A Step Above – Sophie Arrowsmith

Green Valley High School
Class of 2014

Life has been a spectacular adventure for Green Valley High School Student Body President Sophie Arrowsmith. Hailing from across the Atlantic, Sophie’s journey has taken her from Manchester, England (she’s a Man City fan for you football fanatics out there) to the desert of Las Vegas, where she’s now putting her energetic spirit, passion for success and dynamic leadership skills to the test. She sees the future of her school as one of unity, progress and excellence, and she’s got the talent and resolve to help them get there. With her forward thinking vision dead set on the promise of tomorrow, Sophie Arrowsmith stands – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 3.5

Sports/Activities/Awards

• Varsity Women’s Tennis, 2011-Present
• Student Council, 2010-Present
• Sophomore Class President, 2011-12
• Junior Class President, 2012-13
• Student Body President, 2013
• Bella Voce, 2010-12
• Class Committee, 2010-Present
• Scholar Athlete Award, 2011-13

Community Service

• March of Dimes March for Babies, 2011-13
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk, 2010-13
• PB&J-A-Thon, 2010-13
• Santa Run, 2011-13
• Relay for Life, 2011-12
• Food Allergy Walk, 2011-12
• Suicide Prevention Walk, 2013
• Feeding the Homeless, 2013

Goals & Aspirations: “My ambition is to be a successful Student Body President this year and make a difference and inspire other students and encourage as much spirit as possible within the Gator family. I want to ensure that all students feel welcome and valued and are inspired by the true spirit at Green Valley. I would also like to graduate with an advanced honors diploma and present a memorable speech at graduation for the Class of 2014.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “My main accomplishment is the fact that I have moved from a different country, started a new life and have achieved success in becoming Student Body President. My sister Charlotte encouraged me to join Student Council and become involved in the day to day life of school.”

Sophie is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Four years ago, my family relocated to America for my father’s job. I left behind family and friends, hobbies, interests and membership of several organizations. I had to become integrated into the last year of middle school where everyone was well established and start my learning experience in a completely different education system. I applied to join Student Council as a freshman. This was my opportunity to make firm friendships and become involved in running this intrinsic aspect of school life. I could never have believed that four years later I would have the honor of being Student Body President of GVHS.”

A Step Above – R.J. Khalaf

Coronado High School
Class of 2014

“To thine own self be true,” said Polonius to his son Laertes in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, advice that Coronado High School Student Body President R.J. Khalaf takes to heart. With a prevailing drive to succeed and a resolution to never take no for an answer, R.J. maintains strong pride in all that he does, from student council to debate and beyond. Professional, eloquent and firm in his beliefs, this enterprising young man has his sights set on Georgetown University and an eventual career with the United Nations, seeking to bring about change on a global scale. It’s that kind of elevated thinking that makes dreams a reality and places R.J. Khalaf – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.1

Sports/Activities

• JV Track and Field, 2011
• Varsity Track and Field, 2012
• Varsity Debate Team, 2011-13
• Muslim Student Association, Founder and President, 2011-13
• Best Buddies, 2011 & 2013
• Forensics/Debate, 2011-13
• DECA, 2011-13
• FBLA, 2011
• Sophomore Class President, 2011-12; Junior Class President, 2012-13
• Student Body President, 2013
• Lumberjack Alliance, 2013

Awards/Community Service

• Student of the Month, 2011
• Best Public Forum (Debate Team), 2013
• Featured in R-Jeneration, 2013
• 4^th Place at State, Team Marketing and Decision Making (DECA), 2012
• Tournament of Champions Bid, 2013
• 1^st Place, JV Public Forum County Debate Tournament, 2012
• Bears for Love, 2013
• Day of Dignity, 2011-13
• Volunteer in Palestinian Refugee Camps, 2010-11 & 2013
• Volunteer for Dina Titus Campaign, 2012

R.J. is Successful Because: “What makes me successful is my drive. I want to be the best in whatever I am passionate about. I don’t like to let obstacles stop me or let people tell me that I am not able to do something. I work to finish the job, no matter how hard it gets. Above all, I owe my success to support from my family and to God for all that he has blessed me with.”

