Patricia Lee

The holiday season is here and it is a time to reflect on the blessings around us, give thanks to those that have enriched our lives and commend our neighbors who have blazed new trails to improve our community. Patricia Lee of 89144 is a perfect example of someone worth honoring.  Giving her time and talents to make a difference, it is abundantly evident that Lee’s efforts have allowed us all to reap the rewards.

Since graduating from the George Washington University Law School in 2002 and moving to Las Vegas immediately thereafter, Lee has made her mark both as an associate and eventually as partner of the Hutchison & Steffen Law Firm.  She has not only expanded the structure of her firm to include programs designed to grant access to legal services for those who might not otherwise be able to afford them, but also continues to pay her blessings forward through her involvement with a variety of charitable organizations.  This includes acting as President of the Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association Foundation, as a board member of the Civil Self Help Center, the Las Vegas Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Lili Claire Foundation Living Library, the Nevada Crime Commission as well as on the Advisory Council for the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, which provides legal assistance for those who do not have the financial means to retain an attorney.

The accomplished attorney, wife and mother of two young children provides us with insight into what drives her to continue to lead the way for others to succeed, what she is doing to be an influence in her own children’s lives and why conversing with her just might feel as comfortable as being interviewed by one of your favorite talk show hosts.

Tell us about your role with Hutchison & Steffen and the Legal Aid program the firm has adopted.

“I practice in the areas of commercial litigation, trademarks, copyrights, family law and mechanic’s lien law.  In 2009 I became the first female and the first African American partner of the firm. My promotion allowed me to take a more active role in structuring and expanding our firm’s practice to give access to justice for those who may not otherwise be able to afford it.  I was able to forge a partnership between the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada and the firm to adopt their domestic violence cases.”

Your firm was the first-ever to take on Domestic Violence cases through Legal Aid.

“Well, the first to adopt a specific practice area as a whole, yes.  Our attorneys have committed to taking at least one domestic violence case free of charge in hopes of contributing to decrease the state’s number of incidents (Nevada currently has the highest rate of deaths associated with domestic violence than any other state in the nation.)”

You’ve also been instrumental in helping small business owners.

“My husband Ronnie is a small business owner and I fully understand the challenges they face.  I was able to charter our firm’s Small Business Program, to provide comprehensive services. For a small fee they have access to a wealth of legal advice.”

Why is giving back so important?

“It’s a means of connecting with the community in ways that I would not otherwise be able to do. Any success I’ve achieved is thanks to various people and outreach programs that saved me from what promised to be an unfortunate fate.”

How are you an influence in your own children’s lives?

“Hopefully my efforts help to set moral standards for my children through example and doing something that has value and meaning.”

You’re so easy to talk with…I’m sure your clients feel the same way…

(Laughs) “If I wasn’t a lawyer I would have loved to have been a TV talk show host… or someone that gets to try out and review day spas around the world (does that job really exist?)”

Maureen Romito

By: Callie Thomas

One of the newest non-profit organizations to be launched in Las Vegas is all about the numbers, that is, strength in numbers. An 89128 resident, Maureen Romito, is at the helm of this new group as the founder of Impact Las Vegas, a membership of 100 women throughout the community who aspire to make a substantial difference by giving vital resources to charitable organizations in need.

Romito is a thirty-year Las Vegas resident and a “retired” Regional Human Resources Director who had found that while climbing the ladder in reaching her career goals, it didn’t leave a lot of time for developing new friendships or reaching out more in the community.  Although time prevented her from participating and volunteering as much as she would have liked in charitable organizations, she continued to support many through donations such as United Way and the American Heart Association. It was when she decided to “make a career change” by developing Impact Las Vegas that she started the ball rolling and moved her life in a different direction.

Women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to make a difference in the lives of others and participate in this transformational grant making organization. Each year, the goal of Impact Las Vegas is to provide at least one grant of $100,000 to a Southern Nevada non-profit organization that is focused in one of the five criteria areas of culture, education, environment, family or health and wellness.  Romito and current members have scheduled multiple networking events over the next few months to introduce Impact Las Vegas to potential members. She talks with us about her inspiration for developing the organization, what it means to give back and how she’s finally adjusted her pace to not only spend more time with loved ones, but to create lasting friendships as well as an indelible impact on the Las Vegas community.

