s a role Bishop Gorman High School Student Body President Summer Minden is happy to fill. Guided by strong values and smart choices, Summer recognizes the power of change and the importance of dedicated leadership, uniting classmates in their dreams for a better tomorrow. From speech and debate to student government and beyond, this talented and inspiring young woman is making her voice heard. She’s changing lives beyond just her own, and that helps elevate Summer Minden to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 3.07

Sports/Activities

• Varsity Track, 2010-11
• Varsity Tennis, 2011-12
• Speech and Debate, 2010-12; Co-Captain, 2012
• Associated Student Government, 2010-Present
• NASC Southern Zone Conference, 2012
• Class President, 2012; Class Vice President, 2010-11
• National Forensics League, 2009-12
• Saint Viator Catholic Church Youth Lector, 2004-12
• Children’s Liturgy Committee, 2004-12

Awards/Community Service

• State Champions (Tennis), 2012
• District Finalist (Speech and Debate), 2010-12
• Yellow Rosebud Award, 2012; Yellow Rose Award, 2012
• Tick-Tocker Service Award, 2012
• Hourglass Award, 2012
• Class of 2013 Hand in Hand Award, 2012
• National Charity League, 2007-12
• Quest Retreat Leader, 2011-12
• Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, 2007-12
• Del Mar Gardens Rehabilitation Center, 2007-12

Summer is Successful Because: “I am a very logical thinker. My father has always helped me look at the bigger picture and my mother’s work ethic helps me stick with what needs to get done in order to succeed. One has to be able to face failures without letting them bring your motivation down. Making choices consistent with your values ensures reliable decision making.”

Summer is Stronger and Wiser Because: “In my high school career, I’ve faced many obstacles. Students spend years planning who they will be and what they will achieve, but when things don’t fall through the way you’ve planned, it can be disorienting. The most valuable lesson to take away is that you are meant to achieve something greater. Look for ways to make the situation better for others, if not for yourself.”

Summer Looks Up To: “I look up to my student government advisor. Cannella Young helps me to not only see what needs to get done but what to do to achieve more. She is always looking at things from a different perspective. Humility, motivation and honesty make her a great role model for any student leader.”

Grilling with Class – Wines for Summer Barbecue

By Gordon Gilbert

Thanks to an abundance of sunshine throughout the year, there’s rarely a bad day for a barbecue in Las Vegas. Grilling outside can also help keep your oven and stove from overheating your house on those one hundred degree plus days. Whether you’re cooking with charcoal or gas, there’s always a perfect wine to complement whatever’s on the menu for your outdoor kitchen.

Beefing Up

We can’t talk about grilling season without mentioning steaks. Be it sirloin or ribeye, dry rub or marinade, any great cut of beef will require a big wine to break through the wonderfully rich textures, one that’s full of flavor to help work with a wide range of spices and preparation styles.

Two reliable varieties to fall back on are Zinfandel and Shiraz. Wines from these grapes are fruit forward, heavy bodied and just the ticket to mesh with a great steak.  Here are two solid options:

D’Arenberg Laughing Magpie 2008 Shiraz ($28): McLaren Vale, Australia. Deep and richly colored. Blackcurrant dark cherry on the palate with touches of violet and black pepper. Fruit forward and full bodied, yet balanced with rich and powerful flavors that scream red meat.

Seghesio Zinfandel 2010 ($20): Sonoma County. Full bodied wine complete with heavy red fruits and touches of red berry. Herbaceous and spicy with a dry, lingering finish that provides ample heat on the back palate.

Wingin’ It

Next, we’ll tackle the more subtle staple of grilled chicken. With lighter augmentations such as lemon or herbs, California Chardonnay makes a great match. Heavier, more oaked wines blend well with citrus and herb treatments as well as the smoky qualities displayed in grilled poultry. Bolder, more flavorful preparations such as barbecue sauce call for red wines, but you don’t want to ignore the more gentle textures of the chicken underneath. Cotes-du-Rhone can help provide a beautiful symmetry that covers all the bases. Here are great options for both:

Mount Eden Chardonnay 2010 ($17): California. Deep yellow in color. Touches of banana and straw in the aroma. Cantaloupe, orange blossom and hints of stone fruit and pineapple come through on the palate. Creamy oak is offset with a touch of minerals.

