In the Know

Haute Fringe Salon & Spa

For an upscale getaway that brings you everything from a basic manicure to medical spa treatments, Haute Fringe is your one stop shop. Grab a color, cut, extensions or keratin straightening from one of the specialists in their hair salon or visit the nail spa for manicures, pedicures, hard and polish gels, glitter toes and even dazzling 3-D nail art. Make it a full spa day and let their aestheticians treat you to body waxing, facials, eyelash extensions and more, or put yourself in good hands with one of their talented massage therapists. Clear up and spruce up with laser hair removal, chemical peels, botox and permanent makeup. Top it off with a stylish clothing and accessory boutique and Haute Fringe has got all the goods to help create a brand new you.

750-1600  /  4005 S. El Capitan Way  /  www.hautefringe.com
Rhino’s Maid

When you start to think your house might never look clean again and you just don’t have the time to get it back in shape, call in the experts from Rhino’s Maid. With no contracts and a free, no obligation estimate, all you have to worry about is relaxing while they take care of all the work. Their services cover kitchens, bathrooms, windows and everywhere else, from doors and lamp shades to furniture and counter tops. Working in teams, they’re always efficient and ready when you need them. And with biodegradable cleaning products on hand, they will strive to ensure that everything is safe for you and your family. A clean house is the key to a peaceful mind, so let the professionals at Rhino’s Maid turn your place back into home sweet home.

557-2601  /  7770 W. Sahara Ave.  /  www.rhinosmaidlv.com

808 Tapas

Dip into some incredible tapas style dishes with an “east meets west” infusion of flavors at 808 Tapas, located in the Village Square shopping center. The plates may be small but the tastes are bold and the choices are seemingly endless, with everything from their popular Wagyu beef sliders, marinated beef short ribs and fish tacos to a full range of mouth watering sushi dishes and even more unique fare such as traditional Japanese seafood custard. For a smooth beverage to wash things down, try a new spin on conventional sake infused with fresh fruit as part of their distinctive Sakerias, Saketinis and Sakejitos. Whatever you feel like sampling or sipping, you’ll find an extensive selection to take your palate on a journey of amazing dimensions at 808 Tapas.

485-3433  /  9350 W. Sahara Ave., #150  /  www.facebook.com/808tapas

The Range 702

Lock and load for a live fire good time at The Range 702, Nevada’s largest indoor shooting facility. This home to twenty-five shooting lanes offers a full line of weapons to rent and use, from classic submachine guns to the newest lines from top manufacturers. The Range 702 incorporates all the latest advancements and technology, including the PRISim simulator, which combines live firearm action with realistic video scenarios. For a first class shooting experience, try out their intimate VIP room with seven private lanes, big screen TVs and more. Firearms safety and training classes are provided from experienced and educated certified instructors, including NRA courses, basic to advanced defensive pistol handling, hunter’s safety and a variety of women specific classes. Get fired up today with an explosive visit to The Range 702.

485-3232  /  4699 S. Dean Martin Dr.  /  www.therange702.com
Sparkle by Patty’s Closet

Running hot on the success of their Las Vegas retail stores, Patty’s Closet continues to expand its line of Sparkle boutiques with this new location on South Rainbow. This concept specializes in jewelry and accessories for trendy ladies with chic style, offering a limited number of each item so that you and your best friends won’t be caught sporting the exact same adornments. From earrings, necklaces and bracelets to cell phone covers and iPad cases, Sparkle will help you piece together a look that’s all your own at a price you can afford. No matter what kind of ensemble you’re putting together, Sparkle by Patty’s Closet carries the bling to elevate that Plain Jane outfit to runway fashionista status. For more special offers and discounts, text “Bling” to 96362.

982-0077  /  7920 S. Rainbow Blvd., #120  /  www.sparklebypc.com

Those Guys Pies

For a relative new kid on the block, Those Guys Pies has made quite an impression and gathered a loyal following. Stop by and see what all the fuss is about and grab a taste of one of their specialty pizzas or tantalizing Philly cheesesteaks. The ingredients are always fresh and made from scratch, all the way down to the sauces, including the ranch for their bountiful chicken wings. For pizza aficionados, the crust is thin and hand tossed, with a sauce made from fresh tomatoes and herbs. Their cheesesteak comes with certified Angus beef ribeye, and they even make their own sausage and bacon. As they like to say, if they can make it fresh better than they can buy it, they will! Taste the difference for yourself today at Those Guys Pies.