R.J. Looks Up To: “My dad is the epitome of a true leader and has been since he was seventeen when he started working full time in his father’s store to support the family. My dad is also the most generous man I know. He donates money to charity and always puts others before himself.”

Cause for Concern: “I would love to be president of an organization that deals with world hunger and works to provide adequate water and food to people all over the world who don’t have access to those basic necessities. I think that with all the resources we have in the world today, it is a disgrace that people are dying because they can’t afford food and water.”

A Step Above – Allison Beal

Foothill High School
Class of 2014

True leadership is not about making inspirational speeches; it’s about results, and Foothill High School Student Body President Allison Beal has spent her career in student council making things happen through intensive leadership, goal setting and a strong sense of follow through. Engaging, driven and committed to excellence in all she does, Allison has learned to become a positive role model by staying involved in activities and surrounding herself with like minded people. Taking charge of student government is an uphill climb, but she’s determined to reach the summit, and that’s the kind of personal devotion that sets Allison Beal – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.63

Activities

• Sun Youth Forum Participant, 2013
• Henderson High School Leadership Participant, 2013
• RSVP Workshop Presenter, Southern Zone, State & National Student Council Conference, 2011
• Presenter at National Student Council Conference, 2013
• Student Council, 2010-Present
• Student Body President, 2013; Junior Class VP, 2012-13
• National Honor Society, 2011-Present; Leadership Team, 2013
• Yearbook, 2010-Present; Editor, 2011-Present
• Interact, 2012-Present
• NASC Certified Student Leader, 2011

Awards/Community Service

• Student Council Most Valuable Freshman, 2011
• Student Council Most Valuable Sophomore, 2012
• Student Council Most Valuable Junior, 2013
• Kids to Kids Book Cleaning, 2012-Present
• Santa Run, 2011-Present
• Peanut Butter & Jelly-athon, 2012-Present; Chairperson, 2013
• Suicide Prevention Walk Volunteer, 2011-Present
• Trick or Treat for Canned Goods, 2010-Present
• Iron Man Volunteer, 2012-Present

Allison Looks Up To: “My cousin Amanda Lester has been my role model my entire life. Amanda is the one that got me interested in student council in elementary school. It is such an honor that we were both able to serve as Student Body President at Foothill High School. Her drive and goal setting have been an inspiration to me.”

Allison is Stronger and Wiser Because: “My parents have encouraged me to excel in school my whole life. They worked hard to put themselves through college and expect the same from me and my brother. My parents encouraged me to get a job to learn about working hard and the value of money. I am expected to bring home good grades and earn a good life like they did.”

Part of the Solution: “The societal pressure to make children grow up faster than they should is a major issue facing young adults, especially girls. Their self esteem suffers if they do not look the way society expects them to. I can help by mentoring young girls and showing them how important a good education is and how they can still care about their appearance without sacrificing their education.”

Out N About

Stay Cool, Stay Safe

Taking a dip in the local pool is one of the best ways to beat the heat during the often unbearable Las Vegas summers. While this always makes for a fun outing with the family, it’s important to remember that incidents of drowning happen more frequently than you might realize. Life Time Fitness, who operates the Life Time Athletic Summerlin location, has some great tips to keep in mind to make sure that you and your family stay safe while having a good time around the pool:

• Invest in swim lessons so that children can learn the proper techniques.
• The 25:10 Rule. If your child cannot swim 25 meters continuously without assistance, an adult should be within 10 feet.
• Get CPR certified. It may help you save someone’s life.
• Take breaks at least every two hours to rest, rehydrate and reapply sunscreen.
• Designate a regular meeting spot and mark it with a brightly colored towel.
• Keep strollers back at least four feet from the water.
• Keep an eye on the weather. If there is lightning less than five miles away, evacuate the pool and head indoors.

For additional help, Life Time offers swim lessons for kids and adults featuring an interactive instructional approach and utilizing warm water, zero depth entry along with in-pool benches, islands and floatation tools. Visit www.lifetimefitness.com/summerlin for more information.

Equestrian Excellence

The exciting world of equestrianism has always showcased talented riders and elegant horses proving their skill in intense competition. To excel takes a great deal of hard work, determination and many hours of practice. These qualities have always been second nature to fifteen-year-old Summerlin resident Alysia Nielson, who recently won the coveted national equestrian championship in her age category through the American Paint Horse Association (APHA).

