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Join BLVDS Magazine, YOUR Community Magazine, as we discuss what a great place Las Vegas is to live and play with your family, kids, and furry friends. Our annual Family, Kids, and Pets issue...just in time for Summer!
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issue 26
c o m m u n i t y l c u l t u r e l d e s i g n l f l a v o rc o m m u n i t y l c u l t u r e l d e s i g n l f l a v o rc o m m u n i t y l c u l t u r e l d e s i g n l f l a v o r
Before After
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Don’t just sit there watching the grass grow, enroll today. Apply online at snwa.com or call 258-SAVE.
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Take the heat off your lawn and earn some cool cash.
C11_WSL AD_BLVDS-ASTP.indd 1 5/16/11 5:34 PM
living room
Get your kids out of the house into the great outdoors. Your Nevada adventure may help you discover a healthier, happier family.
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There’s something for every explorer at Springs Preserve Summer Camp.
One-week day camps, Monday-FridayJune 13-August 22
Call 822-7700 or visit springspreserve.org for details.
Presented by: The Springs Preserve in partnership with Drama Kids International and the YMCA
LET YOUR KIDS RUN WILD
HERE! Summer Camps 2011
Best Family Attraction!
SP11_CAMPS AD BLVDS 4x8.25-ASTP.indd 1 5/17/11 10:03 AM
b l v d s l v . c o m issue26 f a m i l y / k i d s / p e t s B L V D S L a s V e g a s 5
what’s insideA R T I C L E S & H I G H L I G H T S
NevadaSPCA14
JennyValdez29
Bricks4Kidz38
Marinelli’s46
in th
is issue
ON THE COVER:Trucker—hispeopleownTheDogHouse©Yasmin Tajik/Shalimar Studios
THIS PAGE FROM TOP:Furryfriend©Alex Rodriguez;paintingbyJennyValdez©Jenny Valdez;buildingsupplies©Kimberly Schaefer;DuckRisotto©The M Resort
C O M M U N I T YSpotlights
Sharon & Gregg Carlson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Noah Kohn, M .D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Hamsters and Ferrets and Rabbits, Oh My!Nevada SPCA Finds Forever Homes for Dogs and Cats, Too . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Go Outside and PlayPrograms Encourage Family Fun in the Great Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
C U LT U R EProject ImagineHealing with Pictures and Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Jenny ValdezAn Accidental Painter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Upcoming EventsCheck Out the BLVDS Events Calendar for Upcoming Local Events . . . . . . . . . 32
D E S I G NIt Takes a VillageTeaching Kids How to Stay Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Bricks 4 KidzBuilding Self-Confidence through Creative Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
F L A V O RIt ’s a Good Dog’s Life!Local Entrepreneur Keeps Pets Healthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Marinelli ’s at the M ResortEating I tal ian with the Marnell Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6B L V D S L a s V e g a s f a m i l y / k i d s / p e t s i s s u e 2 6 b l v d s l v . c o m
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THEBLVDSTEAMJan Craddock President&PublisherSherri Kaplan COO&Co-PublisherPat Marvel ConsultingEditorKimberly Schaefer ManagingEditorRandi Daniels ArtDirection&DesignDiane Bush PhotoEditor
EDITORIAL BOARDBrianPacoAlvarezTracyBowerDuretteCanditoChrisCutlerAudrieDodgeGinaGavanNancyHigginsWendyJordanWendyKveckPamLangRandiChaplin-MatushevitzRobMcCoyJasonRothKimberlyMaxson-RushtonKarenRubelKristinSandeRickSellersKimberlyTrueba
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSChrisCutlerJoyceGorsuchHeidiKyserBrockRadkeKimberlySchaeferEricSchellhorn
PHOTOGRAPHYAllysonButlerJennell MillerKimberlySchaeferAlexRodriguezYasminTajikGregWarden
CONTAC T US241W.CharlestonBlvd., Suite173LasVegas,NV89102(p)386.6065blvdslv.com
I am, by most standards, a fortunate girl. I have a small, close, and mostly-sane
family.Myparentshavebeenmarriedforforty-fouryearsandlivejustafewmiles
fromme.Myonlysisterandher family livehere, too.Forallofus,LasVegashas
trulybecomehome.
Overthelastfewyears,it’sbeenmypleasuretosharemyfamilywithyoursthrough
theworkIdoatBLVDS.I’vedonesonotonlyinourannual“Family,Kids&Pets”issue,
but in others. My only child, Charlie, has been photographed for several stories.
Heandmyhusbandwereoncethe“models”forastoryabouthikingaroundthe
Valley.I’vewrittenaboutmysonandmynephew,Barrett.Andtheyhaveinspired
stories that have been featured in the magazine—among them J.R. Pony Farm,
Sandou Circus School, andTiptoe Shoes in previous issues. In this issue, I write
aboutBricks4Kidz,oneofmyson’s favoriteafterschoolactivitiesandChildren’s
HeartFoundationwhotouchedourfamilythroughtheirworkwithmynephew.In
manyways,lookingthroughthepagesofBLVDShasbecomelikelookingthrough
myownfamilyalbum.
Ofcourse, it’salsoapleasuretosharewithyouthestoriesof localorganizations
andbusinesseswhoservefamiliesandkids—eventhefurryfour-leggedones.Just
takealookatTrucker,ourcoverdog.Whatamug!Heinspiredhispeopletostarta
business,TheDogHouse,whichyoucanreadabouthere.Ifyou’reinspiredbyhim
toadoptyourowncuddlycompanion,youcan learnabouttheplethoraofpets
whoareseekingforeverhomesatNSPCA.Andifyou’relookingforwaystokeep
yourhumanfamilyactive,engagedinnature,andwell-fed,thenreadon.
KimberlySchaefer,ManagingEditor
Copyright2011byBLVDS,Inc.,allrightsreserved.NopartofthispublicationmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformwithoutwrittenpermissionfromBLVDS,Inc.Everyeffortwasmadetoensuretheaccuracyoftheinformationinthispublication,however,BLVDS,Inc.assumesnoresponsibilityforerrors,changesoromissions.BLVDS,Inc.acceptseditorialandphotographysubmissions.Sendallsubmissionsto:[email protected].
Follow us on Facebook & Twitter.
SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLET TER. Just email [email protected] with the subject “Subscribe.”
Dr. Q. here inviting you to join our Star Nursery Kids Garden Club
It’s Free Gardening FunSaturdays, June 11 & 25, July 9 & 23, Aug 13.
9 am to 10 am at all Star Nursery Locations
Kids from 3 to 11 years of age. Parents or Guardian presence required. Sign up at starnursery.com/kidsclub
Midsummer Night's DreamShakespeare in the Park
Check the web site for dates and locations.
lvshakes.org 702.220.LVSC (5872)
Coming to a Henderson Park in October.
com
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DOGS AND CATS MAY BE THE MOST TRADITIONAL HOUSEHOLD
PETS, BUT RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS CAN MAKE LOVING FAMILY
MEMBERS, TOO. THE NEVADA SPCA CARES FOR THEM ALL AND
INVITES YOU TO SAVE A LIFE AND FIND A FOREVER FRIEND.
SOUTHERN NEVADA OFFERS A WEALTH OF RECREATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES. LEARN ABOUT LOCAL PROGRAMS THAT
ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS.
THIS PAGE: Family fun at Lake Mead ©Jennell Miller
blvds communitythe local spotlightARTICLES
Spotlights
Sharon & Gregg CarlsonHelping Hearts to Heal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Noah Kohn, M.D.Taking Pediatric Medicine Back to School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Hamsters and Ferrets and Rabbits, Oh My!Nevada SPCA Finds Forever Homes for Dogs and Cats, Too . . . . . 14
Go Outside and PlayPrograms Encourage Family Fun in the Great Outdoors . . . . . . . . . 20
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b l v d s l v . c o m issue 26 f a m i l y / k i d s / p e t s B L V D S L a s V e g a s 1 1
SPOTLIGHTS
SHARON & GREGG CARLSONHELPING HEARTS TO HEAL
It’s easy to say that when life hands you lemons, you should make lemonade. Families who are faced with a child’s critical medical condition could easily be excused from doing so.
