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Las Vegas’

TOP 100

Women of Influence

LAS VEGAS LEADING LADY Dawn Gibbons PETS & Their People

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On Our Covers Every issue, we bring you three exciting covers featuring people and places that make Las Vegas a more exciting city to live in. Each cover comes with a great story, giving you an up close and personal look behind the scenes of our cover proﬁles. This issue features ﬁtness expert Meghan Leigh, Ms. Pin-Up Deborah James, and Las Vegas Leading Lady Dawn Gibbons.

Las Vegas’

TOP 100

Women of Influence

PINNED UP FOR SUCCESS

LAS VEGAS LEADING LADY Dawn Gibbons

Deborah James

CROVETTI ORTHOPAEDICS Celebrates 500th Patient

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PETS & Their People

Fashion Forward News Anchors

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TOP 100

Women of Influence

MINDFUL FITNESS Meghan Leigh

Contributing Writers Lisa Lynn Backus Barbara Buckley Nancy Daniels Michelle “Roxy” Davis Dawn Gibbons Mayor Carolyn Goodman James Hooban Joel Jarvis Tammy Kincaid Les Kincaid Meghan Leigh Amy Maier Megan Mathis Michelle Mortensen Marie Mortera Lori Nelson Michele Polci Chris Tamura Shawn Tempesta Tsikki Thau Melissa Torres Ed Turpin Michelle Velez James J. White Jenn Zenn

Las Vegas’

TOP 100

Women of Influence

Ask the MAYOR

BOOTCAMP for a Healthy Marriage

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On The Cover: Meghan Leigh

On The Cover: Deborah James

On The Cover: Dawn Gibbons

Photography: Shanda Rogers

Photography: Ralph James, Pinup Bride Photography

Photography: Chezaray Photography

MADE IN THE USA Keeping America Employed

MYVEGAS Magazine

From the Publisher Mark Shaffer

ome for the Holidays! For many of our local Las Vegans, they go home for the holidays, while for those born and raised here, this is home. This is such a great time of the year for Las Vegas. From the Great Santa Run on Fremont Street, to the Gift of Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, to Opportunity Villages Magical Forest , the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Orleans, the Nutcracker at the Smith Center, and so much more. I remember just driving around in my parents car, looking at all the houses lit up for Christmas. Then there’s New Year’s Eve, and Vegas is the Place To Be! Some choose to get a room on the strip and enjoy the fun and wild night with all the party go-ers, while others opt for the quiet night at home, watching the ball drop on tv. Whatever this season has for you, make it a safe one, and enjoy this time of year for all it offers! This season we are proud to present to you, the Top 100 Women of Inﬂuence in Las Vegas. We have polled our 100,000 readers via email, and asked for their nominations on which women they think really have made a positive inﬂuence on someone, or many, here in Las Vegas. You, our readers, have made your choices, and we agree. These 100 women all have contributed to Las Vegas, one way or another, making this the best city in America, to live, work and play.

We look forward to a wonderful and healthy 2014, in bringing you more of what you want in MYVEGAS Magazine. It is our privilege and honor to publish this magazine and showcase the local people, places, and businesses that make up our ﬁne city. Thank you to all our readers, the Top 100 Women of Inﬂuence, and you, for taking the time to look at MyVegas, a little closer. If I can ever be of assistance, if you have a great idea for a story, or if you would like your business showcased in MyVegas, please don’t hesitate to call me, or email me at Mark@MYVEGASmag.com. Thank you and happy holidays to you and yours!

Mark Shaffer

MyVegas Publisher Mark Shaffer, with LJ Harness at Cadillac of Las Vegas. “If you’re looking for a new car, I recommend you visit LJ and get the Cadillac of your dreams!” LJ Harness 702.873.8888

MY VEGAS

Meet the Writers MARIE MORTERA

SHAWN TEMPESTA

At KTLA, Marie reported for an Emmy award winning morning show. Her reports were centered around breaking news, celebrity cases and in depth coverage on California’s most controversial issues, including current and newsworthy topics such as the usage of medical marijuana. Marie started her career in Yuma, Arizona. Marie won an Edward R. Murrow award for her role in reporting on a Harrier Jet crash. In 2005, Marie moved to Las Vegas, where she reported, weather anchored, and anchored the top rated weekend morning show in the market. In 2011, Marie was named Best Anchor by the Electronic Media Awards.

From celebrities to locals, Shawn has interviewed anyone and everyone and began mastering his craft to reach his goal of getting paid to talk incessantly. Professional endeavors include joining the Vegas team on Mix 94.1 as on-air talent and webmaster. He eventually moved into the position of ﬁll-in producer for Mark & Mercedes In The Morning, won multiple Electronic Media Awards, and made the Top 5 in Channel 13’s “Great Las Vegas Trafﬁc Reporter Search”. Shawn currently lives in the southwest Las Vegas valley. He keeps himself busy, whether it’s at “The Morning Blend”, DJing at Mix 94.1, or taking leisurely road trips.

CAROLYN GOODMAN

JOEL JARVIS

Carolyn G. Goodman became the mayor of the city of Las Vegas on July 6, 2011. Carolyn has devoted much of her life to volunteerism and education in Las Vegas. She has been recognized with the “Distinguished Nevadan” award, and become a Sarah D. Barder Fellow in The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth and an Alumna of the Year in Education at UNLV. Goodman continues to prove her deep commitment to the community and devotes herself to the highest quality of life for all southern Nevadans through her efforts and dedication.

With over 20 years of experience running the streets of Las Vegas as a master networker, insurance broker, event planner, and social media guru, Joel Jarvis has seen it all- at least once. Joel currently insures over 500 attorneys and works full time as a commercial insurance broker for Kaercher Campbell and Associates Insurance Brokerage. He is married to his beautiful wife Dana, and has a wonderful Yorkshire Terrier named Golden Nugget. In his spare time, Joel enjoys wakeboarding, boating, golf, working out, travel, social media, and long walks on the beach.

MICHELLE MORTENSEN

MICHELLE “ROXY” DAVIS

Michelle Mortensen is an Emmy award winning journalist. Currently a member of the 8 News Now team in Las Vegas where she solves consumer problems, she warns viewers about the latest scams, and saves you money in her 8 On Your Side reports. Michelle enjoys traveling, and decorating her home in fun and festive ways for her husband and little one- she is always looking for creative ways to decorate on a dime. She also loves being a part of the Las Vegas community. Michelle is a member of the Las Vegas Junior League and an active member of her church, ICLV.

Michelle Davis is a photojournalist, radio broadcaster and voice actress with a passion for art music and fashion and is known to her fans as Michelle “Roxy” Davis. Listeners around the World can ﬁnd Michelle on Vegas All Net Radio as the Host/Producer of the “702Rox” show as well as her independent podcast radio show on jellydropshop.com. Michelle can also be found on the AM radio waves in Las Vegas, Nevada on KLAV AM1230 as a Co-host on “On Stage in Vegas”. She is owner/designer of “Foxy Roxy” Costume Wear and has been designing specialty costumes since 2001.

MYVEGAS Magazine

From the Desk of Jenn Zenn

inter is a time of reﬂection. With a shift in the weather and the changing of our clocks, thoughts drift to recollections of the past year. Winter reminds us to take stock of our previous year’s resolutions, and be thankful for all that we’ve worked hard to achieve. A new year will soon be upon us!

In this special “Woman’s Issue” of MYVEGAS Magazine, we honor 100 women of inﬂuence in Las Vegas. Through hard work, dedication and experience, these women contribute to local culture in countless ways. We pay tribute to women who bring the news into our homes every day in ”Off Camera”- a photo feature showcasing Las Vegas’ favorite news anchors at their fashionable best! Regular features like “From the Mayor’s Desk” and “The Way I See It” remind us that women have a tremendous inﬂuence on our daily lives in so many positive ways. Helping to create this issue of MYVEGAS Magazine has been the perfect way for me to wrap up 2013. I am consistently humbled with the hard work and dedication of our loyal staff and contributors. Please feel free to reach out to me with your feedback, questions or ideas at Jenn@MYVEGASmag.com. Don’t forget to check our website for special events and announcements. Enjoy and Be Well!

Jenn Zenn

Jenn Zenn Editor

Contents 16

LAS VEGAS’ TOP 100 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

MY VEGAS 7 Ask the Mayor

9 19 30 43 70

The Way I See It

88 90 96 93

Pin-Up Bride: Deborah James

Mind, Body and Booty Fitness Las Vegas’ Top 100 Women of Inﬂuence Las Vegas Leading Lady: Dawn Gibbons Off Camera with Four of Las Vegas’ Favorite News Anchors Around the Town Vintage Vegas What’s Happening in Commercial Real Estate?

MY BEAUTY & HEALTH 10 Pamper Yourself this Winter

11 13 14 16 22

25 Insurance: The Product Everyone Loves to Hate

27 Vegas Holiday Top 10 To-Do List 29 Local Networking Mixers & Organizations MY EDUCATION 56 Lost in Transition MY FAMILY 58 Healthy Family Traditions MY LEGAL AFFAIRS 44 5 Money Management Tips Every Woman Should Know

Staying Fit & Eating Clean T Time with Tsikki Thau The Allure Medi Spa What are You Worth? 500: Crovetti Orthopaedics Celebrates Their 500th Patient

24 3 Steps to Beautiful Skin

MY BUSINESS 18 Money Matters with Michelle Mortensen

MYVEGAS Magazine

MY VEGAS

Ask the Mayor From the Mayor’s Desk- Our lovely Mayor Carolyn Goodman has graciously agreed to answer some questions from MYVEGAS Magazine’s readers. A special thanks to Mayor Goodman for her willingness to engage with our readers and the community of Las Vegas. Q: What do you think of the addition of the world’s largest Ferris wheel to the Las Vegas Strip? A: I’m so excited about Project Linq and the High Roller coming to Las Vegas. We are always coming up with bigger and better attractions to bring visitors to Las Vegas. We have the best the world has to offer in ﬁne dining, entertainment, shopping, resorts, clubs and golf, so it is only ﬁtting that we will have this beautiful new structure gracing our skyline! The High Roller is going to be an iconic part of Las Vegas, and I can’t wait to see the view of our city from the top.

Q: What is your favorite dish on the menu at Oscar’s restaurant? A: I really love the prime rib. They cook it just right, but there are other great dishes on the menu, as well. I’m partial to the chicken and vegetable soup, which is the famous recipe from the old Alpine Village restaurant here in Las Vegas. Q: Where will you be on New Year’s Eve this year? A: I’m pretty easy to ﬁnd on New Year’s Eve. I always ring in the New Year on the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas with thousands of my closest friends. Oscar and I have been

celebrating by counting down the New Year downtown under the canopy since he was ﬁrst elected in 1999. We’ll visit with the crowd and have a great time celebrating what is sure to be a bright and prosperous new year for the city of Las Vegas and our residents.. MV A special thank you to the Honorable Mayor Carolyn Goodman for her willingness to engage with the readers of MYVEGAS Magazine and the community of Las Vegas! Please email your questions to: info@MYVEGASMag.com for a chance to have your questions answered in a future issue of MYVEGAS Magazine

MYVEGAS Magazine

Contents 97

MY SENIOR LIFE 46 Mom Can Not Live Alone any Longer

48 Low-Tech Holiday Gifts the Grandkids Will Remember

MY REAL ESTATE 50 Buy a Home with a Reverse Mortgage Purchase

52 Free Housing Help Available to Assist Nevada Residents

MY HOME & GARDEN 54 Home Service Directory MY PETS & PUPPIES 60 Pets and Their People

60 Raising Charlotte 61 5 Gifts to Ensure Happy, Healthy Dogs

MY RESTAURANTS 62 That’s What She Said: Double Helix

64 What to Think about Decanting Wine 65 What’s the Dish: Panna Thai

MY ENTERTAINMENT 68 Michelle “Roxy” Davis 702Rox Radio Show

69 72 82 97

We Really do Love Locals Season Savvy Cowgirl Calendar of Events Local Entertainer Spotlight: D.J. Liz Clark

MY LOVE LIFE 74 Struggling Couples Try Marriage Boot Camp

76 Getting Married in Las Vegas

MY CHARITIES 78 Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada

80 Your Time, Talent, Treasure! 86 Providing Outﬁts and Conﬁdence to Women in Need

MY TRAVEL 84 Outrigger Waikiki: Vegas’ Escape to Paradise

MYVEGAS Magazine

MY VEGAS

The Way I See It

love Las Vegas in the winter! Yes, when all my friends in northern Nevada are freezing and busy shoveling snow—I’M NOT! However, I am still busy. Busy celebrating my favorite season—THE HOLIDAYS!

Las Vegas celebrates the holidays in the very big way that only Las Vegas can. The gaming resorts become winter wonderlands as they paint the town in red and green, giving their best to deck their halls in joyful celebration. The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens transform into winter holiday scenes December 6th through January 5th. In addition, you don’t want to miss the dancing waters of the Fountains of Bellagio to holiday caroling music. Weeks prior to the holidays the Wynn and Encore Resorts labor over making elaborate Gingerbread houses and exquisite decorations. The Venetian becomes a fantasy land with lights, winter scenes and a skating rink covered in snowﬂakes. Families can enjoy a unique visit from the jolly fellow in red as ‘Scuba Santa’ visits the Silverton Hotel’s Aquarium on weekends. Downtown Las Vegas gets into a fun, rough and tumble kind of celebration when the Fremont Street Experience kicks off the National Finals Rodeo with live concerts, dancing, lots of neon and, of course, glittering red and green lights. Cowboy hats and wranglers become the staple attire through mid-December.