Guigal Cotes-du-Rhone 2009 ($13): Rhone, France. Medium in terms of weight with black fruit and herbs on the nose and a touch of air dried tomatoes on the palate. This wine has a rich ruby color and a spicy finish perfect for a barbecue.

The Other White Meat

For something less traditional but equally tasty, grill up some chipotle pork. Spices provide a heat and flavor that work well for grilling; however, spice can make for a difficult pairing when it comes to wine. Garnacha (known as Grenache in France) is a great medium bodied red wine built for just such a situation. Grown in the western Mediterranean from Provence to Spain, this grape can handle the complexities of any spiced up dish. Another option worth considering is Oregon Pinot Noir, a light wine that matches well with the textural components of the pork.

Bodegas Artadi “Artazuri” Navarra Garnacha 2009 ($13): Navarra, Spain. Medium bodied wine with a bright, sharply focused nose and touches of pepper. The palate consists of spice, red berries and vine ripened tomatoes with a dry, gripping quality and a vibrant finish.

A to Z Pinot Noir 2009 ($16): Willamette Valley, Oregon. Another medium bodied option with fresh raspberries, wildberries and a touch of red cherry. Hints of violets and subtle spice with a light treatment of oak. A pleasant acidity on the finish follows the red fruit that dominates the initial tastes.

There’s no shortage of great wines to pair up with any kind of barbecue festivity. But whatever bottle you choose to enjoy while grilling, remember to save the heavier celebrating until after the coals are cool and the gas is off. No wine can dull the pain of a barbecue burn. Bon Appetit!

Something to Wag About – Speaking Your Pet’s Language

By Hana Haatainen Caye

Did you ever notice how some individuals just seem to connect with their dogs? We call them “dog people” and write them off as having skills outside the norm. Their dogs are content, happy and well behaved. On the other side of the spectrum, some dog owners just don’t have the knack. Their dogs are nervous, aggressive, incessant barkers and jumpers – in short, dogs you don’t want to be around. Just like with failed relationships between people, the problem often lies in communication, or lack thereof. So how can we learn to better “talk” with our beloved canines?

Observation

The first step in any kind of effective animal interaction is observation. We can’t expect to communicate unless we know what type of conduct our dogs exhibit on a daily basis. Once we have a grasp on their typical behavior, we can begin to assess ways to connect with them.

As with humans, each dog is unique. A Doberman’s ear twitch might not mean the same thing as a Husky’s. While it’s important to learn about general body language signals and common canine vocal communications, nothing takes the place of simply watching and listening to your companion. Take the time to observe your dog in various everyday situations and scenarios. What happens to his posture when he meets someone new? What do his different barks and vocalizations mean? What is he trying to tell you when he places his paw upon your knee?

Find the connections between body language, voice, behavior and stimuli, and try to document your observations in a journal to help identify patterns in your dog’s behavior. Why is this period of observation so important? By knowing your dog’s signals, you will be able to spot trouble before it gets out of hand. Your pup desperately wants to communicate with you and nothing will validate him more than having you recognize what he’s trying to say. Just as you expect your dog to understand your human words, he expects you to understand his communication as well.

Interaction

While it’s important to understand how and why dogs communicate, we should also be aware of how our dogs interpret our own human body language. Put yourself in their paws and think about the messages you’re sending to help keep the lines of communication operating smoothly.

Your dog will learn to respond to your signals, so it’s essential to remember that angry behavior will only breed fear and insecurity. Raising your voice around your dog or approaching with a rolled up newspaper will likely hinder obedience and may even result in aggression. Pavlov proved that canines respond to stimuli, so keep your messages consistent and clear. Dogs key into repetition. If you get angry every time you receive a phone call, your dog will cower whenever the phone rings. Let your hands and voice be sources of comfort, not distress, and use them to help convince your pet that he’s loved by all and living in a safe and secure environment.

Another good way to strengthen the lines of communication is to identify your dog’s calming behaviors, the things he does to relax himself. According to animal behaviorist Turid Rugaas, dogs send out these signals as a way to diffuse aggression and conflict. Many dogs will yawn, lick their lips or look away from the source of distress. By mirroring his response, you can send him the message that you are on his side, which should help promote more peaceful behavior. Go ahead and lick your lips, look away from him, slow down your pace and yawn. Learning how to send these calming signals back to your dog is a hallmark of effective canine communication.