But that’s exactly what Sharon and Gregg Carlson did when their daughter Julia was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy as a two-month-old infant. Of course, they had a little help in doing so from their daughter’s physician, Dr. William Evans. When Julia was admitted to Sunrise Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Dr. Evans suggested another “heart” family visit them to lend their support as the Carlsons navigated through the often-confusing and heart-rending world of pediatric medicine. “The Acebos, a family whose daughter was 8 years old at the time, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the same age as Julia. They helped us to be able to cut through the mud,” recalls Sharon. The relationship that developed became the foundation for what is now the Children’s Heart Foundation.
The Carlsons’ journey from that initial diagnosis to today has, without question, been a long one. Visits to the cardiologist’s office, medication, a trip to California’s Loma Linda University Medical Center to discuss heart transplantation, and a presumed-imminent transplant have been a part of their lives. Julia is now a 13-year-old eighth grader whose heart condition has improved to the point that a transplant is no longer necessary. Says Sharon, “After about two years on ACE inhibitors, her heart started to function normally. She’s still on the meds, not all of them, because they don’t quite know how much of it is the meds making her heart functioning normally, but her heart is no longer enlarged.”
The Carlsons’ desire to share their experiences and support other heart kids and families became the goals of Children’s Heart Foundation. CHF’s goals include supporting families “as they deal with the emotional and financial toll exacted by a child’s heart problems.” CHF also seeks to educate healthcare professionals and the public regarding pediatric cardiology issues. Says Gregg, “We were very fortunate that Julia’s pediatrician, Dr. Conti, recognized that something was wrong right away. The Foundation holds an annual conference locally to work with physicians to ensure that they have the expertise to recognize cardiac problems in their patients.”
The heart kids’ favorite aspect of CHF? Camp Mend-A-Heart each summer. This year marks the camp’s seventh year offering a cost-free, medically-supervised camp for children who are born with or develop heart conditions. CHF has been fortunate to find an amazing community partner in Rapport Leadership International. The organization donates their Alamo, Nevada, Executive Ranch for the camp each year, donates all the food for the camp, and donates their employees’ time.
Campers at Camp-Mend-A-Heart enjoy crafts, water fun, hiking, and a ropes course, all under the watchful eyes of nurses, doctors, and
fire fighters who are on hand to make sure these special children stay safe and healthy. Understandably, that’s an extra benefit for their parents—a chance to allow their kids to be kids without worrying that their medical needs can’t be met.
What’s for dinner tonight?Filet mignon with bleu cheese sauce. It’s our “signature” family meal. Our older daughter, Linnea, just came home from college today.
Where is your favorite place that you’ve travelled?Hawaii—we go there every summer for a couple of weeks.
What’s next?Our son’s wedding, our family vacation, and then camp.
“The Foundation holds an annual conference
locally to work with physicians to ensure that they
have the expertise to recognize cardiac problems
in their patients.”
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When Dr. Noah Kohn started talking with the person behind him in the buffet line at a friend’s 2007 wedding, he had no idea that conversation was going to change his life forever. The casual, “What do you do?” introduced the pediatrician to a woman who worked for the Nevada chapter of Communities in Schools, a non-profit, drop-out prevention program. The woman
mentioned that CIS had created clinics at Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School in North Las Vegas and Cynthia Cunningham Elementary School in the eastern part of Las Vegas to offer health care to students, but that they had no one to run them.
Within a year, Kohn had closed his thriving Summerlin practice to become medical director of the clinics and, in July 2009, founded Clinics in Schools, a non-profit, charitable organization that provides school-based health care to the children of Nevada. Currently, he provides free primary-care medical services at the two freestanding clinics located on the Martinez and Cunningham campuses. The only completely free health care centers for children in the state of Nevada that are open full-time and on a year-round basis, the clinics provide medical services to any child under the age of 18 and to anyone 18 or older who is still enrolled in school.
Aided by a medical assistant and a volunteer, Kohn spends two days per week at each school and reserves Wednesdays for administrative work. He says that there is often a line at the door when he arrives at the clinics each morning, and that he often has a line when he opens again after lunch.
“We see an average of 20 kids each day,” he says. “For the most part, it’s a bread-and-butter pediatric practice where we treat colds and typical childhood ailments, but we do see a smattering of kids with broken bones, or tonsil, hernia, and appendix problems.”
Kohn also spends time during well-child visits educating the parents and children on family health, personal safety, and nutrition. While he does have a partner who pays for prescriptions
for kids in need and is grateful for the support he’s received from United Way, NV Energy, The White Group, and CCSD, Kohn is still working on expanding services to include basic lab, dental, vision, and mental health care.
Kohn admits that he loves what he does because he loves working with children. “The best part of my day is playing with kids,” he states. “I get down on their level, make them laugh and be at ease so that they know I’m not trying to hurt them. In the end, they know I’m there to help them feel better.”
What’s next?Funding. We need money to keep the two clinics open, and we need money to expand, to grow. There are empty clinics all over the valley, but we need funding to add clinical staff and funding to add to our services. I’d like to offer basic lab, vision, dental and mental care, but without funding, it’s not possible.
What’s for dinner?Whatever the kids will eat. Only kidding. My daughters, who are both swimmers, like most foods. My wife and I make sure they eat foods that are nutritious and good for them. We stay away from fruit juices which have a lot of sugar in them. Most people don’t realize fruit juices really have no nutritional value and that a 16-ounce glass of orange juice has as much sugar as a bottle of soda.
NOAH KOHN, M.D.TAKING PEDIATRIC MEDICINE BACK TO SCHOOL
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their level, make them laugh and
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not trying to hurt them.”
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Brandy Hill is kneeling on the floor in the
Love Bugs room at the Nevada SPCA animal
sanctuary, cradling a plump white rabbit in her
arms as a steady-handed volunteer clips the
animal’s nails with the delicacy and precision
of a neurosurgeon.
Perhaps sensing he’s in good hands, today’s
lop-eared patient seems almost preternaturally
calm as he submits to this impromptu pedicure.
He hardly moves a muscle until the procedure
is finished.
Hill, whose own Las Vegas home doubles as
a warren for several domesticated bunnies,
has this sort of effect on her charges at the
sanctuary. Having rescued hundreds of rabbits
abandoned on area golf courses, backyards, and
byways in the past 10 years, she knows what
makes the creatures tick. And, she knows how to
dispel popular misconceptions about them.
“People think that rabbits smell, that they can’t
live in your home or be housebroken, and
that they all sort of have the same personality.
And really, none of those things is true,” she
says. “The truth is rabbits are highly social and
highly affectionate. They’re usually odorless;
they have completely unique personalities and
make great house pets. So I try to help people
understand that.”
Hill and her fellow Nevada SPCA staffers and
volunteers adore the dogs and cats that make
up 90 percent of the adoptions the sanctuary
facilitates each year. But there’s also a special
place in their hearts for the rabbits, guinea
pigs, ferrets, turtles, hamsters, and other
adoptable animals that populate the Love
Bugs room in the course of any given year.
“Our goal is to help every domesticated
species who comes into need,” explains Doug
Duke, the organization’s executive director. “A
lot of people who are looking for companion
animals don’t always think of rabbits,
hamsters, and guinea pigs as options, but once
they learn what great pets these animals can
be—when they realize the magnificence of
other kinds of creatures—they just fall in love.
It can be a revelation,” he says.
It’s a kind of courtship Duke and his team of
animal rescuers and caretakers are working
to encourage at a time when the foreclosure
crisis and attendant economic woes have left
an increasing number of animals homeless.
Clark County Animal Control reports that
nearly 23,000 animals were impounded by
the county in the 2009-10 fiscal year—a 10
percent increase over 2008-09’s total—and that
nearly two-thirds of them were euthanized. But
Nevada SPCA is a no-kill facility, which means
every one of the 800 animals in the facility’s
care on any given day has caught a lucky break.
“At some traditional shelters, you get the sense
they’ve given up on the animal before he or
she is even in the door,” Duke says. “But when
we take in a dog, for example, he’s going to
have a toy, a blanket, two meals a day and
the care of staffers who look into his eyes and
take him for a walk. And the reason we can
look into that animal’s eyes is that we know
he’s going to be safe and cared for. We exist
to serve the animals’ best interests,” he adds.
“Because we’re 100 percent donor-funded and
receive no government money, we’re free to
do whatever it takes to help these animals find
their forever homes.”
