Meet The Neighbor – Rosemarie Celera Yu
By Callie Thomas
Do you remember the first time you rode a bicycle? Is it the training wheels that made it difficult to make the sharp turn or the sparkly streamers hanging from the handlebars that are still part of your fondest memories? Maybe it was your mom, dad, big brother or sister that was there to run alongside you with hands ready to catch the inevitable fall. Riding a bicycle has opened up a whole new world and a lot of memories for resident Rosemarie Celera Yu.
Celera Yu vividly remembers her dad running along behind her, holding onto the seat as she learned to ride her little Strawberry Shortcake bike, and she also recalls the fear of falling if he let go. She eventually did learn to ride without falling, but at some point, her father had to let go. Today, cycling has become a personal and significant experience for Rosemarie. When her father passed away of non Hodgkin’s lymphoma, she decided to ride again thirty years later – not only in his honor, but to raise money toward a cure for the very type of cancer that took his life just a year and a half ago. Little did Rosemarie know that her life would be forever changed by participating in the 102-mile RTC 2012 Viva Bike Vegas Gran Fondo century ride through Las Vegas, Hoover Dam and Henderson.
She began to work with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training coaches and hasn’t looked back. Her first ride raised $3,000 and Rosemarie was hooked. Today, there are 560 cyclists on her team who hail from thirty-three states. Rosemarie talks with us about her dedication to cycling for a cure and how her dad is still coaching her all the way to the finish line.
How hard was it to “get back on the bike” after so many years?
“My family had made a promise to my dad that we would continue this fight against cancer. My siblings first joined Team In Training with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I was so inspired, I was ready to join, but I was pregnant at the time. My son was actually born on my dad’s birthday and my hands were quite full with a newborn. I signed up last May. I hadn’t been on a bike since I was ten and never a road bike. On Mother’s Day, my husband Rui bought a road bike for me and less than four months later I completed my first Century.”
102 miles is a very long way for your first ride!
“I hadn’t done anything athletic in a long time. In fact, I‘ve had surgery in both knees and am still carrying a lot of post pregnancy weight, but when I am on my bike, every pedal I do is for my dad. I do it for those that have suffered and died from this awful cancer. I do it for those that have survived and for those still fighting.”
How does Team In Training help you get ready for these events?
“There are clinics on nutrition, injury prevention, gear and other essentials to help prepare for an endurance ride. In return, we raise money to find new and better therapies for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma as well as support services to improve patients’ lives.”
You are very dedicated to giving back.
“I really do want to make the world a better place. I am so grateful for my blessings and I want to set an example for our kids Lily Josephine and Dylan Gene.”
It would seem your dad has set a good example for you.
“During the Century ride, there were a few hills where my legs were just spent, but I never stopped pedaling. My dad was in my mind pushing me up those hills like when I was first learning to ride. He always made me feel that I could do anything.”
Meet The Neighbor – Lamar Marchese
By Callie Thomas
Winston Churchill gave one of the shortest commencement addresses ever when he rose, walked to the podium and said, “Never, never, never, never give up,” then sat down. That quote adequately conveys that most things worth accomplishing don’t come easy, and 89117 resident Lamar Marchese is a successful example of what being persistent can accomplish.
Lamar, his wife Patricia, and several others founded Nevada Public Radio in 1975. Persistence drove the long and arduous task of putting a station on the air, and persistence helped the endeavor grow from a mere idea into a seven station, four state regional network with an annual budget approaching five million dollars. Persistence helped them acquire a state-of-the-art studio and a full time professional staff of thirty-six members. Persistence filled the need for 24/7 information and cultural programming that enticed a weekly audience of 150,000 KNPR listeners at the time of Marchese’s retirement in 2007. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Marchese’s determination is also at the heart of a lifetime of giving back to the community, from civic arts and cultural organizations such as the Las Vegas Philharmonic to Shade Tree Shelter for abused and homeless women and children. He has artfully integrated a dedication to public service with his work as a public broadcaster. Even in his retirement, Marchese is not satisfied to sit on his laurels. He and his wife have taken up Tai Chi for the past two years and he’s re-awakened a passion for photography that has led to a series of acclaimed works of art and three one-man show exhibits. Lamar tells of his beginnings in public service, his most memorable experiences in creating a Las Vegas first and the invigorating excitement of re-inventing yourself and embarking on an all new passion.
Tell us about your first experiences in public service.
