Fabulous Fall Colors

Brighten Up Your Bedroom –

By DeDee Birdsall

Once just a place for sleeping, our bedrooms have long since become a safe haven, a favorite at-home retreat where we can get away from the world. Since we often spend more time in there than just our typical eight hour REM cycle, it’s always fun to redecorate and add some flair to what can easily become a neglected space. That can end up costing big bucks, so we’ve come up with several projects you can complete in a weekend that won’t break the bank, don’t require a sewing machine and will help create a professional look worthy of Better Homes & Gardens.

Tufted Love

A great looking headboard is the focal point of any bedroom, but buying a new one can set you back hundreds of dollars, if not more. Instead, kick your décor up a notch with a little effort and imagination by designing your own custom upholstered headboard. Whether you scour flea markets for an inexpensive discarded headboard, dig one out of the attic or build your own, this project is a snap. We used an existing headboard and a few other supplies to put things together.

Materials and Supplies

• Headboard
• Electric staple gun and staples
• Upholstery batting
• Fabric and trim

Putting It Together

Measure the length and width of the headboard (front and back) to find out how much fabric you’ll need. Consider purchasing decorator fabric, as it’s stronger and comes in widths that range from forty-five to sixty inches wide. Pick up some upholstery batting from your local fabric store in an amount large enough to cover the front side of the headboard, plus an additional four inches to help cover the frame. Cut the batting to cover the front and sides of the headboard, then lay the headboard face down on the batting and staple the batting in place, pulling taut as you go along.

Next, cut fabric for the front part of the headboard and repeat the stapling process once more. Continue to pull taut as you staple your way from the top center, out to the sides, then switch to the bottom and repeat. If adding trim, position in place using straight pins and staple. Cover raw edges on the back with additional fabric and repeat the stapling process. Remember not to pull too tightly as you staple the batting and fabric so as not to cause unwanted puckering on the front side. Once you’re finished, you’ll have a gorgeous new headboard that adds instant flair! 

Having a Ball
Embellishing a blanket or throw is a great way to add warmth and comfort to a bedroom. Take a cue from the style of Morocco, where blankets trimmed with oversize pom poms are a distinctive luxury. It’s another easy no-sew option that can help you jazz up your bedroom in no time flat.

Materials and Supplies

• Blanket or throw
• Pom pom maker/templates
• Yarn
• Upholstery needle

A simple pom pom maker such as the Easy Knitter retails for $2.97 and includes the templates for three sizes of pom poms.  These can be purchased online at www.consumercrafts.com or at your local craft store in the yarn section. Thread it up and you’ll be making pom poms in a flash.

Putting It Together

There are plenty of online resources to help you create your own pom pom template, but the purchased templates are a snap to master and make great looking pom poms every time; for this project, we used the medium sized template. Thick wool yarn works best for making the larger, palm-sized pom poms used on our blanket and can be purchased for as little as $6.00 a skein. Mix and match a couple of yarn colors on the same template for a vibrant two-toned pom pom.

When winding the yarn onto the template, keep in mind that the more times you wind the yarn, the denser your finished pom pom will be. Once you begin threading the template, leave a tail of yarn about eight inches in length. When finished, thread both ends through an upholstery needle and stitch through the trim of your blanket. For our project, we used a knit blanket and pushed both ends of the tail through the fabric and tied it on the back side. Voila – pom pom blanket!

Bright Idea

Love the lamp but hate the shade? Breathe new life into an old light source by covering the shade with a fabric that matches your room’s décor. A simple search online or a trip to your local lamp headquarters will convince you that making your own version easily beats the cost of buying a new one. With the variety of fabrics available, the sky’s the limit! Here’s what you will need:

Materials and Supplies

• Lamp shade
• Paper for a pattern
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Spray adhesive

Putting It Together

On top of a large sheet of paper, lay the lampshade on its side with a seam on one edge of the paper. Starting at the seam, trace the shape of the top and bottom edges of the shade onto the paper. Roll the shade, marking the top and bottom edges on the paper until you come back to where you started. Remove the shade and add one inch at the top, bottom, and at the seam line. Next, cut a paper pattern, which you will use as a template to cut the fabric. Remember to add one inch at the top and bottom. Test fit the fabric on the shade and carefully trim as necessary.

