For the Season

A Dash of Flavor – Spicing Up Your Wine Selection

By Gordon Gilbert

The Dutch are known for many things: beautiful tulip fields, windmills, fine art. But it’s their nearly three century long presence in southeast Asia and the famed Dutch East India Company that earned them credit for creating a new age of culinary delights. The exotic spices the Dutch brought home expanded the menus and palates of Europe and the new world. Fortunately, we don’t have to create our own shipping company to secure the treasures found in our spice racks.

From cloves and cinnamon to nutmeg and tellicherry, a vast array of flavors and sensations now grace our kitchens. Some spices provide huge blasts of intensity while others have long, lingering bouts of enjoyment, all of them offering a range of great enhancements to our daily menus. With such an extraordinary spectrum of tastes and sensations, it would impossible to limit ourselves to a single wine pairing. Rather, the more difficult task lies in finding a wine that enhances our chosen spice rather than detracts from it, resulting in a true complementary tasting experience.

Cinnamon

On the whole, cinnamon can be difficult to pair with, but Gewürztraminer is the best option here as well as with other heat driven spices such as cayenne or green curry powder. The name Gewürztraminer literally translates as “spiced” Traminer (a family of white grapes), so Albrecht Gewürztraminer Reserve (Alsace, France; $20) is a great place to start. The wine has an intense tropical feel with lychee dominating. Light floral notes give way to a wonderful coating texture and a sweetness that helps offset the more striking qualities of the cinnamon.

Nutmeg

Riesling is a great wine to pair with focused and more heat driven spices such as nutmeg, and you’ll find a good choice in the Geil Rheinhessen Spätlese (Rheinhessen, Germany; $18). Spätlese refers to late picked grapes, which increase the sugar levels of the wine. The sweetness acts as a natural foil to the heat generated by a wide assortment of spices, including nutmeg. The laser focused acidity of Riesling replicates the ability of nutmeg to concentrate on a certain portion of the palate. Flavors of this wine consist of pear, key lime zest and just a hint of slate.

Cloves

Cloves have a rich, fragrant persistence. Even with the most aromatic of wines, the intense power of this spice tends to win out, so a heavier selection is the better choice. A stout, tannic, yet medium bodied Zinfandel makes for a great combination with Indian curry or Jamaican jerk chicken, both of which make use of cloves. Calcareous Twisted Sisters Zinfandel (Paso Robles, California; $20) offers wonderful stewed plums with blackcurrant and pepper notes. The spiciness is concentrated in the mid-palate and has a medium finish with a hint of sweetness.

Tellicherry Black Pepper

The powerful heat of the Indian tellicherry black pepper makes a great addition to many grilled meats and a range of stews. With that in mind, the Catena Malbec 2009 (Mendoza, Argentina; $16) creates a harmonious combination with peppercorn and has the tannins to break through anything we put on the grill. Rich black fruit, touches of violet, hints of clove and a whisper of pepper help to create an enduring finish to match the long, drawn out heat of the peppercorn.

Fresh Herbs

While spices are important, we cannot overlook the significance of fresh herbs used in conjunction with them. Sauvignon Blanc, with its undeniable grassiness, certainly fits the bill here. Whether we are working with lemongrass, verbena, basil or lemon thyme, the Groth Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley, California; $14) helps add to their fresh qualities with citric fruits and a crisp, aromatic zippiness. While clean and racy, there’s still a hint of creaminess.

The right herbs and spices can help add lots of zest and punch to any culinary offering, but by pairing these accoutrements with the right wine, we can create delectable delights bursting with amazing flavors. Just the sort of pairing you need to spice up your kitchen and your wine rack!

Fall Movie Preview

By Mike Sweeney

The Avengers have avenged. The Dark Knight has risen. The Expendables have… been expended. Summer movie season is now a distant memory. As we gear up for the holidays, your local cinemas will switch gears to more adult fare, turning from escapist action and popcorn munching thrills toward more epic adventure, serious drama and the race for Oscar gold.

Tough Guys

The man with the “particular set of skills” returns in Taken 2 (October 5), as former covert operative Brian Mills (Liam Neeson) takes on a cabal of Eastern Bloc bad guys out to avenge their fallen comrades from the first film. This time, it’s Brian’s wife (Famke Janssen) who’s been “taken,” triggering another adrenaline fueled rescue mission filled with outrageous stunts and deadly gunplay. Aptly named French filmmaker Olivier Megaton directs the explosive action.

Writer-director Quentin Tarantino branches out into yet another genre with Django Unchained (December 25), his tribute to the Italian “spaghetti westerns” of the 1960s. In this revisionist epic, a freed slave named Django (Jamie Foxx) teams up with a bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz) to rescue his wife from a ruthless plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio). Fueled by his signature dark humor and edgy ultra-violence, this is vintage Tarantino with a unique historical twist.