“I began as a foot soldier in the war on poverty. I was in the first graduated group of VISTA Volunteers and served for a year in the country’s first Job Corps camp. When my wife and I moved to Vegas in 1972, I took a job with the brand new Clark County Library District as the Program Director.”
How did you become interested in starting a public radio station?
“While working with the public library, I became involved in arts and cultural organizations serving on the Board and as Chairman of the Allied Arts Council. It was during that time I became interested in starting Southern Nevada’s first public radio station.”
The kick-off of KNPR was a bit… challenging?
“I was flicking the switch to turn on the transmitter for KNPR after four and a half years of struggle. It didn’t work. Something blew at the transmitter site, so instead of signing on March 23, 1980, we had to wait an extra day.”
Since that time, you expanded the operation and made an impact on national public radio.
“I added six repeater stations that serve most of Nevada and portions of Arizona, Utah and California. I was able to influence national events by serving two terms on the NPR network national Board of Directors in Washington, D.C.”
Tell us about your new passions.
“First and foremost, I am passionate about family. I am proud of my two children, Peter and Julia, and we have always traveled together, most recently to India, Nepal and Turkey. After I retired, I picked up the camera again and that has become my new passion.”
Your photography has been well-received!
“I have a showing at the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Arts at Neonopolis. It’s entitled “Namaste: Faces of India and Nepal” and consists of forty-six portraits taken during our recent family travels.”
What else might we be surprised to know about you?
“I met the love of my life in the sixth grade. We went to the same junior high, high school and college. We’ve been married for forty-six years. She is the co-pilot of my life and I am the most blessed of men.”
Making a Difference – Crazy Pita & The Josh Stevens Foundation
Josh Stevens lost his life in a tragic accident just before his thirteenth birthday, but his spirit and desire to do good for others lives on through the Josh Stevens Foundation, which seeks to continue his legacy of taking time to be kind. Local restaurant Crazy Pita is just one of many organizations who have helped contribute toward spreading Josh’s message of kindness.
Crazy Pita was one of Josh’s favorite places to eat, so it’s fitting that the restaurant would help honor his message of being kind with a special fundraising initiative. As part of a yearly tradition, the restaurant donates proceeds from the sale of Josh’s favorite pita (the Kefta) on a chosen day to the Josh Stevens Foundation. This year’s event, held this past October 14th, was a huge success in spreading kindness to all who attended. Crazy Pita helps support many other local organizations through sponsorships, fundraisers and donations with a strong focus on cancer research, education, youth sports and community projects.
“An enormous thank you goes out to everyone who attended or helped in any way to put today’s event together,” said Drew Stevens, Josh’s father and founder of the Josh Stevens Foundation. “We wouldn’t be able to put on an event to celebrate Josh without the love and support from all of you who believe in our mission of carrying out random acts of genuine kindness.”
For more information on the Josh Stevens Foundation, visit www.joshstevensfoundation.org.
Out N About
Harmonies for the Holidays
When gift giving season rolls around, the delightful sounds of holiday music fill the air, boosting everyone’s spirit. Sitting around the tree while you enjoy traditional tunes with the family is always fun, but there are also plenty of great live holiday performances happening around town.
Las Vegas Philharmonic – “A Very Vegas Holiday”
Our hometown orchestra dazzles once again on December 8th at The Smith Center, where special guests Carolyn and Oscar Goodman help narrate “A Night Before Christmas.” Call 982-7805 or visit www.thesmithcenter.com for tickets and info.
Elvis Holiday & Tribute Show
You won’t have a “Blue Christmas” with this incredible performance by acclaimed Elvis tribute artist Steve Connolly at the M Resort on December 8th, featuring signature hits and holiday classics. Visit www.themresort.com for tickets and info.
Henderson Symphony Orchestra
WinterFest kicks off at the Henderson Convention Center on December 13th with the Henderson Symphony Orchestra performing classic holiday tunes in their “Sounds of the Season” concert. Call 267-2171 or visit www.hendersonlive.com for info.
The Deana Martin Christmas Show
Dean Martin’s daughter Deana offers a toast to the holidays and her legendary father at The Smith Center on December 14th – 16th with some of the greatest songs ever written. Call 982-7805 or visit www.thesmithcenter.com for tickets and info.
Holiday Nights and Lights
This series of community concerts, held at Town Square Park every Thursday through December 20th, features performances that include everything from local school choirs to holiday musicals. Visit www.mytownsquareevents.com for info.
Raising Hope for Parkinson’s
The battle against Parkinson’s disease affects millions of people around the world, including actor Michael J. Fox, who has been tireless in his commitment to raise funds and awareness for the disease. Fox’s efforts have even had an effect at the local level as Liberty High School students Joseph Maurer and Ryan Popowcer were inspired to bring new hope to the cause.