Along with her registered nine-year-old mare “Sensational Dee,” Alysia faced more than 1,100 competitors across the United States, showing in twenty-two competitions in the past year throughout thirteen states. Keeping up with the arduous travel schedule and rigorous training required many sacrifices, but Alysia still managed to stay on the honor roll at The Meadows School, proving that she has what it takes to succeed at any endeavor she puts her mind to. All the effort was well worth it as she accepted her award at the APHA World Show in Fort Worth, Texas, but it’s the unbridled joy she takes in doing what she loves that is truly its own reward.

Ginger Basil Caipirinha

6 basil sprigs, muddled
2 oz. Leblon Cachaca
1 oz. ginger syrup
¾ oz. lime juice
Basil leaf
Lime wedge

In a rocks glass, muddle basil sprigs. Mix remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker, then pour over ice. Garnish with basil leaf and lime wedge.

Recipe courtesy of Hyde Bellagio

Did You Know?

The names of those who signed the Declaration of Independence were withheld from the public for more than six months to protect the signers. If independence had not been achieved, signing the document would have been considered a treasonable act punishable by death.

The Must Do List
Editor’s Picks

July 10-27 & August 7-24
Super Summer Theatre
Spring Mountain Ranch continues its annual summer tradition of providing big name Broadway entertainment under the evening stars for the whole family. From July 10^th – 27^th, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying presents a musical, satirical look at big business as it follows J. Pierrepont Finch’s meteoric rise from lowly window washer to high powered executive. The following month, from August 7^th – 24^th, audiences can experience Legally Blonde: The Musical. Based on the hit motion picture, this production follows California sorority girl Elle Woods and her quest to make a name for herself at Harvard Law while still maintaining her signature style. Visit www.supersummertheatre.org for tickets and more information.

July 24
Little Miss Hannah’s “Rainbows in the Wind”
Town Square Park will play host to this fundraising event put on by the Little Miss Hannah Foundation, which strives to support the families of terminally ill children. The highlight of the evening will allow attendees to attach their own special messages to colored feathers and see them carried twenty or thirty feet high on weighted-down balloons in a soulful display of remembrance for children whose lives have been lost to disease or tragic accidents. Live music, dance troops, face painting, nail art, balloon animals, prize raffles and much more will help keep the festivities lively for families to enjoy themselves while sending out messages of hope and joy for a good cause at the same time. Visit www.littlemisshannah.org for more information.

July 12-22
NBA Summer League
The hottest up and coming names in professional basketball return to Thomas & Mack this summer, but this year will present a twist to the proceedings. For the first time ever, the event will feature a format that begins with preliminary games and continues with a single elimination tournament to crown one grand champion. Teams consist of players who have been in the league for three years or less, along with recently drafted rookies. It’s a chance for pro teams to evaluate emerging talent while still giving basketball fans the chance to enjoy all the exciting action on the hardwood. Call 739-FANS or visit www.unlvtickets.com for tickets and more information.

August 2
Cardboard Boat Regatta
If you don’t have time to enjoy a boat outing on Lake Mead, you and your little ones can build your own tiny replicas for the Cardboard Boat Regatta at Desert Breeze Aquatics Facility. Your boat building skills and decorative creativity will definitely be put to the test as you attempt to construct a miniature sea worthy vessel out of nothing but cardboard and duct tape. Prizes will be awarded for Most Creative, Fastest Ship, and the “Bismarck Award” given to the craft that capsizes the fastest. Night swimming, water games and music by DJ Z-Pak will all help this day make a big splash for the whole family. Visit www.clarkcountynv.gov for more information.

August 10
11^th Annual Ford Neighborhood Awards
Those who strive to make our city a better place will get the recognition they deserve at this awards show hosted by comedian Steve Harvey at the MGM Grand Garden. Honorees that will be singled out for their contributions to the community include local business, religious and neighborhood leaders along with churches and high schools, with the winner of Best Community Leader receiving $30,000 toward their church or nonprofit organization. Live performances by Chaka Khan, Jaheim, Fantasia and Mary Mary will help keep the party going to make this a big night to remember. Visit www.neighborhoodawards.com for tickets and more information.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

The summer is a wonderful time to celebrate with friends and family, and there’s no better way to have a good time than with great grub and cold beverages. Throughout July and August, you’ll find a full range of great food-and-drink themed events to entice just about anybody’s palate.