By Dawn Gibbons

Nearly all the shopping malls open and close with Saint Nicholas’ visits and holiday magic. The Fashion Show Mall has regular show productions ﬁtting of Broadway with dancing elves, reindeers leaping, choirs, and many festive forms of dance. Charities get into the holiday spirit. Opportunity Village turns the downtown area into a sea of Santas with their annual Great Santa Run. Then there is the Magical Forest with millions of holiday lights, decorated trees, carousels, a Magical Forest Express Train, mini-golf, alpine slide and all the wonderments a child could imagine lasting through January 6th. Also, there is the annual Lakes Festival of Lights on December 14th complete with pony rides, carnivals, a giant bubble machine, and an electric light boat parade. If you are just in the mood to stay home and decorate your palm tree, there are numerous college bowls airing during the season- so I encourage you to check your local television schedules. No holiday would be complete without sitting down with your family to watch a couple of great shows like The Sound of Music, It’s a Wonderful Life and a Tribute to Troops that air during this time. Finally, take joy in knowing that by wintering in Las Vegas, you need not fret over being too cold or too hot. And, the best part, there is no need to worry about shoveling snow. MV

MYVEGAS Magazine

MY BEAUTY & HEALTH Tammy Kincaid

SpaExpectations.com tammy@ spaexpectations.com

Pamper Yourself This Winter

aby its cold outside! I don’t know about you but as soon as the weather turns cold, I love to pamper myself at home. Why not set the mood with your favorite scent and try a new soy candle? Relaxing scents include lavender, citrus or eucalyptus. Once the mood is set and before you draw yourself a bath, pour a cup of herbal tea or glass of wine and throw your robe into the dryer for around 10 minutes. Ahh…can you feel the stress melting away? If winter weather ﬁnds your skin feeling dry, be sure to ﬁnd or make a great moisturizer to rejuvenate your skin. Start with a great body scrub to assist in exfoliating your skin. One visit to your favorite department or cosmetic store and you can feel a little overwhelmed choosing the best moisturizer. If you are not yet familiar with AHAVA, you should give their Caressing Body Sorbet a try. This Body Sorbet gives your skin an extra boost of hydration with Dead Sea minerals, vitamins and plant extracts. The energizing scent of Mandarin and Cedarwood rejuvenates the senses while the vitamin E protects against free radicals ($26). Seasonal at-home spa treatments can not only

MYVEGAS Magazine

be fun to make, but easy on your wallet. Cranberries are fast gaining recognition as a valuable ingredient in natural skin and body care. Try these easy cranberry inspired treatments as a healthy alternative:

Instructions: 1. Boil cranberries for 3 minutes to soften.

CRANBERRY FACE MASK

3. Add pumpkin ﬂakes, brown sugar and white sugar.

“Cranberries have fruit enzymes that help exfoliate dead skin cells, and their acidity makes them a mild astringent,” says Ann Brown, spa director at the Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Mo., who created this recipe. Use this treatment twice a month for soft skin. You’ll need: 1 cup fresh cranberries 1 cup seedless red or green grapes 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 envelope unﬂavored gelatin A small bowl and blender Directions: Mix ingredients at medium speed for 20 seconds, until they have a pastelike texture. Cover and refrigerate for 45 minutes to thicken. Remove from the fridge and let sit about 10 minutes. Spread the mixture on clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Relax for 15 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. This simple yet luxurious body scrub recipe is courtesy of Corbu Spa & Salon at The Charles Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts:

CRANBERRY AND BROWN SUGAR SEASONAL BODY SCRUB Ingredients: 1 cup organic cranberries ½ cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons mulling spices ½ cup pumpkin ﬂakes ½ cup white sugar

2. Place cranberries and mulling spices into a blender until smooth.

Use as an at-home exfoliant: Scrub on, wash off and be utterly amazed at how sinfully sweet and soft your skin has become! Keep your lips moist and nourished with this recipe courtesy of http://www. beautylish.com:

CRANBERRY LIP BALM 10 fresh whole cranberries 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil 1 teaspoon honey Optional: 1 drop vitamin E oil Blend all of your ingredients together in a microwave oven-safe bowl, then heat the mixture in the microwave or on the stove until it begins to boil. Carefully remove from the heat and stir with a metal spool, mashing the berries into a mush. Let the blend cool for ﬁve minutes, and then strain it through a sieve to remove cranberry skins. Stir again, and then pour the mixture into a small portable container. Enjoy naturally berry-ﬂavored lips. There is no reason you can’t enjoy a luxurious spa experience at home. Have fun experimenting! MW Copyright © 2013 Tammy Kincaid All rights reserved www.SpaExpectations.com, tammy@ spaexpectations.com

Staying Fit & Eating Clean A Holiday Health Inspiration

By Marie Mortera

he cozy winter season can bring people together and add pounds. To avoid the torturous gain game, I sought help. My guide: Chef Phillip Dell, a private chef, who found fame on the Las Vegas Strip and on national television. He is also is a competitive body builder and health advocate, after losing almost 100 pounds! He shared his tips for keeping the weight off while enjoying the holiday feasts: MM: You’ve made a dramatic change within your own lifestyle. What were the biggest challenges for you? CPD: When I decided to change my lifestyle to a healthier one, I put it in my head that nothing would stop me! However, I am still human and “temptations” tend to sneak their way into my life. I would say the biggest challenge at first was to not fall into temptation because the people around me wanted me too. “You can have just one” they’d say. I never caved! MM: What’s the key to staying within your new approach to eating? CPD: The key to anyone going healthy is firstly, to remove anything at home that might be tempting. The next step is to BE PREPARED! All it takes is one afternoon to prepare [healthy] meals for the whole week. MM: For those that overindulge over a weekend (or two), should they throw in the towel and wait for 2014 to start a new, healthy diet? CPD: When you live a healthy lifestyle or are just getting started, there will come a time when you “fall off the wagon” or over indulge. The key to success is to train to get back on track at the very next meal! I allow myself one or two meals a week to eat whatever I want. Once I do, the next meal is clean and healthy. MV

Chef Phillip Dell www.sincitychefs.com

T Time with Tsikki Thau Women are the Heart Center of the World

Tsikki Thau, Public figure, Holistic Consultant (Cofounder of body mind & soul center, Celebrated author of Color me Love, Holistic healer, metaphysical guide, Master teacher and counselor) www.Bodymindsoul.us

“A woman is a precious jewel, she will nurture, protect and fight until the end”.

omen are spreading their message with heart, intellect and leadership, promoting personal growth and aiding humanity to reach their highest potential with great confidence and pride.

I remember back in my childhood, my sweet grandma sitting me down for a lecture on preparation for womanhood. She told me that women were only born to nurture, wed early, and have children at a young age. I felt that this couldn’t be my personal truth. With great respect and love towards my grandmother, I still thanked her for her words. My grandmother’s words led me to dream for many years of becoming my most authentic self and so much more! I became ambitious and started to recognize my own power. I am now so proud to be a loving wife, a proud mother, and an inspiration to many. But most of all, a woman. W-Wise O-Outstanding M-Miracles E-Empowering N-Now

WOMEN CELEBRATING WOMEN Women love to share precious moments of laughter, tears and expressions of the heart. Women are complete mirrors to one another and we complement each other while treasuring true friendships.

TIPS TO WINNING A WOMAN’S HEART Always place her first! Make sure that the lady in your life is your first lady and your top priority. Respect her as a woman first, and then honor her needs- even if they seem small or insignificant. Women make the world a greater place, a place that brings us all to a new found global healing. MW

MY BEAUTY & HEALTH

The Allure Medi Spa Business Spotlight THE ULTIMATE FAT KILLER? There are a lot of fat-removal techniques, many procedures prove to be painful or take too long; some are effective only on small areas of body fat and some just don’t work! Vanquish addresses all those problems. It can treat a large surface area uniformly. It’s fast, efﬁcient, and comfortable. You can literally be treated on your lunch hour and return to work with no downtime!

Vanquish, which has just arrived at Allure Medi Spa (The ONLY location in Las Vegas to have this device), uses radio frequency waves to target fat cells, heating them up enough to cause cell death without damaging skin or muscle. The 30 minute treatment is noninvasive—the applicator is suspended over the abdomen, back or love handles about an inch above the skin—there is no downtime, and it’s relatively inexpensive. Patients feel a warming sensation but no pain. The results aren’t as dramatic as liposuction, which can remove large volumes of fat and sometimes is a necessary course of action, but Vanquish does not carry the risks of surgery or anesthesia. A study done in Prague on people with love handles showed that results were visible within two weeks. After eight weeks the average loss in waist circumference was 2.23 inches. Of 25 patients studied, all had visible results after the ﬁrst treatment and, after the full course of four sessions, 59 percent of abdominal fat was destroyed, on average, resulting in a two-inch (and in a few cases, a three-inch) reduction in waist size. And because the device kills fat cells themselves, not just the fat within cells, the results should be long lasting. Allure Medi Spa is told that researchers believe that because of cell death, the fat loss will prove permanent. Robert Weiss, an associate professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins Hospital was quoted as saying, “This new technique is a real game changer—it’s the safest, easiest way yet to remove fat,” He explains that, “The heat causes cell death in the fat cells; some die

MYVEGAS Magazine

instantly, some in a matter of weeks, The dead cells are ﬁltered through the lymphatic system, metabolized in the liver, and excreted in the urine. Finally Dr. Weiss stated that he’s seen patients lose several inches after four treatments without changing their diets. Dr. Leo Capobianco of Allure Medi Spa encourages patients to also lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain that new beautiful shape through healthy diet and exercise. Dr. Leo Capobianco is ecstatic about this new machine, he feels it gives his patients that extra little push they need to get to that target weight/size and maintain it. He is very committed to his patient’s success and will work with each patient to ensure they receive the best care to help attain their ultimate body contouring goals. Dr. Leo Capobianco is known worldwide for his detailed physician training techniques and has proven to be a leader in the Las Vegas medical industry in bringing the latest proven technology to his practice. Allure Medi Spa is considered the most complete non invasive body contouring center in Las Vegas. Dr. Leo Capobianco is quoted as saying, “I’m really excited to have found Vanquish and to have the ability to share safe, healthy alternatives to my patients in their quest for weight loss and body contouring.” He goes on to say, “Vanquish is great for people who are in good shape, within 5 to 10 percent of their ideal weight, and don’t want to go through surgery.” MV

For more information call Allure Medi Spa at 702.304.0336 www.vanquishfat.com

Blossom Pediatrics

What are You Worth? by James J. White, DDS

adies, I ask you to begin looking at other women. In particular, look at their teeth (or absence, thereof).

Once you notice their teeth, look at the entire picture. The entire picture will be far more attractive with those ladies who have lovely teeth. A beautiful smile can perform wonders in personal and professional circumstances. Women with a beautiful smile always look younger than they actually are. There is nothing quite so aging as worn and dingy teeth. Worn teeth and elongated teeth (a result of gum disease) say old age at a glance. But, don’t just take my word for it. Judge for yourselves when out shopping or running errands. Any one who has not taken care of the health of their mouths will be easy to spot. Nothing is more telling than someone who laughs and shows missing teeth! Anytime teeth are removed and not replaced, there is less support for facial tissues. No creams, regardless of how expensive they are, will compensate for facial collapse as a result of poor or missing teeth. Just as someone who is considering plastic surgery would make sure that their surgeon knows what they’re doing, one should also be certain that the person to provide a cosmetic dental makeover is experienced in aesthetic dentistry. Hanging out a sign as an “aesthetic dentist”

does not constitute any sort of ability relative to what is required to provide long lasting beauty and stability. The key phrase is “long lasting”, not “quick fix”. It is ignorant to think that all dentistry is the same. Every practitioner has a different skill set and different gold standard. Dentistry is an art-science. The dental practitioner must know, understand, and have available master technicians who work in partnership with him/her to provide the result that the patient is seeking. Master ceramists are very selective and sometimes prima donnas who will only work with very skilled dentists. That’s who you want to do your cosmetic dental treatment. Aside from aesthetics, remember that one is not in good overall health without good oral health. A poor dental condition affects the ability to chew and negatively influences nutrition while contributing to digestion issues. Infections and inflammation in the mouth can contribute to cardiovascular or cerebrovascular difficulties, low term birth weights, unstable diabetic conditions, or demineralization of the bones. So keeping a beautiful and youthful smile will help to keep you both young and healthy- it’s a win-win! MV For more information contact Concierge Dentistry by James J. White, DDS at 702.562.8833

Money Matters

with Michelle Mortensen

new year, a new you… financially speaking. Every January 1st people around the country make New Year’s Resolutions. While we all make resolutions year after year, very few of us actually follow through with them. I believe you can accomplish any resolution by first making a budget. List the accounts you have, like your checking account, your credit cards and savings account. You should have a savings or emergency fund! Bankrate. com says 27% of us don’t have one, and if tragedy strikes you could be up a creek without a paddle Then, list your categories: housing or rent, bills, personal items, transportation and entertainment, just to name a few. Next, determine how much money you can or do spend on each category and figure out what needs to be cut to keep you on track. The last step is actually doing this and following through. For help making a budget just go online and download a free template. There are also a bunch of free Apps you can use on your smart phone to take all the guess work out of it. Check them out, and pick out which one is best for you and make 2014 your best financial year ever! MV

Mind, Body and Booty Fitness

MY VEGAS

by Meghan Leigh

eghan was born in Princeton, New Jersey, where shortly after, her family moved to the state of Washington. Growing up in a predominantly male household, she quickly picked up a liking for anything athletic. In high school Meghan was involved in tennis, soccer, baseball, and was on the dance team. By the time she got to college however, she had a burning desire to move, and venture into the unknown. Taking a leap of faith she moved to the desert of Las Vegas, which has remained her home for 9 years. Meghan recalls, “I didn’t know anyone when I moved here. I just wanted to get out of the Washington rain. I packed my belongings in my car, and drove alone from Washington to Vegas.” Her ﬁrst job was with a network marketing company and she remembers the training she received. They would stress, “Wake up everyday and do what you love.” Working out is one of her passions, so Meghan joined a local gym.

feel.” Continuing her education, and taking a friends advice, Jimmy Nguyen, (Mr. USA Bodybuilding Champion), she enrolled in classes at UNLV, and the International Institute of Sports Medicine, which helped to broaden her knowledge about kinesiology. Training with IFBB pros, dieticians, body builders, and top professionals in her ﬁeld, she understands proper eating, getting in shape and weight loss.