After watching TV reruns of Fox’s old sitcom Family Ties, Joseph and Ryan started learning more about Michael and his fight against Parkinson’s and were inspired to help out. Joseph and Ryan hosted a fundraising event on October 20th that raised over $3,500 with their sights set on an ultimate goal of raising $10,000. The two were even introduced to Fox on the Katie Couric Show in recognition of their worthy endeavors. Hope is an important thing for anyone suffering a debilitating disease, and thanks to Joseph and Ryan, that hope remains alive. “Even though neither me or my friend know anyone with Parkinson’s,” said Joseph, “we want to help better our community and the lessons and stories we’ve heard along the way are inspiration to our lives.”
Pomegranate Mojito
2 oz. Bacardi rum
½ oz. pomegranate molasses
½ oz. lime juice
½ oz. simple syrup
½ oz. club soda
8 mint leaves
Pomegranate seeds
Lime wheel
Combine ingredients in a shaker. Pour into highball glass. Garnish with mint leaves, pomegranate seeds and lime wheel.
Recipe courtesy of Hyde at Bellagio.
Did You Know?
Santa Claus is based on a real person, St. Nikolas of Myra, who lived during the fourth century. Born in modern day Turkey, he is the world’s most popular non-Biblical saint and is also the patron saint of banking, sailing, orphans, royalty and New York City.
The Must Do List
Editor’s Picks
December 5
Downtown Hoedown
When the National Finals Rodeo ambles into town this December, the Fremont Street Experience will play host to this western style celebration featuring free live concerts of popular country music. Grab your boots, chaps and cowboy hat and enjoy this feel good celebration under the dazzling neon lights. The toe tapping entertainment lineup includes top country music talents such as Dustin Lynch, Uncle Kracker, Jana Kramer and Clay Walker. To coincide with the NFR, the Fremont Street Experience will hold additional nightly free concerts from December 5th – 16th featuring Country Superstars, Jimmy Ray’s Johnny Cash Tribute, Matt Stillwell and more. There’s no better way to get ready for long nights of bull riding and barrel racing than with some of the best country music around. Visit www.vegasexperience.com for more information.
January 16 – 20
Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream
As we were told in Disney’s Cinderella, “A dream is a wish your heart makes.” The dream comes alive once again as Disney on Ice returns to the Thomas & Mack Center for this magical and entertaining showcase. Disney Princesses take to the ice in thrilling tales of fantasy, including a hair raising adventure with Rapunzel from Tangled, a musical trip down to the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from The Princess and the Frog, and a dance to remember as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming. For young and old alike, it’s a chance to relive all those classic Disney memories and make new ones as well as you enjoy all the adventure, fantasy and whimsical dream-making that has made Disney a household name. Call 739-FANS or visit www.unlvtickets.com for tickets and more information.
December 12
Chanukah Menorah Lighting
Join the Henderson Jewish community for this ceremonial event to kick off the start of Chanukah with a traditional menorah lighting at The District at Green Valley Ranch. The event will feature the largest menorah in the city, kicking off eight nights of festive celebration in grand style. Enjoy the merriment with a full range of fun stuff to see and do, including live music, chocolate Chanukah gelt, free doughnuts and all kinds of treats for young and old. Embrace this special time of year while it lasts and enjoy all the joy and wonder the season has to offer. Call 617-0770 for more information.
December 14
Night at the Museum: The Polar Express
Need a break from the kids so you can get some holiday shopping done? Or are you just looking for a nice, holiday themed experience your children can enjoy? Either way, the Springs Preserve has you covered. Drop the young ones off for a night of fun entertainment that includes a screening of the new holiday classic The Polar Express. As the evening goes on, kids can make holiday arts and crafts, explore the Origen Museum and snack on pizza while making some great memories for the season. Call 822-7700 or visit www.springspreserve.org for more information.
December 15
Suite Holidays
Many of us have wondered what lies beyond those mysterious doors to all the big hotel suites on the Las Vegas Strip. Now you have your chance to take an exclusive peek inside as six amazing properties offer this exclusive tour. Explore elegant suites at Caesars Palace, The Cosmopolitan, Hard Rock, Palms, Paris and Rio and relax in all the chic style as you enjoy appetizers, cocktails and raffles as part of your private tour. It’s the perfect way to spoil yourself and feel like a Vegas VIP for a special holiday treat. Call 214-0500 or visit www.jalasvegas.org for tickets and info.