Las Vegas Cupcake Bake-Off

Get your sweet tooth ready for this big time dessert event held on July 14^th at the Suncoast, which will help benefit Three Square Food Bank. Enter the competition if you think you’ve got the goods to compete or just come down and enjoy smooth cocktails and all the cupcakes you can eat. Cupcake Wars host Justin Willman will also be making an appearance as a guest judge.  Visit www.suncoastcasino.com for tickets and more information.

Aces & Ales Strong Ale Festival

The Nevada Brewers Guild hosts this event from August 9^th – 11^th at Aces & Ales, a local haven for beer lovers inspired by the gastropubs of London. Rare and distinctive new beers will be on hand with over sixty of the best brews that feature over 7% ABV. Sample some of Aces & Ales’ great food while you’re there, including their unique take on traditional mac and cheese dishes. Visit www.nevadabrewersguild.com for more information.

Las Vegas Restaurant Week

The local tradition is back as great restaurants all over town offer prix fixe menus of their incredible fare from August 23^rd – 30^th. Whether you want to revisit an old favorite or try out that fancy steak house that’s been on your list, Restaurant Week is the perfect time. Best of all, it’s for a good cause as proceeds benefit Three Square Food Bank. Visit www.helpoutdineoutlv.org for participating locations and more information.

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

One local summer camp is offering more than just outdoor fun for young adults in Las Vegas; they’re also striving to turn today’s youth into the leaders of tomorrow. Issues Concerning Adolescents of Nevada (ICAN) provides an entertaining and educational program of events throughout the year, offering a full lineup of exciting activities that culminate in its annual Leadership Camp, which will be held this year at Camp Lee Canyon from August 4^th – 10^th.

The week long sleepaway camp is open to middle and high school students and strives to educate and empower young adults to be self reliant, inspirational peer and community role models through leadership training. Guest speakers, group building activities, community action group planning and more help drive the summer program, but the camp also offers a traditional atmosphere that includes campfires, hikes, a talent show and more, all in the beautiful great outdoors. Small group activities are led by older participants, creating a unique atmosphere where the “youth staff” help instruct and inspire younger campers to become the leaders who can truly make a difference in the years ahead. Applications will be accepted through July 20^th. Contact Jamie at 308-3756 or visit www.icanlv.org for registration and more information.

Picture Perfect

Teachers will be enjoying their summer vacation right along with their students in the months ahead, but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop – especially when it’s free of charge. Imagine Exhibitions Gallery at The Venetian is offering teachers free admission during the months of June and July to the 50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic exhibit. The limited engagement showcases extraordinary photographs from the iconic magazine along with the stories behind them, covering everything from the beauty of nature to portraits of humanity.

“Teachers play an incredible role in society and this is our way of saying thank you,” said Tom Zaller, CEO and President of Imagine Exhibitions. “We hope this gallery inspires them the way they inspire their students every day.” During their visit, teachers can also find out about the gallery’s field trip program, which offers special rates for students to visit and explore the wonder of the exhibit’s stunning images and receive an education that can’t be found in textbooks. For free admission, educators must show relevant ID at the gallery’s box office indicating their particular school or district. Visit www.venetian.com for more information.

Meet The Neighbor – Lydia Ball

By Callie Thomas

There’s no doubt that energy is a powerful thing. Whether it’s the energy you put toward building and maintaining relationships, pursuing a life goal or career, or motivating yourself to stay fit, energy is a vital resource for life. In its purest and simplest form, energy touches our lives daily by creating light, powering our cars and keeping us cool. 89144 resident Lydia Ball is excited about energy every day, particularly as she is currently the Executive Director of Clean Energy Project (CEP), where she gets to talk about energy and energy policy on a daily basis.

It takes a very compassionate person to not only consider the complexities of our dependency on energy but also to try and maintain a healthy environment. It takes a passionate person such as Lydia, whose interests are rooted in engaging and educating the public and working within local, state and federal policies to create a balance between the private sector and government. By combining her knowledge and her continuing efforts with CEP, she is making a difference in each of our lives.