Tom Cruise returns to the two fisted style of action he does so well, taking on the title role in Jack Reacher (December 21), based on the best selling novel One Shot by Lee Child. The character represents a slightly darker turn for Cruise, who takes on the role of a drifter and former MP who finds himself entwined in the case of a sniper who’s got civilians in his sights. Robert Duvall, Rosamund Pike and noted German film director Werner Herzog co-star.

Spies and Soldiers

Ben Affleck returns to the director’s chair for the third time with Argo (October 12), the riveting true story of a recently declassified operation that took place during the Iranian hostage crisis of the 1970s. Affleck stars as Tony Mendez, a CIA officer posing as a Canadian film producer. Under the guise of scouting locations for a fake science fiction B-movie called Argo, Mendez and his team infiltrate the dangerous and volatile streets of Tehran to free American captives.

“Bond. James Bond.” Those immortal words will be spoken once more by Daniel Craig in Skyfall (November 9), the twenty-third entry in cinema’s most enduring franchise. Following a botched job in Istanbul and an attack on the MI6 agency, Bond faces off against the sinister Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem), a villain whose personal connection to both 007 and his superior M (Judi Dench) exposes dark secrets that threaten to destroy British Intelligence.

The death of Osama bin Laden made headlines around the globe last summer. Zero Dark Thirty (December 19) tells the dramatized story of the intelligence operatives and military personnel who waged a decade-long secret war that brought down the most feared terrorist of our time. Oscar winning director Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) takes charge of yet another suspenseful thriller with a cast that includes Joel Edgerton, Jessica Chastain and Kyle Chandler.

Worlds of Wonder

Classic horror gets a family friendly spin in Frankenweenie (October 5), another triumph of stop motion animation from the eccentric mind of director Tim Burton. When his beloved dog passes away, young mad scientist Victor (Charlie Tahan) brings him back to life, only to find the loveable resurrected pooch turning his suburban world upside down. Shot in gorgeous black and white, this tribute to old time movie monsters scares up plenty of spooky fun for all ages.

Return to Middle Earth as another three-film saga begins with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (December 14), director Peter Jackson’s latest adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic mythology. Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) teams up with Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) and a company of twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim a vast treasure. With dazzling special effects and scenic New Zealand vistas, the legend of the One Ring returns to the big screen.

You’ve never seen a movie quite like Cloud Atlas (October 26), and you probably never will. Based on David Mitchell’s sprawling novel, the film spans hundreds of years and chronicles everything from a Pacific voyage in the 1800s to an uprising against a totalitarian state in the distant future. Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving and many others play multiple roles in interweaving storylines that shape an ambitious tale of fate, courage, love and humanity.

The Oscar Goes To…

Tolstoy’s classic gets another lavish cinematic production with Anna Karenina (November 16), which finds Keira Knightley playing the title role once portrayed by Vivien Leigh and Greta Garbo. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Russian socialite Anna embarks on an affair with the dashing Count Vronsky (Aaron Johnson), challenging social mores and the hypocrisy of high society. Joe Wright (Atonement) directs from a script by playwright Tom Stoppard.

The agony and triumph of the French Revolution comes to life in Les Misérables (December 25), a new adaptation of the Broadway musical. Hugh Jackman stars as convicted thief Jean Valjean, who violates his parole and spends the next two decades on the run from the relentless Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe). Anne Hathaway co-stars as Fantine, a factory worker and prostitute who places her illegitimate daughter Cosette (Amanda Seyfreid) in Valjean’s care.

No stranger to the Oscar spotlight, director Steven Spielberg digs back into history for Lincoln (November 9), a biopic chronicling the last several months of Honest Abe’s life. Based on Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals, the film chronicles Lincoln’s battles with his cabinet on the road to abolition and the end of the Civil War. Two-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis dons the stovepipe hat for what is sure to be a nuanced and human portrait of an American icon.

Power on the Plate – Spices that Boost the Body

By Aly Wagonseller

If you’ve ever sweated bullets after consuming throat scorching salsa or fire breathing dragon curry, you know there’s something about spicy food that just revs up the body. It’s long been determined that standby pepper varieties including cayenne, red flake and plain old freshly ground black work digestive magic while tingling the taste buds, but recent studies have shown that several other spices can shift your metabolism into high gear, reduce the body’s negative response to fatty foods that clog our arteries and minimize inflammation associated with ailments from Alzheimer’s to arthritis. A combination of just two tablespoons per day of the super food spices listed below can lower your blood fat levels by 30%, increase your metabolism up to 25%, and increase cancer fighting antioxidants in the blood stream by up to 13%.

Cinnamon – shown to increase your metabolism twentyfold with just a 1/4 to 1 teaspoon per day, it’s easily incorporated into foods from oatmeal to Moroccan chicken.

Cumin – used in a variety of international cuisines spanning the globe from India to Mexico, cumin has a thermogenic effect that raises the inner temperature in the body allowing you to burn more calories at a faster rate.

Ginger – a true super spice, this versatile addition to anything from tea to lentil soup contains an enzyme that aids in fat absorption and lowers high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while raising the good cholesterol in your body. It also has thermogenic properties.