The Giving Season
As we celebrate the holidays with our loved ones, it’s always good to keep in mind ways we can help the less fortunate. No matter how you want to contribute, there are plenty of ways to give back.
Socks for Seniors
This annual community service project, running now through December 23rd, collects new socks to be distributed to the elderly in local area nursing homes around the holidays. You can donate socks to a neighborhood drive or even start one of your own! All it takes is one person, one box and one location. Visit www.socksforseniors.com for more information.
Macy’s Make-A-Wish “Believe”
Kids love writing letters to Santa, and children of all ages are encouraged to bring their stamped letters to Macy’s now through December 24th. For each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to a total of $1 million. Families may drop off their letters addressed to “Santa at the North Pole” at any of the four Macy’s locations in the valley.
If you’d like to make a general donation of food, clothing or anything else you think might be of use, the following organizations are happy to receive them, but please contact them beforehand.
Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada
385-2662
www.catholiccharities.com
Three Square
644-3663
www.threesquare.org
HopeLink
566-0576
www.link2hope.org
Las Vegas Rescue Mission
382-1766
www.vegasrescue.org
Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth
383-1332
www.nevadahomelessyouth.org
Salvation Army Las Vegas
870-4430
www.salvationarmylasvegas.com
I’m Dreaming of a Cowboy Christmas
When the National Finals Rodeo comes to town, there are plenty of cowboys to be seen walking the streets. And when the dust settles after each long day of steer wrestling and bronc riding, you’ll see a big crowd of Stetson hats and big belt buckles, along with one of the best selections of western merchandise, at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show. Held in conjunction with the NFR, the show is known for being the longest running gift show connected with the rodeo and will take place from December 6th – 15th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Explore more than 300,000 square feet of space with over 400 vendors from across the United States and Canada. Endless rows of booths will feature customized jewelry, western wear, boots and spurs, furniture, original art, handmade crafts, pottery and more, along with a wide range of official Wrangler NFR products. And with free shuttle service to and from the rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center, you don’t even have to worry about parking. Wear your most comfortable boots and saddle up! Visit www.nfrexperience.com for more information.
Home Sweet Home
For those with a sweet tooth, the holidays bring no shortage of tasty treats – candy canes, cookies, peppermint bark and so on. But there’s nothing sweeter, crunchier or more aesthetically impressive than a good old fashioned gingerbread house. The intricate detail that goes into some of these designs is truly artistic. You can check out some of the best for yourself or indulge your creative side and build your own at the 3rd Annual Boulder City Gingerbread House Competition, held this year on December 8th – 9th at the Boulder City Elks Lodge.
Children and adults alike can experience a genuine thrill by building the gingerbread house of their dreams with the only limits being those of the imagination. You may discover hidden talents beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed upon a confectionary canvas. The winning entry will receive a grand prize and all houses built will be auctioned off with proceeds going to local charities. Help out a good cause, spend some quality time with the kids and create a Christmas masterpiece! Visit www.bcgingerbreadhouse.com for entry forms and more information.
Meet the Neighbor – Susan T. Spencer
By Callie Thomas
Persistence, drive, experience, education and good communication are all qualities that make Susan T. Spencer a successful woman, entrepreneur, wife, mother and grandmother. They are also qualities of a woman that continually raises the roof on the possibilities for all women.
It’s easy to call the 89123 resident a “maverick” or “trailblazer” since she’s worked in male dominated industries throughout her career, including being a former general manager and lawyer for the Philadelphia Eagles (1980-1985), which she accomplished despite the chauvinistic attitude of the owner, her father, Leonard Tose. It was that experience that fed her need to succeed despite the obstacles. Spencer went on to acquire several companies in the food business, from distribution to meat processing for fast food restaurants. The title “author” can also be added to Spencer’s list of accomplishments, as she has written and published a book titled Briefcase Essentials, which gives women advice about succeeding in the business world, all based on her own experiences working in fields predominately run by males.
She’s also bucked tradition in another way by taking to the airwaves as a radio host of her own weekday sports program on KDWN called “Not Just Sports,” making her the only female talent talking about sports on the radio in Las Vegas. So where exactly does the tough, gutsy Spencer go from there? She’s made it her mission to give her time and talent as a mentor to business students and to organizations that help women enter the workforce to become everything and anything they want to be. Spencer spoke with us about the trials and tribulations of working her way to the top, why football will always be in her blood and how she’s setting the stage for others to get into the game of business.