What was your inspiration in developing Impact Las Vegas?

“It really started as a wish to mean more; to make a bigger difference in the community than just what I could do alone.  I founded the organization just last year after hearing about and meeting with Rebecca Powers, the founder of a similar and highly successful organization, Impact Austin.  There are now more than fifteen Impact organizations in cities throughout the U.S.  They have cumulatively given grants of more than $15 million, improving their communities and empowering and educating women in the process.”

How does Impact Las Vegas work?

“The non-profit giving circle is made up of 100 women who each donate $1,000 each year by December 31. Member donations are pooled to fund an annual $100,000 grant to a local worthy non-profit organization.”

So there really is “strength in numbers?”

“Absolutely! Most of us are not in the financial position to expand a day care program, provide free or low cost services for low-income families or to help a senior community center purchase a new roof and build a larger recreational room. All of us want to make a significant impact in the community and this way we can.”

Each of the members is an integral part of the organization and you’ve made some new friends?

“Yes, each member gets a voice in deciding which cause will be the recipient of the combined grant but we also have an opportunity to connect with other amazing women who are concerned about making this a better place.”

Why is it important for you to give back?

“This community has been my home for more than thirty years and where I have experienced personal and professional success. I want to make our community a better place to live.”

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

“The love of my life, my husband of 38 years, and I have a regular “date” with another couple we have been good friends with for years. We rotate weekly who chooses where we go but the rule used to be that it had to be someplace we’ve not been to, but we actually stopped that so we could go back to the places we really liked!”

For information about joining Impact Las Vegas visit www.impact-lv.org.

Dr. Michael D. Richards

By: Callie Thomas

Why is it that when you want time to pass it moves slowly and yet, when you’re doing something that you’re passionate about and has significant meaning to you, it passes with the blink of an eye?  For 30 years, area resident Dr. Michael Richards has been an educator and mentor and it seems that it was just yesterday he began a long and deeply satisfying career as President of the College of Southern Nevada (CSN).  After completing his bachelor’s degree at Weber State University in Utah in the early 1970’s, Richards decided to enter the Air Force, where he served from 1972 – 1979.  He joined the ROTC and completed his Masters in English at Utah State University, where he got his first taste of teaching.  While stationed in Alabama, he was able to teach English at night and enjoyed working with the students.  It was then that he first thought of higher education as a career.

After completing his Ph.D. at the University of Denver, Colorado he transitioned into his current career in colleges and universities. Since moving to Las Vegas eight years ago, he’s been the President and CEO of CSN. He is committed to improving pathways into higher education for people in the diverse community of Las Vegas and in strengthening the college’s role in serving our residents in addition to giving students the tools to accomplish their educational, career, and personal goals.  As such, he is dedicated to supporting the work of the CSN Foundation, an organization made up of community supporters to raise millions of dollars in cash and equipment for student scholarships and academic programs. Dr. Richards talks about the program, why giving back to the community is so important and what is behind his most treasured accomplishments.

Tell us about the CSN Foundation.

“The Foundation is made up of 28 wonderful community supporters that continue to work tirelessly to make it possible for the organization to develop scholarships and academic programs. Over the last 10 years the Foundation has expanded in the area of scholarships and the impact of this aid on individual students is both moving and gratifying.  The scholarship awards change lives on a personal level.”

What experiences through the Foundation can you share with us?

“A great example is the Engelstad Family Foundation gift totaling $8.2 million dollars.  This generous donation helped CSN build a state-of-the-art cardiorespiratory education center and provided a $1 million scholarship endowment for health sciences students.

What does giving back to the community mean to you?

“I believe each of us, regardless of our circumstances can give back to our community to advance and improve the lives of people.  Some of us can do it through money, others can commit time and talents.  I am still in awe at the way the community comes out to support charitable events. People do it repeatedly and they care about what’s going on here.”

Are there any other organizations in which you’re involved?