In many cases, doing whatever it takes means
undertaking costly, labor-intensive physical
rehabilitation. The sanctuary’s single biggest
expense is medical care, Duke says. He and his
staff work with numerous local veterinarians to
minister to three-legged dogs, cats with chronic
diseases, rabbits that have been found nearly
starved after being carelessly released into the
wild, and other hard-luck cases. And every cat,
dog, rabbit, and ferret leaves the facility spayed
or neutered.
“We truly believe that every life is precious,
and that there’s somebody out there for every
FACING PAGE: What a face! ©Alex Rodriguez
HAMSTERS AND FERRETS AND RABBITS, OH MY!NEVADA SPCA FINDS FOREVER HOMES FOR DOGS AND CATS, TOO
E R I C S C H E L L H O R N
“A lot of people who are looking
for companion animals don’t
always think of rabbits, hamsters,
and guinea pigs as options, but
once they learn what great pets
these animals can be… they just
fall in love.”
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animal, no matter what the challenges are,” he
says. “With our help, every one of them can find
their special place.”
Duke found his calling two decades ago
while studying journalism at the University
of Missouri-Columbia. After learning of the
inhumane conditions in which many veal
calves were raised, he was appalled—and
motivated.
“That was my epiphany,” he recalls. “I became
a vegetarian at 21 just like that—stone cold.
When you find something that just rattles your
belief system like that, you either get upset, or
you go do something.”
Duke decided to do something. After
graduating from law school at Pepperdine
University, he felt an impending sense of
dread while waiting for the results of his bar
exam. With time to kill and no real desire
to start work at a law firm, he approached
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
and asked for a temporary job. “They created
a position for me, and I loved it because I was
fighting for the animals,” Duke remembers. “I
was channeling my energy and enthusiasm to
make the world a little more kind.”
The temporary job ultimately became a
seven-and-a-half year commitment; even after
learning that he had passed the bar, Duke
elected to remain at PETA until he signed on
with Nevada SPCA in 2002.
While his legal acumen occasionally comes in
handy on the job, it is his journalist’s background,
his knack for telling compelling stories, that has
served him best in his current role. Using all
of the traditional and digital communications
channels at his disposal—quarterly print
newsletters, a blog, Facebook, and Twitter—Duke
“markets” his animals to prospective adoptive
parents by telling their stories.
A recent blog entry featured a photo of Tito
Joe, a 7-year-old Lhasa Apso-Poodle mix,
under the headline, “I am a hidden treasure
waiting for you.” The post went on to offer
details of Tito Joe’s temperament and unique
needs: “He will do best in a gentle home,
perhaps with other dogs. At the time of
rescue, he was temperamental and grumpy,
but he is making improvements with trust. An
adult-only home is still preferred, though, so
he can continue his progress. Please plan on
regular professional grooming care for him.”
These sorts of details help Nevada SPCA avoid
common adoption pitfalls, Duke explains.
“When you find something that
just rattles your belief system like
that, you either get upset, or you
go do something.”
THIS PAGE FROM LEFT: Bunny love; kittens need a forever home ©Alex Rodriguez
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“We’re trying to give people a sense of the
animal’s unique character and needs, so that
anyone considering adoption will know what
that animal is like to live with, and what he or
she will require in terms of care,” he says.
“It’s 100 percent in our best interest to disclose
all we know. The last thing we want is for
people to select a companion animal based
on appearance or on impulse, because it’s the
animal’s personality that ultimately determines
whether the fit is right. We do everything we
possibly can to avoid those situations.”
Duke speaks with particular pride of Nevada
SPCA’s success with the Love Bugs room,
whose location within the organization’s West
Dewey Drive facility speaks volumes of the
value Duke and his team assign to frequently
overlooked species. “A lot of shelters have a
room for rabbits and other small animals, but
we took the most visible room we have—the
first room you come to when you walk through
our doors—and dedicated it to these animals
who have traditionally been forgotten,”
Duke says. “It’s because we want to highlight
them and get people to see what wonderful
companions they can be.”
Finding homes for rabbits, he notes, is a
constant challenge, and an ongoing focus.
“People give rabbits as gifts for Easter—
they see them as toys. And then, when the
novelty wears off, and they’re not building a
relationship with the animal, they dump them
in golf courses, or somewhere else,” Duke
says. “They don’t understand that these are
domesticated, defenseless animals. So often,
they’ll either starve, or draw coyotes into
heavily residential areas which endangers dogs
and cats in local neighborhoods as well.
“It’s awful. But it’s an important part of why we
need to be here,” Duke adds. “When we take in
an animal, we’ve made a lifetime commitment.
We’re going to use every resource we have at
our disposal to care for that animal and find him
or her a loving, forever home. And we ask our
adopters to do the same.”
Duke has seen more than his share of animal
suffering, and human cruelty. But in his view,
every adoption that works out is a big victory;
every life saved an unqualified triumph. “We
want to get more people to consider animal
rescue—that’s how we’ll make the biggest
impact,” he says. “Every one of these animals
has something wonderful to give.”
Nevada SPCA
4800 W. Dewey Drive Las Vegas 89118 873.SPCA nevadascpa.org
Adoption Hours
Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
THIS PAGE: Ready for adoption ©Alex Rodriguez
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Computers, television, video games—
whatever the cause, the effect is indisputable:
sedentary kids. Parents may point to longer
work weeks, dangerous neighborhoods, and
reduced funding for physical education, but
the truth is, it’s their job to make sure their
kids are healthy.
With so much working against them, how can
families stay active? At least two programs
in Southern Nevada have the answer to that
question: Families in Nature and the Nevada
Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights.
“While I was doing housework one Saturday, I
took the trash out, and the sun was shining and
it was beautiful. I thought, ‘What am I doing? I
wasn’t raised like this!’” That’s how Gabriela de
Regalado remembers the wake-up call that led
her to Families in Nature, a joint program of
Clark County Parks & Recreation’s Winchester
Cultural Center and the Southern Nevada
Agency Partnership (SNAP).
Like many adults, de Regalado says she was
active as a kid. Every weekend her parents
would take her camping, fishing, or hiking.
Then she grew up and moved to the city and
fell into the routine of working all week and
doing chores all weekend; she was also unsure
where to go for outdoor fun.
Families in Nature was designed for people
just like her. “The main idea was to take people
to the outdoors,” says Irma Varela-Wynants,
cultural specialist at Winchester Cultural Center.
With the help of Allison Brody, who oversees
conservation education and interpretation for
UNLV’s Public Lands Institute, Varela-Wynants
started Families in Nature in 2008.
After gathering feedback at community
events, Varela-Wynants and Brody determined
that a program that brought together children,
parents, and grandparents, and gave them
easy access to the outdoors, would be the
most effective.
GO OUTSIDE AND PLAYPROGRAMS ENCOURAGE FAMILY FUN IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
H E I D I K Y S E R
THESE PAGES: Photographing nature ©Jennell Miller; enjoying Red Rock Canyon ©Allyson Butler
“While I was doing housework one
Saturday, I took the trash out, and
the sun was shining and it was
beautiful. I thought, ‘What am I
doing? I wasn’t raised like this!”
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Around 50 people piled into buses and rode up
to Mt. Charleston for the first Families in Nature
outing, a blue butterfly-watching excursion in
April 2009. Since then, the increasingly popular
program has taken families on similar outings
every other month to Lake Mead, Red Rock
Canyon, Valley of Fire, and other sites around
Las Vegas. The Nevada Recreation & Park
Society recognized Families in Nature with a
Program Excellence award for 2011.
Varela-Wynants attributes the success of the
program to cultural sensitivity. After a failed
attempt to have families meet at one site, she
understood that participants wanted to share
the ride out. Observing frequent family picnics
in the neighborhood, she encouraged program
participants to provide the food for potluck
lunches. “They really took ownership of it,”
Varela-Wynants says.
De Regalado, who took her four-year-old
daughter Samantha on every trip, says, “I’ll
continue doing it as long as they have it. I know
with budget cuts, it might not last, but I hope we
can find sponsors to continue it. It’s so helpful to
my family and the other families we’ve met.”
So, how do you find out if there’s something
like Families in Nature in your area? One way is
to visit nvoutdoorkids.org, the web site of the
Nevada Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. It’s
a clearinghouse for information on camping,
fishing, hiking trails, picnicking, parks, and
other outdoor recreation in Nevada.