Although you grew up around football all your life and love the game, you really didn’t want to have anything to do with the Eagles, yet you signed on to be part of the organization?
“I always wanted to create my own identity, and I was always rebelling against having to be under someone else’s identity. But when the team was suffering financially in the late 70’s, I offered my father legal services when I was in law school at a significantly lower rate. He didn’t hire me because I was family. He hired me because I worked cheap!”
You learned a lot during those years?
“I immersed myself in the organization, working within a predominately male environment which included my father. I had to make some pretty tough decisions which were extremely unpopular. Being submissive is just not in my DNA. Looking back, I am thankful for the lessons learned in my three years as GM of the team.”
You’ve taken those lessons and put them to work as a mentor to other women?
“I’m proud to be leading other women to be successful by hiring and mentoring them during my business career, building community awareness of sports in the Las Vegas high schools and drawing a spotlight on female athletes that are often ignored.”
Tell us about some of the organizations you support.
“I am on the Advisory Board for Touro University, which addresses critical needs in health care, and in Nevada I have worked with Dress for Success, which provides clothing and confidence for women in need so that they may enter the workforce. I also devote time to talk to undergrads and MBA students at UNLV about what it’s like to be in business. I’ve been a judge of the Business Plan competition as well as a donor for the Global Entrepreneur Program at UNLV.”
What do you enjoy most about your work?
“Being able to spread the word that women can accomplish, whatever they set out to do whether in sports, business or community activism and enlightening those that continue to pigeonhole women’s abilities to compete and succeed.”
What are you passionate about?
“My family, our grandchildren, our Morgan horses, Goldendoodles and highlighting the accomplishments of women.”
Meet the Neighbor – Noreen Pico & Karen and Kathryn Martin
By Callie Thomas
Noreen Pico is a notable artist, but her current passion is inspiring the art of volunteerism. In fact, the 89074 resident has motivated two generations of women to offer their time and talents to assist children in need throughout the community. Noreen, her daughter Karen and grand-daughter Kathryn are all dedicated to making a difference through the Assistance League of Las Vegas.
Six is a lucky number for Pico. She’s a mother of six and a grandmother of six. Busy could not begin to describe her lifestyle: raising kids with her husband of 55 years, Jim; adoring her grandchildren, who range in age from fourteen to twenty-one; and pursuing a career as a successful watercolor artist. She’s had many showings and shared her gifts by teaching art classes in the community for many years. Through it all, volunteerism has remained a constant in her life. In fact, Pico found a way to integrate her love of art with her passion for giving. She founded a program called the Suitcase Gallery, bringing artwork and art lessons into fifth grade classrooms across the valley as a member of Junior League, an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and developing the potential of women while improving the community through action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Pico has made a difference in other ways, too. Her example has influenced her own children and grandchildren to lend a hand in the community. All three women are dedicated through the Assistance League of Las Vegas, which offers several programs that assist children, particularly through their Operation School Bell Program. The mother, daughter and granddaughter trio talked about their passion for giving and why volunteerism will always be a part of their lives.
What attracted you to the Assistance League of Las Vegas?
Noreen: “As a mother and grandmother, providing for the needs of children has always been my highest priority. I also donate my clothes to the thrift store at Assistance League as it is run entirely by volunteers and all of their proceeds go right back to the community.”
How can the public support the thrift store?
“Our Thrift Shop is happy to resell items you no longer need! We gladly accept gently used clothing, household items and furniture. Our Thrift Shop is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.”
You, your daughter Karen and granddaughter Kathryn are also involved in Operation School Bell Program?
Noreen: “Yes, we’ve all been involved. I’ve loved participating in this program and sharing my time to help children in need.”
Karen: “I believe in volunteer service and doing what I can to make a difference in the community. I learned this from both my mother and father. I love dressing and visiting with children as they come into the Operation School Bell ‘shop.’ I have always loved picking out clothing for my own children and this program gives me an opportunity to do what I love and provide fashionable clothing, shoes and supplies to children from families with extreme need, who are referred to us by the Clark County School District. The simple act of providing new school clothing gives these children renewed self esteem and improved school attendance.”
Kathryn, how are you involved with the Assistance League?
“I’ve been a part of Assisteens since the 8th grade and I’m a senior now at Bishop Gorman High School. I love working directly with the kids at Operation School Bell. I’ve also had the opportunity to attend two National Assisteens conferences and am currently the Membership Chairman of the auxiliary, and I plan on continuing my work with the children even after I graduate.”
What do you think makes you and your family successful in life?