629-2626  /  2916 Lake East Dr.  /  www.thoseguyspies.com

A Sweet Surprise – Homemade Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen

By  DeDee Birdsall

There’s no better gift to give this holiday season than a heartfelt batch of homemade baked goods or treats. Everybody loves a sweet surprise, so what more unique way is there to send a message of warmth and caring than with sweet confections wrapped in pretty packages. From cookies and quick breads to delicious candies and more, you can impress your friends and loved ones with a personal, special gift that can be ready in a few simple steps and help brighten anyone’s season.

Cakes, Cookies and Quick Breads

Cookies and bars always make for a tasty and traditional holiday treat. It’s that one time of year when we seem to abandon the old standby of chocolate chips and break out more inspired, elaborately decorated delights. For a festive presentation, arrange your cookies in specialty boxes available at your local craft and hobby stores and adorn them with ribbon, tissue paper, and gift tags. You can also fill a vintage jar with cookies and tuck the recipe in with a little ribbon so your friends and relatives can make their own once your supply has been devoured. Either way, you’ve got a unique gift with plenty of flair that will catch anyone’s eye – and sweet tooth!

Some of the most well-loved edible gifts include cakes and quick breads, which you can bake in almost no time at all. With a few supplies and some creativity, quick breads can live up to their name and be ready in a flash, perfect with a cup of coffee on Christmas morning. Wrap them in grease and moisture resistant glassine paper tied up with waxed twine for a cute packaging idea, or purchase small decorative loaf pans that you can cover with cellophane, ribbon or other adornments. Finish it all off by cutting up an old Christmas card to make a festive gift tag.

Specialty Drinks, Sauces and Infused Libations

Tasty libations always help to make any holiday more relaxing – but they also make perfect gifts! And they’re even better when they’re homemade. Crank out some Limoncello, a wonderful Italian after dinner drink, by steeping strips of lemon in vodka or grain alcohol. Package in sealable bottles with the recipe attached. Simple yet elegant. With gifts such as these, it’s a good idea to plan far ahead as the steeping period required can take time. On the plus side, this should give you ample opportunity to jazz up your packaging with fancy decorations and instructions. Barbecue sauce, homemade fudge, carmel sauce and homemade vanilla extract also make great gifts for the foodie in your life with easy to find recipes available on the Internet.

If you’re short on time and can’t seem to come up with any cute bottles and jars for your special drinks or sauces, visit www.save-on-crafts.com, where you’ll find a wide selection of inexpensive options. From chalk board tags to wax seals and burlap bags with holiday tin tags, this website is a must for discovering the perfect holiday packaging. You’ll be amazed at what you find, including plenty of small vessels with sealable lids that work perfect for sauces. Just tie a small serving spoon onto the side, add some holiday embellishments and you’re all set to go.

Sweet Treats and Trail Mix

Everyone loves peanut brittle around the holidays, and with easy recipes designed for the microwave, it’s a cinch to put together. Just make sure you don’t break it up before you gift it; leave the fun stuff to your friends! Place the solid block of brittle on a cookie sheet, wrapped in cellophane, and include a small hammer with the gift so your loved ones can work out a little holiday stress. Trail mix makes another perfect gift with hundreds of possible recipe concoctions. Store inside a pretty jar or cellophane treat bag and attach a catchy seasonal name to the outside.

Don’t have time to make your own candy? Fill up a vintage mason jar with red and white holiday treats for a beautiful gift or display. Cardboard boxes and metal containers or canisters can also be turned into gift holders for homemade candy and are also ideal for hot chocolate mix or homemade marshmallows. Decorate by gluing holiday scrapbook paper, festive Christmas wrap or even old wallpaper samples to the outside. Cover the lid with fabric and ribbon and you’ve got a gorgeous gift container. You can even store individually wrapped confections in Christmas stockings or mittens! Attach a gift tag and hang on the door for a delicious holiday surprise.

Homemade gifts show a lot of heart and add a personal touch to the holidays, so why not think outside the box this season and create something special for the ones you love. Help satisfy a sweet tooth and bring friends and family together for a holiday everyone is sure to remember!

Really… Really Good – Chada Thai & Wine

By Aly Wagonseller

Something special happens when you pair young, creative and energetic siblings with a mother willing to travel all the way from Southern Thailand just to make sure her recipes are prepared the way they were intended. It’s all that and more that make Chada Thai & Wine a restaurant and wine bar that, even without the wine (the plight of a pending liquor license), provides a startlingly good choice for Thai cuisine.

Located at 3400 S. Jones in a non-descript strip mall adjacent to China Town, the modern décor, eclectic red crystal chandelier and cool display of framed wine labels procured from the collection of co-proprietor Bank Atcharawan (former Director of Wine at Lotus of Siam) set the scene for late night Thai tapas and wine pairing. Yup, it’s very much a hangout for the young and hip set, especially since they’re open until 3 am. Still, being neither hip nor young should keep an Asian food lovin’ aficionado away from visiting during dinner hours, where some of the most exciting Thai cuisine I’ve recently eaten in this city can be found at affordable prices.