Led by the Public Lands Institute, with initial
funding from SNAP, some 40 institutions have
joined forces behind the Children’s Outdoor
Bill of Rights. Several other states have
adopted similar bills for their children, and it
was important for Nevada to follow suit, says
Mauricia Baca, executive director of Outside
Las Vegas Foundation.
“We needed a central rallying point for the
idea that it’s critical to get children outside
to have some of those basic, elemental
experiences they are cut off from,” Baca says.
The Nevada Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights
Alliance (COBRA) conducted focus groups
identifying outdoor activities that appeal
to kids. Then it built the online portal and
launched a marketing campaign directing
them to those activities. “People of all ages
tend to think everything around Las Vegas is
barren wasteland,” says Angelina Yost, visitors’
services manager for the Desert National
Wildlife Refuge Complex. “They don’t realize
there are seven million acres of public land
surrounding Las Vegas Valley.”
Funding for such awareness-building will
soon end, but Baca says Outside Las Vegas
Foundation will keep the momentum going.
For more information on similar programs, check out these sites online:
Desert National Wildlife Refuge: fws.gov/desertcomplex/
Get Healthy Clark County: gethealthyclarkcounty.org/
Get Outdoors Nevada: getoutdoorsnevada.org/
Nevada’s Safe Routes to School: walknevada.com/
Sierra Club, Toiyabe Chapter: nevada.sierraclub.org/
cultu
rePROJECT IMAGINE IS AN ARTS IN HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATION
THAT HELPS CHILDREN BATTLING CANCER REACH BEYOND
THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES THROUGH CREATIVE EXPRESSION.
JENNY VALDEZ NEVER DREAMED SHE WOULD GROW UP TO BE
A PAINTER. TODAY SHE’S NOT ONLY A SUCCESSFUL ARTIST,
SHE’S A WRITER, ILLUSTRATOR, AND GALLERY OWNER AS WELL.
THIS PAGE: Detail of The Octopus ©Jenny Valdez
blvds cultureentertainment & activitiesARTICLES
Project ImagineHealing with Pictures and Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Jenny ValdezAn Accidental Painter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Upcoming EventsCheck Out the BLVDS Events Calendar for Upcoming Local Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
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Visitors bring a holiday vibe. The room at
Sunrise Children’s Hospital contains greetings,
smiles, the color pink, and bottles of acrylic
paint. Three-year-old Denysha sits with her
father, Dennis, on a green chaise. Her mother
Tasha and her two-year-old brother Dennis, Jr.,
stand nearby.
Diane Mifsud Giusti and Erica Deutsch—
professional artists from Project Imagine—
unpack for a painting session. Director of
Marketing and Media Relations Stacy Acquista,
and Child Life Specialist Wendy Fought—
hospital staff members—facilitate the visit.
“Art in healthcare is not new, but more and
more people understand how pivotal it is,” says
Giusti, program director of Project Imagine.
So far Project Imagine has helped 60 children
diagnosed with cancer. They make visual art,
books, and soon they will be creating music, too.
Project Imagine took root during the 2009-10
holiday season. It grew from other efforts—
namely, Giusti’s and Deutsch’s volunteer work
at the Candlelighters-sponsored Camp Firefly,
a medically-supervised camp for 100 children
with cancer.
“We’re proud to support Project Imagine,”
says Executive Director Melissa Cipriano of
the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer
Foundation of Nevada. Candlelighters
Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada
(Candlelighters) is a local non-profit
organization that serves families of children
diagnosed with cancer.
Candlelighters-funded Project Imagine offers
remedies for the anxiety and fatigue that
accompany cancer. “Children in a hospital can
feel isolated and bored,” says Cipriano. “Diane
and Erica created the idea of taking a child on
an imaginary journey to get the child’s mind
off of cancer.”
For now Denysha has forgotten her own
struggle. It began March 17th, when her
parents took her to the hospital with a fever. On
April 8th, a specialist diagnosed Denysha with
acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), variety M7.
That is, the three-year-old’s bone marrow has
stopped policing the microbes in her body and
has started producing abnormal blood cells.
For Denysha, treatment means chemotherapy.
And tiaras, to crown a patchwork of cottony
hair and smooth scalp. “Her hair recently
started falling out,” says Tasha. “I offered her
hats. She said, ‘I want tiaras.’ ”
Half crowns sparkle above Denysha’s hospital
bed, on a clear plastic canopy that serves as
an art gallery. While in bed—connected to the
intravenous machine that delivers hydration,
nourishment, antibiotics, and leukemia-
fighting chemicals—Denysha can look up at
colorful images she and her four older siblings
have created. Spongebob Squarepants beams
down; so does a cluster of smiley pink hearts.
Tasha holds up Denysha’s first-ever painting,
a pattern of purple. “We call this ‘Dragon with
a Tracking Device,’ ” says Tasha. “This looks
like a dragon. And that—we decided it was a
tracking device.” Today a new painting takes
form. Denysha, Giusti, and Deutsch take turns
applying color—lavender, light green, and
bubble-gum pink.
FACING PAGE: Denysha enjoys Project Imagine ©Greg Warden
PROJECT IMAGINEHEALING WITH PICTURES AND WORDS
J O Y C E G O R S U C H
“Children in a hospital can feel
isolated and bored. Diane and
Erica created the idea of taking a
child on an imaginary journey to
get the child’s mind off of cancer.”
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An RN enters to hang Maxipime, an antibiotic,
for the next IV drip. Seeing the Project Imagine
session in progress, she leaves the bag for
Tasha to hang later. Denysha gets antibiotics
four times per day, via a two-port Broviac
catheter line that reduces stress on Denysha’s
tiny blood vessels.
“I could become a pharmacist after this
experience is over,” says Tasha. For now
though, she focuses on the just-finished
painting. Voices in the room contribute: I see a
horse. . . a butterfly. . . an oil spill. Looks like a
Picasso. . . a Warhol. . . a Kandinsky.
Denysha paints a fresh canvas, using the
wheels of a wooden car from Toys 4 Smiles,
a local nonprofit. “Denysha’s invented a new
art technique!” says Giusti. “I can’t wait to tell
Rex Doty, founder of Toys 4 Smiles.” Giusti and
Deutsch look at each other. “We can do this at
camp!” they exclaim in unison.
When the session ends, Denysha sees off her
visitors. She jumps up and down, and starts to
climb the footboard of her hospital bed. Tasha
smiles. “She shouldn’t have this much energy,
because her blood cell count is zero.”
Deutsch, art director of Project Imagine,
summarizes. “When you tap into that higher
state of being that we’re all capable of, the
child can transcend the circumstances.”
For more information about Project Imagine,
please visit projectimagine.net.
THIS PAGE: Denysha’s art projects ©Greg Warden
“When you tap into that higher
state of being that we’re all
capable of, the child can
transcend the circumstances.”
Would you like to support Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada? Here are some summertime events that you can enjoy while helping kids with cancer and their families.
August 8thMarriott Las Vegas Charities Golf Tournament Just for the Kids
TPC Las Vegas/ J.W. Marriott Resort & Spamarriottjustforthekids.com
August 14thDancing with the Las Vegas Stars
Rain Nightclub at The Palms Tickets $50candlelightersnv.org
LIED DISCOVERY CHILDREN’S MUSEUMON LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD NORTH ACROSS FROM CASHMAN FIELD
382-KIDS www.LDCM.org
Look what’s new this summer!
Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home was created by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in collaboration with the US Forest Service. Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl are protected by Congressional law and are used with permission from the US Forest Service. All Rights Reserved. 16 USC 580p-4 & 18 USC 711a
On displayJun 4 - Sep 25
Sponsored by
The O. C. Tanner Amphitheater, located in Springdale, Utah is a satelite campus of Dixie State College in St. George, Utah. It is an outdoor facility
surrounded by the cliffs of Zion National Park.
All Concerts begin at 8 p.m. Tickets $10. Available at the door
For additional information contact Gail Bunker (435) 652-7994 or [email protected].