“I am also involved with the Las Vegas South Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It is important as I also get involved with many volunteer events, sports and activities that serve the community.”

What do you think makes you successful?

“I am blessed to work with colleagues who work hard on behalf of education, workforce development, and community advancement.  Also, my family—I have five daughters and seven grandchildren and they all give me a great perspective on life.”

How do you relax after a busy day?

“I’ll be honest, often I don’t. This is a great job with a lot of responsibility and it does not come with a set number of hours.  But this is the best job, helping students achieve a college education.”

What life inspirations would you give to others?

“Our most important work, as working adults and parents, is in the walls of our homes with our families.”

Debbie Roxarzade

By: Callie Thomas

Restaurateur and Las Vegas neighbor Debbie Roxarzade has the recipe for success.  The 89135 resident is the founder and developer of the popular Rachel’s Kitchen franchise, which has grown to five locations in Las Vegas with another slated to open in the McCarran Airport D Gates at the end of this year.  Not only has she set a trend in fresh, wholesome food with a gourmet twist, she’s used her success to support a variety of non-profit organizations that impact our community.

Roxarzade’s been in the restaurant industry for nearly 20 years, turning her passion for cooking into owning and operating multiple dining venues both in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.  What started with a small coffee shop in L.A. has grown into a popular franchise now in Las Vegas featuring sandwiches, salads, pastas and more to please every palate.

Debbie has always felt it was important to give back for the successes she has attained, and it has been a priority in her hometown since moving to the community seven years ago.  She is a Board member of the Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA Foundation, which identifies and funds the needs of abused and neglected children in foster care.  She’s also donated to several organizations including Three Square, Smiles for Survivors, Communities in Schools, Baby’s Bounty and St. Balderick’s Foundation. Roxarzade and the Rachel’s Kitchen franchise owners have also come together to create a website that offers information to online guests about the various organizations they support throughout the year and to educate visitors about the impact of these non-profits in the community at www.friendsofrachels.com. Debbie Roxarzade gives us an inside look at Rachel’s Kitchen and tells us why she feels giving back is so important.

How did the concept of Rachel’s Kitchen come about?

“It is actually named for my daughter Rachel.  Rachel’s Kitchen has many of the same menu items from my restaurants in Los Angeles.  I had a vision that this café would be warm and inviting where people would feel comfortable and want to return.”

What do you think makes it so special? 

“It’s where people can eat regularly and find something different to try.  We pride ourselves on wholesome food and delicious recipes that are easy to enjoy.”

What are the challenges (and rewards) of developing a franchise compared to a stand-alone restaurant?

“The challenges are that I need to relinquish some control, while the rewards are watching something that I created grow and expand in the hands of others.”

Is opening a restaurant at McCarran Airport different then a neighborhood franchise?

“It’s been a learning experience. It’s definitely more challenging and different than a regular storefront. I am proud to say I am now an official airport badge holder.  I am still finalizing the menu as a grab & go location but we will have many of the same smoothies and juices, salads and sandwiches.”

Why are you so passionate about giving back?

“For me and my family, giving back means being thankful for all the things we have in life and remembering those who are less fortunate- especially children.  I am trying to teach my children daily to be grateful for what they have, and to understand the challenges that some children face. I try to include my children in some of the events that I do so they can see how they can personally make in impact in the lives of others. It’s heartbreaking for me when I meet these children who don’t have a stable home life.  I want to do whatever I can to help them.”

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

“My strong marriage to my husband Jon and raising my two children Rachel and Ryan while building my business.”

How do you unplug after a busy day?

“Dinner with my family and a glass of Pinot Noir.  We talk about our favorite and least favorite parts of our day.”

The Animal Foundation Wins $100,000 in ASPCA Challenge

Every year, millions of animals are given up to shelters. For those of us who look at our pets like furry family members, this is a hard number to imagine. What’s even harder to swallow is that a large percentage of those animals are ultimately euthanized because they can’t be placed in a proper home with people who love them. The Animal Foundation in our community works day-in and day-out to avoid this devastating truth about unwanted pets and, this summer, their hard work paid off.