Originally from the Midwest, Lydia is now a twelve year local resident who is dedicated to improving the community she is proud to call home and where much of her life has been formed. Ball has fallen in love with Las Vegas for many reasons, not the least of which is that it’s where she fell in love with her husband, who incidentally works as a Project Manager at Bombard Renewable Energy. It is also where she has become part of a group that continues to influence change such as investing in natural resources over fossil fuel. Lydia spoke with us about the efforts of CEP, maintaining a healthy balance between work and family and why getting outdoors and working out is her antidote for life’s challenges.

What is the goal of CEP?

“The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization instills a clean energy economy through education and engagement with policy leaders, community leaders and citizens on the economic benefits of developing clean energy.”

What is your role with the organization?

“As Executive Director, I assist in establishing and implementing our strategic goals, act as a spokesperson to media and conduct education and outreach to regional, state and local policy makers and support the progression of the group’s mission.”

What motivates you to help and serve the community?

“I believe I’ve always had a service-based value system. As early as ten years old, I volunteered as a coach to Special Olympics teams and have always looked for ways to have fun by helping people.”

You also worked for Senator Reid’s office?

“Yes. There I learned how the balance between government and the private sector reduces risk for business and helps stabilize our economic growth. I don’t think government is the answer to our problems, but it has an important role to play with new economies that allow business and the environment to work hand in hand.”

It is easy to see your passion for the work.

“I love talking about energy. It has taught me to embrace my inner nerd. And yes, my husband and I talk about energy at dinner all the time!”

What accomplishments are you most proud to have achieved?

“Nothing I do is in a vacuum. My accomplishments are the result of the enormous support of my husband, family and community. In the last six years, Nevada has not only made the choice to not build three large coal plants but has also been ground zero for clean energy technologies projects.”

How do you unwind after a busy day?

“Having fun in life has always been my priority. I love spending time at home with my husband and dog, and I enjoy being outdoors. Whether I’m hiking, biking, walking with my dog or at a yoga class, it always brings me back to center.”

What do you think makes you successful?

“I honestly enjoy what I do, so it is easy for me to work hard, and I am driven to education and learning every day.”

Meet The Neighbor – Colleen P. Page

 By Callie Thomas

When’s the last time you spent “quality time” with your spouse, your children, brother, sister or friends? Was it somewhere between picking up dinner on the road, dropping the kids off to practice or coming home after ten hours of meetings and deadlines? This is probably why “quality time” has become so precious—and necessary. 89135 resident Colleen Page has figured out a way to spend important time with her family and still make a difference in the community. Does that make her a magician? Probably not, but she is pretty smart.

The stay at home mom of two has made a point to become involved with not one but two charity leagues that ensure one-on-one time with her son Christopher, age 16, and daughter Shannon, age 14. Meanwhile, local charities reap the rewards of much needed support from the mother-son and mother-daughter duos.

For the past two years, Page and her son have been involved with the Young Men’s Service League (YMSL), where mothers and sons volunteer and serve at various philanthropies in Vegas. She is currently the VP-Elect Philanthropy with the organization. Page is also involved with the National Charity League (NCL), where she and her daughter also assist a long list of local nonprofit organizations such as the Animal Foundation, for which Page serves as the NCL Liaison. Each of these alliances has had a huge impact on the quality of time and the immeasurable rewards attained by the Page family as part of these groups. Organizations that are served through the League and YMSL include Joy Prom, Opportunity Village, Shade Tree, Baby’s Bounty, Child Haven, CCSD, Three Square, Golden Retriever Rescue and many more.

Colleen Page gives us a glimpse into her everyday life, tells us why Las Vegas is so special and talks about instilling community awareness and service in her children.

What did you set out to accomplish by being a part of these organizations?

“I really believe giving back to the community should just be an extension of yourself every day. I’m proud of my family and having my children see and learn about things outside of their Summerlin community.”

What is the mission of the leagues?

“Both organizations are focused on serving and supporting those in need as well as fostering relationships between mothers and their children. At YMSL, each mother-son team is required to serve at least twenty hours of community service in support of approved philanthropies each year. The vision of the NCL group is to develop strong women leaders serving and impacting communities as a result of building strong mother-daughter relationships.”