“I love to work out. The trick for most, is getting to the gym, but once you are there, you zone out, your endorphins kick in, and seeing others train really encourages you.” says Meghan. She cites, “when you surround yourself with the people you want to become, you develop their habits and acquire what they have.” Immersing herself in knowledge about healthy eating, training with the best trainers in the valley, learning proper form during lifting weights, and taking every class possible, she got in the ultimate shape of her life. “The best part is how you feel, and the compliments you receive. Clean eating makes such a huge difference in your skin, your energy, and your overall vitality. When you feel good, you’re magnetic. Eating follows this concept: good in, good out, garbage in, garbage out. The more energy you have, the better you will

In her free time, she’s with her best friends or her Yorkies, does charity work, reads and travels. She makes custom meal plans, provides personal training sessions, mobile spray tans and grocery shops with her clients. Meghan notes, “Every 28 days your skin replaces itself. Your liver every 5 months, your bones, every 10 years, your body makes these new cells FROM THE FOOD YOU EAT! You become what you EAT!” Meghan states, “when you lose your excuses, you’ll ﬁnd your results!” MV

Meghan wants to help you achieve the same results. She understands the psychology behind it, how your mind works, and why you revert back to old patterns. She’ll educate you on food and nutrients for your body as well as workouts for a toned booty! “Your brain runs the most magniﬁcent system on the face of the earth and that is your body!” quoting Anthony Robbins. If you won’t just read this with a grain of salt, but actually follow what she says, check out her website, get around others who have the same goals and hire a coach like herself, you’ll love your results.

Meghan Leigh is now an official health and fitness writer for MyVegas Magazine and runs a very successful Person Training business here in Vegas. Watch for her health and fitness column in upcoming issues. She can be reached at MindBodyandBooty@gmail.com, FB: Meghan Leigh www.MindBodyandBooty.com 702.800.1302

MYVEGAS Magazine

MY BEAUTY & HEALTH

500 Crovetti Orthopaedics Celebrates Their 500th Patient by Jenn Zenn

ometimes, the best ideas are born in the unlikeliest places. Such is the case for Las Vegas-based orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Michael Crovetti. Standing in the parking lot of a Las Vegas area hospital one night, Dr. Crovetti remarked to a coworker that “there’s got to be a better way” to allow patients to heal after surgery and cut their recovery time. Having followed hospital procedures and guidelines for patient recovery for a number of years, Crovetti had become accustomed to the lengthy periods of time that hospital patients were extended after surgery. Sometimes confined to hospital beds for days, weeks, or even months meant that patients might not have been getting the most out of their recovery process. But what could be done about it? And, how would Dr. Crovetti’s innovative ideas eventually shake up Orthopaedic medicine? If you live in Las Vegas, it is difficult to miss Dr. Crovetti’s billboards and advertisements posted all around town. Crovetti Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine has become one of the go-to centers for orthopaedic surgery and physical therapy. And, not just in Nevada- patients come from all over the United States to seek the expert and technologically advanced surgical procedures that Crovetti’s center has become renowned for. Dr. Crovetti’s practices are derived from a simple idea: motion is key. Generally, when a patient undergoes an orthopaedic procedure (such as hip replacement, or knee surgery), they are forced to adhere to general hospital practices. While Crovetti acknowledges recent advancements in medicine and technology in hospitals, it is still difficult to progress past the idea that recovering in a hospital mostly means laying in bed. Patients have a high level of anxiety after joint replacement surgery in fear of dangerous developments like blood clots, stiff joints and infection. However, Dr. Crovetti’s healing concepts not only stop the

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need for these kinds of concerns, but are also imperative to quick recovery and a better quality of post-surgical life. He instills his “motion is key” concept into his patients by prompting them to get up and walk as quickly as three hours post-operation. Sound controversial? Because it is. Crovetti feels that the number one reason why blood clots and stiffness can develop in a patient is through lack of movement. And, what better way to avoid these pitfalls than to get up a walk around a little? So, just how do these concepts play out during patient recovery? Dr. Crovetti performs joint replacement surgeries in his fully functional orthopaedics center everyday, and allows his patients to stay in-house after surgery in order to recover. Crovetti Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine center has one thing that hospitals don’t have: recovery suites. The “recovery suite” is an area within the surgical center that looks much like a hotel room. Set up for patients to rest, recuperate and reset their bodies into healing mode, the recovery suites offer comfortable digs for joint replacement patients and a close family member. Allowing family to stay with a patient overnight (and for the duration of their time at Crovetti’s center) promotes positive healing and hands-on experience in caretaking. The family member literally transforms into a caretaker for the patient by being educated by Center staff on after-surgery techniques. These lessons come into play once the patient returns home. Walking with the patient, accompanying them to the restroom, the shower, even to eat meals together helps immensely during at home aftercare. Crovetti’s obsession with cleanliness and sterility proves important during healing time as well. By being out of a hospital environment after surgery (which houses sick patients that fill up neighboring beds), risk of exposure to infection is essentially eliminated. Patient Concierge, Kathy Hallett, has worked with Dr. Crovetti for a few years, and hasn’t regretted her decision to jump on board with Crovetti’s vision for patient healing. Having also been a hospital employee, Kathy knows firsthand the difficulties that patients can face when trying to heal from invasive surgery. Turning joint replacement surgeries into less invasive in-center procedures has put Crovetti on the map for changing the way people think about orthopaedic practice. Kathy has worked with Dr. Crovetti since the development of the “recovery suites”, and has found herself in a position to have personally met and connected with every single Center patient since day one. Kathy is the go-to person for patients before and after their procedures. She makes sure that patients have everything that they need in order to heal quickly and leave healthier than when they arrived.

She has a real connection to the people she gets to work with everyday, and recently witnessed one of Crovetti Orthopaedics’ highest achievements: their 500th patient, Steve Candelas. Mr. Candelas received a right total hip replacement, and was able to recover and regain his mobility by walking and working with the Crovetti staff during his time in the recovery suites. Being able to follow the progress of every patient who has walked through Crovetti’s doors gives Kathy a sense of pride in the practice that she works for. She feels that one-on-one treatment and positive motivation can inspire patients to heal better, and she hasn’t been proven wrong yet. A former college football player and sports fanatic, Michael Crovetti has innovative ideas for patient care and recovery that extend beyond the comfort and relaxation of the suites. A fully decorated hallway in the patient care center mimics the layout of a small football ﬁeld. Designed with his extensive football background as a guide, Dr. Crovetti crafted this area of his recovery center to aid patients in walking after surgery. In place are fully operational stability mechanics that extend from the ceiling to assist post-op patients in walking during healing time. It’s that get-up-and-go energy which Dr. Crovetti inspires in his patients that helps them want to get out of bed and walk. Further bringing his sports background into play, Crovetti makes deals with prospective patients who aren’t quite in the best physical shape to undergo treatment. If a patient needs to lose weight in order to gauge whether surgery is the right option, Crovetti starts at the root of the problem ﬁrst, and encourages a healthier lifestyle before proceeding. A sign hangs on the wall just behind the registration desk at Crovetti Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, and it reads “Recover Like A Rockstar”- a tagline the staff uses everyday. Crovetti’s patients have gone on to bike marathons, become avid skiers, swimmers, and be able to return to their active lives as quickly as six weeks post-surgery. Crovetti doesn’t enable his patients into codependent behavior, but instead, sets expectations for their healing process and for their overall lives. Using his surgical skills, his gift for thinking outside the box, and his innate sense of good sportsmanship, Dr. Michael Crovetti sets the standard for patients to truly, recover like rockstars. MV Crovetti Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine is a one of a kind center in Nevada, and located at 2779 West Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite #200, Henderson, NV 89052. 702.990.2290 Currently in progress of opening more Recovery Care Facilities throughout the nation, Crovetti Orthopaedics also has licensing in western Florida, St. Louis, and Colorado.

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MY BEAUTY & HEALTH

3 Steps to Beautiful Skin by Arnie Bazemore

Know your basic skin type and choose every treatment accordingly. Select the best anti-aging skin treatment that augments your skin type. You can try this simple test: • Remove any makeup, rinse your face with water, pat dry with a clean towel and wait an hour • Place a single layer of white tissue (peel apart the tissue layers to get just one) over your face and press it over the surface, pushing it into all your corners and crevices. • Leave it for a few minutes, then lift it off and inspect the results. Oily skin: the tissue will stick to the sebum, pick up oily spots and become translucent.

Normal/combination skin: it will stick only to your T-zone. Dry/very dry skin: the paper won’t stick to any area of your face, indicating very low sebum levels. • Choose an Anti-Aging Skin Care line that is all natural containing peptides, oxypeptides, antioxidants, Botanical extracts, Vitamins A & C, and free of parabens and petrolatum.

Clean, nourish, and moisturize daily Have a routine!

The right cleanser can make a big difference. Cleanse each morning and night. If you use heavy makeup, remove it before cleansing. Take a cotton pad and moisten with toner or a tiny bit of water

and a dab of cleanser. Make sure to remove all make up.

Balance yourself internally and externally – Moderation is key

Holiday stress does not necessarily have to be a negative factor. Mental pressure stress can be a powerful force. It can be a motivator- urging us to carry out tasks or conquer problems and achieve goals. Manage your stress by exercising, eating right, getting a good amount of sleep, and maintaining a proper skin care routine. With these 3 steps to Beautiful Skin, go enjoy your holiday! MV

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MY BUSINESS

Insurance The Product Everyone Loves to Hate by James Hooban

nsurance is a product everyone is required to buy in some form or another, but that nobody wants to use. Nobody wants an auto accident. No one wants their house to be damaged by fire or a natural disaster. But most people need help when these things happen. Moreover, we are required by law to have insurance covering our automobiles as a condition to registering them. Mortgage companies require insurance on our houses as security for their loans. Okay, so it’s inevitable. The following are some tips that can help to keep insurance costs down while making sure your insurance company is responsive if and when you need them. Take fifteen minutes to “save fifteen percent,” and look online for other sources you have seen advertised. Seek out a local agent that represents one, or many, companies. Find the best deal with a company that fits your needs and stick with that company. If you ever have a claim, you will tend to get better service as a long-term loyal customer than if you change often. If you engage an agent, you’ll have someone to do legwork for you in making comparisons. For your automobile insurance, seek out liability and uninsured motorists

limits as high as you can manage. A combined single limit of $300,000 would be sufficient in around 95% of accidents. Remember that around 15% of automobiles on the road are not insured. Don’t skimp on coverage for your liability in an accident, and protect yourself in case you are damaged by someone who isn’t insured. You can save on your deductibles. Look at the cost of collision and comprehensive coverages at different deductible levels. If the difference in premium between collision coverage with a $250 deductible and a $1,000 deductible is $175, you would be paying $175 for $750 of coverage. Look for these alternatives from your agent or as you do your own research. When purchasing your homeowners insurance, similar guidelines apply. Be sure to insure your home for the value of replacing or rebuilding. The

mortgage company will require you to insure the amount of your loan. That way, they’ll always get their money back. On the other hand, you probably would want to restore your house to its original condition if it were damaged or destroyed. Again, you can save on deductibles. Compare deductibles at their various levels and estimate how much you can afford to pay in the event your home is damaged. Finally, here is some really sound advice: read your policy! If you don’t read it right away, at least read it when you are facing a claim. With both auto and home insurance, there are terms and conditions about parts that can be used to repair your automobile and materials that can be used to restore your house. They can differ from one insurance company to another. Knowing what you’ve actually bought and what to expect when you have to use it might make insurance a little less easy to hate. MV

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MY BUSINESS

Vegas Holiday Top 10 To-Do List By Joel Jarvis

Shopping in Vegas is Epic! Fashion Show Mall, Wynn Esplanade, Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Outlet Center, Crystals at City Center, and Bonanza Gift Shop are all within 8 miles of one another and offer thousands of brands and stores. Bring Cash.