Noreen: “Never give up! It’s important to keep plugging away and maintaining a positive attitude, no matter the obstacles.”
Meet the Neighbor – Carla Pellegrino
By Callie Thomas
Resident foodies relish the thought that Las Vegas now rivals New York and Los Angeles for award winning dining. On any given day, you can experience what many travelers seek from around the globe: exceptionally satisfying dishes from superstar chefs. This includes the Northern Italian cuisine of Carla Pellegrino, one of the few female celebrity chefs in Las Vegas and a local 89052 resident. You may have seen her on Throwdown with Bobby Flay on Food Network (she won, by the way) and on many other shows including the Today Show, CBS Morning News and, most recently, as a participant on season ten of Bravo’s Top Chef, which began airing earlier last month. You may have also seen her in person at her restaurants Bacio in the new Tropicana and Bratalian Neopolitan Cantina in Henderson. Both are fairly new and have already won many awards. What you may not know is that she’s passionate about preparing dishes that are both delicious and healthy and that she utilizes her gifts in the kitchen to give back to the community.
Pellegrino has embraced the city she now calls home and supports organizations such as Three Square Food Bank through Restaurant Week, Boys and Girls Clubs of Henderson, F.E.A.T. (Families for Effective Autism Treatment), the prestigious James Beard Foundation and M.E.N.U.S for the Epicurean Charitable Foundation. She was also the chef chair for Flavors of the Heart in support of the American Heart Association this past September. The self proclaimed “workaholic” took a few minutes to speak with us between juggling multiple new restaurant projects (including her new restaurant Meatball Spot, located at Town Square) and putting the final touches on her first cookbook. We talked with her about being a chef in Las Vegas, how Italian cuisine isn’t always about pasta and her role as chef chair for Flavors of the Heart.
What was it like moving from New York to Las Vegas?
“From the minute I landed and saw the flashing neon lights, I fell in love with the city. Once I started work in the local culinary scene, I realized Las Vegas has the potential to become one of the biggest culinary centers in the world. It’s no wonder that so many well known chefs from all over the globe are moving here.”
Your restaurants feature healthy choices, something one might not always think of when it comes to Italian cuisine.
“As a chef, I am conscious of cooking healthy and making sure that I keep Italian cuisine authentic. Italian food is not only about pasta, cheese and heavy cream; authentic Italian cuisine is based upon fresh ingredients made from scratch, lots of seafood, grilled chops, oven roasted fishes and vegetables cooked in every flavorful way possible.”
You are also dedicated to giving back to the city.
“I try to do as much as I can to help all kinds of charities. It’s very important to give back, and all the experiences are positively wonderful! I opened my Bratalian restaurant here because I love everything about this part of the town. I used to live in Anthem Country Club and find it to be a very united community.”
Tell us about your role with the American Heart Association’s Flavors of the Heart event.
“Since I believe in healthy eating, I enthusiastically agreed to be the chef chair for Flavors of the Heart in support of the American Heart Association. It is a multicultural culinary event where I had the opportunity to create and serve heart healthy dishes. Las Vegas residents get to discover new restaurants, new recipes and new ways to live heart healthy. Proceeds benefitted the American Heart Association’s local community outreach programs.”
What’s the best dish you’ve ever eaten?
“Anything prepared by my dear friend Guy Savoir!”
If you weren’t a chef what other job would you like to do?
“It would have to be a clothing designer. I have a thing for good fashion.”
Meet The Neighbor – Dr. Robert DeMartino
By Callie Thomas
Ever notice that everything old becomes new again… but with a twist? Dr. Robert DeMartino has embraced some old concepts and given them a new spin by combining them with modern technology. The 89012 resident and chiropractor is the founder of Superior Health Solutions, a decidedly different kind of clinic. Although modeled after the Mayo Clinic concept, Superior takes a natural approach and offers patients more options to treat their health concerns.
In addition to serving as the medical board chair for Lupus of Nevada, Dr. DeMartino is also the health advisor for Whole Foods Henderson and Sun City MacDonald Ranch. He regularly takes his message to the streets and into Whole Foods stores, providing free seminars on important healthy living topics and addressing chronic illness. He also takes his message to the web in helpful videos, particularly through his volunteer efforts with the Foundation for Wellness Professionals and Well Rounded Momma, a natural birthing center.
DeMartino draws his unending energy toward helping others from his own experiences. He lost his older sister to cancer when she was just sixteen. From that point on, he dedicated his life to helping others so that they didn’t have to go through what his family had endured. His interest in chiropractic came from his own need to alleviate migraines, which had been caused from stress after his sister passed. DeMartino took his efforts a step further by becoming a master trainer for the Neurological Relief Centers.