Offering a decidedly smaller menu than most Thai restaurants, the flavors speak volumes in terms of authenticity thanks to sister and co-owner Aime Wanmaneesiri’s mother Ampon taking charge in the kitchen. It’s a temporary gig where mom has carved out a few months’ time to teach the Chada chefs the ins and outs of preparing family specialty recipes handed down for generations, after which she’ll be heading back home to Phuket. This is the food of love they grew up eating in Thailand; spicy, clean flavors that are wildly tasty when compared with much of the bland, watered down stuff offered by many American Thai eateries. They grind their own spices by hand, making the necessary staple ingredients, including curry paste, from scratch, forging an incredible difference in the intensity and depth of flavors presented. The typical 1-10 spice gauge is also absent at Chada; here, everything is prepared per mom’s specifications, and that means it owns a nice kick.

Portion sizes are smaller than family style, yet larger than you’d expect in a tapas environment, so four or five dishes suffice for two diners. Selections run the gamut, from the daring fried pig ear, tongue and heart dish known as Lo-Ba ($8) to Miang Pou ($9), a crab meat, ginger, coconut and peanut lettuce wrap. The curry dishes are outstanding and shouldn’t be missed. Slow cooked beef in Panang Curry ($9) lived up to Asian comfort food standards yet was anything but ordinary, but the Sen Mee Kang Pou ($12) was over the top delicious. The fresh, sweet flavor lent by a generous helping of crabmeat managed to stay relevant in the vivid coconut milk and lemongrass curry sauce. Served with three swirls of delicate rice noodles that added a nice textural contrast, it’s a dish I will crave until next time. Per Aime’s suggestion, I mixed and matched it with the Moo Hong ($8), soy sauce braised pork belly, the richness of which paired beautifully with the tart, fresh flavors of the curry. All I can say is… I want more and I want it right now. Other notables included the Sua Rong Hai ($12), tender ribeye steak served with a tart and spicy fish sauce, and a very flavorful rendition of Pad Kra-Pow ($8 for a very healthy portion), a stir fry of ground pork and chilis with the licorice undertones of Thai basil. Even though this is a popular dish in many Thai restaurants in town, this version had so much more flavor than I’m used to getting, making it a clear standout in the crowd.

Chada just opened, and even though they weren’t able to serve wine at print time, they expect to be able to in the next few weeks. In the meantime, get in before the word gets out. It may be the last time you can do so without a reservation. For info, call 641-1345.

Back to the Basics – One Recipe – Four Gift Worthy Variations

 By Aly Wagonseller

Holiday baking and candy making is as traditional as Santa on the rooftops, but it can be time consuming, not to mention expensive. Creating an array of sweets without having to purchase every ingredient on the baking aisle is the challenge. Wouldn’t it be great if you could turn a few basic staples into a variety of confections that would round out the most elaborate of gift baskets? It may be easier than you think.

The trick to keeping the cost of baking reasonable while still turning out a variety of mouthwatering treats lies in using a basic recipe that can be transformed with the addition of a few ingredients. Much like accessorizing that favorite little black dress, one cookie or bread recipe that starts with inexpensive items readily available in the sparsest of pantries becomes a decadent delight when adorned with just a handful of indulgent ingredients. Besides the amazing amount of time you’ll save in the kitchen, you’ll save a significant amount of money as well, since the more expensive additions such as chocolate chunk or cinnamon chips, coconut, Craisins or pecans are used in small quantities and can be utilized for several different recipes.

We’ve provided basic recipes for cookies, breads, popcorn and homemade marshmallows. While vastly diverse, both visually and on the palate, these delightful treats contain many of the same ingredients, and in quantities that will stretch your baking dollar to the maximum. They’re fancy enough for gift giving, easy enough to keep you sane in the kitchen and will have you looking like a gourmet aficionado to everyone on your holiday list.

Homemade Marshmallows

• 3 packages unflavored gelatin
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and allow to sit while you make the syrup. Meanwhile, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees. Remove from the heat. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Lightly oil an 8×12 inch metal pan and generously dust with confectioners’ sugar. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan, smooth the top, and dust with more confectioners’ sugar. Allow to stand uncovered overnight until it dries out. Peel the edges and turn the marshmallows onto a board. Cut into squares with lightly oiled pizza cutter. Dust with more sugar and let dry.

Insert cookie stick by dipping the edge into chocolate or candy melts and pushing into center of marshmallow.  Freeze prior to dipping. Freeze after dipping to set and then wrap.