Turmeric – responsible for providing bright yellow color and a mildly bitter flavor to predominantly Asian cuisine, turmeric reduces inflammation, lowers cholesterol and can prevent blood clots that cause strokes.

Stocking your spice rack with a body boosting assortment of flavor is a cinch.  They’re readily available at most grocery stores, and you can mix and match quantities to suit your tastes.  Experiment with combinations of your own, premixing them and storing in airtight containers that allow for no-brainer additions to scrambled eggs, marinades, dips or grilled foods, or try one of our spicy concoctions sure to add kick to your dinner table.  It’s a delicious way to add spice and good health to your life!

Salmon in a Bengali Mustard Sauce

Serves 2-3

• 3/4 pound skinless salmon fillet cut into 2 inch wide pieces
  1/2 tsp. salt, divided
  1/2 tsp. ground turmeric, divided
  1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper, divided
  1 tbsp. ground mustard
  2 Tbsp. mustard oil (use extra virgin olive oil as a substitute)
  1/4 tsp. whole brown mustard seeds
  1/4 tsp. whole cumin seeds
  1/4 tsp. whole fennel seeds
  2 green or red bird’s eye chilies, slit slightly

Make rub for fish by combining ¼ tsp. each of salt, turmeric and cayenne pepper. Rub mixture evenly on fish pieces. Cover and set aside in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or up to 10 hours. Combine the mustard powder, remaining cayenne, turmeric, and salt in a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon water and mix thoroughly. Add another 7 tablespoons water and mix. Set aside.

In a medium frying pan, heat mustard or olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mustard seeds and allow to pop (a few seconds). Add the cumin and fennel seeds. Stir once and quickly pour in the mustard paste mixture. Add chilies, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer. Place the fish pieces in the sauce in a single layer. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through, spooning the sauce over the fish all the time. Serve with basmati rice.

Recipe from Epicurious.

Red Lentil Soup

Serves 4

• 1 cup red lentils, washed and soaked for 1 hour, drained
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 green serrano chile, split and seeded
• 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp. canola oil
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• Kosher salt
• Honey, to taste
• Chopped cilantro leaves, for garnish

In medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine the drained lentils, onion, tomato, chile, ginger, garlic and enough water to cover. Bring to boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 to 45 minutes. Whisk the cooked lentils to release some of their starch and break them down further.

In small saute pan, warm the canola oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook until they are sizzling and spluttering. Stir in the turmeric and paprika. Pour the seasoned oil into the lentils (be prepared for a big sizzle). Stir to combine, add salt to taste, and a small drizzle of honey. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with cilantro.

Recipe from Aarti Sequeira, Food Network.

Moroccan Chicken with Polenta

Serves 4

•  2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 pound skinned, boned chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 3/4 cup low-salt chicken broth
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1 tsp. ground turmeric
• 1 (16-ounce) tube wild-mushroom polenta, cut crosswise into 12 slices
• Cooking spray
• 1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl; reserve 1 Tbsp. flour mixture. Add chicken to flour mixture in bowl; toss gently to coat. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in broth, raisins, and turmeric; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 8 minutes or until slightly thick.

Preheat broiler. Place polenta slices on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray and sprinkle with reserved 1 Tbsp. flour mixture. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray. Broil 8 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve chicken mixture over polenta; top with yogurt and sprinkle with almonds and cilantro.

Turkey Kefta with Sweet Onion and Raisin Sauce

Serves 4-5

• 4 cups sweet white onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 (14-ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 3/4 tsp. salt, divided
• 1 1/2 tsp. Ras el Hanout, divided (recipe follows)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey breast
• Olive oil
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• Ras el Hanout (makes enough for several uses)
• 2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 tsp. ground ginger
• 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. ground red pepper
• 1 tsp. ground allspice
• 1 tsp.saffron threads, crushed
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg

Make Ras el Hanout by combining all spices in a small bowl. Store in airtight container.

For kefta, combine first 4 ingredients along with ¾ tsp. salt and ½ tsp. of the Ras el Hanout in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.

Combine remaining 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. Ras el Hanout, the chopped fresh parsley and the next 4 ingredients (through ground turkey breast) in a large bowl; shape mixture into 20 meatballs. Heat oil in a large skillet. Slighty brown meatballs, not cooking through, draining on a paper towel. Place browned meatballs on top of onion mixture; cover and cook for 20 minutes or until done. Serve over couscous if desired, sprinkled with slivered almonds.

Work Like a Dog – The Benefits of a Pet-Friendly Office

By Michelle Vessel

Work can be stressful, and dogs… well, dogs are awesome. Put the two together and you just might have the magic formula for adding a touch of much needed whimsy to the workday grind. We’re starting to see a gradual shift in office culture, where a new generation of tech startups, quaint bookstores and other small businesses are welcoming dogs and other pets into the fold. Rolling out the welcome mat for employees’ faithful companions could help inject some lighthearted fun into your workplace, but it’s important to first consider all the pros and cons.