The good doctor dedicated three years of his career traveling the country to learn all he could about natural healing methods, acquiring knowledge and expertise in all types of techniques, including the Neurologic Relief Center’s techniques, quantum neurology and biological medicine. Dr. DeMartino talks about helping others using natural methods and shared some advice on healthy foods that can make a difference.
Tell us about your role with the Foundation for Wellness.
“I volunteer my time with the national organization by going out into the community to give lectures on different health topics free of charge. The goal is to educate the community on what they can do to become healthy in a natural way. We also do a tremendous amount of work with the Lupus Association of Nevada, which actually works out of our clinic. I provide regular advice on health and host their support group meetings and help answer their questions.”
What do you do as a consultant for Whole Foods in Henderson?
“Once a month, we pick health topics we think people would find interesting and helpful. We then conduct lectures on those topics, involving the latest research and how people can use the Whole Foods Market as a health resource, since diet always plays a main role in regaining or restoring health.”
Is there a specific diet you recommend?
“As far as diet goes, we have some main rules we follow, but the more serious the health problem, the more strictly we follow the diet. One of the major problems we find with the increase in chronic disease is that the average American eats around 130 grams of protein a day, while that number should be more around 45-70 grams.”
Are there specific foods that you recommend be avoided?
“We usually advise people to avoid all of the allergenic types of foods like cow’s milk products, nuts, non-organic eggs and, of course, no processed foods or white sugar products. Avoiding these foods decreases inflammation and allows for a balanced whole food diet.”
Do you ever get any down time?
“When I’m not working, I’m with my family. It’s pretty much impossible for me to be around my two kids and wife and not be happy.”
What inspires you?
“I keep the picture of my sister in a frame on my nightstand next to my bed so that when I wake up, it is the first thing I see in the morning. That way, if I’m tired or don’t feel like going to work, I quickly remember why I do it. It’s not hard to get up after that.”
Where There’s a Will…A New Path to Self-Control
By Michelle Vessel
You know the drill: it’s the first Monday in January, and you start out strong in your quest to lose weight, quit smoking or live more frugally. Tuesday and Wednesday are tough, but you hang in there. On Thursday, your day is derailed by an unexpected stress bomb that detonates in your face, but you stick to your guns. After an exhausting Friday, you find yourself daydreaming about the very vice you’re trying to swear off. By Saturday night, you’ve convinced yourself that just one won’t hurt, whether that “just one” happens to be a cupcake, cigarette or shopping trip.
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, it’s hard to follow through on making lasting changes to our lives. We find ourselves setting personal goals, only to feel our resolve slowly slipping away until we reach the point of no return. Those New Year’s resolutions just don’t seem to last too far into the new year. According to a 2007 study conducted at the University of Bristol, 88% of all New Year’s resolutions peter out within a few months, which may be why that brand new elliptical you picked up to shed those extra holiday pounds ends up in the attic by Easter time.
While you may not be shocked to hear that many self-improvement efforts don’t quite make the grade, you may be surprised to learn that recent research has uncovered interesting insights about this phenomenon. The problem may not be that we’re all weak-willed hedonists unable to resist temptation, but rather that our traditional concept of willpower may be somewhat misguided.
Inborn Trait or Learned Skill?
For those of us who have spent time around friends who are struggling to stick to a diet or fitness regimen, a classic refrain tends to repeat itself: “I have absolutely no willpower!” This may seem like a harmless expression of frustration, but in truth, it reveals a deep-seated confusion that runs rampart in our culture: the inability to give a clear and precise definition to the idea of willpower.
According to the way we often talk about it, willpower is seen as an innate gift that a lucky few are blessed with. In this view, the rest of us lazy slobs are simply missing the willpower gene, so any attempt we make to change our habits is doomed to failure. You either have it or you don’t. But based on the latest findings, the “all-or-nothing” conception of willpower misses the mark. While it’s true that some people seem born with higher levels of resilience, grit, and self-control than others, some researchers say that all of us have the ability to increase our willpower supply.
Research and Results
Social psychologist Roy Baumeister, a professor at Florida State University, has said that willpower is a limited resource, much like physical stamina. We all possess it, but our ability to access and utilize it depends on our conditioning level. In experiments conducted by Dr. Baumeister and other researchers, results have shown that willpower can be built up and become stronger over time, but it can also be depleted by being overly taxed or called upon too often.