You must have some profound experiences working with the charities.

“My son and I volunteered with YMSL for Joy Prom. This is a full scale prom for disabled children and adults. The event is put on entirely by volunteers. The boys are hosts and are paired with a disabled person. They do an amazing job making someone feel special and important for the night, and sometimes that is a hard thing to teach and learn. My son and I will always remember this special night.”

What is a typical Saturday like around your house?

“Taking the kids to their various activities, going to the movies at Red Rock, my husband making salmon from a Page family recipe I love, or eating out with friends.”

Why is Las Vegas so special to you?

“About twenty years ago, my husband and I went to Hawaii and then Las Vegas for our honeymoon. We were here and witnessed the implosion of the Dunes. It was amazing and I remember thinking what a great city this was… but I never thought we would be raising a family here. It has been a wonderful city.”

What does giving back mean to you?

“Most days, everyone is so busy running around with work, kids, sports, etc. that it’s hard to stop and remember the simple things in life. Being involved in these organizations helps me find balance, and I hope my children are learning from this entire experience.”

Meet The Neighbor – Katherine S. Foley

 By Callie Thomas

It’s been said that home is where the heart is but for resident Katherine Foley, it’s also about finding  the perfect home for Nevada house hunters. Falling into a career in real estate was as easy as breathing for the long time resident. Her passion for homes and home building started in high school, working for her father, who was the owner of Security Housing Corporation. During college, she sold real estate for his Northern Nevada Division of the company and also worked for the Northern Nevada Home Builders Association while attending and later graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno with a B.S. in Business Administration. She eventually became Executive Vice President for Christopher Homes, a position she held for more than twenty years, and currently still handles sales at their Boulder Ridge community at The Ridges in Summerlin.

Today, she is the President and Broker for The Foley Group, a real estate firm that works with both new and resale homes in the valley. While she enjoys helping others attain their very first or forever home, she also enjoys spending time in her own abode with husband Mark and their children Jack and Rogina, along with their two golden retrievers. Her two furry residents have been the catalyst for another passion—saving and protecting animals in need throughout the community.

Foley is on the Executive Board for the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Nevada SPCA). The organization operates a no-kill animal sanctuary, promotes humane education and serves as an advocate for the companion animals in their care. There is no “time limit” for the animals in residence at the Nevada SPCA, and they are welcome until they find their forever new home. She supports the group by being involved in a number of initiatives to raise awareness and funding, including specialty-themed events. Katherine Foley talks about her efforts with the Nevada SPCA and her commitment to giving back to the community she loves.

What drew you to the Nevada SPCA?

“I have always been a dog lover and enjoy the unconditional love my two golden retrievers provide and they are a part of our family and very special to me. I’ve also met some amazing people by being involved with this organization, from the other board members, the Executive Director, the Honorary Board members, staff at the shelter and volunteers. They all genuinely care about animals and their well being.”

Tell us about some of the SPCA events you have helped to create and support.

“We put on some fabulous events such as our annual Animals in Wonderland Champagne & High Tea, which featured a red carpet/silent auction with local celebrities in attendance and live musical performances. Our most recent Funny Bones Comedy Show at the Orleans this past June was a giant success. An amazing line up of comedians assembled by the legendary Sammy Shore included Rich Little, Tony Orlando, Amazing Jonathan & Psychic Tanya, Zowie Bowie and so many more.”

Why is it important to you to give back to the community?

“This community has been very good to me and to my family. I believe if you give you will continue to receive and help the less fortunate.”

What accomplishments are you most proud to have achieved?

“Being a good mother to my children and watching them grow into young adults.”

What do you think makes you successful?

“Who I am, how I was raised, and who I share my life with makes all the difference. I am a very fortunate person but have also worked very hard to achieve my success. I think character, honesty and passion are equally important.”

Meet the Neighbor – Trey Louis Noran

By Callie Thomas

“Love isn’t an emotion or an instinct – it’s an art.” – Mae West

The American Film Institute listed Mae West fifteenth among the greatest female stars of all time. The actress, singer, playwright and screenwriter made a name for herself in vaudeville and became best known for her bawdy double entendres. While West may have had less than pure thoughts behind the quote above, it is certain that her godson, 89117 resident Trey Louis Noran, has taken the art of love for helping others to another level.