Spray the wrong side of the fabric with the adhesive. Beginning at the shade’s seam, lay the shade on one edge of the fabric and carefully roll it onto the fabric a few inches. Pick up the shade and continue smoothing the fabric, stretching and smoothing it until you’ve covered the entire shade. Clip the edges of the fabric every half inch so that it curls over the top and bottom of the shade. Gently smooth out the fabric and allow the adhesive to dry. To achieve a finished look, decorate the top and bottom edges with a band of braid, ribbon, lace, beads or fringe.

Decorating Resources

For more inspired decorating ideas to brighten up your bedroom, visit www.hgtv.com, where you can search by room, style, color and designer to help you put together the perfect look. Also, be sure to check out www.theinspiredroom.net, where you can find great ideas for the budget conscious designer. Both sites showcase home design and DIY projects to get you thinking. You can also add new paint, wallpaper, throw pillows or various other accessories you create yourself. Before you begin, play around with fabric swatches and see what suits your room best.

Giving your bedroom a fashionable makeover doesn’t require weeks worth of work or an interior design degree. All you need is a bit of imagination, a small batch of materials and a little bit of free time on your weekend. Before you know it, you’ll be redesigning with big style on a small budget, and you’ll have a brand new personal retreat that’s perfect for a quiet, in-home getaway.

Out N About

Halloween Haunts

The witching hour is almost upon us once again. As Halloween draws near, candy buckets will soon be full as the streets swarm with ghosts and goblins. If you’re looking for a good scare that’s still a lot of fun, we’ve put together a list of local haunts for you to visit – if you dare!

Trilogy of Terror

Freakling Bros. presents a trio of terrifying walk-through haunted attractions throughout October at the AMC Theatres Rainbow Promenade: Castle Vampyre, Circus of Horrors and the R-rated Gates of Hell. Visit www.freaklinghaunt.com for info.

Fright Dome

Las Vegas’ premier Halloween attraction returns as the Circus Circus Adventuredome transforms into a spooky spectacle of terror all October long, featuring rides, haunted houses, and live professional actors. Visit www.frightdome.com for info.

Haunted Harvest

Spooktacular family fun awaits at the Springs Preserve on the last three weekends in October with a haunted house, trick or treat stations, carnival games, haunted hayrides, live entertainment and more. Visit www.springspreserve.org for info.

Las Vegas Zombie Run

See if you can “survive” this 5K at Sunset Park on October 28^th as you put on a flag football style belt and attempt to evade the zombies trying to pull your flags. Proceeds benefit Generation Vegas. Visit www.lasvegaszombierun.com for info.

Town SCARY Halloween

Trick or treat through the streets of Town Square on Halloween night. Candy will be passed out by shops and restaurants with games and activities for all ages being held throughout the shopping center. Visit www.mytownsquarelasvegas.com for info.

Art in the Park, Summerlin Style

There’s no better place to appreciate great art than outside in the fresh autumn air. You can indulge your inner critic and enjoy the cool breeze at the Summerlin Centre Community Park on October 13^th – 14^th for the Summerlin Art Festival, now in its eighteenth year. Known for being one of the city’s largest and most colorful outdoor art events, the festival features nearly 100 artists and craftsmen from all over the southwest displaying their works for the public. The collections include paintings, glasswork, jewelry, sculpture, mixed media and much more.

In addition, the event will also feature colorful chalk art masterpieces created using the park sidewalks as a canvas as part of a traditional competition. For a nominal fee of $5, non-competing artists may contribute their vision to the sidewalk as well; the fee includes sidewalk space, a kneepad and chalk. Add to this a full dose of live entertainment, dance performances, food art demonstrations, children’s activities and more and you’ve got all the makings of a grand, artistic day out in the park. Visit www.summerlinartfestival.com for more information.