Outperforming 48 other shelters nationwide, The Animal Foundation was the winner of the $100,000 Grand Prize in the 2013 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge. The goal of the challenge was to increase the number of lives saved this summer (June, July and August) over the summer of 2012. Amazingly, The Animal Foundation was able to increase its number by over 1,000 animals from the previous year, beating its second-place rival by only a small margin. “We were completely shocked,” stated Meghan Scheibe, Marketing and Public Relations Manager for The Animal Foundation. “We worked our tails off this summer to place as many animals into loving homes as possible, and hoped that it would be enough to win the Grand Prize. We’re so excited to have won this life-saving funding, and are so grateful to our staff, volunteers and the community for their continued support.”

When you look at your pups, cats or other animal family, be sure to remember what The Animal Foundation is doing for those not lucky enough to have a loving home.

Local Restaurants Support Create a Change Now

In a world where childhood obesity is one of our scariest and most rampant epidemics, proactive organizations are working on the front-end to stop the problem before it reaches the doctor’s office, hospital or worse. Educating our children and families about the importance of healthy, clean eating, cooking and growing our own food has become a necessity we can no longer ignore.

Create a Change Now, a local non-profit, is dedicated to empowering children to look at food in a different, healthier way in spite of many external pressures that may tempt them to do otherwise. In its most recent fundraiser, local community restaurants including Bradley Ogden’s Hops & Harvest, Poppy Den by Chef Angelo Sosa, Rachel’s Kitchen, DW Bistro, Circus Circus and Bon Bread were on hand to give tastes of local cuisine, while fresh52 and Artisan Market also attended to showcase fresh local produce. “Our goal is to fight childhood obesity which has become a national epidemic in this country. Our first big fundraiser was geared to entertain and appeal to the entire family,” said Melissa Blynn, executive director of Create a Change Now.

The circus-themed event raised over $18,000 to be used to help support nutritional education, chef demonstrations as well as planting more edible gardens in schools to bring healthy eating to the forefront and prevent the potentially disastrous results of ignoring the influence of food on our young people.  For more information on Create a Change Now, visit www.createachangenow.org.

Smiles for Survivors

The ripple effect of breast cancer on a person’s life, their family and loved-ones, is only masked by the severe and detrimental result it can have on the person’s overall health and appearance. The brutal truth survivors must face is that even the means to fight the disease can have terrible and lasting side effects. One of the more conspicuous, yet little discussed consequence is the degeneration of survivors’ teeth as they are taken through chemotherapy. A local non-profit is on a mission to raise awareness of this specific byproduct of chemo, and bring smiles and joy back to a cancer survivor’s life by restoring the damage.

The Smiles for Survivors Foundation ™ held its 3^rd Annual Blow Out Breast Cancer event at Square Colour Salon + Spa in Summerlin, raising over $26,000 to provide preventative and restorative dental treatment and education for cancer patients going through chemotherapy. More than 350 people attended the event sponsored by Square Colour Salon + Spa, By Dzign Furniture, Rob Jensen Company – Guard Gated Real Estate, Park Place Infiniti and Couture Dermatology and Plastic Surgery.

“Receiving the gift of a smile allows me to share my story with others who are affected by this disease,” said survivor and patient, Lilly Gill.  “I can never thank Drs. Olya Banchik, Bradley Strong and Mark Degen enough for the wonderful new smile they have provided for me.”  The team of volunteers replaced Gill’s missing teeth and restored her remaining teeth. No longer self-conscious about her mouth’s appearance, Gill explained that the dentists also restored her joyful spirit. For information on Smiles for Survivors, visit www.smilesforsurvivors.org.

A Crackin’ Success | Crab Corner Maryland Seafood House

I love it when a good thing just gets better. It started when two East Coast legit brothers expanded their wholesale Maryland blue crab distributorship by opening a tiny, nondescript (okay, the Baltimore Ravens décor isn’t exactly commonplace in the valley) strip mall restaurant and, surprise of all surprises, it brilliantly succeeded. Despite a poor economy and more than moderately priced (though worth every penny) menu items, Crab Corner Maryland Seafood House has thrived, so much so that you can now down the good stuff at a second location at 6485 So. Rainbow at the 215.