Peppermint Twists

Dip into melted and slightly cooled white chocolate or candy melts. Roll in crushed peppermint candies.

S’Mores

Dip into melted and slightly cooled dark chocolate. Roll in crushed graham cracker crumbs.

Peanuty Pillows

Dip into melted and slightly cooled peanut butter chips. Roll in crushed peanuts and mini chocolate chips

Raspberry Snowballs

Dip into melted and slightly cooled raspberry jam.  Roll in toasted coconut.

 Basic Bread Recipe

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Stir together dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add wet ingredients and any optional ingredients and stir just until moistened. Adjust amount of milk depending on how moist your add-ins are – add less for moist things like banana, crushed pineapple, or pumpkin and add a bit more if needed for dried fruits.

Divide between three mini loaf pans or one large loaf pan. Sprinkle tops with sugar if desired. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until done.

Pumpkin Streusel Spice

Add 1 cup canned pumpkin and 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice to batter. Combine 1/3 cup sugar, 3/4 cup pecans and 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Layer batter and cinnamon nut mixture, ending with nut mixture.

Cherry White Chocolate Pistachio

Add 1/2 cup each of dried cherries and white chocolate chips. Add 1/3 cup each chopped pistachio nuts and coconut. Sprinkle top with coconut.

Rocky Road

Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp. vanilla and 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Add 1/3 cup each sliced almonds and chopped mini marshmallows.

Cinnamon Apple

Add one diced apple, 1/2 cup cinnamon chips, and 1/3 cup chopped pecans. Glaze if desired.

Basic Cookie Dough

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Put butter, granulated and light brown sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Beat with mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes or until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla until well blended. Reduce mixer speed to low; gradually beat in flour until blended. Divide dough in half (about 1 3/4 cups per portion). Prepare each portion as directed in recipes. For bars, use a 9 inch pan lined with foil that extends above the pan on opposite sides. Bake 350 degrees.

Berry Crumb Bars

Pat 1 1/4 cups dough over bottom of prepared pan. Blend 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/3 cup raspberry preserves in a small bowl. Spread on dough to within 1/2 inch of edges of pan. Add 1/4 cup each coconut and chopped pecans to remaining 1/2 cup dough. Break off small pieces and place randomly on cranberry mixture. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until top is browned.

Chocolate Toffee Brownies

Add 6 oz. melted and cooled chocolate to 1/2 recipe basic cookie dough. Coarsely chop three, 1.4 ounce Skor bars. Add 2/3 of the chopped candy bars to dough mixture and spread in pan. Combine remaining candy bars, 1/3 cup each milk chocolate chips and chopped pecans and 1/4 cup mini marshmallows. Sprinkle over dough. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until done.

Spicy Snickerdoodles

Combine 1/2 recipe basic cookie dough with 3 Tbsp. cornmeal, 2 Tbsp. molasses, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and a 1/2 tsp. each of nutmeg and ginger. Chill. Shape dough into balls and roll in sugar. Bake 8 to 10 minutes.

Cranberry White Chocolate Macadamia Nut

To one portion (1/2 recipe) basic cookie dough, add 1/2 cup each chopped macadamia nuts, Craisins and white chocolate chips, and 1/4 cup coconut. Bake 12 to 15 minutes.

Basic Caramel Corn

• 12 cups popped popcorn
• 1 -14 oz.bag Kraft caramels
• 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
• 1 Tbsp. water

Preheat oven to 300°F. Spray large baking sheet with cooking spray. Melt caramels, butter and water in a microwave safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stopping and stirring after each minute. Toss with popcorn to coat. Spread onto prepared baking sheet. Bake 20 min., stirring after 10 min. Spoon onto sheet of waxed paper; cool completely. Break into clusters.

Apple Pecan Caramel Corn

Remove  basic caramel corn from the oven and let set for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle 1 cup each of cinnamon chips, Heath toffee bits, whole pecans and dried apple chips onto slightly warm popcorn.  Allow to cool and break into bite sized pieces.

Spicy Bacon and Cashew Caramel Corn

Prepare basic caramel corn recipe, adding 1/4-1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper to melted caramel. Sprinkle 3/4 cup roasted whole cashews and 10 oz. cooked and chopped bacon onto popcorn; toss and bake as directed.

Pink Peppermint Popcorn

Pulse 8 large candy canes in a food processor until finely crumbled. Melt 12 oz. white chocolate, adding 1/3 cup of the crushed candy canes. Toss with 10 cups plain popcorn and spread on a large baking pan. Drizzle with melted chocolate and pink candy melts, and sprinkle with remaining candy canes. Break into pieces.