TANNER AMPHITHEATER SUMMER 2011 CONCERT SERIES
June 11 Salt Lake Choral Artists
June 17-18 St George Contemporary Dancers
July 9 Cold Creek Bluegrass
July 16 Randy Anderson Band
July 23 Third Annual Springdale Rock Festival
July 30 Eric Dodge and Band
Aug 27 Southern Cross Roads
Aug 20 Groove Merchants
Sept 2 Red Desert Ramblers
©Disney
JUNE 2 - OCT. 21
©Disney
JUNE 2 - OCT. 21
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b l v d s l v . c o m issue 26 f a m i l y / k i d s / p e t s B L V D S L a s V e g a s 2 9
For most of us, life is never a straight line from
point A to point B. We don’t always have a
clear path in mind for where we want to go
and what we want to do when we get there.
And sometimes, what we want to be when we
grow up isn’t always the end of the story.
Local artist Jenny Valdez is a living example
of how we are continually evolving as human
beings. Despite a self-described misadventure
creating a mural of a cow in her childhood
bedroom, Valdez had no real experience as a
painter when she picked up a brush six years
ago. But that didn’t stop her from trying. And
it hasn’t stopped her from growing as an artist
and gallery owner.
Valdez, a Las Vegas native, grew up
surrounded by family and an assortment of
unusual pets—geese, ducks, goats, rabbits,
and a llama named Tangerine. “I think I painted
that cow on my bedroom wall because it was
the only pet my mother wouldn’t let us have,”
she says smiling.
Her mother and stepfather were teachers,
and as a young girl, Valdez focused her
energies on her love for animals by working
for a veterinary office. In order to fund her
planned higher education, “I got really into
pageants. It was a good way to pay for school
with scholarship money,” she says. She was
eventually chosen Miss Las Vegas 2000 and
Miss Nevada USA 2002.
That time spent competing in pageants
sparked an interest in working in front of
the camera on television commercials and
eventually in television news. “I interned at
Channel 3. Then I went to a Fox affiliate in
Denver,” she recounts. It was while in Denver
that Valdez made what was to be the life-
changing decision to learn to paint. “When
you’re doing TV news it can be depressing. The
stories aren’t usually happy. I’m glad I tried it,
but. . .” she trails off.
JENNY VALDEZAN ACCIDENTAL PAINTER
K I M B E R LY S C H A E F E R
THIS PAGE FROM LEFT: Bird Pond; Milk ©Jenny Valdez
“I think I painted that cow on my
bedroom wall because it was the
only pet my mother wouldn’t let
us have.”
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“I was by myself in Denver. My husband lived
here in Las Vegas. I was there working strange
hours, so I needed something to occupy
my time,” says Valdez. She began diligently
working on her craft despite her lack of a
formal art background. With the support of her
family, she continued learning and growing
as an artist. “You work on it every day, and if
it’s something that you really love, then you’ll
make something of it,” she suggests.
After returning to Las Vegas to be with her
husband, Valdez decided art would no longer
be her hobby. She wanted to make it her
career. Again with the support of her family,
she opened her first gallery at Neonopolis in
2008. In 2010, she moved her gallery into The
Arts Factory after reading that Trifecta Gallery
was moving into a larger space in the same
building. Her gallery shows her work along
with that of several other local artists—namely
Lisa Fields Clark and Barbara Gomez.
In addition to operating her gallery, Valdez
paints daily. “I paint every day. I get up every
morning at six and paint until my husband
comes home at three,” she explains. Over the
last few years, she has had her studio located
in her own home and her mother’s home.
Each of the paintings she works on has at least
three layers, and she works on three canvases
at a time.
Her paintings are vibrant, colorful works
marked by a touch of whimsy. Many contain
fairytale motifs while others focus on animals.
Much of the inspiration in Valdez’s paintings
comes from her childhood, including her pets.
Her painting, Milk, which is featured here, is
THIS PAGE: The Octopus ©Jenny Valdez
“You work on it every day, and if
it’s something that you really love,
then you’ll make something of it.”
a re-working of that childhood cow mural.
Others include animals from her mother’s
home including birds swimming in a pond.
Paintings based on Alice in Wonderland are
inspired by Valdez’ love of the book. “I’ve
always loved it. When I was a kid, my mother
bought me the tape, and I would listen to it
over and over again. We’ve decided to have an
Alice show here in October with other artists
contributing their takes on Alice,” she explains.
Valdez has also applied her creativity to her
own literary pursuits. She has written and
illustrated two children’s books. I Love to
Chase Butterflies tells the story of a family pet
called Moose the Goose. The other, Amanda
Jean and Tangerine Go to School, is based on
the aforementioned llama. Valdez visits local
schools to read her book and brings along the
real Tangerine, who is now 18 years old, for the
children to meet.
Owning the gallery and being a self-taught
painter are not Valdez’ final goals. She holds a
degree from UNLV in Secondary Education. “It
was kind of a way to sum up all of my credits,”
she explains. But her love of painting has
inspired her to study formally. She is currently
taking classes at the College of Southern
Nevada. “I really enjoy this. I can definitely say
this is the best job I’ve ever had. I like having
the gallery and trying to help other artists. I
don’t make a lot of money, but I enjoy being a
part of the arts scene.”
Jenny Valdez Inc.
107 E. Charleston Blvd. Suite 160
Las Vegas 89104
jennyvaldez.com
Cedar City
“I always believe there’s a band, kid” —The Music Man
June 23 — October 22
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Richard III
Romeo and Juliet
The Music Man
The Glass Menagerie
Noises Off!
The Winter’s Tale
Dial M for Murder
800-PLAYTIX
bard.org
Celebrate 50 Years
Make a DifferenceNothing says love more than a cold nose and wagging tail.
You and your dog can become pet therapy volunteers at Nathan Adelson Hospice.
The Pet Therapy Program is part of the Bonnie Schreck Memorial Complementary Therapies program at Nathan Adelson Hospice
For more information contact Lisa Browder938-3961 or [email protected]
004306 – 2/10
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paying more, later. Now, I’m
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There’s comfort in knowing that
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paying more, later. Now, I’m
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There’s comfort in knowing that
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paying more, later. Now, I’m
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paying more, later. Now, I’m
comfortable with the policy I have,
and Bailey, he’s just happy as long
as he doesn’t have to drive.
SAVING MONEY IS A GIVEN
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paying more, later. Now, I’m
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and Bailey, he’s just happy as long
as he doesn’t have to drive.
SAVING MONEY IS A GIVEN
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well-protected. I owe that to
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from the start saves me from
paying more, later. Now, I’m
comfortable with the policy I have,
and Bailey, he’s just happy as long
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SAVING MONEY IS A GIVEN
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UPCOMING EVENTSCHECK OUT THE BLVDS EVENTS CALEN-DAR FOR UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
J U N E
How I Became a PirateNOW - JUNE 12, 2011Rainbow Company Youth TheatreCharleston Heights Arts Centerrainbowcompany.org
Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet HomeNOW - SEPTEMBER 25, 2011Lied Discovery Children’s MuseumCultural Galleryldcm.org
The Little MermaidNOW - OCTOBER 21, 2011Tuacahn AmphitheatreIvins, UTtuacahn.org
Sax PackJUNE 04, 20118 p.m.Clark County Government Centerclarkcountynv.gov
Brews & Blues FestivalJUNE 04, 20113-8 p.m.Springs Preservespringspreserve.org
”The Road To China” - Bon Voyage ConcertJUNE 05, 20112 p.m.Las Vegas Youth OrchestraNicholas J. Horn Theatrelvyo.org
AnnieJUNE 08 – 25, 20118 p.m.Super Summer Theatresupersummertheatre.org
Grease The MusicalJUNE 09 – OCTOBER 20, 2011Tuacahn AmphitheatreIvins, UTtuacahn.org
The GrascalsJUNE 10, 20118 p.m.City of HendersonHenderson Events Plazahendersonlive.com
Summer Reading ProgramJUNE 10 – AUGUST 06, 2011Las Vegas-Clark County Library Districtlvccld.org
Kalahi Philippine Folkloric EnsembleJUNE 11, 2011UNLV PAC895-ARTS, pac.unlv.edu
Salt Lake Choral ArtistsJUNE 11, 20118 p.m.Tanner AmphiteaterSpringdale, Utahdixie.edu/tanner/artists/index.html
Children’s Health FestivalJUNE 11, 20119 a.m.-1 p.m.University of Southern NevadaSunrise Children’s Hospitalusn.edu, 968-2055
Reggae in the DesertJUNE 11, 20112-11 p.m.Clark CountyClark County Amphitheaterreggaeinthedesert.com
Exploring Trees Inside and OutJUNE 11 – SEPTEMBER 05, 201110 a.m. - 6 p.m.Springs Preservespringspreserve.org
The MotelsJUNE 17, 20118 p.m.City of HendersonHenderson Events Plazahendersonlive.com
St. George Contemporary DancersJUNE 17 – 18, 20118 p.m.Tanner AmphitheaterSpringdale, Utahdixie.edu/tanner/artists/index.html
Plena Libre In ConcertJUNE 17, 20118 p.m.Fifth Street SchoolCity of Las Vegasartslasvegas.org
The Symphonic Rock ShowJUNE 18, 20118 p.m.City of HendersonHenderson Pavilionhendersonlive.com
Utah Shakespearean FestivalJUNE 23 – OCTOBER 22, 2011A Midsummer Night’s DreamRichard IIIRomeo and JulietThe Music ManThe Glass MenagerieNoises Off!The Winter’s TaleDial M for Murder 800-PLAYTIX, bard.org
300th Army BandJUNE 24, 20118 p.m.City of HendersonHenderson Events Plazahendersonlive.com
Aurelien Fort Pederzoli Violin RecitalJUNE 25, 20112-5 p.m.Clark CountyWinchester Community Centerclarkcountynv.gov
Author Karin SlaughterJUNE 28, 20117 p.m.Clark County Librarylvccld.org
J U LY
Killer JoeJULY 01 – JULY 10, 2011CSN Department of Fine Arts651-LIVE (5483)
Pirates of PenzanceJULY 01 – 23, 2011Insurgo Theatreinsurgotheater.org
First FridayJULY 01, 2011Arts Districtfirstfriday-lasvegas.org
Concert Series IV: Celebrate!JULY 03, 20118 p.m.Henderson Symphony OrchestraLake Las Vegashsorch.org
Fourth of July CelebrationJULY 04, 20116-9 p.m.City of HendersonBasic High School Football Fieldhendersonlive.com
Author Tess GerritsenJULY 06, 20117 p.m.Clark County Librarylvccld.org
Want Even More Event Listings and Information? Visit BLVDSLV.COM and Select Calendar/Events.