Dining out in Las Vegas is very special! Start on Sundays at the all-you-can-eat Gospel Music Brunch at House of Blues, 10am and 1pm. Or, try Thanksgiving dinner at Aureole Steakhouse by Charlie Palmer at Mandalay Bay. Le Cirque in Bellagio, Joe’s Crab Shack in Forum Shops, or how about a very special Christmas at Mon Ami Gabi or Eiffel Tower at Paris overlooking the Bellagio fountains? Deals abound for every budget.

Go to Church Services! Central Christian in Henderson (18,000 attendees), Canyon Ridge Christian Church in the Northwest (6,000 attendees), The International Church of Las Vegas (5,000 attendees) , Shadow Hills Baptist (3,000 attendees), St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (17,000 attendees), or join in one of the many Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints services with over 176,000 members statewide.

Ice Skating! Cosmopolitan Casino/ Resort, Crystals at City Center, Las Vegas Ice Center or Lake Las Vegas all have ice rinks during the winter. Dress warm, and remember to “spike” your hot chocolate for more adult fun! Sleigh Rides at Mount Charleston! Where? What? In Vegas? Yes, you can go for a sleigh ride at Mt. Charleston and drink by the fire at the Lodge on top of the Mountain. Bring your own marshmallows, down coat, and warm mittens.

Christmas Lights at Ethel M Chocolates in Henderson, and then cruise for festive outdoor decorations in swanky nearby neighborhoods. Bellagio Gardens offer superb decorations if you’ve got an hour to spare. Bring the kids and go to the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village and get your family in the Holiday spirit!

Run a Full or Half Rock N Roll Marathon down the strip at night along with 44,000 runners in midNovember. Try the Great Santa Run with Opportunity Village at Fremont Street Experience, which includes over 20,000 Santa’s doing a 5K run. It’s a world record run every year, and the next race is happening on December 7, 2013. Santa suit included!

Go to the National Finals Rodeo at Thomas and Mack to see the cowboys and the big bulls bucking wildly. For the after parties, try out a local cowboy bar like Gilley’s at Treasure Island, Stoney’s Rockin’ Country at Town Square, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill at Harrah’s, or go north and go real cowboy and hit Revolver Saloon at Santa Fe Station! Giddy up cow pokes!

Go Skiing or Snowboarding at Mt. Charleston. Just 35 minutes from the Strip, with 11 trails for skiers and snowboarders of varying skill levels, you can even take lessons if you’re a newbie. Heck, bring a sled and go sledding or even make a snowman while you’re there! The Lodge is normally open from October to May, and rentals are available. Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort is a blast from winter! Brrrrr…

Stay home with your family and cook Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner and watch NFL Football, a traditional day of fun! If you are really daring, go to the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl, December 21st at Sam Boyd Stadium, featuring NCAA college football teams. Tailgating recommended. MV

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Las Vegas’ Top 100 Women of Influence

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

yVegas polled over 100,000 of our readers to find Las Vegas’ Top 100 Women of Influence, and these women are the women that make a difference in Las Vegas. Nominated and voted by our readers, through their service, commitment, charitable contributions, and big hearts, these women continue to give more than they receive, and make Las Vegas one of the most fascinating places to live, work and play, in America. Featured are a diverse group from various organizations, including Gaming, Politics, Finance, Government, Arts, Entertainment, Education, Health Care, Philanthropy and more. Along with well known leaders, and the new rising stars, this year we are proud to publish the “100 Women of Influence”. You may recognize some friends and familiar faces, and some have credentials too many to list, however please note that their talents and contributions go far beyond what we had space to print. This year’s recipients are amazing women, who have influenced Las Vegas and the community we live in. Enjoy! MV MYVEGAS Magazine

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Las Vegas’ Top 100 Women of Influence AMANDA KOURETAS Mrs. Nevada-America 2011, Wife and “GlaMom” of three, Community Fundraiser As Mrs. Nevada, Amanda has worked tirelessly as the glamorous voice for moms and women of Las Vegas. Featured in articles and on TV, her passion is family and teaching our youth the importance of giving back through her Community Action Committee at The Meadows School and raising funds and smiles for numerous charities, including The Pregnancy Foundation and Communities In Schools.

JULIE MURRAY Moonridge Group Julie is one of Nevada’s foremost social entrepreneurs. She serves as the Principal and CEO of Moonridge Group, a consulting firm that partners with foundations, individual funders, corporate donors, and non-profit organizations to deliver a high Return on Investment for charitable investments.

CHERYL FLEEMAN Revolver Saloon & Dancehall GM of Revolver Saloon & Dancehall. For 3 years she has made it an environment that both guests and the team members have become one big family. She leads several projects with her Revolver team, and they have donated items, money, and their time to many local charities.

HOLLY MADISON Holly Madison Star of the television series Holly’s World and The Girls Next Door and headliner of Peepshow for 3.5 years, she has authored a book, and is the official Las Vegas Correspondent for EXTRA. She serves as an ambassador for Las Vegas’ The Animal Foundation. Holly looks forward to returning to the Las Vegas stage soon...as both a producer and performer.

MONIQUE HARRIS Southern Nevada Children First Monique Harris Founder, Executive Director of Southern Nevada Children First, a non-profit whose mission is to stop homelessness among pregnant and parenting youth by providing safe structured environments in which youth are supported through mentoring, advocacy, education, counseling and intensive case management. Youth benefit from a host of programs designed to transition to self-sufficiency.

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STEPH MACKENZIE-FOSTER Foxx and Mackenzie/97.1 The POINT Steph has been in radio for 22 years, she is co-host of the highly acclaimed Foxx and MacKenzie morning show. She spends a huge chunk of her time working with Vegas non-profits and charities including New Vista Community, American Cancer Society, United Blood Services, March of Dimes, LIED Animal Shelter and Walk with the Heart of a Child.

NIEVE MALANDRA This vocalist and model has established herself as one of the hardest working, most versatile entertainers in town since arriving just over 1 year ago. Her huge repertoire spans 5 languages! She performs regularly with Zowie Bowie at Red Rock Casino, among other fine venues. Look out for more from this supermom and entertainer in the future.

KENDRA STEPENUCK Kendra Stepenuck is an inspirational woman. Those who have met her, find her as humble backstage as she is talented. Kendra’s performances showcasing her stellar vocal abilities greatly benefit charitable causes. She’s a well-rounded leader, role model, and has a heart of gold. Kendra is unanimously appreciated for her talents and sharing them with all.

BARBARA LACY Barbara Lacy, 2013-2014 President of Mesquite Club, Inc. She is a member of Southern Nevada Women’s History Project, Steering Committee for the Sesquicentennial Nevada Women’s Legacy Project 150, and the upcoming First Ladies First project involving the former first ladies of Nevada. She is a Deacon at her church and sings in a gospel group. Married with three children and five grandchildren all here in the Vegas Valley.

AJ KUNG Kung & Brown A.J. Kung is Managing Partner for Kung & Brown, a boutique law firm established in 2003, which focuses on representation of small to medium sized businesses. AJ is also committed to improving her community and has been involved with many charitable organizations, including the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, Junior League, Help of Southern Nevada, and Habitat for Humanity.

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

TERRI JANISON United Way of Southern Nevada Vice President, Community Development for United Way of Southern Nevada, advocates education, health and financial stability issues for underserved children. Served on Governor Brian Sandoval’s senior staff in Community Relations and in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

SELMA BARTLETT As one of the first female bank officers in the state of Nevada, she has been instrumental in the growth of Henderson for almost 60 years. Her personal and financial support in medical professions and higher education has garnered her prestigious awards, such as the naming of the Selma F. Bartlett Elementary School in Henderson.

LOIS TARKANIAN Las Vegas City Council In August 2006, the Tarkanian Middle School, named in her honor, was opened by the Clark County School District. She currently serves as a board member on the Clark County Public Education Foundation, FACT, Oralingua School for the Hearing Impaired, Nevada PEP, Emerge and as chairwoman of the Advisory Committee for the Teacher Education Academy at Clark High School.

MEGAN MATHIS The Masters Media Group, LLC Megan Mathis, President/Publisher of The Masters Media Group, LLC. A 42 year resident with over 25 years experience in publishing. Since 2001 Megan has published the Nevada Senior Guide. Megan is well known and respected in the community through her dedication to providing vital information to the seniors in Nevada to improve the quality of their lives.

PATRICIA LEE Hutchison & Steffen Law Firm Patricia Lee is a partnerof the Hutchison & Steffen Law Firm practicing primarily in business and commercial Litigation. Serves as a volunteer attorney for the Child Advocacy Program where She represents abused and neglected children in Clark County. Current President of the Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association Foundation.

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TRICIA KEAN KTNV Channel 13 Action News Tricia Kean is the longest-tenured anchor at KTNV. She can be seen anchoring on Channel 13 Action News, daily. She brings you the latest consumer headlines in her Contact 13 segments. She has received numerous local awards for her work in the community over the past 11 years in Southern Nevada.

JUDI STEELE The Public Education Foundation Judi Steele is President/CEO of The Public Education Foundation. She has served local, national and international education and business communities as an educator, business owner, consultant and executive coach. Steele, who has championed public education and the arts, is a respected thought leader guided by an entrepreneurial spirit and the courage to challenge conventional wisdom.

KATHRYN HOOD Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) Forme President of Southern NV Fastpitch Association SW Division. For almost a decade, Kathy has coached, mentored, served on boards, and volunteered countless hours to our local softball community....all of which was very influential to the female youth of our city making for stronger women in the future. She has certainly made a positive impact in the sports arena here in Las Vegas.

SCHYLER RICHARDS Touro University Nevada With more than 25 years’ experience in higher education, Schyler Richards came to Touro University Nevada in 2010 as Associate Vice President for Advancement after more than 22 years at UNLV. She serves on the senior leadership team at Touro, overseeing all matters related to the University’s external outreach including fundraising, alumni relations, marketing, advertising, and government/community relations.

SUE LOWDEN Sue Lowdenis a philanthropist, award-winning news reporter, anchorwoman and businesswoman. She has served as a Nevada State Senator and Chairman of the Nevada Republican Party. Sue was involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association earning the Humanitarian and the Director Award and she is on the Board of Directors of the Nevada Military Support Alliance.

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Las Vegas’ Top 100 Women of Influence FAWNIA DIETRICH Pole Fitness Studio FAWNIA DIETRICH, POLE FITNESS STUDIO Known as the world’s first pole dancing instructor, Fawnia has been teaching pole fitness since 1994. Pole Fitness Studio offers a monthly membership to Vegas locals, consisting of 160 unique fitness and dance classes that reduce body fat, build muscle, improve flexibility and boost self esteem in a fun community like atmosphere.

MILDRED SCHNEIDMAN The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas With over 20 yrs as a Wedding & Event Consultant. Concierge & avid volunteer in our community including Opportunity Village, LV Rescued Mission, EcoStar & Heart Star, Project Dinner Table, Ronald McDonald House, Goodie Two Shoes, One Drop – Cirque Du Soleil, AFAN – Aids Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Susan G. Komen, Vegas Roots, , Community In School of Nevada.

SUSIE LEE President of the Board of Communities In Schools of Nevada. Founding Director for Mobilized Assistance and Shelter for the Homeless and the After-School All-Stars and served as a founding member and former President of Nevada Women’s Philanthropy.

ARRIEL OWEN THEwedding chapel at Mandalay Bay Under her leadership, THEwedding chapel was awarded several awards, including the Las Vegas Bride Magazine’s Best Wedding Chapel on the Strip for three consecutive years. She is a graduate of Management Academy and a certified wedding planner with The International School of Hospitality.

CHRISTY CREEL Creel Printing Christy Creel, V.P. of Sales at CREEL printing in Las Vegas joined the Creel family business in 1989. A recognized leader in the print industry specializing in convention, publication, Commercial and digital printing, her company is among the top 50 largest printing companies in the United States.

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DAYNA ROSELLI Dayna Roselli, co-host of the KXNT Morning Show on 100.5 FM. Eight of her 16 years in TV broadcasting was spent at KLAS-TV as co-anchor of the morning show. She spends her free time hosting fundraisers and attending events. She recently hosted Taste of the Nation Las Vegas, The Best of Silver State Awards, and The Business Press Green Awards.

LARK GOULD Lark Ellen Gould is an award-winning journalist, she reported for the SUN and has written six books on Las Vegas for major publishers. She publishes Travel-Intel.com, with Tours.com. She assists travel companies leverage their digital presence through optimized content marketing.

BRIDGET RICHARDS New Growth Commercial Real Estate Company Bridget Richards, CCIM pioneered the development of New Growth Commercial Real Estate Company. Bridget’s background is in the development and sales of commercial projects. Ms. Richards has successfully closed over $200,000,000 in transaction volume as a result of her dedication to the client’s acquisition or disposition strategy, overall transaction management, and attention to contract details.