Die hard blue crab fans have known about the original Corner, located at 4161 S. Eastern, virtually since the place opened almost three years ago. News spread quickly that real deal blue crabs were crackin’, and that for about the same price you’d expect to pay for the delicate little devils if you were sitting on the shores of the Chesapeake, you could pull up a chair stateside and enjoy. The charming part is that even after all the hype, the place hasn’t been Vega-fied. You know, snazzed up and priced up to the point that only the rich and famous can indulge. Nope… there’s still a little blue bucket for the shells, gills and anything else inside you’d care not to eat, and charming brown butcher paper table “cloths” used to catch all the drippings you manage to miss. Crab that was most likely swimming in the bay just a day or so prior is still plopped unapologetically onto the table; a heap of perfectly steamed, J.O. seasoned heaven in a shell, waiting to be cracked and devoured with an ice cold beer to wash it down. Oh ya… there’s really not many simple pleasures better than this. That is, until you taste one of their crab cakes.

Having travelled to Baltimore many times, I’ve had my share of crab cakes. Some good, some full of stuff I wouldn’t recommend, but for the most part they’ve arguably got the best in the nation. Those served at Crab Corner stand up to the best. Incredibly sweet chunks of the freshest crab imaginable, patted lightly together with an undetectable binder, fried in butter and served with a lemony tartar sauce you’ll shamelessly spoon into your mouth well after the rest of the meal is finished. It’s easy to obsess about these little morsels, as they’re really that good. Order them as an appetizer if you’re planning on crab cracking, or indulge in the platter or sandwich offerings for a full meal; just don’t resist ordering them as diner’s regret will be imminent.

Crab Corner brings other down home specialties to the table, including hand battered, melt in your mouth oysters, bacon wrapped scallops with an apricot chutney sauce, and even jumbo Gulf shrimp, all flown in fresh within days of being caught. Side orders are homemade, their hushpuppies deliciously moist without being gluey, and Boardwalk style French fries seasoned aggressively with more J.O. crab seasoning and splashed with a bit of vinegar for kick. They’re not a bit oily and go well to cut the richness of beer battered Alaskan Cod (a fish Friday fav), fried sea clams or Southern style catfish. For dessert, it’s Baltimore Style Snowballs; shaved iced doused with flavors from bubblegum to egg custard and topped with chocolate or marshmallow cream if you’re so inclined.

Brothers Mark and John Smolen were brave souls to start a crab restaurant in the midst of a looming recession. But what they’ve created is proof that when you serve a little piece of home and do it without compromising freshness over fear of failure, good things happen. And even with a new location coming to relieve the crowds, beware: the Ravens games are coming. Get there early if you want a seat in the house.

Deanna Konopka

Cimarron-Memorial High School
Class of 2014

It’s hard to find a person with the curiosity and bravery to start something totally new, and even more rare for that person to posses the focus and willpower to conquer the difficulties that will surely come from inexperience. This is the mindset of Deanna Konopka, Student Body President at Cimarron-Memorial High School. Embodying the maturity and patience to trust in incremental improvement along the path to success, Deanna believes that just because you’re not good at something the first time around doesn’t mean you should give up. With incredible tenacity and a positive attitude she’s sure to conquer any challenge she faces with flying colors, placing her – A Step Above.

Sports/Activities/Clubs

• Varsity Tennis, 2013-Present
• Varsity Cheerleading, 2010-2013
• Varsity Swimming, 2010-2013
• Sophomore Class Secretary, 2011-2012
• Student Body Secretary, 2012-2013
• Student Body President, 2013-Present

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service

• National Honor Society, 2012-Present
• Scholar Athlete Award, 2012-2013
• NIAA Swim Regional Finalist, 2011-2013
• National High School Cheerleading Competition, 2012-2013
• Spartan Academic Lamp, 2012-2013
• Spartan Academic Letter, 2011-2012
• St. Joseph Husband of Mary Community Service, 2010-2013
• Atria Seville Nursing Home Volunteer, 2011-2013
• Candlighter’s Run, 2010-2012
• Thanksgiving Feed for the Hungry, 2011-2012
• Catholic Charities, 2012

What accomplishment are you most most proud of?  I am most proud of winning the “Do the Write Thing” challenge, an essay contest about violence and how it affects our community.  Not only did I get to travel to Washington D.C. with my mother, I also got the chance to meet with other student delegates from around the nation.  Winning that contest made me more confident in the writing I have done since, and it also was a wonderful experience I will never forget.