Christmas Party Corn

Dip12-15 mini pretzels into 1/2 cup melted white chocolate and sprinkle with red or green sugar. Let dry. Spread 8 cups plain popcorn on greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup each honey roasted peanuts and green and red M&Ms. Drizzle with 1/2 cup melted chocolate candy melts. Sprinkle with salt. Drizzle with 1/2 cup red or green candy melt. Sprinkle with decorative sugar or nonpareils. Cool and break into pieces.

Land of Enchantment…Magical Forest at Opportunity Village

By Mike Sweeney

For nearly six decades, Opportunity Village has been improving the lives of those with intellectual disabilities through vocational training, local employment, social recreation, advocacy and much more. When the holidays roll around, the local nonprofit gives a wonderful gift to the Las Vegas community with its annual Magical Forest, a holiday spectacular that lights up the night and the hearts of all those involved by creating an awe inspiring winter spectacle.

Into the Woods

A longstanding Southern Nevada tradition that draws visitors from all over the valley, the Magical Forest combines the best of traditional holiday merriment with unique and inventive displays and attractions. As you pull into the parking lot at CSN and approach the main gates, you can already feel the spirit of old Saint Nick. Sparkling lights, festive decorations and lively music come together to create three full acres of Christmas delights for all ages. As you step up to the box office to purchase your ticket, you’re sure to feel tidings of great joy knowing that all proceeds from the inspiring event go to benefit the people and programs of Opportunity Village.

Follow the winding path through the namesake attraction to discover a world of true seasonal magic, where a forest of glittering trees cast a dazzling glow. Impressive holiday displays line the walk, many sponsored by local corporations or charities, including everyone from Caesars Entertainment to LVMPD to the Blue Man Group. Exhibits from years past have featured everything from gigantic storybooks to shimmering fairy tale coaches to famous characters such as Charlie Brown and the cantankerous Grinch. Every bend in the road includes new wonders to delight your eyes and engage your senses. You might even run into a playful polar bear and a few helpful elves hustling to get all the toys shipped out of Santa’s Workshop. Pay a visit to the workshop yourself and you’ll get a chance to have your photo taken with old Kris Kringle.

Winter Wonderland

When your path through the forest ends, the fun is just beginning! Next up, hitch a ride on the Forest Express. Launching from the North Pole Train Depot, this festive iron horse transports you on a tour of the entire property, where you can wave to people walking through the forest as you depart on a magical journey. If you’re more of a thrill seeker, there are plenty of carnival rides and games to strike your fancy. Sharpen your putting skills at Rod’s Mini-Golf or take a spin on the delightful Enchanted Carousel. Riding a decorative wooden horse around and around amid the glowing lights is sure to awaken holiday memories in even the most cynical grown up.

Once you’ve had your fill of rides and games, you may be feeling a bit hungry, so why not take a snack break to munch on some funnel cake or sip some hot chocolate while you enjoy the festive atmosphere. The winter air might get a bit chilly from time to time, but you can warm up (and entice your sweet tooth) by ducking inside to view an amazing display of gingerbread houses. These artistic creations showcase a range of incredible talent and imagination while looking good enough to eat. Maybe you’ll even get inspired to go home and create one of your own.

While the delights of the the Magical Forest help to bring us closer to our friends and family, this charming holiday gathering also serves to remind us of the true spirit of Christmas. By helping out those individuals who are struggling through life, the good people of Opportunity Village are giving so much back. Thanks to their generosity, we get to experience a unique Las Vegas Christmas while lending a hand to others… And that is the greatest holiday gift of all.

For more information on the Magical Forest or Opportunity Village, visit www.opportunityvillage.org.

Meet The Neighbor – Melanie Ron Agatstein

By Callie Thomas

The Agatstein family is making beautiful music together. At least, as long as Melanie Ron Agatstein has anything to say about it. The 89135 resident grew up performing at her parents’ dance studio in Queens, New York, where she danced at an early age and also taught and choreographed for the Dance Theatre of Queens. She went on to share her singing, dancing and acting talents on New York stages, so it came as no surprise that she would encourage her own daughter, Noa, to do the same. After Noa was born, Melanie and her husband Seth moved from Manhattan to Long Island, where she discovered a class that would allow her to share her love of music and bond with her baby girl. The program, Music Together®, was more than a music class; it was an invaluable parenting tool that would not only affect Melanie but become a catalyst for change in her life and the lives of other parents and children here in Las Vegas.