JENNIFER BRADLEY BRAINtrust Marketing + Communications Jennifer Bradley has broad experience in media and public relations, public affairs,community outreach and non-profit marketing. She has held leadership positions with The Lili Claire Foundation and Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada, and earned the Las Vegas Humanitarian of the Year Angel Award.

DR. CAROL C. HARTER Black Mountain Institute Executive Director of Black Mountain Institute and President Emerita of UNLV. Former president of the State University of New York at Geneseo and spent almost 19 years at Ohio University as a faculty member and administrator. Earned her Ph.D. at SUNY-Binghamton and has co-authored two books on American writers.

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

DAWN GIBBONS KSNV NEWS 3 LAS VEGAS Former First Lady of Nevada and the only one to have been a state legislator. Named Assemblywoman of the Year by the Nevada Police Protective Association. Senior Vice President of Communication and Government Relations for Intermountain West Communications Company, an NBC affiliate with three television stations in Nevada; KSNV NEWS 3, KRNV NEWS 4, and KENV NEWS 10.

STACY SHORT Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Employed with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 2002, various assignments from Corrections Officer to Police Detective have allowed her to contribute to public safety. She provides support and assistance to Metro employees and their family members as a Peer Counselor during critical incidents, death and grief issues or any other type of crisis situations.

WENDY SHELTON Intermountain West Communications Company/KSNV News 3 Wendy has worked at KSNV News 3 for twenty-four years and was promoted General Sales Manager in 2012. Her primary responsibility is implementing strategies to achieve revenue goals while motivating her team to achieve their personal best. She works with many organizations including The American Heart Association and Make-A-Wish of Southern Nevada.

FLORENCE ROGERS NEVADA PUBLIC RADIO The President & General Manager of Nevada Public Radio, she continued a three decade legacy of public media service to Nevada, growing audience on air, online and in print with Desert Companion magazine. She is the current Chair of the Council of the LV Metro Chamber Leadership Program and was elected to the board of National Public Radio in 2011.

PARVIN MODABER JACOBS Physician and Philanthropist. Has been honored numerous times for her charitable work. She was previously very active in promoting the Athletic Department of UNLV, the Nevada Ballet Theater and most recently with the Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada. She has been recognized as Mother of the Year, Woman of the Year and the Best Dressed Woman in Las Vegas.

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MIKKA MOON Tuxedo Junction Formal Wear As owner of Tuxedo Junction since 1978, Mikka has had the opportunity to influence many young people to follow their dreams and to make a positive difference in this world. She has also been an avid supporter of education and fine arts in the Las Vegas area.

RITA VASWANI The Private Bank by Nevada State Bank Rita Vaswani isVice President/Private Banking Officer for The Private Bank by Nevada State Bank. She serves on the Congressional Awards Board, Clark County Community Development Advisory Committee, FBI Citizens Academy as well as on the boards of Centennial Hills Hospital, First Med & Wellness, Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and founding president of the Las Vegas India Chamber of Commerce.

DOROTHY HUFFEY A society columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal for the past 30 years. Director of Development and Alumni for the University of Nevada, Reno’s Southern Office for 11 years, and holds emeritus status. She is an active member of the Las Vegas Assistance League. In March 2013, the Junior League of Las Vegas awarded Dorothy the Lifetime Community Achievement Award.

ELAINE WYNN A savvy business leader, influential philanthropist and dedicated crusader for children’s welfare, she has served as Director of Wynn Resorts and has helped guide the company’s expansion. Her commitment to improve children’s lives through education has engaged her in numerous leadership roles at the local level as well as the national level.

SHAWN LANE Cheyenne Marketing Shawn Lane, Founder and CEO, Cheyenne Marketing. Shawn has been recognized for her efforts in creative marketing, PR, Event and brand development for more than 17 years. She currently holds positions on the charitable boards for Family and Child Therapy of Southern Nevada and Operation HOPE.

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Las Vegas’ Top 100 Women of Influence JAMIE MARTIN Cosmetologist As a highly respected makeup artist and hair stylist in Las Vegas, she empowers people to see and believe in their inner and outer beauty through her unbelievable talent of cosmetology. After graduating from one of the most prestigious cosmetology schools, she was invited to train with James Ryder, one of the most sought after Hollywood makeup artists.

MICHELLE HOWARD Las Vegas Floral Wholesale Owner of Flora Couture by Floral 2000. She works with Charities, such as It Ain’t Chemo, a non-profit organization that deals directly with Cancer patients, of which she sits on the board of directors; as well as many other charitable organizations that her company helps annually.

MARLENE ADRIAN Women of Diversity Productions, Inc. President, Women of Diversity Productions, Inc. Dr. Marlene Adrian has successfully achieved this nonprofit’s mission to provide visibility to women, their contributions and to celebrate diversity since 1992. Two projects that promote a woman-appreciated society are The Las Vegas Centennial project “100 Years of Influence” and now the Sesquicentennial project, “Nevada Women’s Legacy”.

STEFANIE JAY FOX5 Stefanie Jay is a morning anchor at FOX5. She works with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to promote awareness and research. Jay also does extensive community events with the FOX5 Take 5 To Care program.

JAN JONES BLACKHURST Jan Jones Blackhurst isExecutive Vice President of Communications and Government Relations for Caesars Entertainment, Corp. Served two terms as Mayor of the City of Las Vegas. Appointed the ViceChair of the Clark County Public Education Foundation.

MYVEGAS Magazine

BETH SCHWARTZ Luxury Las Vegas Magazine Beth Schwartz’s role as editor-in-chief of Luxury Las Vegas magazine allows her to show support to all of the city’s charities. Not only does the magazine have a monthly Desert Gem feature that spotlights the many giving citizens of Southern Nevada, but she also publicizes the good works of many charities through feature stories and coverage in the magazine.

CYNTHIA N. GIULIANI Family Court Judge Eighth Judicial District Court A Judge in Department K Family Court and presides over 1050 juvenile dependency cases. She is a member of the Standardized Review Committee, Domestic Violence Committee, Board Member for the Clark County Library, Mock Trial Judge for Boyd School of Law, Trial by Peers Judge, and Family Law Bench Bar Committee, the State Bar of Nevada, Clark County Bar Association, Domestic Violence Judicial Committee and the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Nevada.

LINDA SMITH Opportunity Village As a fundraising specialist and Associate Executive Director for Opportunity Village,Linda Smithhas gained a reputation as an innovative leader, public speaker, and humanitarian. Linda plans and develops fundraising strategies that have raised over $100 million dollars for Opportunity Village. She has organized hundreds of events to inform and educate the public.

DEE LADD Sunrise Children’s Foundation Mrs. Ladd is the retired Founder of the Sunrise Children’s Foundation. She founded the Sunrise Children’s Foundation. Past winner of the ATHENA Award and State Ambassador for ATHENA International, a member of Nevada Ballet Theater Board of Directors, member of United Way Women’s Leadership Council, as well as Steering Committee member of Tocqueville Society.

JULIE OSTROVSKY Nevada Justice Association Julie Ostrovskyis the Development Director for Nevada Justice Association. Her passion involves supporting organizations that offer programs for children with autism. She volunteers as Executive Director for Autism Community Trust, co-chairs Artists for Autism, was President for F.E.A.T. of Southern NV, and supports Hadassah Southern Nevada and Midbar Kodesh Temple.

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READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

ROSEMARY VASSILIADIS Clark County Department of Aviation The first woman to serve asClark County Director of Aviation, she oversees all operations at McCarran International Airport and manages nearly 1,500 employees. She is an Executive Board Member of the U.S. Travel Association, board member for the International Aviation Law Institute, member of the Nevada Homeland Security Commission and member of the United Service Organizations’ Las Vegas Advisory Council.

MELISSA TORRES KCYE-102.7 Midday Radio Host Melissa can be found doing her radio show every weekday on KCYE, 102.7- The Coyote. Melissa’s credits span from her very first TV commercial when she was 5 years old, to national TV commercials and projects for CNN.com, The Discovery Channel, MTV, KLAS-TV and FOX5 News. She also volunteers for several different local non-profit charities in town.

JODIE ROCCO Jodie Rocco has lived and worked in Las Vegas for more than 15 years. She is a Marketing, Public Relations and Social Media maven. Jodie has traveled the world, won a Grammy as part of the group Milli Vanilli and she is the voice of Highway Radio.

KELLY CLINTON She’s a singer, actress, comedienne, impressionist, television personality, MC, and events host. Kelly has enjoyed being a part of the “Circle of Red” and working with The Arthritis Foundation as well as many other charitable organizations. One of her greatest passions is mentoring young entertainers.

KERI KEEP Keri Keep is an accomplished and innovative Sales and Marketing Manager with extensive experience managing effective business promotions and coordinating special events. As a confidant and determined leader in the Hospitality Industry, she creates productive sponsorships for charitable events and association meetings. Keri is a member of LDS Church, supporter of the local schools and local organizations.

FLORENCE JAMESON Dr. Florence Jameson has spent her life dedicated to family, health care and community. Dr. Jameson is founder and CEO of Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada (VMSN), a free health clinic dedicated to providing medical services to the uninsured who would otherwise have no access to medical care.

KATHY BALDIERI Kathy Baldieri, CPCE, CGSP, Director of Food & Beverage and Catering at Spanish Trail Country Club. Kathy’s expansive career includes Director of Catering at Lake Las Vegas Resort, and also an instructor for The International School of Hospitality’s Conference Management & Event Planning Certificate program.

KIM AMATO BABY’S BOUNTY Kim Amato,Executive Director for the Nevada Homeless Alliance and founder of Baby’s Bounty, providing a safe sleep environment for babies in need. The Southern Nevada Health District bestowed the Public Health Hero Award

COLLEEN KESTEL-RAIDMAE Colleenhas spent years in Food and Beverage Management and obtained a Wedding Coordination and Design Certification through The International School of Hospitality. Served on the board of advisors and assisted with internships and mentored many future Wedding Planners. She currently serves as the Wedding Chapel Director at ARIA Resort and Casino

LEXY LIONEL Lexy Lionel opened Nannies & Housekeepers USA in 2000, the first licensed employment agency in Nevada to specializing in nannies and household staffing. The agency has won awards including Agency of the Year Nationally from APNA, Best of Las Vegas Babysitting and Best Domestic Help Company. Lexy is involved in numerous philanthropic charities and believes it is important to give back to the city that is good to you!

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MY VEGAS

Las Vegas’ Top 100 Women of Influence KIM WAGNER Kim is the co-host of “Wake Up With the Wagners” and News 3 at Noon. She brings several years of reporting experience to News 3, including time spent with CBS and ABC. She is a board Member for Safe Nest, and she and her husband are the new faces of the Make-A-Wish Run.

SANDY PELTYN She has helped raise over 5 million dollars for Nevada charities, was appointed Commissioner of The Museum of the American Latino by President Obama and appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Arts by President George W. Bush. She founded of The Foundation of Excellence and Distinction and serves as a member of the Nevada State Board of Architecture.

LISA HAUGER MDL Group Her career in the Commercial Real Estate arena is in excess of twenty-five years. She became Vice President of Marketing for a syndicated Real Estate company based in Northern California. She is a member of CMG, Commercial Alliance and CREOBA, (Commercial REO Brokers Association).

DEBORAH JAMES The Pin Up Bride Planners Deborah James, Founder and Creative Director of The PinUp Bride; an award winning design and planning company. Her company is the “go to” place for clients looking for fabulously designed and planned events. Her sense of being true to who you are and breaking the industry mold has given her company great success.

JAKI BASKOW Baskow and Associates Jaki puts together team-building events for corporate clients that benefit local charities like the Shade Tree Shelter, the Boys and Girls Club, Opportunity Village, and Make a Wish Foundation for Children. She encourages local restaurants to donate food to Street Teens, an organization that helps homeless children.

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KATHRYN NULL Enchanted Florist A Las Vegas native. She became the Floral Ninja Fairy at Enchanted Florist she completed 2 degrees at UNLV and taught for the Clark County School District for 6 years. She purchased the long standing establishment of Enchanted Florist Inc. She has been the lead singer of The Dirty Panties, a swim coach, a girl scout, and a member of OLLV Ladies Guild.

EVANA HULSEY Bowties Bridal Boutique Born in Poland and immigrated to America as a political refugee in 1983. She has become one of the leading figures in the Las Vegas wedding industry and was essential to making Rainbow Gardens one of the most popular local wedding venues. She opened Joleon Salon, Bowties Tuxedo, and Bowties Bridal Boutique, while maintaining her family duties to her husband and two kids, Kory and Kassidy. Evana’s passion and drive for life is her family and her brides.

DENA DUBOEF-ROTH Top Rank, Inc. Dena duBoef-Roth,Vice-President of Special Events for Top Rank, Inc., helps bring millions of dollars to local economy with World Championship boxing events. A native of Las Vegas and graduate of USC. She is one of the founders of Nevada Women’s Philanthropy which has infused nearly $3 million into the Southern Nevada community.

YVETTE AUGER Cosmopolitan Connections Inc. Owner Cosmopolitan Connections, Inc. British native moved to Las Vegas with “Spirit of the Dance” show. She now runs one of the most successful networking groups in Las Vegas with over 11,000 members. Her events are always free, and she has showcased local people, charities and businesses at her events, including MYVEGAS Magazine.