Animal Advantages

The connection between canine companionship and stress relief can be traced back for decades. Since the mid-twentieth century, physicians have commonly advised patients suffering from hypertension, anxiety or other stress related conditions to consider pairing up with a furry companion as a new form of therapy. Dogs have also been used in prisons and hospitals to provide stress relief in high tension environments. But when it comes to dogs in the workplace, the positive impact may stretch beyond the psychological. Many employees who bring their dogs to the office notice a friendlier, more relaxed vibe that was missing before the policy was put in place while also indicating that morale seems to be higher in canine-friendly work settings.

A recent study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management examined the idea of dogs in the workplace and found that stress levels of those who brought their dogs to the office declined over the course of the day while those who left their animals at home or did not own pets suffered more work related anxiety. By the end of the day, stress levels in the latter groups were significantly higher than those whose pets accompanied them. What’s more, when those same dog owners left their pets at home, their stress levels skyrocketed. Stress causes our bodies to release endorphins, natural pain killers that can dull our critical thinking and diminish decision making and interpersonal skills. Studies have shown that employees with lower stress have greater productivity, lower margin of error and miss work less due to illness.

Pet-friendly office settings may also benefit employers by allowing devoted dog owners to feel less guilty about leaving their pets alone all day and reducing doggy day care costs. For customer service operations, dogs can help create a cozy, homespun vibe that helps boosts repeat business. Some employers even claim that instituting a dog-friendly policy lends them an edge when it comes to recruiting and retaining employees, as a top tier candidate who can’t bear the thought of leaving Fido home alone may be more likely to accept an offer from a pro-pooch employer.

Pet-Friendly Potential

According to a 2008 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, seventeen percent of U.S. businesses allow pets to come to the workplace at least occasionally, and anecdotal evidence suggests that the number has only continued to grow since then. The prospect may seem attractive, but it’s also important to examine whether or not your office is a good fit.

For a variety of reasons, some types of businesses or facilities are legally prohibited from opening their doors to pooches. Rules differ between jurisdictions, but businesses licensed as food service establishments, medical facilities or other types of offices where cleanliness is strictly governed for safety reasons may not be able to accommodate employee pets. In other cases, clauses in leases or insurance policies may put the kibosh on canine co-workers. Some employees may suffer from allergies or simply may not be comfortable around dogs, no matter how friendly. And while you may enjoy having your dog at work, animals may prove to be a counterproductive distraction if your job entails high traffic, formal conduct or strict deadlines.

If you’ve carefully parsed out the pros and cons and are ready to take the plunge, the next step in the process is developing a pet policy. Whether you’re a manager or business owner who’s considering making the change or an employee who’s campaigning for a pet-friendly office, having a set of clearly defined rules and expectations in place can help smooth the way for an easy, stress free transition. Some experts recommend starting out slowly by welcoming dogs into the office once a month, allowing employees to get used to the sight of an animal. This way, you can assess your pet policy’s applicability and keep an eye out for any unforeseen problems.

Most people will not be used to having an animal at work, so an effective pet policy should spell out every element of bringing animals into the office. Make sure you have all the bases covered so that your company’s policy is crystal clear. For example, are pets allowed to visit every day or only once a week? Will owners have to provide proof of a clean bill of health and current vaccinations? Who is responsible for walks, treats and cleaning up after accidents? What’s the procedure if a particular pooch starts to pose a distraction? Finally, and perhaps most importantly, who will shoulder the liability for damages or injuries caused by the dog? If you’re concerned or unclear about legal issues, it may be wise to consult with an attorney beforehand.

Workplace Petiquette

Once you decide to open your office to a four legged friend, do your part by adhering to a few common sense courtesies. First, make sure your pet has the right personality to join your workplace. High energy dogs, mischievous puppies, pets with behavioral problems or dogs that are not properly housetrained probably aren’t the best candidates. Before your pet’s first visit to the office, think through a typical day at home and consider everything your pup might need during the course of their visit. A few days before you bring them along for their first visit, it may be helpful to bring some supplies into the office ahead of time, including a leash (have an extra on hand), water and food bowls and supplies, treats, toys, and even a pet bed or crate.

No matter what type of personality your dog has, they will still need their exercise during the day, so pencil in a regular break time when you can set aside your work and take your pal for a nice walk. Owners of more adventurous dogs suggest using child safety gates to keep your pet’s movements contained in a particular area, at least during the first few weeks. Experts also recommend having a backup plan in place in case the experiment doesn’t go as smoothly as you would have liked, such as asking a spouse or friend to come pick up your pup if he or she becomes scared or experiences behavior problems. Most important, be sure that both you and your pet respect other workers’ space and privacy. You may think your dog is the greatest thing in the world, but other employees may be wary of animals or get sidetracked by their presence.

Even if it’s just for eight hours a day, we sometimes can’t bear to be separated from our beloved pets. Finding a place for them at the office seems like a good way to cure separation anxiety and help make your place of business more relaxed and stress free. But remember that it’s not for everyone, so do your research and consider all factors before you let your office go to the dogs.

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.