Witch Blood Martini

5 Tbsp. vodka
5 Tbsp. sour apple schnapps
5 Tbsp. lemonade
5 Tbsp. lemon-lime soda
Corn syrup
Orange and black sprinkles for rimming glass
Green apple slices
Dry ice if desired

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, schnapps, lemonade and lemon-lime soda. Cover and shake vigorously. Place small amount of corn syrup in a shallow dish. Place sprinkles in another shallow dish. Dip rim edge of martini glasses into syrup, then into candy. Strain shaken mixture into prepared glasses, adding apple slice and dry ice (do not consume) if desired.

Did You Know?

In the late 19^th century, the average work day lasted twelve hours. During a parade sponsored by the Central Labor Union on September 5th, 1882, ten thousand workers marched through New York City to fight for an eight hour work day, marking the first U.S. observance of Labor Day.

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.

September 8
UNLV Rebels vs. NAU
Rebel football is back and better than ever with home games throughout September at Sam Boyd Stadium. The first contest of the month has UNLV’s gridiron squad taking on the Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona University. Additional home games in September include a matchup against Washington State (9.14) and a conference game versus Air Force (9.22). And don’t forget to mark your calendars for October 13^th when the battle for the Fremont Cannon continues as the Rebels take on the UNR Wolf Pack. Call 739-FANS or visit www.unlvtickets.com for tickets and more information.

September 29
3^rd Annual Asian Harvest Moon Festival
Celebrate one of the world’s most time honored holidays this fall with this grand festival at Springs Preserve. Observed by numerous cultures throughout Asia, the Moon Festival celebrates the autumnal equinox of the solar calendar and marks a time for family and friends to reunite for lantern parades and to eat moon cakes, the festival’s traditional food. Join in the fun with arts and crafts, live music and dance performances, food and drink, a children’s lantern parade and much more. Call 822-7700 or visit www.springspreserve.org for tickets and more information.

October 6
3^rd Annual Grapes & Hops Festival
Enjoy an array of fine wines and great food from top local restaurants to help benefit a good cause at this charity event, also at Springs Preserve. Sample dishes from Stripburger, Mon Ami Gabi, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and more, along with a unique selection of beer and wine, all while you dance the night away to live music from Rick Arroyo and the Latin Percussion Ensemble. Proceeds will help benefit Par for The Cure, a nonprofit dedicated to breast cancer research. Call 822-7700 or visit www.springspreserve.org for tickets and more information.
FESTIVITIES

Join the Celebration!

Fall is a great time for festivals in southern Nevada. From delicious food and carnival rides to arts and crafts and live entertainment, Las Vegas has plenty of unique and exciting happenings around town to keep your whole family entertained throughout the season.

San Gennaro Feast

Now in its 33^rd year in Las Vegas, this traditional Italian food and music festival arrives at the Silverton from September 11^th – 16^th. Indulge in chicken parmesan, linguini and clams, Italian sausage and peppers and much more as you enjoy family friendly entertainment, including live music, amusement rides, games and more. Don’t miss the explosive fireworks show on the last night! Visit www.sangennarofeast.com for more information.

40^th Annual Greek Food Festival

Eat, drink and be merry at this exciting family celebration of the Mediterranean life, held from September 21^st – 23^rd at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Sample delicious Greek food and pastries, tour the magnificent Byzantine church and enjoy live music and dancing, including demonstrations of classic Greek folk dance. Opa! Visit www.lasvegasgreekfestival.com for more information.

Nevada Wild Fest

Join in the country style fun at the largest state fair carnival showcase in the valley, held from October 25^th – 28^th at the Rio. Experience a thrill a minute with large format carnival rides and midway attractions, gourmet food trucks, a haunted maze, a DockDogs canine competition, live country music entertainment and much more. All net proceeds benefit the Lili Claire Foundation. Visit www.nevadawildfest.com for more information.

CHARITY TICKETS

 Buy One, Help One

Want to do something fun and help out a good cause? 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.