Talk vs. Action

Veterinarian Daniel Mills recently completed research at the University of Lincoln in the UK which determined that dogs often respond better to visual cues over verbal cues. However, when verbal communication is used, pets respond differently depending on the tone of voice. Since dogs cannot adapt to our spoken-word communication, it’s vital that we adapt to their methods of interaction. Of course, each dog has its own personality, so it’s important to look at the whole picture and take your dog’s own quirks into account rather than interpreting an individual cue.

Beware of Dog

Fear and aggression are important behaviors to identify. An aggressive dog may point his ears forward or lay them back against the head. He will often bare his teeth and show a straight, rigid tail as well. You may hear a low, quiet growl that ends in a short bark or hear barks that are spaced out and low pitched, a sign that your dog wants you to back off. Fear usually manifests with a tail tucked between the legs or ears that are back but not flattened. Dogs may often cower when frightened and will feel particularly vulnerable, so beware of potential nipping or snapping.

Eager to Please

A submissive or trustful dog will typically lay his ears back and avoid eye contact while wagging his tail in a low position. When feeling particularly secure, he may even roll over and expose his belly. If he presents his posterior, don’t be offended; this is just another sign that he trusts you. A raised paw or paw on your lap is another sign of trust and connection. This may often be accompanied by a high pitched whine to let you know that he wants or needs something. Persistent whining may be more a sign of anxiousness or distress, so be aware of the difference.

Oh Boy! Oh Boy!

Happiness and confidence are usually the easiest traits to identify. When a dog is excited, his tail will wag so hard that it gets his whole body shaking. He may even seem to “smile” or bow to you with short, repetitive barks that indicate he’s happy to see you and ready to play. An erect yet relaxed posture with a tail that’s held high and wagging slightly are sure signs that your pooch is feeling pretty confident of the circumstances around him. You may also notice him venturing further ahead of you on a walk or investigating situations with little or no prompting.

It may take some work, but you can eventually learn to understand your dog’s communication cues, just as he learns how to adapt to yours. Through understanding, patience and consistency, we can “talk” in ways we never imagined. The end result should be a more secure pet that is willing to please. That’s one less dog headed to the shelter and that’s something to wag about!

Out N About

Get Off My Back!

As the school year kicks into gear, kids across the valley will be slinging full backpacks across their shoulders. But did you know that heavy loads carried by more than 79 million students across the country can cause low back pain that often lasts through adulthood? In 2010, nearly 28,000 strains, sprains, dislocations and fractures were treated by health care providers.

“A child wearing a backpack incorrectly or that is too heavy can be contributing risk factors for discomfort, fatigue, muscle soreness and musculoskeletal pain, especially in the lower back,” says Karen Jacobs, EdD, OTR/L, CPE, clinical professor of occupational therapy at Boston University. Luckily, preventing pain and discomfort is simple. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers these tips for keeping kids safe while hauling their packs:

• Always select a backpack that is the correct size.
• Make sure the height of the backpack extends from approximately two inches below the shoulder blades to waist level, or slightly above the waist.
• Wear well-padded shoulder straps on both shoulders to balance weight.
• Distribute weight evenly. Load heaviest items closest to the child’s back and balance materials so the child can easily stand up straight.
• Wear the hip belt if the backpack has one to improve balance and take some strain off the neck and shoulder muscles.
• Make sure the backpack weighs no more than 10% of the child’s body weight.
• If the backpack is still too heavy, consider a book bag on wheels.

HopeLink Goes “Back2School”

While most kids look forward to the start of the school year, many disadvantaged children don’t have the supplies they need to get by or a new outfit to wear on the first day. HopeLink is setting out to change that by providing over 1,000 poverty-level school children with new clothes and school supplies through their annual Back2School program. As in past years, HopeLink is appealing  to generous residents across the valley to help put confident smiles on the faces of kids in need.

You can help by purchasing a new outfit for a designated child by August 10^th, including shoes, socks, underwear, pants/skirt and shirt/blouse. For many of these children, this may be the only new outfit they receive all year, so contributions are appreciated on all ends. HopeLink is also accepting donations of any school supplies fit for grades K-12. Purchases are fully tax deductible, as are any cash donations. Bring hope to a needy child this fall and help set them on the path to a prosperous school year. For more information, visit www.link2hope.org.