Noran may have followed his godmother’s footsteps in the entertainment industry by landing small acting and commercial parts, singing backup vocals and traveling between Las Vegas and Hollywood, but he also knew a thing or two about lending a hand to those in need.

Born Louis Anthony Olguin to parents Gloria and Louis Olguin in Denver, Colorado, he spent his first years in west Denver, an area known for despair. His widowed mother eventually placed him in a private boys school called Clayton College for Boys, and he later graduated from Rose Ministry. His passion for helping the homeless led to creating a nonprofit organization called His Love Street to provide those on the streets with food, clothing, shelter, education, career development and health care. Noran moved to the community last year when he saw that the needs were sadly twice as prevalent in Las Vegas. His Love Street – Nevada was born, and Noran has already amassed several events with local media and those in the entertainment field to help change things for the better here in Nevada.

Noran is not only raising funds to help the immediate needs of the local homeless population, but also to realize a dream of developing a homeless hotel in Nevada. He talks with us about those aspirations and his passion for making a difference.

What is the mission of His Love Street?

“I started the nonprofit organization to transform our inner city and the lives of those facing homelessness, poverty and hopelessness. I believe together, as a community, we can end chronic homelessness and reduce the number of people on the streets in Las Vegas.”

Meeting so many in need, you must have many memorable experiences.

“Seeing so many homeless people in Vegas and learning that they are living under the city in sewers has been difficult, but knowing we’ll be able to make a huge difference has made a significant impression on me.”

How are you currently raising funds to help?

“Through my Love Corporation, we are marketing my trademark ‘Real Men Love 2 Cuddle’ T-shirts and opening a restaurant called Ice/Mex Takeout this winter, which combines Mexican food and twenty flavors of ice cream. All proceeds from sales of T-shirts and Ice/Mex will go to feeding the homeless and construction to build the multimillion dollar hotel. I’m also working on a giving back concert at the end of August at the Wolf Theatre featuring musical performances by newcomer Brett Mikels plus Luggnutt Keyz, Jennifer Knight and Supreme Reflections to raise money to open not only a hotel but also several outreach centers to give that helping hand to those that are seeking a second chance in life.”

What do you envision for the His Love Street Hotel?

“The hotel will include a clinic, commercial kitchen, private showers, a barber, laundry facilities, a library, dentist, counselors and a beautiful outdoor courtyard. We intend to employ our guests in several areas, such as our hotel tower, clinics, book store, clothing store, and our 700-seat state of the art Olguin’s Restaurant. We anticipate serving more than 10,000 people each year.”

That’s an enormous undertaking. How do you unwind after a busy day?

“With a glass of wine and the thought that I am very blessed.”

 “Is there anything besides being the godson of Mae West that others may not know about you?

“When I set my mind on anything, I don’t ever give up until I reach my goal.”

Freedom Friday

With the 4^th of July on the horizon, it’s important to think of our fighting men and women who help keep our country free. Unfortunately, when veterans of our armed forces return from overseas, they often have trouble finding ways to support themselves and their families. Local dentist Todd Newton has sought to give these struggling soldiers a hand up by putting together Freedom Friday, which provides comprehensive dental care to unemployed veterans thanks to an initiative enacted by Newton’s equal partners Warm Springs Dental and Anthem Village Dental.

Since its inception a year ago, Freedom Friday has treated and/or completely restored the neglected mouths of sixteen returned Clark County veterans, an emotional experience for both the veterans and the dental team at Freedom Friday. The program seeks to provide extraordinary care that these recipients would not normally receive from the VA system, free from the endless red tape that can put a frustrating hold on important services. Veterans have received everything from root canals to dentures to extractions, all of it pro bono thanks to the generous efforts of Todd Newton and his colleagues. In today’s economic times, the complimentary care has been a godsend and improved lives through bright and shining smiles.

To help achieve his goal, Newton reached out and got full commitments from twelve specialists and/or suppliers to help provide resources for his efforts, including Anthem Periodontics, Nevada Oral Facial Surgeons, Invisalign and more. He was also fortunate enough to make connections with local organizations America Helping Heroes and the Urban League of Las Vegas who helped Newton and his team connect with the veterans who so desperately needed their care.