For hundreds of thousands of families worldwide, Music Together is a magical music and movement experience for children newborn through five and the grownups who love them. Rather than emphasizing traditional performance, the program encourages families to experience the joy of sharing songs, rhymes, movement and playing instruments, both in formal classes and their daily lives. After falling in love with the program, Melanie trained to become a teacher and spent four years in New York sharing her knowledge and expertise with families and children. After moving to Las Vegas seven years ago, she offered classes at Temple Beth Sholom. Little did she know that Music Together would also help parents of a Down Syndrome child, beginning a commitment to providing outreach classes in the community. Melanie shares her passion for Music Together, for helping other families and why relaxing isn’t part of her vocabulary.

You began City Lights Music Together right after you moved to Vegas.

“Yes, after my whole entourage moved here – my parents, my sister and her family, my grandmother and my own family – I began with just two classes at Temple Beth Sholom in Summerlin and now run thirteen there and have three additional locations in the Northwest, Southwest and Henderson. I completed my level two certification at Music Together in Princeton and have now had the opportunity to train new teachers all over the world.”

We understand that Music Together has also had a profound effect on special needs children as well?

“We began offering outreach classes for the Henderson Libraries District and I focused on the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN). About two years ago, Lauren and David Fydman registered their twins Ari and Noah for a session. Lauren called me and shared the most wonderful musical stories about Noah, who has Down Syndrome. She said that Noah started copying gestures because of the class, which he had not done before. After seeing how beneficial the classes were to Noah’s development they wanted other families at the DSOSN to have the same opportunity.”

You began a fundraiser to continue to provide the DSOSN with weekly classes?

“My family, teachers and their families, as well as my students, have shared their support in making this event possible through their time, energy, donations and passion for the program. Temple Beth Sholom has generously donated the space to run this event, which has meant so much. We are also planning an interactive singing and dancing Music Together Marathon to benefit DSOSN on November 12^th. For information, visit www.citylightsmusictogether.com.”

What are your proudest accomplishments?

“My now eleven year old daughter’s passion for working with children of all ages. Her kind heart and patience never ceases to amaze me. She is a rock star at the DSOSN.”

With your busy schedule, do you ever get to unwind?

“Me unwind? After a long day, unwinding for me is sharing my family’s challenges and surprises, which are the most rewarding moments of my day.”

Meet the Neighbor – John S. Pennington, Sr.

By Callie Thomas

Let’s face it, shortcuts are a way of life. We text instead of call. We eat out more than we eat in. We DVR instead of watching TV in real time. But there are times when shortcuts just don’t work and time and attention are what get the job done. That kind of dedication is important to local resident John Pennington. He’s spent his life going the extra mile, whether it’s as a father of four and grandfather of seven or working his job as a mechanical designer before retiring as a superintendent from Bechtel. He also volunteers his time with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas and drives children from Las Vegas to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Los Angeles to get needed medical assistance. Pennington has even applied that philosophy to his current position as Transportation Chairman for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. John doesn’t give up, even when the path is long and winding.

The “can do” resident of forty-four years has been lending a hand to the community through a variety of organizations, putting his skills in construction as well as his natural ability for sports to work through his volunteer efforts. Pennington has helped to construct the Boys and Girls Clubs building, coached Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football hopefuls to victory and has made a difference in the lives of children, giving them the chance to get the help they need in order to walk or recover from a severe burn injury. For these children, there are no shortcuts.  But with John’s help as a member of the Shriners organization, many have a fighting chance.  He talked with us about his accomplishments, giving back to the community and life on the road.

How did you first become involved with the Shriners?

“I joined the Freemasons in 1963, which led to becoming a 32^nd Degree Mason, one of the highest degrees possible in Masonry, and then joining the Shriners.”

You’ve been on the go ever since you’ve been with the Shriners.

“Yes. I’ve been involved with the Shriners network of hospitals, which offers orthopedic care, burn treatment, cleft lip and palate care and spinal cord injury rehabilitation for children eighteen and younger. Aside from donating to the hospitals and assisting at fundraising events, I drive children from Vegas to the Los Angeles hospital for their appointments.”

Do you spend a lot of time on the road?

“At present I’ve logged over 100 trips. It’s an all day event as we leave at 3:30 a.m. and we’re lucky to be back by 6 p.m. in the evening.”

You must feel a sense of pride helping these children get to medical treatment.

“Helping the children is the most rewarding part of my experience with the Shriners. When you see a child that could not walk and now they can, or when you have a burned child endure many surgeries to cover the scars or when a child is given a prosthetic to be able to use his arms or legs, it is such a wonderful fulfillment. Many times, it brings tears to my eyes.”

 You’re also logging in hours as the Transportation Chairman for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

“I’ve done it for the past five years. The team is on call to transport players, officials and guests to various locations.”

You keep busy assisting other organizations too.