Pomegranate Berry Breakfast Smoothie

Serves 2

1/3 cup pasteurized egg whites

1/3 cup pomegranate juice
1 – 6 oz. container nonfat vanilla yogurt
¾ cup frozen mixed berries
¼ cup cooked oatmeal, completely cooled

Whip all ingredients in blender until smooth. Serve cold.

Did You Know?

The sweltering “dog days” of summer traditionally run from July 3^rd to August 11^th and are named for Sirius, the Dog Star, which rises with the sun during this time of year. Ancient cultures believed the intense brightness of the star was responsible for the sizzling temperatures.

The Must Do List

Editor’s Picks

August 29 – October 7
Wicked

The smash hit Broadway musical finally comes to Las Vegas for this exclusive engagement at The Smith Center. Long before Dorothy crash landed in the merry old land of Oz, two young girls had a fateful meeting: beautiful, kind hearted Galinda and green-skinned, misunderstood Elphaba. Wicked spins the tale of how these two eventually became Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West and how their conflicting paths changed the destiny of an entire nation. With themes of friendship, ambition and corruption to go along with its unforgettable repertoire of incredible songs, you’re sure to be transported to a faraway land for an experience like no other. Call 982-7805 or visit www.thesmithcenter.com for tickets and more information.

September 15 – 16
22^nd Annual Ho’olaule’a Festival
Mahalo! Celebrate the culture of the Pacific Islands at the Henderson Events Plaza with this two day festival put on by the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club, where you can enjoy a full spectrum of Hawaiian song, dance, food and more beginning each day at 9 a.m. Live entertainment will be provided throughout the day and evening at the Events Plaza Amphitheatre stage and the Convention Center Lawn stage, including Holunape, one of Hawaii’s premier music groups. In addition, visitors can explore a children’s craft area, an informative health fair and many commercial and craft vendors. Come down and experience the thrill of the islands in the middle of the desert. Call 267-2171 or visit www.hendersonlive.com for tickets and more information.

August 5
World Football Challenge 2012
It may be known as “soccer” in the United States, but to the rest of the world, it’s football. Las Vegas fans can now experience some of the thrilling European sports action at this exciting event as recently crowned La Liga champions Real Madrid take on Italy’s Juventus Football Club in this epic match at Sam Boyd Stadium, part of Real Madrid’s U.S. preseason tour. Gear up in your favorite colors and watch the best of the best take the field. Call 739-FANS or visit www.unlvtickets.com for tickets and more information.

August 7
National Night Out
Learn how you can help keep your neighborhood secure at this annual event held by police departments across the country. Local police will be on hand at the Henderson Events Plaza to help stress the importance of crime prevention, getting to know your neighbors and maintaining community safety. Live police unit demonstrations will be provided, along with toe-tapping entertainment from the Sin City Surfers. Bring the entire family to learn how to be safe and have a big dose of summer fun. Call 267-5100 or visit www.hendersonlive.com for more information.

September 20 – 23
13^th Annual Super Run Classic Car Show
Get your motor running at this automobile extravaganza held at the Water Street District in downtown Henderson. With over 1,000 hot rods, muscle and vintage cars on display, it’s the largest classic car show in Southern Nevada. The festivities are open to all years, makes and models of classic vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles and will feature competitions for roaring engines, slow drag, burn out and more. Shift into gear and cruise to Water Street for a free-wheelin’ good time! Call 267-2171 or visit www.hendersonlive.com for more information.

SUMMER FUN

Springs Preserve Events

There are plenty of cool things happening this summer at the Springs Preserve (www.springspreserve.org), and we’re not just talking about air conditioning. Don’t miss out on these exciting exhibits and events:

Envenomators: The Venemous Snakes of North America

This exhibit, which runs through September 16^th, tells the story of four venomous snakes indigenous to North America: Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Coral and Rattlesnake. Visitors will explore the secret lives of these unique and venomous beauties, learning all about the benefits they provide to the natural world and the startling misconceptions these intriguing creatures have earned through fear rather than facts.

Bugs!