HEALTH & FITNESS

Walk for a Cause

Now that the weather has cooled off a bit, it’s a perfect time to catch up on your outdoor exercise while helping out a noble charity at the same time. On September 8^th, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada will be holding their 22^nd annual 5K and one mile race at Mountain’s Edge Exploration Park. The event will feature a children’s play area, snacks, raffles and awards for winners. Visit www.candlelightersnv.org for registration and more information.

You can also lace up your sneakers and join the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation’s Rockin’ Walk on September 30^th at TPC Summerlin. Walk as much or as little as you like with three courses to choose from: a one mile mixed hole, 2.5 mile back nine or five mile 18-hole walk. Stick around for some great live entertainment, fun prizes and giveaways and goodie bags for all walkers. Proceeds will help Goodie Two Shoes provide local disadvantaged children with new shoes, socks and more. Visit www.goodietwoshoes.org for registration and more information.

Todd L. Moody

By Callie Thomas

It was a scene that could easily have been played out in any law drama on TV. A young lawyer sinks into the comfortable leather chair behind an immaculate desk in his newly appointed office, pleased with himself after passing the bar. Visions of the tough, compelling cases that are sure to pave the way to a brilliant legal career flash before him, just as the all knowing senior partner saunters in and gleefully dumps a banker’s box full of cases onto the desk. While the bubble may have been burst for many, 89144 resident Todd Moody had a different reaction.

In 1994, Moody was the young attorney that accepted the senior partner’s “welcome” in the form of several adoption cases. He soon found himself immersed in Family Law and loving it. Nearly two decades later, Moody is still passionate about his work and has been influential in helping create new families throughout the community, along with his ongoing commitment to working with Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, Jewish Family Services, LDS Family Services and Premier Adoption. Moody is also one of just three attorneys in southern Nevada authorized to finalize adoptions for special needs children for Clark County. His passion for kids is evident as he also relishes his appointment as an executive board member for both the Las Vegas Area Council and Western Region for Boy Scouts of America. In his spare time, he’s a super sleuth of sorts, connecting the dots by studying family history through his involvement with the National Genealogical Society, which is sometimes less enthusiastically appreciated by his four children Johnson, Mary, Sam and Emilee, as well as his wife Dee. Todd Moody talks about his work, his passions and making a difference.

Tell us a bit about the adoption cases. What’s it like creating new families?

“I finalize between six and ten adoptions almost every week of the year. Nothing that I do as an attorney is more rewarding than helping people navigate the legal process and become a permanent family. I go into the courtroom with them, unopposed, and share one of the happiest moments of their lives. I really think I have one of the best jobs on earth!”

You have been recognized by the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.

“Yes, I was named as one of only four Fellows in all of Nevada. Fellows in the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys are selected because they have met the highest ethical and competency standards.”

You have to be proud of your efforts. What makes you successful?

“I work with an entire firm of attorneys and staff who love what they do and are extremely good at it. Success is contagious. If you do a good job for someone, they share the experience with others and it snowballs.”

How do you feel Scouting supports our youth?

“I am passionate about youth having experiences that allow them to do difficult things. Young men and women who are stretched and challenged beyond what they thought they can do are more apt to meet life’s later challenges head-on. It takes willing adults to stand side by side with youth, particularly those from broken homes, to give them a vision of who they are and what they can become.”

You also spend time studying genealogy; however, it seems it isn’t a favorite pastime of your family.

“Frequently, when I travel, I try to find a cemetery where a relative is buried and a library or courthouse to search for vital records. My children don’t always share my passion and get a little frustrated with me when I want to stop to take a photo of a headstone at a cemetery.”

Your research uncovered the fact that you are a descendant of someone who sailed on the Mayflower. Anything else you think others might not know about you?

“I have a collection of almost 400 Star Wars action figures. My kids are getting older but one day, when I have grandchildren, we’ll have some fun. I can ride a unicycle and if I wasn’t an attorney or professional genealogist, I’d be an FBI agent.”

Nichole Flaharty

By Callie Thomas

A great majority of women often find it hard to pass up a little bling in their lives. Nichole Flaharty gets to surround herself with all things shiny through her jewelry business but also uses it to illuminate the message of an organization that is near to her heart and an integral resource for the Flaharty family.