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Cold Creek BluegrassJULY 09, 20118 p.m.Tanner AmphitheaterSpringdale, Utahdixie.edu/tanner/artists/index.html
The Drowsy ChaperoneJULY 13 – 30, 20118 p.m.Super Summer Theatresupersummertheatre.org
Aaron Nigel Smith ConcertJULY 14, 201110:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.City of Las VegasHistoric Fifth Street School 229-6383 or 229-3515artslasvegas.org
Dirty Rotten ScoundrelsJULY 15 – 31, 2011Las Vegas Little Theatrelvlt.org
Randy Anderson BandJULY 16, 20118 p.m.Tanner AmphitheaterSpringdale, Utahdixie.edu/tanner/artists/index.html
Hotter Than July Health FestivalJULY 21, 20119-1 p.m.USNUnited Healthcare 2700 N. Tenaya Way Bldg 2716usn.edu
Las Vegas Philharmonic WINDSJULY 22, 20117:30 p.m.Green Valley Presbyterian Church Concert Series1798 Wigwam Parkway, Henderson454-8484
Jazz Combo Camp FinaleJULY 22, 2011CSNNicholas J. Horn Theatrecsn.edu/finearts/jazzcamp
Third Annual Springdale Rock FestivalJULY 23, 20118 p.m.Tanner AmphitheaterSpringdale, Utahdixie.edu/tanner/artists/index.html
Steve Roslonek ConcertJULY 28, 201110:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.City of Las VegasHistoric Fifth Street School229-6383 or 229-3515artslasvegas.org
Dance in the Desert FestivalJULY 29 – 30, 2011651-LIVE (5483)csn.edu/dance
Eric Dodge and BandJULY 30, 20118 p.m.Tanner AmphitheaterSpringdale, Utahdixie.edu/tanner/artists/index.html
A U G U S T
First FridayAUGUST 05, 2011Arts Districtfirstfriday-lasvegas.org
Ensemble ProductionAUGUST 06 – 20, 2011Insurgo Theatreinsurgotheater.org
Fiddler on the RoofAUGUST 10 – 27, 20118 p.m.Super Summer Theatresupersummertheatre.org
Groove MerchantsAUGUST 20, 20118 p.m.Tanner AmphitheaterSpringdale, Utahdixie.edu/tanner/artists/index.html
Southern Cross RoadsAUGUST 27, 20118 p.m.Tanner AmphitheaterSpringdale, Utahdixie.edu/tanner/artists/index.html
S E P T E M B E R
First FridaySEPTEMBER 02, 2011Arts Districtfirstfriday-lasvegas.org
Red Desert RamblersSEPTEMBER 02, 20118 p.m.Tanner AmphitheaterSpringdale, Utahdixie.edu/tanner/artists/index.html
FIve Guys Named MoeSEPTEMBER 8 – 24, 20118 p.m.Super Summer Theatresupersummertheatre.org
Masterworks ISEPTEMBER 10, 20118 p.m.Las Vegas Philharmoniclasvegasphilharmonic.com
The Taming of the ShrewSEPTEMBER 16 – 25, 2011Nevada Conservatory TheatreBlack Box Theatrenct.unlv.edu
O C T O B E R
First FridayOCTOBER 07, 2011Arts Districtfirstfriday-lasvegas.org
A Streetcar Named DesireOCTOBER 07 – 16, 2011Nevada Conservatory TheatreJudy Bayley Theatrenct.unlv.edu
Odyssey Dance Theatre’s “Thriller” 2011OCTOBER 22 – 31, 2011Tuacahn AmphitheatreIvins, UTtuacahn.org
Lied Children’s’ Discovery Museum Fantasy GalaOCTOBER 22, 2011Lied Discovery Children’s MuseumMirage Resort & Casinodiscoverygala.org
Pops IOCTOBER 22, 20118 p.m.Las Vegas Philharmoniclasvegasphilharmonic.com
N O V E M B E R
First FridayNOVEMBER 04, 2011Arts Districtfirstfriday-lasvegas.org
12th Annual USN Scholarship Golf TournamentNOVEMBER 14, 20118 a.m.University of Southern NevadaCascata Golf Club, Boulder Cityusn.edu, 968-2055
Sign up for Our Bi-Weekly Events Newsletter by Emailing [email protected] with SUBSCRIBE in the Subject Line.
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THROUGH INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES IN A CHILD-SIZE
TOWNSCAPE, TEDDY AND TIA’S NORTHERN S.T.A.R.S. SAFETY
VILLAGE IS POISED TO MAKE SURE CHILDREN HAVE THE
INFORMATION AND SKILLS THEY NEED TO STAY SAFE. AT BRICKS
4 KIDZ, LEGO® TOYS FORM THE FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING
CREATIVITY AND SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH PLAY.
THIS PAGE: Rendering of Northern S.T.A.R.S. Village ©Assemblage Studio
blvds designarchitecture & styleARTICLES
It Takes a VillageTeaching Kids How to Stay Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Bricks 4 KidzBuilding Self-Confidence through Creative Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
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FACING PAGE: Fremont East by day ©Alex Rodriguez
The national statistics are staggering. In any
given year, over 13,000 children under the
age of 16 are injured while riding their bikes.
More than 600 children die annually from fire
and burn-related injuries. Drowning is one of
the leading causes of injury-related deaths
in children under the age of 12. More than
3 million children receive emergency room
treatment for injuries received in the home,
and more than 2,000 die from these injuries
which, in addition to fire and drowning,
include choking, falls, poisoning, or firearms
discharged unintentionally.
While adult supervision and childproofing of
homes are important steps in keeping children
safe, there is a need to teach children about
safety, and safety procedures.
The City of North Las Vegas and the North
Las Vegas Fire Department are committed
to teaching real-life strategies for dealing
with emergencies. A grant- and sponsorship-
funded project, Teddy and Tia’s Northern
S.T.A.R.S. Safety Village (S.T.A.R.S. stands for
Safety Training and Rescue Skills) will combine
traditional classroom instruction with unique
interactive experiences in a realistic child-
sized townscape. Children will participate in
activities designed to build self-confidence and
to strengthen their ability to make the correct
decisions in a variety of emergency situations.