New to the Big Springs Theater, this show runs from now until August 31^st and explores the creepy crawly things of the Mojave that love to hiss, sting and slither. The show features all manner of insects, arachnids and invertebrates such as the desert tarantula, bark scorpion and centipede. Get up close – or don’t! – and find out why our desert could not survive without them.

Summer Camps

Skip the daycare and explore 180 acres of summer fun at one of the Springs Preserve’s many day camps, running now through August 24^th. Campers will learn about nature, archaeology, animals, plants and more and will even get to do a little swimming at the neighboring YMCA. Activities are led by education specialists and field experts to give campers a unique and educational experience that makes for a great summer memory.

CHARITY TICKETS

Buy One, Help One

Want to do something fun and help out a good cause at the same time? Now you’ve got a couple of opportunities to give back by picking up tickets to exciting local events. Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, now showing at Bally’s, will donate $25 from every ticket purchased to help Dress for Success Southern Nevada, which promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire and career development support. Visit any Caesar’s Entertainment box office and use the codes “AADS” for General Admission or “BADS” for VIP.

For the golf enthusiasts, HopeLink is selling tickets to the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, which will be held October 1^st – 7^th at TPC Summerlin. You can purchase a daily grounds pass for $20, a $5 savings off the price if purchased at the event. All proceeds from these sales will go to HopeLink, a family resource center that seeks to prevent homelessness and keep families intact. Contact Rachael at 439-2676 for more information.

FOOD & DRINK

Carnival of Cuisine Returns

Take a bite into something new and delicious as The Venetian and The Palazzo welcome the fifth annual Carnival of Cuisine, held August 25^th at The Venetian. Part of the resort’s summer-long Carnevale celebration, this popular culinary event will feature a wide array of delectable, award winning dishes from more than fifteen of the two properties’ signature restaurants, including Bouchon, Carnevino, Delmonico Steakhouse, Pinot Brasserie and more.

Guests will also enjoy live cooking demonstrations and specialty drinks and will have the chance to win prizes that include restaurant gift cards. The event will be helping a good cause as well with a portion of every ticket benefitting Three Square, Southern Nevada’s food bank. General Admission tickets are $60 with VIP tickets going for $85. Give your palate something to savor at this exciting event that’s sure to capture any foodie’s heart (and stomach). Call 414-9000 or visit www.venetian.com or www.palazzo.com for tickets and information.

Meet The Neighbor – Dr. Andy Eisen

By Callie Thomas

“Always do right. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” – Mark Twain

After playing devoted pediatrician Dr. Doug Ross on the TV series ER, actor George Clooney once declared that having kids was not in the cards for him. Southern Nevada is lucky to have the real deal in 89123 native resident Dr. Andy Eisen. While the doctor shares the popular character’s “go to any lengths” passion for healing kids and is deeply committed to the health and welfare of all children in our community, he’s also the father of teenage sons Jonathan and AJ with his wife Diane, who also happens to be in the medical field as a Physical Therapist.

While family is of foremost importance, Dr. Eisen is an integral force in keeping kids healthy as a pediatrician and the Associate Dean for Clinical Education at Touro University Nevada, which is Nevada’s largest medical school. He also serves as the Medical Director for Touro’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, which is Southern Nevada’s only multidisciplinary center for the evaluation and treatment of children with a wide range of developmental conditions. As if that weren’t enough, Dr. Eisen also serves as Medical Director for The Helping Kids Clinic, a non-profit organization that provides medical services including checkups and immunizations to kids with no other health care resources. You might also find him working as a collaborating physician for The Bower School-based Health Clinic at Basic High School. Busy doesn’t begin to describe his daily routine, which varies from day to day, but not being of service to those in need is unfathomable to Dr. Eisen. He took a rare break to talk about his work with kids, why he’s so passionate about giving back and about the life of a doctor in the real world.

It has been estimated that 16% of Nevada’s children have no health insurance. How does The Helping Kids Clinic assist them?

“The clinic provides free health care to children who don’t have adequate health care resources.  We provide routine medical care and immunizations as well as sports and camp physicals. We’re working to keep them healthy and active and can treat minor illnesses without these kids having to show up in the emergency departments.”

Similar services are offered at The Bower School-based Health Clinic at Basic High School?

“Yes, the center provides well child checks, sports physicals, minor illness care and health counseling right on the grounds of Basic High campus.”