“In the past I’ve assisted the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas, was a Boy Scout leader when my son was involved (actually, all three of my boys were Eagle Scouts), and I’ve coached both baseball and football as I wanted to be a good role model for the boys. We won the Pop Warner championship two years in a row!”

Why do you think it’s important to give back?

“None of us should ever take for granted our good fortune.  We all need help in one way or another.”

Meet The Neighbor – Gerard and Elizabeth Ramalho

By Callie Thomas

How many famous Las Vegas power couples can you name? Steve and Elaine, Oscar and Carolyn, Donny and Marie… okay that last one is a brother and sister act, but all are well known in the community as individuals as well as successful duos and can still get their competitive game on. Gerard Ramalho and Elizabeth (Watts) Ramalho are another couple that could be added to the list. As Gerard would say, he’s “married to the competition.” Gerard is a news anchor on KSNV (NBC) TV3 and Elizabeth is an anchor at KVVU (FOX) TV5. While the residents share a lot in common, including a passion for their work reporting on important stories that affect locals, getting involved and giving back to the community, having fun playing Megabucks and rooting for the Runnin’ Rebels of UNLV (Elizabeth’s alma mater), they also have a few differences… namely their respective newscasts and the multitude of local charitable organizations they support. But together, they cover and help sustain the community, and in the process have made an important difference in the hometown they report on every day.

Gerard has been involved with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign as a committee member, St. Baldrick’s Charities benefiting childhood cancer research as a volunteer and the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra as an Honorary Board Member. Elizabeth is involved in a variety of organizations, particularly through FOX5 Take 5 to Care events throughout the year and has recently joined the board of the nonprofit Shine Foundation, which was founded by FOX5 weekend weather anchor Les Krifaton and his wife Rowena. Together, Gerard and Elizabeth tell us how they met, talk about their most influential stories and show us that while opposites attract, it was their similarities that brought them together.

How did you meet?

Gerard: “I met Elizabeth while she was just a newsroom assistant at channel 3. I was interested from the beginning, and when she eventually became a producer for my weekend newscasts, that’s when our relationship began to grow.”

Elizabeth: “Co-workers relayed messages to me that Gerard was interested and I was pretty much embarrassed, but he was very determined. I kept turning him down but eventually agreed after spending time together at a co-worker’s birthday party.”

And the rest is history?

Gerard:  “Not exactly. Elizabeth was offered an important job in Yuma, Arizona and we both knew she had to go. We had a long distance relationship till just before our wedding when she was offered a job at KVVU, and now she’s my competition… but also my motivation and inspiration.”

What does it mean to report on events that affect the lives of everyone in the community?

Elizabeth: “I love going to work to help others and tell stories. My compassion comes out when reporting on tragedies and I stay unbiased covering politics, which is hard to find on the news sometimes. We cover a variety of stories. A lot of people think we just cover the unhappy events, but we cover the happy ones too.”

Gerard: “Being an anchor gives you access to incredible people. Not just elected officials or celebrities but everyday people with amazing stories. I’ve had the opportunity to interview Holocaust survivors, war veterans, inventors, child prodigies and many, many heroes. Just when I think I’ve seen it all, something or someone else comes along that blows me away.”

Why is giving back so important?

Gerard: “It’s a privilege to be a news anchor. I believe part of that privilege is giving back. Volunteering and meeting people in the community is actually one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”

Tell us about your shared interests.

Elizabeth: “You can find us hiking at Red Rock or Mount Charleston or trying to win Megabucks. We love going to shows and cheering on my UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball team. You’ll also find us on Twitter; we love to tweet.”

Gerard and Elizabeth invite you to interact with them on Twitter at @ElizabethWatts5 and @gmannews.

Meet the Neighbor – Charles “CJ” Watson

 By Callie Thomas

Talk about hoop dreams becoming a reality. The story of 89117 resident Charles “CJ” Watson is as inspiring as the video clip you’d see on ESPN or SportsCenter just before the big basketball game. Imagine a four year old CJ, along with his little brother Kashif, tearing up the gym or neighborhood park each day with their dad, not just playing on the swings but learning about basketball, practicing their moves and loving every minute. That passion for the game steered Watson through his formative years and helped him grow up to become an in demand recruit who eventually signed with the University of Tennessee and later with the NBA, playing first for the Chicago Bulls and currently with the Brooklyn Nets. Even brother Kashif took the court for the University of Idaho and went on to play for a professional Canadian basketball team.

What both boys have in common is not just the love of the game, but also parents that instilled a work hard – play hard philosophy coupled with a sense of value that has shaped the young athletes’ lives. It has also been an inspiration that has led the Las Vegas native and Bishop Gorman graduate to initiate an organization called the “Quiet Storm Foundation,” whose mission is to provide every youth with opportunities and resources to realize their maximum potential.