Ever the optimist, Newton hopes to see the program catch on and grow into something larger so that unemployed veterans across the country can experience the same kind of care. Newton’s generous spirit and sense of compassion are certainly large enough to make a strong impression on people in every walk of life. With that kind of inspiration on display, it would not be surprising to see other generous souls stepping up to the plate and helping some of our more downtrodden veterans find the smiles they need to gain the confidence that leads to success.

If you know an unemployed Clark County veteran who is in need of dental care, please contact either Angela Alegna at America Helping Heroes (www.americahelpingheroes.org) or Karen Lewis at the Las Vegas Urban League (www.lasvegasurbanleague.org). Veterans must qualify through one of these organizations to participate in the program.

For more information on Freedom Friday, visit www.freedomfriday.org.

Fun with Food – Ohjah Japanese Steakhouse

By Aly Wagonseller

There’s really nothing over the top about the food served at a Japanese steakhouse. Abundant veggie, meat and fish combinations expertly seared on a hibachi grill, while healthy and clean in flavor, rarely warrant the James Beard Award for creativity. Still, sometimes it’s just plain fun to watch other people play with your food, especially when you have kids in tow or need a good cheering up from a hard day at the office. I mean seriously, if you can keep a straight face while flying fragments of shrimp are torpedoed into your mouth via a spatula wielding chef doubling as a variety show entertainer, you’re a better person than I. And if you can find a teppanyaki den that also serves more daring fare, including sushi and even Thai selections, you’ve got a winner the entire fam can agree upon.

Ohjah Japanese Steakhouse, located at 8595 S. Decatur at Blue Diamond, or their newest location at 10144 W. Flamingo, is a definite “go to” for Japanese steakhouse fun and food in a surprisingly sophisticated yet casual atmosphere. Super clean (not an easy feat considering the controlled food fight that takes place on a daily basis), the décor is modern and warm, with dark finishes and granite grill side surrounds that stay cool despite what’s flaming on the flattop. A separate section for those interested in other menu items sans hibachi, as well as a dedicated sushi bar, makes this restaurant a great place for both family and date night outings. Service was outstanding as well, with quick seating and food service, despite being busy on what you might think would normally be a slow Tuesday night.

Hibachi selections aside, the menu is quite large, offering a wide range of meal options from katsu to yakisoba, sushi rolls to Thai curry. Curious about the sushi, we tried the White Tiger Roll, reasonably priced at 11.95. Comprised of aggressively spiced tuna, and I mean that in a good way, the heat was nicely tamed with crisp cucumber and buttery tuna belly overtop; a tasty option that definitely warrants another visit just for the sushi. Hibachi offerings were easier to navigate, with a required basic entrée (8.95) that included soup, salad, rice or noodles and vegetables. You can stop there or add a variety of mix and match meats and fish, from reasonably priced chicken (4.95), salmon or shrimp (5.95), and filet or New York steak (5.95-7.55) options, to a decadent lobster tail (15.95) or Kobe beef splurge priced at 48.95. Let the party begin.

Out came our chef in a whirl of twirling utensils, doing all the regular shtick, including tossing egg shells into his chef hat and creating flaming onion volcanoes as only a culinary magician can do. Scallops, steak and chicken were flipped to and fro (not at the same time, mind you; these guys are versed on cross contamination issues), with the addition of butter, fresh lemon juice and ginger or teriyaki sauce spicing things up a bit. While he toiled away, we finished our appetizers; a broth that, while tasty, was plagued by the addition of unappetizing crunchy noodles that became quite chewy as they took on the liquid in the bowl; and a cooling, iceberg lettuce salad with creamy miso ginger dressing that was quite nice. The main dish was, as expected, nothing over the top from a culinary standpoint, but very well executed for this style of cuisine. Beef was cooked as ordered, the teriyaki scallops exceedingly fresh and plentiful, and the chicken still possessing some juiciness to it. Rice and noodles were nicely caramelized, and the addition of butter and soy sauce provided ample flavor.

All in all, our meal at Ohjah was a very filling and tasty one. But more importantly, it was an entertaining one; a definite plus if you’re trying to amuse kids that have been home on summer break for one day too many. For reservations, call them at 868-9888, or 868-2888.