What attracted you to these organizations?

“I got involved because they provide direct, real benefits to families in need. The focus is on keeping kids and teens healthy so they can learn, play and grow, which ultimately decreases health care costs for the entire community by decreasing demand on costly urgent and emergency care.”

It must be rewarding to see the effects of your services in the community.

“We’ve been told that without our services children would have had to suffer through illness or wait until they became so sick that there was no alternative than to go to the emergency department.”

In the little free time you have, how do you unplug?

“I don’t really unplug. I just take breaks when I can find them. I spend time at home with my family or catch a movie, but one thing I like about what I do is that my schedule is never the same. I do the work when it needs to be done.”

If you weren’t a pediatrician, what other career would you choose?

“I did consider other things in addition to being a doctor, but not as an alternative; an astronaut (I have poor eyesight, so that didn’t happen) or a rock star (minor issue – a complete lack of musical talent or skill), but after several years of trying to teach myself to play, I have managed to become an accomplished guitar owner.”

Meet The Neighbor – Benjamin Brown

By Callie Thomas

Here’s some food for thought: How do you get kids to learn about nutrition, try new foods, boost their learning skills and do it all in a creative and fun way? Resident Benjamin Brown, a.k.a. “Mr. B,” has come up with just the right recipe for success. This Teach for America corps member, licensed school teacher and food-critiquing journalist has combined his expertise with his love for all things culinary and founded a program called First Grade Food Critics.

It’s hard to imagine a six year old straying beyond food choices such as mac and cheese or peanut butter, let alone taking pen (or crayon) in hand to comment about their meal. Still, Brown has found a way to provide dining experiences for children that can be used as learning tools to advance their writing abilities and help them learn about new careers and eating healthy.

Perhaps Brown was willing to give it a try based on his adventurous spirit, which has led him across the globe to Panama to document a previously uninhabited island for future tourism and to teach English at a rural elementary school. He’s also volunteered in the Israeli Defense Force, working on a tank base in the Negev Desert, minutes from the Gaza Strip. When he’s not teaching in Clark County, he’s busy earning his master’s degree from UNLV and reviewing restaurants for Examiner.com. Brown relishes the opportunity to explore the Vegas dining scene and has reviewed more than 100 different eateries. He’s also an avid fitness enthusiast and competes as an amateur track athlete while coaching a local high school team. Brown talks about his inspiration for First Grade Food Critics, future aspirations and the best thing he’s ever eaten.

What spurred the idea of First Grade Food Critics?

“It came to me during the summer between my first and second year as a teacher. I spent that time in Panama, and teaching English at a rural elementary school showed me that my students in Vegas have luxuries kids across the world don’t have. Las Vegas has incredible resources with its renowned hospitality industry and I knew there had to be a way to integrate those facets into tools for our city’s children.”

The students in First Grade Food Critics are in at risk schools?

“Yes, the vast majority of students qualify for free and reduced lunches. The families, many of them are maintenance staff, front desk workers and sanitation workers. These kids are being exposed to jobs that the families wouldn’t otherwise be able to put them in touch with.”

Tell us about some of the Food Critic events.

“My favorite event was our trip to the top of the Stratosphere tower. We were joined by a fifth grade class from another elementary school, a great opportunity for the older students to serve as mentors and for the program to expand. They reviewed Carvery 108, a gourmet deli, then went down to watch the teacher (me) take the SkyJump. An exhilarating experience and a fun way to freak the kids out! We also recently did a taste-test of two new menu items for the 2012 Summer Food Service Program (a federally funded program administered by Nevada’s Department of Education providing free meals to children in low-income areas) at Springs Cafe at Springs Preserve for The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, the largest SFSP sponsor in Nevada.”

What are some of your aspirations?

“This program has taught me so much about management, expansion, customer satisfaction (even if the clients are six years old) toward the business side of journalism that I hope to use in the future. I also want to grow the program to become a national non-profit.”

What is the best dish you’ve ever eaten?

“What a question for a food critic! Leaving Las Vegas out of this one, it would be a meat and cheese ravioli at a quaint trattoria in Florence, Italy. I have yet to experience anything close to that blissful dish.”