It wasn’t until Nichole and Chris Flaharty began to introduce food to their infant sons Caelan and Nevan that they discovered both boys suffered from food allergies which could lead to anaphylaxis. As parents, they sought out doctors and experts on food allergens but also began to educate themselves on what they could do to keep their children safe. That’s when they found FAAN, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. Here they were able to relate with other parents and children facing many of the same obstacles and obtain vital research, information and support.

The organization’s mission is to raise public awareness, provide advocacy and education and to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis. Nichole and her family have been involved with FAAN for the past four years and actively participate in and assist the Vegas committee with the annual FAAN Walk for Food Allergy, which will be held this October 6th at the District at Green Valley Ranch. Each day, the Flaharty family learns of more people affected by food allergies, which reinforces their efforts and urgency to continue to educate, advocate and raise funds for FAAN. Nichole Flaharty gives us some insight about the devastating effects of these allergies on her family and how they are dealing with it and helping others.

Tell us about your first encounter with food allergies.

“We suffered the first food-related allergy experience when our oldest son Caelan was under the age of one. His little lip swelled so beyond normal size, it was terrifying. That incident was one of several trips to the ER for help. After a concrete diagnosis, it led us to understand that vigilance will encompass every aspect of our lives. Strict avoidance, knowledge and the use of emergency medicines is imperative.”

It must be a daunting task to safely feed your children and avoid these allergens.

“As we learned more, we got creative in the kitchen and found a multitude of choices. I’m happy to say we’ve successfully created, served and enjoyed many meals made with basic grocery ingredients and a few specialty products we find. We take great pride in serving safe, allergy friendly meals for our children at a dinner party or event in our home and have our non-allergic guests rave about it!”

How are you assisting at the annual FAAN Walk?

“We participate in the walk and assist the Las Vegas committee by coordinating efforts to help grow the event each year. The goal for the walk this year is $95,000 and my hope is that by supporting such community events it will increase the visibility of food allergies.”

Any tips you would give to other parents on ways to unplug and cope with the daily toll that allergens can place on a family?

“My husband and I make a date night to one of the many Vegas restaurants that serve fabulous food we don’t often get to have due to the children’s allergies. We love to try a new restaurant at least each month.”

What’s your recipe for de-stressing as a family?

“We all like to spend time outdoors, but we also turn on loud music in the house and dance like crazy with the kids. It makes us all laugh at ourselves and each other.”

Laura Weylie

By Callie Thomas

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” – Helen Keller

Laura Weylie dreams of possibilities. As a result, the American Sign Language Interpreter has had a helping hand in not only giving those who cannot hear a way to communicate, but she has given other women and children hope, encouragement and the tools they need to make their dreams become a reality.

The Texas A&M graduate put her degree in Early Childhood Education to the test by immediately teaching elementary school in Texas by day and taking classes to learn sign language and interpretation by night. After moving to Las Vegas with husband Brian three years ago, she has made it a full-time profession. Her compassion and commitment has also been put to use in southern Nevada through her involvement with the non-profit organization called the Women’s Club of Summerlin (WCS).

The organization, which was founded in 2001, provides support through volunteer activities and fundraisers to meet the needs of at risk women and children. Weylie has also been instrumental in coordinating the group’s annual charity event. This year’s event benefits the Dare to Dream Grant Program, which encourages women to achieve their goals such as continuing education, starting a new business or skills training to enhance their lives and the lives of others in the community. Each year, the group gives recipients a hand up with up to a $3,000 grant to make their dreams become a reality. We had an opportunity to talk with Laura about her work with the Women’s Club, how it has inspired her own life and why she believes in making dreams come true.

Why did you join the Women’s Club of Summerlin?

“When I first moved to Las Vegas, I decided that since I didn’t know anyone yet, other than my husband, this would be an opportunity to get to know the area, help others and make new friends. Little did I know that I would become a board member just a few months later and eventually the president. I just love being a part of an organization that makes such a positive impact on our community.”