MICHELLE MORTENSEN KLAS-TV 8 News Now Michelle Mortensen is on your side! As the “8 On Your Side” Reporter for 8 News Now, she solves your problems and gets you money back when you’ve been ripped off. In less than 2 years she’s gotten folks more than $260,000 back. A two-time Emmy Award winner, wife and mother, she also proudly serves the Christian Community preaching at various churches valley wide.

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

LISA LYNN BACKUS, CMP, CPCE Caesars Entertainment Lisa Lynn Backus, CMP, CPCE, is Catering and Convention Services Manager. She has worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years, including management with Marriott International and owner/operator of a full service DMC. She has worked with The International School of Hospitality, Past president of the Las Vegas Chapter of NACE, Her honors include recognized at the 2010 NACE Experience 2009 George Zell Spirit of NACE , Caesars Entertainment 2006 Chairman’s award for Community Service.

MICHELLE VELEZ Michelle Velez is on Wake Up With the Wagners and on weekend mornings on News 3 at Sunrise and News 3 Today. She joined the News 3 team after spending four years at KSNV’s sister station in Yuma, Ariz. Michelle devotes a lot of her time to cancer fundraisers and related events. Over the span of three years and three different stations, Michelle worked her way up from an intern to a producer and then made the move to Arizona to start her broadcasting career.

MARIE OSMOND Marie Osmond has proven to be a resilient talent with a magnetic presence recognized across generations. Entertaining for five continuous decades is a rare accomplishment, achieved by very few women. Since 2008, Marie has continuously performed five nights a week to sold-out crowds at the famous Flamingo Hotel Showroom in Las Vegas with her brother, Donny Osmond. As co-founder of Children’s Miracle Network, Marie has helped to raise 4.3 billion dollars in 30 years with one hundred percent of all funds going to the children.

ANDREA HULIHAN Belizean Bronze Andrea Hulihan is the founder of Belizean Bronze, a skincare company providing handmade, EcoFriendly, organic products for the entire body. With a background in life coaching and holistic health she has created “Belizean Beauty by Design” a wellness company coming January 2014. Andrea’s goal is to help people all around the world with her nonprofit organization The Anchored Cross.

EVE JENSEN Eve Jensen is one of the foremost Travel Experts in Las Vegas,having been in the industry for well over a decade and through extensive International travel,her advice is invaluable to anyone planning a trip. Her passion is Humanitarian service,of which she has taken a major role both in Las Vegas and Worldwide.

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CLAIRE SINCLAIR Claire Sinclair was featured as Playboy’s Playmate of the Month in October and then reigned, “2011 Playmate of the Year. Sinclair moved to Vegas in 2010 and at the age of 21, Sinclair celebrates many new exciting projects, including her starring role in the new Vegas show at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino, titled, “PIN UP,” which debuts in March.

RADHA CHANDERRAJ Recently appointed to the Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs. Her community activities include membership on the Board of Governors of Rainbow Dreams Academy, the Community Board of St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, the Board of United Citizen’s Foundation, and more.

NANCY SAITTA Justice Nancy M. Saitta was elected to the Supreme Court in 2006, served as Chief Justice from September 5, 2011, to May 6, 2012, and was re-elected to the Supreme Court in 2012. She began her judicial career when she was appointed as a Las Vegas Municipal Court Judge in 1996. Two years later, she was elected a judge at the Eighth Judicial District Court.

KARLA PEREZ Regional Vice President, provides oversight to the operations of seven hospitals within the Western Region of Universal Health Services. She has worked with many organizations including the Board of Directors for the United Way, and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. She has been recognized by several groups for her dedication to the community.

DEBBY WRIGHT Four Seasons Dental Spa In 2003, in conjunction with Dr. Jim Wright, Debby envisioned the fusion of a premium medical spa and dental experience. This is what Four Seasons has developed into. Debby is also a a graduate of GIA, Hoffman Institute, Avatar, and ia a CTI certified life coach. She has studied with mastery teachers Dr. Yuen, Sonia Choquette, Eckhardt Tollie and many others. Debby believes wholeheartedly in giving back and supports many local charities including St. Jude, Easter Seals, Rotary, and Summerlin Ladies Club.

MYVEGAS Magazine

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Las Vegas’ Top 100 Women of Influence PAULA FRANCIS Paula Francis anchors newscasts at 8 News NOW. She has been chosen “Best TV Anchor in Las Vegas” by the readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal almost every year from 2000 to 2012. She was inducted into the KLAS-TV Hall of Fame. She has received a number of humanitarian awards for her community involvement. She was honored as a Woman of Distinction by the National Association of Women Business Owners for her years of community service.

JENNIE HARALDSON Jennie drives race cars and high performance vehicles, from Nascar style stock cars and trophy truck style vehicles, to sport bikes. You can find Jennie out at Las Vegas Motor Speedway working for Richard Petty Driving Experience. She is a Driving Instructor for students and has her A.A.S. Degree in Automotive Technology. She has worked as a Service Writer and a BMW and Subaru Sales Women.

CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO Attorney General of Nevada In January 2007 Catherine began serving her first term as Nevada’s Attorney General. She has committed her time in office to protecting and advocating on behalf of the people and communities in Nevada. As the chief law enforcement officer of the State, she has worked to keep our communities safer.

MARIE MORTERA KSNV-News 3 As news anchor, Marie Mortera takes is honored to be in a position to raise awareness on several issues. Recent stories include a 10 year fighting a rare cancer, revealing interviews with sexual assault victims for The Rape Crisis Center; coverage with the American Heart Association included Congressman Steven Horsford, who gave his first home interview since his 6-way bypass. Marie has been named Best Anchor by the Electronic Media awards 2 years in a row.

CINDY SHEARER YANKE Westpoint Development Group Cindy Shearer Yanke founded Westpoint Development along with her husband Steve in 1988. With over 30 years of custom home building experience and expertise, Cindy’s commitment to their clients carries on long after the completion of the client’s dream home. In addition to running the business, Cindy also home-schools her children and is a dedicated soccer mom.

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CAROLYN G. GOODMAN The current mayor of the city of Las Vegas. She has devoted much of her life to volunteerism and education. Recognized with the “Distinguished Nevadan” award, as well as having become a Sarah D. Barder Fellow in The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth and an Alumna of the Year in Education at UNLV. She has served Las Vegas through her leadership in community nonprofit boards, charities and service organizations.

TAMMY LIER GIBSON Tammy Lier Entertainment Group Tammy is a Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Brand Manager & Exclusive On-Camera Host and Interviewer. Founder of Tammy Lier Entertainment Group, LikLier Cards That Inspire. Former Mrs. NevadaAmerica, she serves on the Board of the We Care We Share Foundation. She has journeyed to South Africa to head “Project Lesotho” and works with high level executives, athletes to maintain effective leadership.

KRISTIN MCMILLAN Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce As president and CEO of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, Kristin McMillan leads the strategic direction of the largest business organization in Nevada. Through successful advocacy at all levels of government, strategic partnerships and business resources, the Metro Chamber helps businesses thrive, create jobs and drive economic growth.

KATHERINE JACOBI Nevada Restaurant Association Having served as founding Executive Director of the Nevada Restaurant Educational Foundation, Katherine Jacobi became President and CEO of the NV Restaurant Association in 2009. Katherine was appointed Chairman to the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board Hospitality, Tourism, and Entertainment Sector. She was adjunct faculty UNLV, CSN and serves as officer for NV Society for Association Executives, and other community boards.

MICHELE POLCI, CPCE, CMP Director of Citywide Catering Sales – Caesars Entertainment Michele Polci has dedicated her careerto building and shaping the Las Vegas catering industry, contributing to the greater good of our economy. Her contributions include leadership in industry organizations, as well as advising and teaching courses at local institutions. She currently oversees catered event sales at Caesars Entertainment’s eight Las Vegas properties.

MY VEGAS

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

PUNAM MATHUR Punam Mathur served as SVP of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, SVP of Corporate Diversity and Community Affairs for MGM Resorts, and VP of HR for NV Energy. She’s a speaker, trainer and writer. Under her leadership, MGM Resorts earned many accolades: “Top 50 Companies for Diversity”, “Top Corporations in the U.S.” and one of the “Most Admired Companies in America” by Fortune magazine.

JULIE DORN Jewels Flowers Florist/Designer/Owner of Jewels Flowers. Offers military brides and grooms deep discounts, as well as, donated products and services to many churches, Communities in Schools, Junior League of Las Vegas, National Charity League, UNLV Panhellenic Council, public schools.

HILLARY STEINBERG Steinberg Law Group Hillary Steinberg is Vice President of Relationship Marketing at Steinberg Law Group. Redefining the position by emphasizing divorce mediation, referrals and social media, Hillary has increased the firms visibility and bottom line. Passionate about community involvement, Hillary serves on the Board of Baby’s Bounty and the Jewish Community Center.

LORI NELSON Station Casinos As the Vice President, Corporate Communications for Station Casinos, she is responsible for the Company’s public relations activities and serves as the Company spokesperson. She serves on the Governor’s Planning Commission for Nevada’s 150th celebration, is a 1999 graduate of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Leadership Las Vegas and served as president of Child Focus at St. Jude’s Ranch.

JOELLE RIGHETTI A 30 year veteran performer, she was a featured dancer with Siegfried and Roy, had an 18 year run in magician Lance Burton’s show and is a Cher Impersonator with Legends in Concert. Her band has opened for acts including Warrant, Firehouse and Frankie Perez. She has been involved with Canyon Ridge Christian Church’s Women’s Ministries for 19 years.

LYDIA ANSEL Electric and Acoustic Violinist Lydia Ansel is aclassically trained violinist, she performs with Vegas headliner Zowie Bowie, Bella Strings, and with Rod Stewart. Lydia loves being part of the Las Vegas community and enjoys supporting and performing for many charities.

MELISSA WARREN Faiss Foley Warren Public Relations & Government Affairs Melissa Warren is managing partner of Faiss Foley Warren Public Relations, whose clients include the city’s leaders in real estate, retail, redevelopment and communications. Chairman of the Board of Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada and Advisory Board Member for Nevada Ballet Theatre, Melissa represents several nonprofits, including The Rape Crisis Center and AfterSchool All-Stars Las Vegas.

ASHLEY VLASTARIS She is a devoted wife and an active charity contributor to foundations such as the March Of Dimes and Toys for Tots, as well as providing transportation to students so they’re able to make it to school. Her passion is animal rescue and awareness specifically for the English Bulldog breed.

ANNE ANIELLO-WAYMAN Kaercher Campbell Insurance Brokerage Executive Vice President -Marketing Kaercher Campbell, Western Region Mgr Executive FM Guardian , San Francisco, Hobbs Arkwright. Members RIMS LV CHAMBER. Serve on Henderson Economic Development Resource Partners, American Heart Assoc. GO Red For Women Committee, United Way Womens Leadership, Boys and GIrls Club 50th Anniversary Committee. Support; Make A Wish Opportunity VIllage, Safenest, Big Brothers Big SIsters, Olive Crest.

BARBARA BUCKLEY Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada Barbara Buckley is the Executive Director of Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit organization serving abused and neglected children, victims of domestic violence and fraud, and community members who have been hit hard by the economic downturn. Barbara made history by becoming our State’s first female Speaker of the Assembly in the Nevada Legislature.

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Las Vegas Leading Lady: Dawn Gibbons Gibbons changed the Nevada Constitution twice through an initiative petition with overwhelming voter approval -- Gibbons Tax Restraint Initiative and the Education First Initiative. Dawn is a graduate of the University of Nevada. She was a successful entrepreneur owning ﬁve businesses. She has received many accolades including Business and Professional Women Woman of the Year, Who’s Who in Business, Who’s Who in Politics, Who’s Who of Women, Attorney General’s Role Model of the Year, and Las Vegas Women to Watch. Dawn has served on many prominent boards such as Desert Research Institute, Reno Tahoe Airport Authority, Washoe County Visitor’s and Convention Authority, Sierra Bank of Nevada, American Red Cross, Children’s Cabinet, Westcare, National Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free, Positively Kids, American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women 2011/2012 Chairwoman and Children’s Advocacy Alliance.

awn Gibbons is the former First Lady of Nevada and the only one to have been a state legislator. Dawn has advocated for many important causes such as autism, children’s issues, domestic violence, human trafﬁcking, drug addiction, health concerns, and our military. She helped propel the well-

known Crystal Darkness campaign statewide, nationwide and worldwide. She co-chairs the Organ Donor and Tissue Task Force at the University of Nevada Medical School, a program she initiated as an Assemblywoman. Recognized for her many legislative efforts, Dawn was named Assemblywoman of the Year by the Nevada Police Protective Association. Ms.