“There is no substitute for parental
supervision,” says Captain Cedric Williams
of the North Las Vegas Fire Department and
chief advocate of the village, “but parents
are not always around. There are too many
circumstances or things that can go wrong.
We are going to teach children how to identify
dangerous situations and the ways to avoid
them or to get out of them safely.”
Captain Williams, who has been working on the
project for the last four years, obtained 10 acres
of Bureau of Land Management land located at
Statz Road and Centennial Parkway from North
Las Vegas Parks and Recreation for the project.
Eric Strain and Drew Gregory of the highly-
IT TAKES A VILLAGETEACHING KIDS HOW TO STAY SAFE
C H R I S C U T L E R
THESE PAGES: Renderings of the village ©Assemblage Studio
“We are going to teach children
how to identify dangerous
situations and the ways to avoid
them or to get out of them safely.”
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regarded Las Vegas architecture firm
Assemblage Studio are the architects behind
the village’s basic design. Assemblage Studio
won the 2011 AIA Honor Award for Unbuilt
Projects for the design. Patterned after Safety
Villages in Texas and Maryland, Teddy and Tia’s
Northern S.T.A.R.S. Safety Village will include
a museum, an education building, and a
miniature town that contains sidewalks, roads,
traffic signals, and scaled-down buildings
representing actual community structures.
“The focal point of the village will be the
interactive area,” says Gregory. “It will include
a kitchen, living room, and bedroom where
kids can learn about the hazards in each.” For
example, the children will have the opportunity
to learn safety procedures in dealing with
lighters, matches, candles, frayed electrical
cords, and overloaded electrical outlets. The
bedroom will have a non-toxic “smoke machine”
that emits cool steam to demonstrate just how
quickly smoke fills a room during a fire. Children
will then have the opportunity to practice
escaping safely from the bedroom through
both a primary and backup escape route.
The village’s streets will present lessons in
pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle safety.
The children, while operating battery-powered
vehicles and riding bicycles, will be able to
practice safety skills from a child’s and an
adult’s perspective. The realistic streets will
include pavement markings, operating traffic
signals, and street signs. In addition to these
experiential learning opportunities, the outdoor
area will include pool safety and instruction on
other regional environmental hazards.
“The village in Texas teaches kids how to deal
with tornados, something the residents of
Southern Nevada don’t face,” advises Strain. “We
have a whole set of other issues, so the outdoor
area of S.T.A.R.S. will instruct kids in dealing
with extreme heat, hydration, construction
safety, open mines, and flash flood situations.”
While much of the village’s instruction is
geared to children in kindergarten through
third grade, Captain Williams envisions
Northern S.T.A.R.S. Safety Village as more of a
long-term learning facility. “S.T.A.R.S. will not
be a one-and-done type learning experience,”
he says. “It will be an ongoing learning
experience where kids and adults can some
back and learn something different with each
visit.” Some of the planned instruction will
be seasonal, with lessons in Halloween and
Christmas safety being taught around those
holidays. Other instruction, like internet safety,
will be geared toward older children, and there
will be classes in injury prevention for seniors.
Captain Williams advises that a lot of the
behind the scenes work is done for this
ambitious community project. In addition to
securing the land and designing the museum
and interactive areas, the pilot program for
the educational component is also done. “The
Northern S.T.A.R.S. Safety Village will change
the way we educate children,” says Williams.
While the preparation for Teddy and Tia’s
Northern S.T.A.R.S. Safety Village may be
well under way, the difficult job of securing
adequate financing for it is, as of yet,
incomplete. Captain Williams estimates the
building costs to be around $15.4 million, and
contributions and sponsorships are necessary
to fully realize the envisioned village. In-kind
contributions will assist with the village’s
construction, while sponsorships will allow
donors to be part of the village.
For more information on Teddy and Tia’s
Northern S.T.A.R.S. Safety Village or to find out
how you can donate, please visit safetyvillage.
cityofnorthlasvegas.com.
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K I M B E R LY S C H A E F E R
At Bricks 4 Kidz, the kiddos aren’t just playing with Legos®—
they’re building skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
A national franchise company founded three years ago by an
elementary school teacher, Bricks 4 Kidz launched in Las Vegas just
over one year ago. In that short time, while the children were busy
building with Legos®, the company was busy building their business.
Bricks 4 Kidz now offers after school programs at 25 different
schools throughout the Valley. In addition to those opportunities for
hands-on learning, Bricks 4 Kidz opened their first brick-and-mortar
Creativity Center in May.
The fun-filled programs offered by Bricks 4 Kidz provide children
not only with an opportunity to play, but also to learn. Each
program follows a carefully crafted curriculum that teaches
participants about principles of design, math, and science while
they work together on projects with Lego® building bricks.
Says director Erin Coburn, “They aren’t just having fun. They’re
learning to work together, building partnerships with other
kids. They’re also building their self-esteem through the sense
of accomplishment that comes with completing each project.”
In addition to their established after-school programs, Bricks
4 Kidz will offer camps throughout the summer at their
Creativity Center in Centennial Hills, at Las Vegas Sports Park
in Summerlin, and at Trails Community Center in Summerlin.
Camp themes include Junior Robotics, Star Wars, and Movie
Making 101. Camps are weekly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for children
ages 6-11 and cost $225 per child.
With the opening of their Creativity Center, Bricks 4 Kidz is also
offering Kids’ Night Out on Friday and Saturday evenings. For
just $30, parents can drop off their children from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
where they’ll enjoy a pizza dinner, games, and building projects.
The Creativity Center is also available for birthday parties.
For more details please visit bricks4kidz.com or call 998.4400.
BRICKS 4 KIDZBUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE THROUGH CREATIVE PLAY
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NINA RADETICH
LIVE @ 11:00
Making Las Vegas A Better Place To Live!
For story ideas, or if youhave a problem you can’tsolve, e-mail us at:[email protected]
Please StayOn The TrailsThe Desert Conservation Program and its partnerspromote responsible use of our desert resources.
www.accessclarkcounty.com or www.mojavemax.com
flavor
LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR JILLIAN PLASTER HAS BLENDED
HER LOVE FOR FOOD AND FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS INTO A
GROWING BUSINESS THAT’S ALL ABOUT KEEPING PETS HEALTHY.
MARINELLI’S AT THE M RESORT IS A FAMILY AFFAIR, FEATURING
NEW DISHES AS WELL AS RECIPES THAT HAVE BEEN IN THE
FAMILY FOR YEARS.
THIS PAGE: Delicious dog treats from The Dog House ©Alex Rodriguez
blvds flavordining & retailARTICLES
It’s a Good Dog’s Life!Local Entrepreneur Keeps Pets Healthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Marinelli’s at the M ResortEating Italian with the Marnell Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
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K I M B E R LY S C H A E F E R
IT’S A GOOD DOG’S LIFE!LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR KEEPS PETS HEALTHY
One local business woman has turned her
passions for food and her pets into a cool new
business that caters to pampered pooches
and the people who love them.
Jillian Plaster met her husband, Ian Kester,
while they were both in culinary school at
Le Cordon Bleu. After graduation, the couple
began applying their knowledge of high-
quality foods and love of cooking to the diet
they were feeding their bulldog, Trucker.
“Bulldogs have a tendency to have health
problems and allergies. He’s my first dog ever.
It was love at first snuggle,” says Plaster. From
that experience, the idea grew to share their
wholesome dog food with others. While they
were cooking up all-natural dog foods in their
home, they also cooked up the idea for The
Good Dog Food Company.
Founded in 2008, The Good Dog Food
Company sells pet foods created with only
organic, all-natural ingredients that are
carefully sourced from ethical producers.
Plaster worked with a veterinary nutritionist
to ensure that her recipes included all of the
necessary nutrients to keep a pooch healthy.
The resulting items are produced at a third-
generation butcher shop in Oregon and sold
at various locations in Southern Nevada and
California including Whole Foods Markets, as
well as online.
Now Plaster’s entrepreneurial spirit has
moved her to grow the business. In May,
Plaster opened The Dog House in the newly
opened Tivoli Village. Plaster comes by her
entrepreneurialism naturally. Her father
founded Signature Homes, one of the oldest
privately held home builders in our area, in
Las Vegas in 1978. “I really don’t like working
for anyone else. I don’t like to be told what to
do,” she says with a smile. “I took a personality
test once that classified me as ‘job hopper,’
so I think it’s better for everyone if I have my
own business.”