Bonnie Screams

A chilling journey awaits as the famous Bonnie Springs Ranch transforms into a haunted ghost town from October 18^th – 31^st with train rides, haunted houses, magic shows, a scary maze and much more. Visit www.bonniescreams.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.

Stroke of Luck

Ask any avid golfer about the chances of sinking a hole in one and you’re sure to be told it’s a near impossible feat. For two golfers to land holes in one on the same course on the same day, that’s an even more remarkable feat. And when those two golfers are husband and wife, well, it’s hard to count odds that go that high. But that’s exactly what happened at Anthem Country Club on August 25^th when husband and wife Jim and Fay Geddes each sank their own hole in one.

Jim’s hole in one happened on hole number four, with a four hybrid shot from an impressive 148 yards. He’s no stranger to holes in one as this was the fifth of his career. Fay, however, landed her first one ever on the fourteenth hole with an eight iron shot from 91 yards. It was truly an exciting day for the couple, a feat that will probably never be duplicated in their lifetimes but one they had the good fortune to share together. Maybe there are a few open spots on the PGA Tour!

Spooky Berry N’ Balsamic Martini

2 oz. Stoli vodka
½ oz. simple syrup
Dash of balsamic vinegar
4 strawberries, quartered

Muddle strawberries and simple syrup in Boston shaker. Add vodka, balsamic vinegar and ice. Shake vigorously for ten seconds. Fine strain into chilled martini glass and add half strawberry with green top for garnish.

Recipe courtesy of Republic Kitchen & Bar

Did You Know?

A whopping 90 million pounds of chocolate candy is sold during Halloween week, taking a strong lead compared to other holidays. Almost 65 million pounds is sold during the week leading up to Easter and only 48 million pounds during Valentine’s week.

The Must Do List

Editor’s Picks

October 5 – 7
19^th Annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival
Huzzah! The Middle Ages come to life once again at Silver Bowl Park at this dazzling festival put on by Clark County Parks and Recreation. Experience the thrill of a fully realized medieval kingdom with knights, knaves, fine ladies, wenches and more in full costume. Dress up yourself and join the fun! Talented performers offer more than fifty shows a day, including jousting, historical re-enactments and displays of pageantry, while over 100 artisans showcase their talents as blacksmiths, woodworkers, armor craftsmen and more. And don’t miss out on the food! It’s not a ren faire without some fish and chips or a monstrous turkey leg. Step back in time for an authentic trip to days of yore! Call 455-8200 or visit www.lvrenfair.com for tickets and more information.

November 10 – 11
Aviation Nation
Off we go, into the wild blue yonder… Celebrate Veterans Day and the world of aviation with this incredible program of all things aeronautic at Nellis Air Force Base. The event will highlight the Air Force’s incredible accomplishments in air, space and cyberspace over the last seventy-one years with approximately 100 military and civilian aircraft on display. Festivities will feature several military air demonstration teams, including the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds. Other military and civilian acts will perform as well to help pay tribute to the history of American aviation and salute the recent accomplishments of America’s military in operations around the globe. Bring the whole family and add a dose of patriotism to your holiday weekend. Visit www.nellis.af.mil/aviationnation for more information.

October 5 – 7
Cowboy BBQ of Henderson
Fire up the grill and get those steaks seasoned and marinated as the City of Henderson hosts the inaugural Cowboy BBQ. The intense cook off contest will feature the best professional pit masters and local amateurs grilling award winning barbeque delights in a sauce soaked battle to be crowned champion. Other happenings at the three day festival include a carnival, an all-you-can-eat VIP Rib Village and live entertainment from country music artists such as Jon Pardi, American Made, Lazy Brad Lewis and more. Call 267-2171 or visit www.hendersonlive.com for more information.

October 20
Las Vegas Philharmonic Opening Night Celebration
A key fixture on the local scene for more than a decade, the Las Vegas Philharmonic kicks off its new season with this grand opening gala at their new home, The Smith Center. Dynamic young artists Navah Perlman, Philippe Quint and Zuill Bailey join the Philharmonic in a thrilling rendition of Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. Future concerts include a performance of the original orchestral score to a live screening of Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights (11.3) and “An American Portrait” (11.17), which offers a rich cornucopia of classic American music. Visit www.thesmithcenter.com for tickets and more information.

October 25-28
Nevada Wild Fest
Get into the carnival spirit and share in some country style fun at the largest state fair showcase in the valley, held at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino. 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, a private medical center dedicated to helping special needs children and adults with any type of neurogenetic condition. Visit www.nevadawildfest.com for more information.

FOOD & DRINK

Raise Your Glass

Fall is a great time for being outside in southern Nevada, and nothing makes those cooler temperatures more agreeable than a nice cold brew or glass of wine in your hand. This season, you’ll find some fantastic beer and wine tastings offering potent potables for your enjoyment.

3^rd Annual Grapes & Hops Festival

Combine fine wines, unique beers, live music and great food from some of the city’s best restaurants for this “spirited” event at the Springs Preserve on October 6^th. Participating restaurants include Stripburger, Mon Ami Gabi, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and more. Proceeds benefit Par for The Cure, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breast cancer research. Call 822-7700 or visit www.springspreserve.org for tickets and more information.