How has WCS assisted the community?

“To date, WCS has donated over $350,000 in cash and items to local charitable organizations with the largest donations coming from annual charity events. The recipients must coincide with the mission and vision of WCS to help needy women and children. Shade Tree Shelter, Child Focus (programs for children in foster care), CHANGE (clothing and personal items for children at Child Haven) and S.A.F.E. House (women and children who are victims of domestic violence) have all been recipients.”

You’re getting ready for the Annual Charity Event this October.

“Yes, the Dare to Dream Grant Program will be the recipient of the fundraising efforts this year to help provide the grants to deserving women. It is on October 18th at the J.W. Marriott. There will be live entertainment, dancing, a raffle and silent auction.”

How has the Dare to Dream Program inspired you?

“It is so inspiring to see the pride and determination in each recipient’s face as they are honored. Their enthusiasm and aspirations about bettering their own lives and others in our community always makes me so proud to be a part of this organization.”

Giving back is important in your life.

“I’ve always been passionate about giving back. As a high school graduate, I received the Community Service Award. What good are our talents and skills if we keep them to ourselves?”

You’ve been instrumental in granting others’ dreams, but what might be one of yours, if you weren’t in your current career?

“I love what I do, but it would be great to have Samantha Brown’s job on the Travel Channel. She gets paid to travel the world, stay in amazing places and experience new things!”

Don Purdue and Laurie Abdo

 By Callie Thomas

Hope springs eternal for 89117 residents Don Purdue and Laurie Abdo, and not just because of their long standing history in southern Nevada (Don is a third generation Nevadan and wife Laurie’s family moved to Las Vegas in 1967) or because they united their family, which includes four children, after they married in 2004. Rather, it’s because of their belief in making a difference in the lives of high school kids in need and their families in the community.

Both Don and Laurie work diligently at their professions. Don says he ended up in land development and homebuilding because “he didn’t want to wear a tie to work and it sounded more fun than accounting,” while Laurie is a hearing aid specialist. One day, Don saw a plea on Facebook to assist 150 homeless high school students that changed everything for the couple and their family. What began as curiosity has ended up in an ongoing resolve to assist, not just the original 150 students that Don learned about but the estimated 6,300 homeless students and their families in Clark County. Due to the economic turn in the community and other unforeseeable factors, otherwise viable and hard working teens have been faced with homelessness or found themselves in need of vital provisions including a bed to sleep on, clothing, food, bus passes and more just to be able to attend school.

With the help of Harmony Homes and many friends, Don and Laurie founded Project 150, a nonprofit organization that coordinates an ongoing list of drives and fundraising events to support fourteen high schools in the community. Don and Laurie talk about their efforts, how it has affected their lives and how social media has become an indispensible tool in connecting to others and making a difference.

Don, how exactly did you come about creating Project 150?

“After seeing a post on Facebook, I decided to visit Rancho High School for myself. I couldn’t believe there were actually 150 students there that were in so much need. I met with the counselor, and after just twenty minutes of seeing kids coming in and out of her office, I was near tears looking at the problems that her students encountered. It was everything from needing a cap and gown to graduate to needing to find a place to work.”

The kids were different than you might have expected?

“The kids are polite, hard working, self supporting and have shown an ability to face incredible circumstances. They just need a break.”

What was the first initiative for Project 150?

“It started as a Christmas drive and ended up being a full-fledged effort. At first, we volunteered to help seventeen families with Christmas gifts, and after we delivered the gifts we realized our four kids were looking forward to the holiday break with family and presents and the students at Rancho High School were fearing the break because their only reliable meal comes at the school. We ended up raising $10,000 and bought food gift cards so these students could have meals during the break.”

Laurie, your family’s compassion for people is a huge part of why this project has been so successful.

“Just as I have a huge compassion for the people that I assist with hearing devices in my profession, we are committed to Project 150’s goal of enhancing the lives of displaced and at risk teens by keeping them in school.”

Social media has been an important resource in gaining support.