Watson makes a point to not be so quiet about Quiet Storm. He supports the foundation in a variety of ways and is even an avid tweeter on the subject. The basketball star and philanthropist talks about growing up with supportive and faithful parents, being a dad to his own daughter and why giving his time and effort to create opportunities for youth and families, both local and abroad, is as exciting as making a full court shot.

Your parents have been hugely influential to your success as both a basketball player and in giving back to the community.

“My mom and dad have played a major part in my life and my brother’s as we were growing up.  We share great and proud moments playing together during those days at the gymnasium and park and even played against some of the greatest players in Las Vegas. To this day, my mom and dad travel month after month to the cities that my brother and I work. They have instilled a confidence in us and strong, spiritual beliefs.”

Your nickname is “Quiet Storm.”

(Smiles) “I’ve always been a relatively shy guy and that’s what my family and coaches have called me, so hopefully my actions speak louder than words. I am a family person and enjoy working in different communities – with the people in Las Vegas and where I am assigned each season to help improve the lives of families. I’ve always wanted to help others.”

Tell us about the Quiet Storm Foundation.

“We provide positive educational and recreational opportunities to youth, particularly those who are disadvantaged. It provides academic scholarships, educational incentives, books, field trips, clothing as well as after school programs. Quiet Storm has also sponsored Hoops for Hope, a community program held with youth in Las Vegas each year since its inception.”

You are a father, too, so this must be really important.

“Yes, my daughter Ayanna is everything. I’m dedicated to giving her what I didn’t have… without spoiling her!”

She has a different personality than you.

“She’s definitely outgoing and talks a lot and I love spending time with her.”

Aside from your daughter, what other accomplishments make you proud?

“Graduating from college, playing a game I love and giving back to the community.”

If you weren’t a professional basketball player what other job or occupation would you pursue?

“I majored in psychology at the University of Tennessee and continued working toward this degree every summer after starting my basketball career. I would be a psychologist to help and advise others through life’s experiences.”

A Step Above – Alex Blutman

Palo Verde High School
Class of 2013

Palo Verde High School senior Alex Blutman loves a good debate. It’s no surprise, then, that he’s earned many awards of distinction and risen to prominence at the national level in speech and debate. Alex owes his success to setting goals, a firm resolve and a strong sense of personal responsibility. All those same qualities translate into success on the baseball field as well for this team captain and standout athlete. Still, his casual smile and winning personality let you know he doesn’t sweat the small stuff, and that’s just one of many reasons Alex Blutman rises to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.8

Sports/Activities/Community Service

• Las Vegas Baseball Academy, 2007-12
• Varsity Baseball, 2011-Present; Captain, 2012
• JV Baseball, 2009-11; Captain, 2010-11
• JV Cross Country, 2010-12
• Forensics, 2009-Present; President, 2012-Present; 1^st VP, 2011-12
• Public Forum Debate Captain, 2011-Present
• National Honor Society, 2010-Present
• Diabetes Walk & Autism Walk Fundraisers, 2011
• Hometown Holidays, 2010-11
• Food Package Preparation, 2010-11
• The Nature Conservancy Fundraiser, 2008

Awards

• AP Scholar with Distinction 2012
• National Merit Semifinalist, 2012
• ACT Perfect Score, 2012
• Anthem Essay Contest Finalist, 2011
• Nevada All-State Academic Team (Baseball), 2011-12
• Scholar Athlete, 2011-12
• Varsity Debate Letter, 2009
• County Semi-Finalist, Public Forum Debate, 2010-11
• State Semi-Finalist, Public Forum Debate, 2010
• District Finalist, Public Forum Debate, 2011
• National Tournament Competitor, Public Forum Debate, 2012

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “During my freshman year, I set a goal to qualify for the national debate tournament. Last year, my debate partner and I defeated the district’s top Public Forum Debate team to advance to the national tournament. It was our effort, skill, resolve and friendship that I believe carried us through.”

Alex Looks Up To: “There are two qualities in Tim Tebow that I highly admire and respect. The first is his work ethic. Whatever he lacks in talent, he makes up for in heart, determination and effort. Second, I admire the way he adheres to his own personal standards and responsibilities. No matter how much he is criticized, I respect him for the way he upholds his own morality.”

Part of the Solution: “Young adults today lack a sense of accountability. This deficiency in character has an immeasurable impact that goes beyond basic irresponsibility. I hope I can make a difference among my age group, guiding, advising and helping kids make intelligent, contemplated and careful choices in their lives.”