Pahrump Valley Winery Grape Stomp

For a truly distinctive wine experience, head out to the Pahrump Valley Winery on October 6^th – 7^th for a grape crushing good time. Teams of two will have two minutes each to stomp their hearts out and see how much juice they can get from the fruit. If you’d rather just hang out and watch, you’ll find plenty of wine tasting, food, music and live entertainment. Visit www.pahrumpwinery.com for more information.

Brew’s Best Beer Festival

The Village at Lake Las Vegas plays host to this beer tasting event on November 10^th, which features a wide range of tasty suds from local and regional breweries. Enjoy the scenic lakeside atmosphere as you stroll around and sample some top notch, refreshing beverages from all over southern Nevada. Proceeds benefit New Vista, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the local disabled community. Visit www.brewsbestlv.com for tickets and info.

CHARITY

On the Right Foot

A large portion of destitute people across the valley aren’t able to get proper foot care or even a decent pair of shoes. That’s where Hearts to Soles is trying to help. Since 2004, the outreach program has provided free foot examinations and shoes to the needy across the United States. Local orthopedic foot surgeon Dr. Troy Watson has been getting into the act as well. Dr. Watson and his staff will offer free foot screenings to the less fortunate on November 16^th while also supplying them with free footwear at the Salvation Army.

Dr. Watson spends time every year fitting the homeless with proper shoes through the Hearts to Soles program. However, tough economic times have led to a decrease in the number of shoes available, so Dr. Watson is seeking donations of new and lightly used men’s shoes in sizes eight through thirteen. Donations can be dropped off at any of his three office locations: 2800 E. Desert Inn Road, 8402 W. Centennial Parkway, and 2930 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway. Give the gift of shoes this season and help the less privileged among us stand tall. Visit www.feetmd.com for more information.

HEALTH & FITNESS

Cardio 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 October 6^th, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) will be holding their fourth annual 1.5 mile charity walk at The District at Green Valley Ranch to help raise awareness and promote advocacy of life threatening food allergies and anaphylaxis. The event will feature a carnival, crafts, face painting, video games and more. Visit www.foodallergywalk.org for registration and more information.

You can also get your wheels in motion and join the Bike MS: Vegas Challenge on November 10^th – 11^th, starting at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Participants can opt for one or two days of fantastic, challenging rides with routes that cover everywhere from the bustling Strip to the scenic environs of Red Rock Canyon and distances ranging from 30 to 150 miles. Proceeds will go directly toward research and services for those living with MS in hopes of finding a cure. Visit bikenvl.nationalmssociety.org for registration and more information.

Meet The Neighbor – Warren Whitney

By Callie Thomas

It takes courage to know what you want and to take the steps to make it happen. While Warren Whitney was in college, he knew what he didn’t want. The 89012 resident was interning at a local advertising agency while attending UNLV and discovered that he didn’t want an “office job” but rather an opportunity to be active outside of the office and serve the public. After testing to be in fire services, his career path was set in motion and he’s never regretted that decision. The native Las Vegan is currently a captain/paramedic with the Clark County Fire Department. Through determination, he worked his way up through the ranks, first as a firefighter, then firefighter/paramedic, engineer/paramedic and now captain/paramedic. Even today, Warren still runs EMS calls, which accounts for about 85% of their call volume, but that wasn’t enough.

Warren is also currently president of the Southern Nevada Firefighters Burn Foundation (SNFBF; www.theburnfoundation.org) which provides assistance to burn victims and their families as well as at-risk children that are identified by local fire agencies. They are there for those involved in catastrophic events and act as a resource to fire agencies and the community while also creating awareness of fire and life safety. The organization’s annual Toy Drive helps nearly 40 charities and government organizations, schools and churches each year. Last year, they reached over 17,500 kids. Under Whitney’s presidency, the SNFBF teamed up with MDA and raised over $120,000 by coordinating volunteers from the Clark County Fire Department. Warren Whitney shares his passion for serving the community, the SNFBF’s upcoming Karaoke Challenge and why he and his brethren of firefighters strive to make your life better every day.

What inspired you to become involved with the SNFBF?

“I appreciate and respect what they do. When I first approached past president Nino Galloway about becoming a member, all I knew was that they collected toys and handed them out to needy kids for Christmas and helped burn victims that had been treated at UMC Burn Center. But having been on numerous house fires and seeing how people’s lives were devastated, treating burn victims from these calls and seeing them in the hospital dealing with the agony they endured while going through their debridement, I felt I had to help.”

You must have a sense of pride knowing that you’re making a difference for the people of our community.

“It feels good to help out people who are less fortunate, especially the kids who are dealing with things that are beyond their control through SNFBF. As a firefighter and paramedic, it’s an extremely dynamic environment. You can train and train, but there’s always something that pops up and requires you to respond in a timely manner. Even on the EMS side of things, we run into situations that are sometimes mind-blowing. It can make you feel good just by helping.”