“Yes. I really don’t know Twitter that well but my kids said, ‘That’s the way everyone talks now, Dad’ so we use it and Facebook to help us spread the message.”

Don, with your busy schedule, do you ever get to unplug?

“Oh, I’m pretty good at unplugging.”

What about you, Laurie?

“I have a hard time relaxing but enjoy cooking. Don and I work well together in the kitchen.”

Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort & Spring Mountains Volunteer Association

The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, better known to locals as Mount Charleston, is one of southern Nevada’s greatest outdoor resources. Thanks to a recent donation from the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort (LVSSR), the local nonprofit Spring Mountains Volunteer Association (SMVA) will continue its mission to preserve and improve the area’s environment.

Working in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the SMVA manages the construction and maintenance of trails and assists the Forest Service with its educational programs such as litter awareness and clean up, not to mention fire prevention. This year’s annual Festival in the Pines, held this past August at the LVSSR, helped raise $2,000 for SMVA. This is the largest donation SMVA has received in the 21-year history of the event, which was created as a fundraiser to support the nonprofit. Guests who attended the festival enjoyed arts and crafts from local vendors, live entertainment, scenic chairlift rides, a visit from U.S. Forest Service mascot Smokey Bear and more. Funds were raised via a prize raffle with additional proceeds coming from food and beverage sales and chairlift rides.

“Spring Mountains Volunteer Association plays a critical role in maintaining and preserving the beauty of this area,” says Kevin Stickelman, LVSSR president and general manager. “We are thrilled to be able to bring the community together to celebrate and support SMVA’s efforts.”

For more information on the Spring Mountains Volunteer Association, visit www.smva.info.

Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing & Catholic Charities

The sweltering heat in Las Vegas can sometimes be too much to bear, especially for our more elderly residents. With triple digit temperatures often carrying over into September, it’s important for seniors to have functioning air conditioning in their homes. Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing has teamed up with Catholic Charities to make this important issue a priority.

This past summer, Yes! launched its Yes! Cares Senior Program, a community outreach effort offering support and resources to seniors throughout the valley. As part of the program, Yes! technicians have visited homes to change air filters and program thermostats free of charge. Last month, Catholic Charities helped arrange a visit from Yes! for 77-year-old Peggy Hart, who has found it difficult to keep up with daily housework following surgery to fix a broken rib. Peggy and many seniors across the valley sincerely appreciate the efforts of Yes! and Catholic Charities to assist struggling elderly residents so that they can remain healthy and independent.

For many local seniors, getting through the routine of day to day life can be difficult enough under normal circumstances. Throw in a broken air conditioner in triple digit weather and things can literally become a life or death situation. Thankfully, Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing and Catholic Charities are doing all they can to help keep things cool.

For more information on the Yes! Cares Senior Program, visit www.theyesmancan.com.

Terrifyingly Tasty –

 By Aly Wagonseller

There’s something about Halloween that brings out the kid in all of us. Clever costumes,   masked madmen and predictable, yet somehow still startling practical jokes fill the evening with spooktacular fanfare and fun. Candy is what it’s all about for the kids, filling their bags (and bellies) with enough of the sweet stuff to last the entire year. But, while Snickers Bars and Candy Corn might be their entrée of choice, no Halloween “boo”ffet would be complete without a spectacle of ghostly delights ready and waiting for the hungry trick-or-treat crowd.

In keeping with the spirit of the evening, a festive Halloween feast is all about presentation. Much like the identity changes you make by putting on a costume, transforming innocent ingredients into eerie, yet edible snacks is limited only by your imagination.  Whoopie pies assume spindly spider form with the addition of licorice legs and spooky candy eyes. Turkey cocktail wieners wrapped in tortillas take on a life of their own when served with everyday chili adorned with an easy-to-make edible headstone. Even a simple, hollowed out pumpkin can create the perfect vessel for spine tingling soups and stews.

“Boo”tify this year’s Halloween celebration with a selection of chilling, yet surprisingly delicious recipes designed to put a little fright into your night. From blood curdling tomato soup with an “eye” on the spirit world, to ghostly, white chocolate covered strawberries even the little ones will love, you’re sure to be a hit with ghosts and goblins of any age.