One such experiment conducted by Baumeister and his team seated participants in a room that smelled of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and held several displays of cookies and candy. Some participants were offered the tasty treats while others were asked to snack on radishes instead. Both groups were then asked to complete a tricky puzzle requiring persistence and concentration. Those in the radish-eating group, who had already been asked to resist the cookies through willpower, tended to give up sooner and perform worse than the chocolate eaters.
Studies such as these seem to give credence to the notion that willpower operates much like a gas tank; it can be drawn upon for fuel, but the supply is limited. Perhaps the best way to think about willpower is to liken it to physical stamina. If your ultimate goal is to run a marathon, but your current lifestyle is closer to couch potato than gold medalist, you wouldn’t go out and try to run all 26 miles in your first training session. Likewise, when you want to take on a task that will require high levels of willpower, be sure to start slowly and build your reserves over time.
Strength of Will
The latest research on willpower suggests that it is a skill that can be developed with conscientious effort. Some people also liken it to a muscle that you can build up through “exercise” and thus increase your reserves of self-control thanks to several practical methods.
Training Day
If you don’t have much experience exerting strong self-control, experts suggest training yourself by selecting a small, doable goal and sticking to it for a few weeks. For example, commit to making your bed every morning, flossing before bed each night or having only one cup of coffee per day. When you achieve success with these kinds of smaller goals, you strengthen your willpower muscle and build confidence to take on more intimidating challenges in the future.
Rules of the Game
Experts like to preach moderation, but willpower researchers say that having a very specific mental rule or set of rules is more helpful when you’re trying to develop healthier habits for daily living. As an example, you could set boundaries that allow yourself nine M&Ms per day or two glasses of wine each Friday night. General platitudes such as “I will eat healthier foods” will probably not lead to as much success as more specific rules such as “I will not eat French fries.”
Find Your Pace
As proven by the diabolical radishes-or-cookies experiment, it’s possible to deplete your stores of willpower, particularly when you’re just getting started with the process of trying to build up more self control. Don’t take on too many goals at once that will require self denial. Going cold turkey and trying to drop all your bad habits at once may be too much to handle and will likely see a lower success rate. Focus on one vice at a time to help keep your willpower reserves full.
Plan Ahead
No matter how strong your willpower, it’s helpful to have a contingency plan, especially if you’re going to be in an environment rife with temptations. Imagine yourself being placed into a tempting situation and come up with strategies to stick to your goals, such as opting for veggie crudités instead of fatty foods or sticking with virgin drinks instead of high octane cocktails.
Keep Your Focus
Another important finding to come out of Roy Baumeister’s willpower research is that we’re better able to stick to our goals when we’re running on all cylinders. When we’re tired, hungry, grumpy or otherwise out of sorts, we may find it harder to exert self control. Baumeister suggests creating conditions for success by minimizing negative situations that could cause you to lose focus. Make things like getting enough sleep and having healthy snacks available a top priority.
Even for those among us who are convinced that they don’t possess a single iota of strong willpower, the latest research suggests that we can transform ourselves from quick-to-cave pushovers to steel-spined masters of self-control by gradually strengthening and building up our willpower muscles. It may take some time, but the payoff can be huge once we find ourselves gaining the confidence and determination necessary to achieve our wildest dreams.
Making a Difference – Miracle Mile Shops
When you throw a coin into the elaborate fountain at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, you might not get what you wish for, but there’s a good chance you’ll make someone else’s wish come true. As part of their Caring, Giving, Changing campaign, Miracle Mile Shops is conducting monthly “fountain fundraisers” and donating money received in their fountain to local charities and organizations.
One beneficiary of Miracle Mile’s generosity is the Boys and Girls Clubs of Henderson, who recently received over $1,600 thanks to the unique fundraiser. In addition, the Caring, Giving, Changing campaign also raises funds for other programs and groups through community sponsorships, additional partnerships and a number of cash and in-kind donations. Other groups that have benefitted from the fundraiser include Shriners Hospitals for Children, Aid for AIDS of Nevada, Communities in Schools of Nevada, the American Heart Association and many more. In 2011 alone, the shops raised a total of $100,000 and hope to surpass that figure by the end of 2012.
Wishes may not always come true when you toss a coin into a fountain, but the next time you’re in the Miracle Mile Shops, don’t hesitate to donate some of that spare change. It’s one place where you can rest assured that those couple of coins will go toward making a better community for all.
For more information on Miracle Mile Shops, visit www.miraclemileshopslv.com.