The Dog House features the Good Dog Food
along with treats and holistic supplements.
“This is my favorite section of the store,
the health section. All of the other stuff
is super cute, but it’s to attract attention
so people begin to pay attention to this,”
Plaster explains. Her primary goal is to help
people keep their pets healthy. To that end
Plaster has also contracted with an animal
nutritionist, Leith Henry, who is available
in-store once-a-week to assist customers.
“She’s on our speed dial,” says Plaster, “so if a
customer has a question and she isn’t here,
we can get an answer for them.”
And The Dog House offers some of the most
darling products for your pets that you’ll find
anywhere. There are candles with essential
oils whose aroma is beneficial to animals.
FACING PAGE: The Dog House ©Alex Rodriguez
“This is my favorite section of
the store, the health section. All
of the other stuff is super cute,
but it’s to attract attention so
people begin to pay attention
to this.”
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There are human clothes for the fashion
forward pet lover. A puppy sling allows one
to carry their dog in the same manner as a
human infant. “We’re a lot different from
other dog stores. We carry unique items that
you won’t find there.” Better yet, many of
them are produced locally. There are collars,
bandanas, dishes, toy chests, jewelry, and
much more made by local businesses. All
of the artwork on the walls is for sale and
was created by local artists. The store is also
developing a larger product offering for cats.
Many of the products also have a charitable
component in that a portion of the proceeds
benefits an organization that promotes animal
welfare. There are products from The Animal
Foundation, a cookbook that benefits the K9
unit of the police department, and others.
Plaster is also planning to have one dog at a
time available for adoption at the store. The
Dog House’s grand opening raised $2,500 for
The Animal Foundation.
“We’re a lot different from other
dog stores. We carry unique
items that you won’t find there.”
Better yet, many of them are
produced locally.
The Dog HouseTivoli Village400 S. Rampart Blvd. #140Las Vegas 89145496.4006gooddogfoodcompany.comMonday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Want your pet to look as amazing as Jillian’s dog Trucker does on our cover? You can with pet photography from Shalimar Studios. Of course, owner and photographer Yasmin Tajik will take photos of humans, too.
Shalimar Studiosshalimarstudios.com248.7154
THIS PAGE: Toys, treats, and more ©Alex Rodriguez
JOIN US FOROUR NEXT OPEN
HOUSE!
IN AN AGE OF EDUCATIONAL BUDGET CUTS, WE GIVE YOU OPTIONS.
Odyssey Charter Schools is a hybrid of classroom and virtual instruction. That
means we focus more of our dollars exactly where they should be: on providing
a premium education for students. Your child enjoys greater flexibility and
more personalized attention – two reasons the Department of Education finds
hybrid schools to be more effective than online or traditional schools. Plus,
we deliver it all for zero tuition. How’s that for budget-friendly?
ENROLL YOUR CHILD FOR THE 2011–2012 SCHOOL YEAR TODAY.
www.odysseyk12.org 702.257.05782251 SOUTH JONES BLVD., LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89146
SALVADOR BRACAMONTES, 10TH GRADE
Trade smaller budgets for greater choices.
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B R O C K R A D K E
You might not expect any of the beautifully designed dining
rooms at the luxurious M Resort to qualify as a true family
restaurant. But it makes sense at Marinelli’s, serving up familiar,
fresh Italian cuisine at reasonable prices. The biggest sign hits
you right when you enter the restaurant: it’s the Marnell family
crest, representing the local casino biz clan that created and
opened this place in 2009.
A quick tour of the menu with chef Sergio Santoro reveals an
even stronger family influence. Many of the restaurant’s most
popular and most delicious selections are straight from the
Marnell recipe book. “One of the favorites is the penne alla
vodka with sausage, and Tony Marnell, Jr., created that Italian
sausage recipe,” Santoro explains. “We make all the sausage
in-house. One thing about this family, they are big on quality.
That sausage recipe has been in the family for years.”
For Santoro, who opened Marinelli’s and also worked for the
Marnells for more than three years at Panevino, it’s a natural to
mesh such family favorites with dishes that reflect his own style,
like Dentice In Panato, an herb-crusted red snapper, or gemelli
pasta with asparagus and prosciutto. Santoro says many locals
are familiar with the Marnell name, and besides, the recipes are
solid. “The lasagna is a little different because it’s made with
filet mignon, a very fine grind of beef, and lots of ricotta and
fresh parmesan,” the chef says.
It also helps that Marinelli’s is a gorgeous restaurant with an
open kitchen, private dining rooms, and a patio overlooking the
resort’s pool. It’s no wonder that this family restaurant is keeping
everybody happy. “The father loves the classics, but his son,
Anthony Marnell III, is into some of the more healthy stuff,” Santoro
says. “But he still cheats with some pasta every now and then.”
Marinelli’s The M Resort-Spa-Casino 12300 Las Vegas Blvd. South Henderson 89044 797.1000 themresort.com Open Daily 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
MARINELLI’S AT THE M RESORTEATING ITALIAN WITH THE MARNELL FAMILY
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is proud to welcome their newest tenant
Leasing information: Lisa Chasteen 702.222.3022
SkateCitySummer Camp Program• Indoor climate controlled 6000 sf
newly remodeled street course • Constant supervision• Secure environment• Organized contests• Professional instruction
Mon-Fri 9am-5pmStarting at $125 – lunches included
Contact us for more information or stop by for a tour today
702-433-5544 • www.skatecity.info 4915 Steptoe St. #600, Las Vegas 89122 On Tropicana just east of Boulder Hwy
A Hands on Opportunity to Learn the Fine Art and Science of Wine Making. A Hands on Opportunity to Learn the Fine Art and Science of Wine Making. A Hands on Opportunity to Learn the Fine Art and Science of Wine Making.
Call or email to reserveyour space today!
1971 Whitney Mesa, Henderson, NV 89014 GrapeExpectationsLasVegas.com
Make your own handcrafted barrel of premium wine right here in the Las Vegas valley at the FIRST of its kind facility! The knowledgeable Grape Expectations staff will guide you every step of the way through 5 entertaining sessions.
The 2010 winemaking season was a sellout success! Don’t delay. Space is limited.
BLVDS MARKETPLACE TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS PLEASE CALL 386-6065
KATRINA HASLETT, MD, PC OB/GYNOB/GYN care with a personal touch
Dr. Haslett specializes in general Gynecology, General Obstetrics, Essure, Adolescent Gynecology, Abnormal Bleeding, Pelvic Pain, Abnormal PAPS, Menopause, Bioidenticals, Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts, Contraception, and educating women. Accepting most insurances.
Katrina Haslett, MD, PC2940 South Jones, Suite CLas Vegas, NV 89146243-0202
fresh52Farmers and Artisan Market
•Sustainable Open Air Market•LOCAL, Seasonal Tree Ripened Produce•Handmade LOCAL Indie Artisans•Support Small Family Farms•Pet Friendly - Bring your bags•Chef Demos•Community Gathering Experience•Special Events/ FREE Kids Art Park
TWO LOCATIONS EVERY WEEKEND SATURDAY: Tivoli Village Alta & RampartSUNDAY: 9480 S. Eastern Ave. near 215 www.fresh52.com
Every Weekend!SATURDAY 8-1SUNDAY 8:30-1
ATOMIC TESTING MUSEUMAn affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution
$2.00 OFF GENERAL ADMISSION
Not to be combined with any other offer.
Museum Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pmSunday 12-5pm
755 E. Flamingo Rd.Las Vegas, NV 89119794-5161atomictestingmuseum.org
AtomicTestingMuseum.org 702-794-5161
Mon–Sat 9am–5pm • Sun 1pm–5pm
755 E. Flamingo Road(Just East of Paradise Road, South Side)
BUY ONEGET ONE FREE SAVE 10%
in Museum StoreOne free admission with the purchaseof one genereal admission. with this coupon. Phone: 794-5150
Miss Atomic Bomb
1957Experience History andScience by the Megaton
An Affiliate of theSmithsonian Institution
PM_72016.01_ref 068777.09_RR Foundation_Flip The Script_Anti Bully-ing_Print_Kids and Family_6/7_4.0" x 4.0"_BW_InDesign CS5_Fonts: Helvetica Neue _AD: JH_GA: Dor-cus 5.16.11; tom 5/17/11 loaded
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