Devilishly Bloody Eyeball Soup

Serves 6

• Favorite tomato soup recipe
• 1 (12 oz.) container marinated mini mozzarella balls (Trader Joe’s)
• 8-10 large green olives, pits in tact
• 8-10 pitted black olives
• Drinking straw

Prepare soup and keep it warm.

Prepare eyeballs. Create the iris by cutting off the top and bottom of each green olive (this will form two irises), gently peeling them off the pit, creating a little dome.  Lay each dome on a cutting board; using the end of the drinking straw, poke a hole in the middle of each piece. This will be the hole for your pupil.  Using the same straw, cut holes from the black olives and place them snuggly into the hole of the green olive.   Drain the mini mozzarella balls, leaving the herbs intact on the cheese.  Place the iris/pupil olives onto each ball, creating an eyeball. Cut a flat spot on the cheese if necessary, to hold the iris in place.  Float eyeballs in the soup and serve.

Web-a-licious Whoopie Pies

Makes 6 large or 12 small spiders

Cake:

• 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. fine salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk

Filling:

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 2/3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups marshmallow cream
• Twizzler licorice (cut long ways into quarters, then cut into approx 2 1/2- 3” pieces)
• Colored sugar
• White tube frosting
• Candied sunflower seeds or other candy for eyes

Preheat oven to 425°F.  For cakes, whisk flours, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.  Cream the butter and sugar at high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 4 minutes.  Add the egg and beat until combined.  At low speed, add half the flour mixture, beat until combined, then add half the milk mixture, mixing until smooth.  Repeat with remaining flour and milk. Using a small melon baller, or ice cream scoop for larger spiders, scoop dough onto parchment paper lined baking sheets, leaving approx. 3 inches between each.  Bake 5-7 minutes, or until springy. Cool completely before filling.

For filling, beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar at low speed until blended, then beat at high speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the vanilla and marshmallow cream and mix at low speed until blended, about 1 minute.  Match pairs of cake with the same shapes and spread the bottom side of 1 cake with filling. Place 4 pieces of licorice on each side and sandwich with the other cake, bending licorice to form legs.  Sprinkle filling with colored sugar if desired.  Form eyes with tube frosting and candy centers.   Refrigerate.

Mummy Toes with Headstone Chili

Servings Vary

• Favorite chili recipe
• Toasted bruschetta bread
• Ketchup
• 1 lb. cocktail franks
• 6-8 flour tortillas
• Toothpick
• Shredded cheese
• Green onion, cut into small chards
• Small squeeze bottle

Prepare chili; keep warm. Make headstones by putting ketchup into a small squeeze bottle. Write RIP with the ketchup onto the toasted bruschetta bread; set aside.

Heat the oven to 350°F. Cut a wedge into the end of each cocktail wiener to make a flat toenail. Cut the tortillas into strips about 4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Discard the ends. Soften the strips in the microwave between damp paper towels for 10 to 30 seconds. Roll each wiener in a tortilla strip around one end and secure with a toothpick. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven, then fill the toenail with ketchup. Remove toothpicks.

Ladle chili into small bowls or ramekins. Sprinkle with cheese. Prop headstone into chili, sprinkling green onion around the bread to create “grass”. Serve with mummy toes.

Strawberry Ghosts

Servings Vary

• Approx. 30 fresh strawberries
• 8 ounces white baking chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp. shortening
• 1/8 tsp. almond extract
• 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Wash strawberries and gently pat with paper towels until completely dry. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate and shortening at 50% power; stir until smooth. Stir in extract.

Dip each strawberry in chocolate mixture; place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, allowing excess chocolate to form the ghosts’ tails. Immediately press chocolate chips into coating for eyes. Freeze for 5 minutes.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt remaining chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Place mixture into a small, resealable baggie.  Cut a tiny hole in the corner of the bag and pipe mouths onto strawberries. Refrigerate.