MooOink Balls
[yumprint-recipe id=’17’]
Mac ‘n’ Cheese Poppers
[yumprint-recipe id=’16’]
Linebacker Crunch
[yumprint-recipe id=’15’]
Hula Sliders
[yumprint-recipe id=’14’]
30 Cutest Pets & Their People
Ten years ago this month you may have seen our Publisher, Greg Wagonseller, lurking about at a local dog park, camera in hand. Often times met with a quick sprint in the opposite direction or that quizzical “who is this crazy stalker guy” gaze his targets frequently displayed, Greg patiently carried on in the hopes of getting a few proud puppy owners to allow him a picture for our Pets and their People section.
No one had heard of us at the time, but fast forward a decade and you’re sure to notice that Greg has since been relieved of his duties…well in that department anyway! Thanks to the hundreds of pictures our readers (that’s you!) have sent in over the years, Pets and their People have delighted both staff and readers alike, allowing us a look into the lives you share with your beloved furry family members. Actually, fur was never a prerequisite as we’ve highlighted an interesting array of animals that you choose to call pets including horses, lizards, turtles, ferrets, bunnies, birds and even a gigantic snake!
Here’s a collection of some of the pictures we’ve received over the past ten years. We hope you enjoy seeing friends old and new, pay tribute to those that may have passed on and remember to keep sending in your favorites. We wouldn’t want to have to put Greg back out on the beat.
[egslider]
Judi Steele, The Public Education Foundation
You may not think much has changed since featuring Judi almost seven years ago; after all, she is still the President of The Public Education Foundation. But implementing bold strategies to improve education requires innovation, something Judi knows much about. The Foundation has helped students realize their dreams in many ways. In addition to investing in early childhood and family engagement programming, the Foundation’s Scholarship Program awarded more than 440 scholarships – totaling nearly $1 million- this past year alone. Programs including Teacher EXCHANGE™, a green initiative that distributes books, office supplies and other material – frequently headed for landfills – to valley teachers brings much needed supplies to the classroom, and the Foundation’s Artists 4 Kidz initiative, developed in association with the Clint Holmes Foundation and other performing artists, is providing students with meaningful visual and performing arts experiences.
But the Foundation’s Leadership Institute of Nevada is what Steele feels is a real game changer for the future of education. “To effect real change in our schools we must develop entrepreneurial leaders who are strategic thinkers and demonstrate the courage to execute innovative solutions and produce results,” she says. “Through exposure to national thought leaders and collaborations, the Leadership Institute of Nevada is developing a statewide network of great leaders who are capable of transforming our public schools.” For information, visit www.thepef.org.
Paige Candee & Paula Lawrence, Dress for Success
When the great recession hit hard in Las Vegas, Paige Candee decided to make a difference for out-of-work women by founding our city’s affiliate of the international organization, Dress for Success, in 2009. Shortly thereafter, Paula Lawrence joined the Board of Directors, only to leave her post for a permanent position as the organizations Executive Director. With these two women at the helm, and the help of countless volunteers in the community, the organization has launched more than 1000 women on the road to self-sufficiency. “I founded DFSSNV with the intention of empowering women and helping them gain the skills necessary to not only stay employed, but to build careers and become role models to their children,” says Paige. “We have definitely done that through our suiting program that clothed more than 600 women in 2013 alone, and our job skills training and retention programs.”
Utilizing innovative fundraising ideas like their “Little Black Dress Club”, as well as signature social events including the annual Power Walk, Derby Rose Champagne Luncheon & Fashion Show and Diamond Dig sponsored by M.J. Christensen Diamond Centers, the group has big plans for the future. As Paula enthusiastically proclaims, “With the continued support of the community, Dress for Success Southern Nevada will help thousands of women find the spark that ignites their future. The years ahead are very bright for women looking to become self-sufficient.” To find out more, visit www.dressforsuccess.org/southernnevada.
Jeff Roberts, Springs Preserve and Desert Living Center
With a passion for sustainability and eco friendly initiatives, Jeff was instrumental in developing the Spring Preserve’s master plan prior to its opening in 2007, and also designed the Desert Living Center at the preserve. Today, this award winning facility is viewed as a cultural institution that prides itself on being a community leader in environmental stewardship, while offering interactive exhibits and events that entertain the masses. Influencing ecological initiatives around the globe, the preserve is toured and studied by building professionals and environmental organizations from around the world, making it a leading international example of sustainable architecture. Never has a public utility taken on such a bold and visionary task to transform its community with such a rich and culturally diverse resource, and Jeff is proud to be a part of it all.
“Through my continued engagement with the Springs Preserve I have been incredibly fortunate to be exposed to countless professionals, organizations and leaders in the green industry. It has allowed me to work on numerous other deep green projects in the area, including the Corn Creek, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Spring Mountains visitor centers, as well as the Discover Children’s Museum. I am honored to be associated with the project and proud that the Springs Preserve has the ability to influence future generations about appropriate decisions required by the community of tomorrow.” Visit them at www.springspreserve.com.
Stacey Escalante, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
You can have all of the research in the world, but if you don’t have public policy to implement it, it doesn’t matter. This is the mindset of Stacey Escalante, the volunteer Media Chair for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACSCAN). Along with other passionate voices, Stacey, a Stage III melanoma survivor, played a pivotal role in getting Senate Bill 267 passed this past October. The ground breaking law makes Nevada one of only three states in the nation to completely ban the use of tanning beds by anyone under the age of 18 years old. It’s a personal victory for Stacey, considering the chances of being afflicted by melanoma are drastically increased by UV exposure from tanning beds, but she’s just getting started.
“Getting involved with ACSCAN was such a blessing after my own diagnosis and subsequent remission. It’s a natural fit for me. As a cancer survivor, former broadcast journalist & a political science major (from UCLA), lobbying on behalf of cancer patients is right in my wheelhouse. I absolutely love it!” For information, visit www.acscan.org/nevada.
Staci Columbo Alonso, Noah’s Animal House
Determined to bring victims of domestic violence together with their beloved pets, animal lover Staci Columbo Alonso opened Noah’s Animal House, a full service pet facility on the grounds of The Shade Tree Shelter, in October 2007. Through hard work and perseverance, her efforts have not only housed, spayed and neutered, and provided veterinary care for hundreds of animals at the 1400 square foot facility, but has garnered national recognition from like-minded entities including Woman’s Day Magazine.
“Noah’s is still the largest facility in the country and includes over 30 kennels/cat condos, separate intake room for new arrivals, a vet station, grooming, and two living rooms for women, children and their pets to spend quality time together in a home environment,” say Alonso. With only two percent of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. offering some form of pet services, Staci’s has plans to change the national climate. “Thanks to the generosity of the Las Vegas community and the success of our operation, our goal is to partner with other domestic violence shelters in the U.S. to expand Noah’s Animal House outside of Las Vegas,” she adds. For more information, visit www.noahsanimalhouse.org.