Most recently, Dawn had a radio talk show with Fox News 1270 and a news show segment at KSNV NEWS 3 with Jim Rogers called Dawn & Jim. Dawn is Senior Vice President of Communication and Government Relations for Intermountain West Communications Company, an NBC afﬁliate with three television stations in Nevada; KSNV NEWS 3, KRNV NEWS 4, and KENV NEWS 10. In addition, she does a political commentary with Rory Reid called Dawn & Rory. Of all of her accomplishments, Dawn is most proud of her son, Jimmy Gibbons, a Navy aviator and instructor pilot. MV

MYVEGAS Magazine

MY LEGAL AFFAIRS

5 Money Management Tips Every Woman Should Know Financial Expert Offers Advice for Taking Control

hile women are earning bigger paychecks and many consider themselves their family’s CEO, nearly half fear they’ll eventually end up broke and homeless. “The number of financially savvy women who feel confident about their spending, saving and investing strategies is growing, but they still represent only twenty percent of all women,” says Certified Financial Planner™ Luna Jaffe. Jaffe, the author of “Wild Money: A Creative Journey to Financial Wisdom” and its companion workbook, “Wild Money: A Financial Field Guide and Journal,” quotes, “While we are focused on family, career and business, often the last place we pay attention is to our own financial future. We don’t think about our relationship with money as just that- a relationship.” Jaffe offers five tips for women who want to feel more confident about managing their finances. • Start small. Mastering the little things can boost your confidence and give you the ability to tackle bigger issues. If you’re daunted by debt, for example, start by simply writing down where you are right

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now. Write down each company or person to whom you owe money and the interest rate. Once you know exactly where you stand, you can begin planning your next steps. • Do something every day to tend to your finances. Money, like a garden, needs attention. Get into the habit of doing something daily, even if it’s just five minutes. You might check on your accounts, organize your paperwork, or find out what interest rate you are paying on your credit card debt. Give your relationship just a few minutes each day and you’ll watch it come alive. An excellent resource is www.youneedabudget.com. • Ask questions – even (especially) if you think they’re “dumb.” When you’re at the bank, with your advisor or talking to your CPA, ask all the questions that lurk in the back of your head. People will respect you for wanting to learn and having the courage to ask. • Listen to your body when you’re consulting with financial professionals. We are so skilled at masking the intelligence of our

bodies, it can be hard to recognize when they’re trying to tell us something. If your stomach knots up every time you meet with your accountant, ﬁnancial advisor or attorney, you should bring it up and talk it out. • When in doubt, talk it out (with your money). You have the wisdom within yourself to make great decisions. The question is, will you listen? The next time you feel uncertain about whose advice to follow, or you ﬁnd yourself returning to old habits that leave you feeling less than happy, sit down with a pen and paper and have a heart-to-heart talk with your money. You’ll be surprised by what you learn. Your relationship with money is one you have from birth until death, Jaffe points out. It’s important to make sure it’s a good one. “You can’t prevent bad things from happening, but you can prepare for them,” she says. “Being able to respond to a crisis with resilience has to do with having the resources to make decisions you feel good about.” MV

Mom Can Not Live Alone Any Longer Sponsored by

Megan Mathis

he time came about two years ago, but Mom kept refusing to go into an assisted living community. No matter how much we all pleaded with her, she stayed firm in the idea that she was not ready. I even tried to convince her to get a roommate – but to no avail. Well, here we are two years later, and she has finally agreed this is for the best. My mind tells me that she will be happier, safer and well taken care of, but there is still a deep feeling of loss. As with all change, there is a “leaving behind” of the old and entering the new. At 89 years old, still alive and kicking, she has been pretty steady and doesn’t change very much; at least, not in the past 20 years. For her, moving is difficult, although we are all trying to make it as easy, fun, and exciting as we can. Even though I am feeling sad that she has to leave her home, there will be joy and relief for all of us when she is no longer isolated, no longer unsafe, and surrounded by people who love seniors. This will truly be a blessed and joyful holiday season for my family! MV nvseniorguide.com (702) 269-9290 mmathis4@cox.net

MY SENIOR LIFE

Low-Tech Holiday Gifts The Grandkids Will Remember

ids get their ﬁrst cell phone by age 12, and more than a third of them have smart phones. Nine out of ten teens have a computer, and ninety-seven percent of 12to 17-year-olds play video games. More than half the homes in the United States have a fairly new video game console.

that will beneﬁt him or her for a lifetime. “Plan it right, and when your grandchild gets a driver’s license, he or she will also have wheels,” Bernstein says. “And after spending so much time working on that vehicle, they’re more likely to drive it carefully!”

“It’s great that our kids have access to technology, but I talk to a lot of grandparents who say they simply don’t enjoy giving their grandkids tech gifts during the holiday season,” says Ted Bernstein, founder of Life Insurance Concepts, Inc. (www.lifeinsuranceconcepts.com). “They want to give something their grandkids will treasure; something they’ll remember for a long time.”

• An annual helping hand for years after you’ve gone. Imagine being able to send your grandchild a holiday gift of $20,000 every year for 20, 30 or 40 years with a note from you attached. You can do it with the Installment Life Option, a life insurance policy option that pays beneficiaries of a life insurance policy in predetermined amounts of your choice for up to 40 years. Because of the deferred payout, the insurance company can reduce the premiums up to fifty percent. Your grandchild is reminded of your love for him or her throughout their life, particularly during the financially stressful milestones: college tuition, wedding, paying off student loans, down payment for first home, and first child.

That has become more challenging as kids, along with the rest of us, come to rely more and more on technology for everything; from communication to entertainment, to telling the time. Coming from a four-generation family of life insurance specialists, Bernstein has a special interest in family legacies and a long history of innovation. He offers these suggestions for holiday gifts for grandkids that create lasting memories: • Their own clunker – which you’ll restore together. If you have a grandchild who’s still a few years from driving age, buy an old pickup truck that the two of you can restore together. You’ll have years to complete the project, which guarantees not only lots of oneon-one time together, but also the opportunity to teach valuable skills

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“A lot of the grandparents who do this love the fact that they can continue to help their grandchild long after they’re gone,” Bernstein says. “They also like the fact that they can choose what date the money is disbursed, whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or a special date signiﬁcant to the grandparents and grandchild. They can add a personal note, which can be sent according to the policy holder’s instructions.” • The gift of compassion. Sponsor an impoverished child in another

country in your grandchild’s name. “I like the organizations that allow you to personally connect with the child you sponsor, so your grandchild can write to and receive letters from them, and trade photographs. You can learn about the country together, and pick out gifts for birthday or holiday season,” Bernstein says. A grandparent might pay the whole cost of sponsorship or allow the grandchild to pick up a small portion, he adds. One organization highly rated by independent charity evaluator Charity Navigator is Compassion International. The 61-year-old Christian-based nonproﬁt facilitates 1.2 million sponsorships, providing the children with food, medical care, educational opportunities and more for $38 per month. Sponsors are invited to exchange letters and develop a relationship with the child. MV

MY REAL ESTATE

Buy a Home with a Reverse Mortgage Purchase Make No Mortgage Payment Again By Leslie Stringham

hen you purchase a home with the Reverse Mortgage Purchase, there is no income verification, no employment verification, and no credit score necessary. The title company will run a title check to ensure there are no liens, the lender will verify the source of the funds for the down payment, and the transaction is ready for closing. The Reverse Mortgage Purchase Program issued by the FHA is very simple. A realtor negotiates a sales contract between the buyer and the seller. The buyer becomes qualified for the Reverse Mortgage Purchase Program in which he or she will find out the amount of the Reverse Mortgage that they are qualified for. The difference between the purchase price and the reverse mortgage amount is the down payment. Sound familiar? It should, because it’s the same procedure you are using with a forward mortgage.

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By using a Reverse Mortgage Purchase Program to purchase a property, you can bypass the need to ever have a mortgage payment. The result is being able to have more money to enjoy life with! The difference between the regular forward mortgages you are familiar with and the Reverse Mortgage Purchase Program is that the Reverse Mortgage Purchase Program is much easier to qualify for. The main factors needed are (1) age 62 years of age or older for all borrowers and (2) the source of funds for the down payment. That’s it!! Many new home buyers have just sold another home and are using the cash for their new purchase. They have a huge amount of cash which they are willing to put down on a home so they won’t have to have a mortgage payment. However, by doing this, they clean out their bank account and use their entire

sale proceeds for their new purchase. With a Reverse Mortgage Purchase, a buyer only needs some of that cash as their down payment on the new home. Now they’ll have no mortgage payments, and still get to keep a large portion of their cash in their own bank account. The best of both worlds! As the homeowner, you do not have to make any mortgage payment to the bank as long as this property is your primary residence. You retain ownership of your home, you have the security of knowing if your spouse passes, you can remain in the home for as long as you desireno one will be knocking at the door the following month for a mortgage payment. The home can be sold at any time you decide. After both spouses pass, the home becomes part of your Estate. MV

Please call Leslie Stringham, Century 21 Aadvantage Gold at 702-525-4549 to learn more about this exciting program!

Don't have money for a down payment? DFG will Lend you 3% of your 3.5% down payment on FHA Mortgages.

FHA, VA, Conventional, Hard Money, Jumbo & Super Jumbo Financing and Reverse Mortgages available. We are the Lender. We make our own decisions. We also have very liberal Wholesale Lenders we can Broker to if necessary.

Brandon Hawkinson Mortgage Banker/Broker NMLS #378419

Directors Financial Group NMLS #177087

Hernan Hernandez Senior Account Executive

NV Branch NMLS #389338

2 South Pointe Drive, Ste 225

NV: 702.334.4092

CA Branch NMLS #283824

Lake Forest, CA 92630

CA: 805.242.1042

NV: 702.491.7469 CA: 805.308.2281 Brandon@BrandonHawkinson.com www.BrandonHawkinson.com

Toll Free: 888.550.8705 CA: 949.943.3103

Hernan@BrandonHawkinson.com Se Habla Espanol

MY REAL ESTATE

Free Housing Help Available to Assist Nevada Residents Home Again: Nevada Homeowner Relief Program helps Nevadans discover new programs for which they may be eligible

ome Again: Nevada Homeowner Relief Program was designed in the wake of the mortgage and foreclosure crisis to help people get back on their feet. In the challenge of rebuilding sound and stable communities, Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto saw an opportunity to bring existing state and federal resources directly to Nevadans. General Masto initiated Home Again as a “one-stop shop” where residents with housing questions could find answers from trusted sources. This free program is all encompassing; whether you are a first time homebuyer, an individual or a couple looking to restore your credit, or a homeowner seeking a loan modification or facing foreclosure, Home Again is a free, safe and valid resource designed to help you learn about and understand your options. The housing market is in transition and Home Again is there to help consumers keep pace with the changes and to discover what new programs may be available to them. These new programs, such as the Federal Housing Administration’s “Back to Work” program, could open the door to homeownership in as quickly as 12 months for borrowers who experienced bankruptcy, foreclosure, deed-in-lieu or short sale. How Home Again Works There is no fee to participate in the program. After the initial call is made to the Home Again hotline, 1-855-HLP4-NEV (1-855-457-4638), the caller may be scheduled for an in-person housing

MYVEGAS Magazine

counseling session at a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved counseling agency to determine the resources and programs available. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. “As our community continues to rebuild after the mortgage crisis, I want Nevadans to know that they are not trapped and not alone. New state and federal programs bring new opportunities and I encourage every resident who is presently a homeowner or looking to achieve homeownership to reach out to Home Again. You may discover a resource that will assist you or someone you know,” said Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto. Home Again is led by Financial Guidance Center, a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counseling agency with 41 years of experience in providing a multitude of programs and services to assist Nevadans in meeting their ﬁnancial goals. “Housing programs and their requirements are constantly in flux and it is not easy for a homeowner, or a potential homeowner, to keep track of what may be available to assist them. Home Again provides Nevadans with a one-stop, free supportive network of counseling agencies approved by HUD to assess their situation and direct them to the best state or federal assistance program to meet their

individual needs,” stated Michele Johnson, President and CEO of Financial Guidance Center. National Mortgage Settlement The Home Again program is made possible by funding received from a historic multistate-federal settlement with the country’s five largest loan servicers — Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Ally (GMAC). The program was developed as a result of planning and collaboration between the Office of the Nevada Attorney General, Financial Guidance Center, Nevada Legal Services and Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. Home Again launched a Community Partnership Program on October 8, 2013 to maximize awareness of the program. By joining the Home Again Community Partnership Program, Nevada-based small business entities, corporations, faith-based, public, private and non-profit organizations can help educate their employees, customers and members about this valuable resource. If you are interested in becoming a Community Partner, visit the Home Again website at HomeAgainNevada.gov/community-partner.