We’re sure you’ve had your share of obstacles. When I swatted at my first tennis ball it looked as if I’d never have a chance to make the Varsity Tennis Team at my high school.  My boyfriend and I practiced on the courts for hours, but I was barely improving.  It seemed like I was chasing down the balls more than hitting them over the net.  However, I wanted to be a part of that tennis team, so I practiced numerous weekends making sure I’d be ready in time for tryouts. Try-outs came around and within the first week I was playing number one doubles.  It felt like such a great accomplishment and I was proud of myself.  I believe that if you want something bad enough, you will work towards it until you achieve it.

Any one thing that drives your success? My drive to be the best I can be is what makes me successful.  Every day I strive to push myself to be better than the day before.  I believe that my motivation, as well as the great support system I have behind me, is what has made me successful.

Shane Cashin

E.W. Clark High School
Class of 2014

Shane Cashin shoots for the moon…literally. Meeting the intensely ambitious senior at The Academy of Mathematics, Science and Applied Technology (AMSAT) program at E.W. Clark High School is like meeting Juggernaut from X-Men, except on the “good” team and ready to make a tangible, positive difference in our world. And we believe him. Academically he’s at the top of the district, and he’s an award-winning cross country runner and musician, but what’s most notable about Shane is his passion – for life, for positive influence and for being the best. His big dreams put him – A Step Above.

 
Sports/Music/Clubs

• Varsity Cross Country, 2011-Present
• Las Vegas Premier Soccer Club, 2010-2012
• Freshman Football, 2010
• Clark Philanthropic Orchestra, 2012-Present
• Zion Youth Orchestra (Violin), 2011
• Temple Beth Shalom Youth Group (Piano), 2010
• Forensics Club, 2011-Present; Platform Captain, 2012-2013; Captain, 2013-Present
• DECA/FBLA, 2011-Present; Vice President, 2012-2013; President, 2013-Present
• Key Club, 2011-Present
• National Honors Society, 2011-Present

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• AP Scholar with Distinction, 2013
• Harvard Prize Book Winner, 2013
• National Merit Commended Scholar, 2013
• Top 25 Individual Runner – Nevada State Cross Country Championships, 2013
• Financial Services Nevada State Champion – DECA, 2012-13
• Award of Excellence Top 25 International Competition – DECA, 2012-13
• National Qualifier, Varsity Original Oratory, 2012
• La Cost Tournament of Champions in California, Champion – Varsity Original Oratory, 2012
• Gan Alonim Volunteer Day, 2012-2013
• Summerlin Hospital Volunteer, 2011-2012

You have a unique way of tackling a challenge. My ability to envision the results is what has driven me my entire life. If I am at a race, the beginning may be the toughest part, but as soon as I envision crossing the finish line I begin to work harder to improve my time. When I might not feel motivated to study for a big test, I imagine getting my test results back, and then I begin to work harder. If I want to feel successful when it’s over, I know that I need to put in the effort from the beginning.

What’s your take on our community’s youth? Young adults often find school boring and dull as opposed to what school should be viewed as: the chance to open their minds. I believe that the use of today’s technology can be implemented more closely into schools all around the globe and used to make classes more interactive and interesting to students. One day I hope to work to create a more efficient process for students to participate and learn in the classroom through the use of technology.

We see you have big plans. I have always dreamed of standing up in front of a crowd of hundreds of thousands of people and influencing them. Growing up I was always the short one, but when I stand up in front of an audience I feel bigger than ever. In the more unrealistic zone: being an actor, opening my own smoothie/sandwich shop, visiting every continent at least once, and traveling to space since I have a bet with my younger sisters on who will make it there first.