You’ve decided to bring back the Karaoke Challenge to benefit SNFBF this month?

“Yes. It will be at Ri Ra at Mandalay Place and each fire department puts teams together and is judged on performance, costume, most original concept and so on. The participants really take this seriously and it’s fun to watch. We use the event to kick off our annual Toy Drive and as it’s right around Halloween, the costumes are pretty interesting!”

You’re happy you chose to be a firefighter/paramedic?

“People don’t call the fire department because they are having a great day and want to say hi. In most cases, they call us because they are having the most traumatic day of their lives. Whether it’s being on call with the department or helping the Burn Foundation, our motto is “Our Family Helping Yours.” It’s great to see people smile when we affect their lives. That’s the best reward.”

Meet The Neighbor – Edwin Kingsley, M.D.

By Callie Thomas

Edwin Kingsley is a rockstar doctor. It’s an appropriate description given that the 89074 resident is not only an esteemed doctor of oncology and hematology with patients who treasure him for his enduring compassion, but he has also greatly contributed to the well-being of the community. Those qualities alone would qualify him for rockstar status. What many may not know is that Dr. Kingsley also rocks out as a keyboard player and harmony vocalist as a member of the popular local rock band Alter’d Ego.

Not many can claim that their doctor continues to battle cancer for his patients and for the community through his service as past president of the Clark County Medical Society, past president of the Nevada Medical Association, and as trustee of the Nathan Adelson Hospice, but he can also wow audiences with his musical expertise. It is abundantly clear that his primary passion lies in caring for those afflicted with cancer and taking part in meaningful activities that support programs and therapies to assist them.

Kingsley has chosen to focus his energies with the Nathan Adelson Hospice, the largest and oldest nonprofit hospice in Nevada. The first home care hospice in southern Nevada provides patients and their loved ones with comprehensive end-of-life care and has been an influence in better care for all in the community. Through his support of the organization, Dr. Kingsley has found a way to combine his passion for healing and passion for music at their annual “Serenades of Life – Doctors in Concert” event.  Dr. Kingsley spoke with us about why he chose the field of cancer care, the annual fundraiser and making a positive influence on those facing the hardest battle of all.

What influenced you to choose the field of cancer care?

“I chose the field because I love cancer patients, their courage and their indefatigable energy in fighting their cancer. My own mother succumbed to cancer at the age of forty-two and that is probably when I first started thinking about becoming a physician.”

How did you come to work with the Nathan Adelson Hospice?

“It was an easy choice because of the excellent care it has provided for countless thousands since its inception in 1979. I have been enrolling my terminally ill patients into the hospice since I came to town in 1985 and have always been impressed with the quality care it has provided to my patients.”

Tell us about the annual “Serenades of Life” concert event.

“It’s one of my favorite times to give back annually and the event benefits The Bonnie Schreck Memorial Complementary Therapies program at Nathan Adelson Hospice. It will be the eighteenth year for the fundraiser on October 27^th which will be held at The Smith Center and tickets are available to the public at www.thesmithcenter.com. It will be an entertaining evening with Sheena Easton, Chris Mann and Clint Holmes taking the stage along with talented medical professionals. Actor/comedian Brad Garrett will also make a special introduction.”

One of those talented medical professionals will include you.

“Well, I do really look forward to playing the keyboard as a member of the dance band Alter’d Ego which will perform at the event. The band includes other doctors.”

What do you think makes you successful?

“There have been many good people who have had a positive influence in my life and I am blessed to have had a long and happy marriage to my wife Kathy and we have five wonderful children and grandchildren. Having a strong religious life has also been important to me.”

Besides being a rock ‘n roll keyboardist, what else would your friends be surprised to know about you?

“I love to snowboard and if I weren’t a physician, I’d probably be a teacher or professor of biology.”

Meet The Neighbor – Duane and Dana Gordin

 By Callie Thomas

Duane Gordin has been in the U.S. Air Force for the past twenty-three years. As an Air Force wife, Dana has come to know a thing or two about moving around. The couple has had an opportunity to see several parts of the country as well as Germany and amass a variety of life experiences. Their first son was born in Nebraska, but since that time, Duane was also stationed in Ohio, Virginia, Kansas and Hawaii, where they welcomed the birth of another son. Five years ago, the family became residents of Nevada. While they learned a lot while living at each duty station, they didn’t count on learning about children’s food allergies. The 89052 residents have since become experts of sorts, through their experiences with their young boys.

After a scary occurrence at school, the couple sought medical treatment. At the time, no one had told them that their child’s food allergies were potentially life threatening. There were no warnings to avoid the food in the future, to have their children tested to confirm their allergies or that they should carry epinephrine at all times. Out of frustration, the couple found the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) online. They have since become members and learned a great deal to keep their boys safe. The Gordin family has become integrally involved with the organization with Duane and Dana working as volunteer directors for the Walk for Food Allergy in Nevada. As their sons have grown, they’ve made it their choice to help spread food allergy awareness. Duane and Dana talk about their involvement with FAAN, the upcoming Walk for Food Allergies this October and coming together as a family to help others.