Meet The Neighbor – Carrie Ostrea

 By Callie Thomas

“Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.” – Author Unknown

It is said that everything happens for a reason. People come into our lives to serve a purpose, teach a lesson, help us figure out who we are or affect our life in some profound way. For 89052 resident Carrie Ostrea, many have come into her life and have made an indelible impact: her husband Robert, their children Ethan and Abigail, and their miracle child, Little Miss Hannah.

When Carrie and Robert first married 15 years ago, they discovered they were unable to have children and decided to adopt. Ethan was their first and Abigail came next. About four years ago, the couple was surprised to learn that Carrie had become pregnant. On July 25^th, 2008 Hannah was born. The family celebrated their joyous arrival until their newborn daughter, just one day old, landed in the neonatal intensive care unit as doctors began to run a succession of tests. Many, many visits to specialists later, they discovered that Hannah suffered from a rare illness known as Neuronopathic Gaucher’s Disease, a life-limiting genetic metabolic disorder.

The couple began an un-ending search for every expert, scientist and researcher in the country to find answers and a cure, of which there is none. Their little Hannah was given a life expectancy of nine months. Hannah made a profound impact on the lives of the Ostrea family, their friends and those she encountered for the following three years until she succumbed to the disease on December 4^th of last year. Working through their grief, Carrie Ostrea and her family have found a way to not only honor their young daughter’s life, but also help other families with children diagnosed with terminal illnesses through a foundation called Little Miss Hannah.

You and your family have been through an incredible life journey. Even moving here a couple of years ago was a feat?

“Yes, we moved here from Houston, Texas in order to find work after my husband lost his job and to be near family who lives in Vegas. My husband and the older kids drove across country to Vegas with two dogs and our cat, while Hannah was hospitalized in Texas for 42 days. She and I medi-flighted to Sunrise Children’s Hospital.”

How did the Little Miss Hannah Foundation (LMHF) come to fruition?

“After Hannah passed away, I made a promise to her that what she had lived through and what she taught us would not be in vain.”

How does the organization help others?

“When you have a child with a terminal diagnosis, it is such a difficult lifestyle – emotionally, financially, physically and all around. We learned so much during Hannah’s journey, so we hope we can make it just a bit easier for families to focus on the quality time they have left with their child and give their other children, the siblings, special attention because they too live with the loss of their brother or sister.”

Tell us about the Little Miss Hannah Foundation launch event.

“The launch of Little Miss Hannah Foundation was held this past July 25^th, which would have been Hannah’s fourth birthday. The event was called Rainbows to the Sky. It helped create awareness for the foundation as well as other rare childhood diseases. Funds raised are going towards providing support and comfort for families who are faced with losing a child. We can’t change their inevitability, but we can help them focus on enhancing the quality time they have with their ill child. There was music, activities, raffles and a balloon release to honor those that have died. It was a difficult yet inspiring day for me and my family.”

How has LMHF helped you personally through your grief?

“I miss Hannah every day. I need to do something positive that will help me find a reason for Hannah to have gone through what she did and make a change in our community.”

For more information on the foundation, visit www.littlemisshannah.org.

Meet the Neighbor – Michael S. Palmieri

By Callie Thomas

“We are born neither winners nor losers; we are born choosers.”

– Anthony Clark, Former World’s Strongest Man

Do we control our destiny or do unseen forces manipulate us? This question is one that the youth of our community are faced with on a daily basis. Should they follow what they believe is a pre-determined path or can they instead choose the life they want? It’s a question that resident Michael Palmieri is familiar with, particularly as he has spent the better part of 25 years giving teens the right tools to make important choices that will ultimately shape their lives.

Palmieri has the mind of an athlete (probably because he is one) and he’s spent his career researching, training, educating and consulting with other athletes to enhance their performance. He does this through a combination of science and training at his company, The Institute of Sport Science & Athletic Conditioning. It’s easy to envision that this imposing 250 pound man would hold a certification in strength and conditioning and could easily fit the bill as a certified Sports Performance Coach, a title he received while attending the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado. In addition, Palmieri holds other certifications in heavy sports, combat sports, speed/power and physique athletes training while also serving as a brand ambassador for Las Vegas based XYIENCE, the official energy drink of the UFC, and working with XYIENCE’s team of UFC athletes. What may be most unexpected and ultimately intriguing is his dedication to teaching Las Vegas youth the necessary skills to avoid poor lifestyle choices as president of the non-profit PB & J Leadership Training Camp. Michael Palmieri talks about his involvement with the camp, about making a difference in Las Vegas and what motivates him.