You have both been key leaders for every FAAN Walk in Las Vegas since its inception in 2009?

“Yes. In honor of food allergic children, the first year we volunteered as the FAAN Walk for Food Allergy Logistics Chair and the past three years as the FAAN Walk Directors in Nevada. We personally know parents who have lost their children to food allergies. There are no words to adequately describe their loss.”

What is the ultimate goal of the Walk?

“To raise awareness throughout Nevada about food allergies and anaphylaxis. Two thousand residents of Las Vegas are expected to walk this year with family teams and company teams at The District at Green Valley Ranch.”

Tell us about the influence the Walk has made on the Clark County School District regarding Food Allergies.

“FAAN and CCSD have created a wonderful partnership. FAAN’s involvement in Las Vegas has been for two initiatives. Educate Las Vegas by way of the Community Outreach Grant from the Las Vegas Walk (educating ER staff, EMTs and restaurants) and the FAAN/CDC Cooperative Agreement, which is to educate the staff in the Clark County School District on best practices, create written food allergy management guidelines to protect the estimated 23,000 students with potentially life threatening food allergies and assist in policy change. FAAN generated over $30,000 to train and guide all 15,000 CCSD personnel in proactive food allergy management. It has definitely been a team effort!”

The number of those afflicted with Food Allergies continues to rise?

“Yes. The numbers have skyrocketed to more than 78,000 Clark County residents with food allergies. Even trace amounts of food allergens can cause severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis and can be life threatening. Prompt administration of epinephrine (also known as an EpiPen) can save lives, but unfortunately there is no cure.”

As a family, you are passionate about giving back to the community.

“It means that we are part of something larger than ourselves and we’re making a difference for the fifteen million Americans and one in thirteen children that suffer from potentially life threatening food allergies. We love how our boys have grown from FAAN and how it has brought out ‘the best’ in them, so together we are working hard to give back.”

What’s it like when you see the community come together to make a difference?

“It’s so great to see everyone coming out to help this medical condition that affects so many Americans. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can walk to save a life.”

For information on the walk, visit www.foodallergywalk.org/LasVegas_NV12.

Meet The Neighbor – Donna Millwood

By Callie Thomas

Donna Millwood loves a challenge, so it’s no wonder that the 89123 resident loves her job as the finance and volunteer services manager for the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. It’s not because the day to day work is particularly difficult (in fact, Millwood would consider it a labor of love) but rather because of the challenge she placed on herself to increase and improve the volunteer program for the Shriners Hospitals premiere annual fundraising event. However, Millwood has already met that challenge as she’s successfully doubled the number of volunteers since she took over the program in 2009. True to her nature, she created a new one—a youth mentor program for the tournament that offers opportunities for at-risk youth from ages 12 to 21 the chance to shadow tournament volunteers. Something tells us that this new initiative will be a rousing success this year as well.

What might be more difficult for Donna Millwood is to maintain her composure when hearing the many stories that are shared by parents of patients and former patients about how the Shriners Hospitals have helped them and changed their lives. Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 nonprofit hospitals across North America. Children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay. The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open (www.jtshrinersopen.com ) helps raise awareness and money for Shriners Hospitals for Children. All proceeds from the tournament, which is played annually in October at TPC Summerlin and hosted by recording star Justin Timberlake, benefit the hospitals. Donna talked with us about her passion for helping others, her determination to reach her goals and why it isn’t always easy to be tear-free in her line of work.

Tell us a bit about your job. What does the day to day work entail?

“My job puts me in contact with numerous Las Vegas residents and people across the United States who want to give back to the community and volunteer their time for a great cause.”

You keep challenging yourself in your job.

“Yes, I wanted to improve our volunteer program and we have successfully increased our number of volunteers from 500 to more than 1,000 last year.”

What was your inspiration for pairing at-risk youth with the volunteers?

“I am passionate about being a mom and through the Open I have been able to dabble and explore my interests in working with children who are at risk and creating opportunities to make a difference in their lives.”

What is one of your most memorable experiences with the organization?

“A local two-year old, Alissa Perkins, and her family came to the Youth Clinic and had noticed Katie Walker, who was the Shriners Hospitals for Children patient ambassador. Alissa and her family were seeking answers on Alissa’s condition, Fibular Hemimelia, as she was born missing her fibula. After speaking with Katie, Alissa’s parents were introduced to the hospitals and made arrangements for her to receive her first prosthetic leg.”

It’s hard to hear those stories and not get a little teary-eyed.

“Yes. It brought me to tears to see this introduction take place, all because of our tournament.  That day, we were able to help one local girl receive the treatment she needed.”

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

“I am proud of creating challenges for myself and going after them, but I am most proud of my daughters and the women they have grown up to become. My successes are a result of the support from my family, including my husband Larry, my daughters and my little two and a half year old grandson.”

Any advice or life inspiration you’d like to share?

“For everything, there is a reason. Embrace it and learn from it.”