How did you get into sports and what made you want to work with other athletes?

“I got started by following my older brother around the gym. He was a competitive bodybuilder.  When I got old enough, I got into powerlifting and playing baseball. A few years later, I started working with athletes.”

Tell us about PB & J Leadership Training, Inc.

“We’re dedicated to teaching the youth of our community the skills needed to avoid negative lifestyle choices such as drugs and gangs and instead become productive leaders in our society.”

You’ve had a long history supporting PB & J Leadership Training, Inc. How did you get started?

“I was a participant in the first leadership camp back in 1987. I have participated in every camp from youth staff to adult staff. When the gentleman who was running it at the time retired in 2004, I took the entire program over.”

That had to be an enormous undertaking, but an inspiring one.

“There is no feeling like it. When I’m in public and a young adult comes up to me and says, ‘Mr. Palmieri! Do you remember me from camp X number of years ago?’ I see that they have a family of their own and a good career and it makes me very proud.”

How do you teach teens in the program about taking control of their lives?

“We provide activities that offer a drug and violence free environment and give the participants the capability to address these problems. Through what we call ‘positive peer pressure,’ PB & J allows young people the opportunity to empower themselves to actually be part of the solution and help with the reduction of drug abuse and gang violence.”

What do you think motivates you?

“I’m passionate about my belief system, my business and my camp kids. I’m very committed to hard work and making solid plans.”

Tell us something about yourself that you think others might be surprised to know.

“I was born and raised in Vegas and am the youngest of six (four sisters and one brother) and I’m basically a nerd. I’m extremely left-brained, so I approach everything analytically.”

Colliers International – Las Vegas & Links for Life Foundation

Golfing is a way of life for many residents of Las Vegas, but it’s also a fantastic way to raise money for a good cause. That’s exactly what commercial real estate company Colliers International – Las Vegas did this past May when they hosted their 17^th Annual Links for Life golf tournament to help benefit various local children’s charities.

Held at the Las Vegas Country Club golf course, the theme of this year’s tournament was “Old Vegas, Baby!” Approximately 130 “goodfellas” took to the course to help raise money for the Links for Life Foundation, the nonprofit giving project of Colliers International, which supports various children’s charities in Southern Nevada. All told, the tournament raised $54,000, just a part of the more than $2 million raised for regional charities by the Links for Life tournament since its inception in 1993. Local organizations such as Three Square Food Bank, Candlelighters, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Aid for AIDS of Nevada and many more have all benefitted from the generosity of the Links for Life Foundation.

“The Links for Life golf tournament has become one of Southern Nevada’s most anticipated charity events,” said Mike Mixer, managing partner of Colliers International – Las Vegas. “The proceeds from this year’s tournament will help us continue our ongoing support to various children’s charities throughout the valley.”

For more information on Links for Life Foundation, visit www.linksforlifefoundation.org.

The Ogden Foundation & LA Boxing

Providing sports programs and nutritional education to at-risk youth is one of the best ways to help the fight against childhood obesity. That’s the mission of The Ogden Foundation, who recently teamed up with LA Boxing to help raise money and awareness for this worthy cause.

On June 30^th, LA Boxing Anthem hosted “A Fighting Chance,” a boxing charity event with a fight card of 20 contenders fighting to represent their sponsors. Proceeds from the event went to support The Ogden Foundation’s Summer Fitness Camp for children in the Family Promise Program for homeless and low income families. The six-week program offers mentoring by professional athletes and trainers to help children engage in exercise and understand the importance of nutrition and healthy eating. To help provide additional support for the Fitness Camp, The Ogden Foundation and LA Boxing also combined forces to open a fundraising fireworks stand from June 28^th to July 4^th at LA Boxing Anthem and held a summer sports equipment drive to accept donations of sporting goods to help encourage childhood exercise.

At-risk children don’t have the same opportunities as everyone else and can be more prone to setbacks such as obesity and poor health. Thanks to the efforts of The Ogden Foundation and LA Boxing, there looks to be a brighter and healthier future ahead for local underprivileged kids.

For more information on The Ogden Foundation, visit www.caampogden.com.