The services provided by Home Again are free and available in English and Spanish by calling 1-855-457-4638 (1-855-HLP-4-NEV). The call center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Interested Nevadans can also begin the process by visiting HomeAgainNevada.gov for more information. MV

LV Magazine Ad_6th_page_10-30-13.pdf 1 10/30/2013 10:26:03 AM

MY HOME & GARDEN

Home Service Directory

Here are some great companies we recommend for your home! AIR CONDITIONING

GARAGE REPAIRS

PLUMBING SERVICES

Best Refrigeration 777-BEST | Bestrefrigerationinc.com

Anytime Garage Doors 269-9713 | Anytimegaragedoor.com

ARS 487-3448 | ARS.com

Yes! 997-5223 | TheYesManCan.com Alarms/Home Security

Precision 386-0106 | Garagedoor-lv.com

Larkin 475-9879 | Larkinplumbingservice.com

HANDYMAN

POOL SERVICES

Alarmco 637-2212 | Alarmco.com

Mr. Handy 875-4477 | Payless Handyman 796-5013

Pool Masters 373-7185 | Poolmasterspoolservice.com

ADT 637-2202 | Hometroniclv.com

LANDSCAPING

VIP 546-9514

CARPET CLEANING

MAC Landscaping 221-8049 | Maclandscape.com

WATER DELIVERY

All American 434-0716 | Waterdamage702.com

TRUGREEN 546-9606 | Trugreenyp.com

Crystal Springs 475-9841 | Nevadacrystalpremium.com

ChemDry 487-7223 | Precisionchem-dry.com

MAID SERVICES

Tahoe Springs 433-4545 | Tahoespringswater.com

CLOSET ORGANIZING

Merry Maids 436-4362 | Merrymaids.com

WINDOW CLEANING SERVICES

Classy Closets 207-2201 | ClassyClosets.com

COMPUTER REPAIR Pro-Tech IT 285-9891 | Pro-techit.com

ELECTRICAL SERVICES Vegas Electric 637-0464 | Lvpowermax2000.com Mister Sparky 487-3465 | mistersparky.com

MYVEGAS Magazine

A Maid For You 368-4737 | Cleaningserviceslasvegas.net

PAINTING SERVICES

Looking GlassÂ Window Cleaning 868-1320 | Lasvegasprowindowcleaning.com Window Masters Inc. 794-4321 | windowmasterslv.com

Fine Interiors 208-3692 | Fineinteriorslv.com The Painting Company 637-0397 Paintingcompanylv.com

To get your business listed in the Home Service Directory, call 702-792-2378 or email info@ MYVEGASMag.com

MY EDUCATION

Lost in Transition

s a Human Resources professional, I am often asked questions about how to adjust during a transitional period between jobs. I have compiled a list of popular questions about transitioning along with my recommendations:

Q: I am 46 years old and recently divorced. My husband always worked while I took care of the family. Now that we are no longer together and the kids are grown, I need a job. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. The only challenge is that I never worked before. What should I do?

A: The first thing that I would recommend is to determine whether you need a job or want a career. If you are willing to take any job to pay the bills, you will have to apply for anything and everything. If you want a career, it will take more work. I would recommend narrowing down what it is that you want to do. The next step is to research the field to see if the market is viable and find out what skills are needed. There may be a school or training center nearby that can assist with an education in that field. It is definitely worth the investment if you are passionate about building a new career.

by Chris Tamura

Q: I have been in real estate for the past 20 years. Although the market is getting better, I still cannot pay my bills. I have always wanted to work in a hotel but I think they only hire young people. What should I do? A: There are many skills that are transferrable between the real estate market and the hospitality industry. If you have a passion for serving people and a positive attitude, you are going in the right direction. The hotel industry welcomes a diverse community of employees. The design of hiring all ages is that the market caters to guests that speciﬁcally want amazing service. If you can deliver, you may be a potential candidate.

Q: I saw on the news that companies are hiring, and yet I cannot get a job. I have been visiting all of the places that are hiring and they seem uninterested. What am I doing wrong? A: What may have been traditional hiring practices in the past are now transforming with technology. Hitting the pavement and going door to door to apply is considered an archaic way of looking for a job. I would recommend building a professional social media page with all of your career highlights. The next step is to visit the websites of the jobs you are interested online and apply. If you are not successful, try attending industry gatherings or associations to network and gain connections for potential employment. MV Chris Tamura is the Student Affairs Program Manager and an instructor at The International School of Hospitality. For more tips and career education opportunities, visit www.TISOH.com.

www.!lasvegaswest.schoolofrock.com 9340 W. FLAMINGO ROAD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89147

702.778.9382

MY FAMILY

Healthy Family Traditions

igh blood pressure ran in Dee Louis-Scott’s family, along with a talent for preparing delicious, beautiful meals that kept everyone at the table for hours.

“I hear many families with a history of medical problems who say they can’t do anything about it because it’s ‘genetics,’ ” says Louis-Scott, author of “Believe in the Magic,” www.mattiefisher.com, an inspirational biography of her late mother, Mattie Fisher. “But for families like ours it wasn’t just ‘genetics.’ It was also handing down treasured family recipes for great-tasting foods loaded with unhealthy fats and salt.” After a frightening emergency room visit during which mother and daughter learned Fisher’s blood pressure was an alarming 240/180, Louis-Scott’s mom made changes. For starters, she cut most of the sodium out of her diet. “The first time she made collard greens without ham hocks or salt pork, they tasted awful,” Louis-Scott says. “But she kept experimenting and after a few tries, she had a healthy version that tasted good!” A year after starting to monitor her sodium, Fisher’s weight had dropped from 250 pounds to less than 200. Louis-Scott shares this story because she sees that many families are prone to preventable, diet-related chronic health issues. She offers these suggestions for some new family traditions: • Explore complementary and alternative medicine traditions, which often include a dietary component. “I’m a big believer in the mind-body-spirit connection,” Louis-Scott says. “If you find an integrated approach that works for you and your family, you’ll have a much easier time making lifestyle changes.” She practices many of the elements of Ayurveda, an ancient natural healing system that originated in India. It starts with a questionnaire to

MYVEGAS Magazine

determine your body type, or dosha – Vata (airy); Pitta (fiery); Kapha (earthy). Once you know your body type, you learn which foods, exercises and lifestyle elements will best support your health. • Cut back on sodium without cutting back on flavor. You’ll be surprised by how much you don’t miss mega-amounts of sodium in your food. People generally don’t detect a twenty-five percent reduction in sodium, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Some tricks for reducing sodium intake: When buying frozen or prepared foods, check the nutrition label. If one serving has more than 1 milligram of salt for each calorie, put it back on the shelf, Louis-Scott says. Skip the fat-free salad dressings, which usually have more sodium to make up for the reduction in fat. (And a little bit of fat won’t make you fat!) Avoid or limit popular high-sodium foods such as pizza with meat toppings, ketchup, hot dogs and white bread. • Establish fun new weeknight traditions, like Meatless Taco Tuesdays. Like adults, children are more apt to accept and even embrace change if they’re invited to participate- and if it’s fun! Instead of a rushed fast-food meal on a busy school night, make it Meatless Taco Tuesday. Come up with some recipes for vegetarian tacos or fish tacos (hint: you can get lots of great ideas online) to prepare together. Or, older kids can take turns being the Tuesday taco chef. Who can come up with the tastiest original combination? “Another idea is to explore new vegetables at the produce stand,” Louis-Scott says. “When was the last time you had a turnip? Have the kids help you pick one new vegetable to try each week. You just might discover flavors you never expected to love!” Today, Louis-Scott points out, developing a chronic condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease can be as financially devastating as it is physically. “At some point, one generation needs to say, ‘It’s time to stop passing down these traditions and create some new ones,’” she says. MV

MY PETS & PUPPIES

Pets and Their People Raising Charlotte by Michelle Velez

“Lucy” and Kathy

“Cash” and Shawna

Michelle and Charlotte

“Minni” and Brooke

“Duke” and Cherie

“Cassidy” and Cynthia

“Minni”, Kendra and Brooke

“Hugo” and Olive

“Joey” and Kim

“Harrison” and April

“Herbie” and Jenn

“Socks” and Kimberly

Photos by Rick Vierkandt and Pet’ographique

“Lola” and Fallon

hen first approached with the idea of writing a column on all things dog, I was more than happy to oblige. It’s been 8 months since our little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Charlotte, joined our family and boy what a ride it’s been! I’ve learned a lot worth sharing and I will, but let me start with this: whoever said having a puppy is nothing like having a kid has clearly never been around kids. I’ve been pooped on, peed on, vomited on, and taken countless midnight puppy potty breaks. I’ve spent hundreds on medical bills and a million different types of food. I’ve gone through 3 iPhone cords, multiple sets of shoes, and countless pairs of underwear. Every time she seems sick, I panic that it’s Canine parvovirus, and that she is going to die. My house is constantly a mess and peace and quiet no longer exist. And this is just the first year! Having a pet, although wonderfully rewarding, is no walk in the park. I ask that you consider the work involved in taking care of another living being before making the all important decision to adopt a little fur baby. According to the U.S. Humane Society, 70% of people who acquire animals, end up giving them away, abandoning them, or taking them to shelters. The number of animals euthanized by shelters every year is 3 to 4 million. That’s about 10,000 animals that are killed EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Taking on a pet is a huge responsibility. It’s not a shirt you can just return to the store, it’s a life that could be lost. So whether you buy from a reputable breeder or adopt from a shelter, please make sure you are willing and able to take care of it, and love it, and treat it as part of your family. MV

5 Gifts to Ensure Happy, Healthy Dogs

Brought to you by The Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine. Get your Copy at LVPetScene.com

ur relationship with animals has changed in today’s modern world, and according to animal chiropractic

consultant Dr. Rod Block www.drrodblock.com.

“Today, our pets have become our companions, family members and closest confidantes.” Here are some gift ideas for animals that might help ease any discomfort, and prevent injuries: 1. Dog harnesses: Collars and choke chains hurt animals that have a habit of pulling during walks. Collars centralize stress on the neck. Harnesses appropriately distribute weight throughout an animal’s torso. 2. Need a chiropractor? Some animals go many years before their caretakers realize they have a significant mobility problem. To spot problems early, always monitor how pets walk or run, and how they hold their head. 3. Don’t overfeed! An overfed dog or cat (just like an obese human) experiences damaging health consequences. Excess weight puts stress on the skeleton and joints, and obese pets can get diabetes. 4. Dog beds. Know your dog. Consider what’s appropriate for your dog’s length, weight and sleeping style. 5. Holistic options. Often, the answer for human and animal wellbeing is not an overload of prescription medication. Use common sense: an overstressed environment is not good for any living thing. Consider researching the latest alternative health options for your animal. MV

MY RESTAURANTS Restaurant Reviews by two gals who know food and know Las Vegas! Michele Polci, CMP, CPCE & Lisa Lynn Backus, CMP, CPCE

That’s What She Said

Double Helix By Michele Polci, CPCE, CMP & Lisa Lynn Backus, CMP, CPCE

ternal snacking is one of our favorite ways to enjoy meals. This is why Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge in Town Square was such a perfect spot to spend a beautiful fall evening and have an amazing dining experience. From the moment we were escorted to our table, it was like a good friend or family member welcoming us into their home. Every staff member we encountered, from the hostess to the owner Ray, treated us this way. It was impressive.

were delicacies such as smoked duck, prosciutto, salami Toscano, pickled carrot and house made mustard (we had to have seconds on that!). On another slate were the artisan cheeses and bread selections, including quince paste, homemade onion jam, trufﬂe bruschetta cheese, and Beemster X.O. aged Goudawhich one of us insisted on sampling throughout the night! The special touches of the mustard, jams and pickled vegetables really elevated our noshing to the next level.

Double Helix offers bold ﬂavors with both small and large plates. In the case of our dinner, we a tried a number of items off their “one hand” and “two hand” menus, giving us an opportunity to try quite a variety of their offerings.

Many items on the menu come with a story, and owner Ray Nisi might just be there to tell it. Such was the case of Stan’s Italian Job Sliders. These are yummy angus beef patties nestled between brioche buns with layers of arugula pesto and balsamic drizzle, heirloom tomato and a crispy fried mozzarella disk in the middle. It’s an eater’s choice on how to devour these morsels of bovine bliss. One method was our forensic cut and dissect so that we could enjoy the taste proﬁle of each of these items independently.

What stood out from the ﬁrst bite was the attention to detail. The charcuterie was a delightful way to begin. Displayed artfully on a rectangular slab of slate

After all the big ﬂavors of the evening, came elation called Spicy Tuna on Lavosh. This treasure is new to the menu and is seared Ahi tuna with ultra-thin julienned veggies with a spicy cream sauce topped by a jalapeño slice. A must try even (and especially) for the sushi novice; it is reminiscent of a refreshing palate cleanser. We also enjoyed Meatballs with Garlic Knots and Grown-ups’ Grilled Cheese. Both were a home run. With a name like Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge we would be remiss

MYVEGAS Magazine

to leave out beverages. One of us is a Canadian Whiskey girl from way back. And she is heading back to Double Helix to explore conversion to the Irish whiskey side. Our bartender was not only knowledgeable about her products, but passionate about what she does. The wine selections were also amazing. Double Helix is a great place for anyone, any time for a snack before or after a movie, girl’s night out, groups of friends, or a great date night. And they don’t forget about our four-legged friends…the patio is pet friendly! If you’ve ever played the game with your dinner date, what do you want eat tonight? I don’t know, what you want to eat?...you have found your destination at Double Helix. And that’s What She Said. MV

702-227-9100 ricardosoflasvegas.com 1 mile west of The Palms 4930 W. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89103

Mexican Restaurant Gaming r Cantina r Catering

OPEN 24 HOURS Healthy Transitional Food To Go

GET A GREAT START TO 2014 WITH... Chef Sharynne Frazer’s RAW Food Express Health and Wellness Center • RAW

• Co-Enzymes Q10

• Vegan

• 90 Essential Nutrients

• Vegetarian

• 16 Minerals, 16 Vitamins, 12 Amino Acids

• RAW Vegan

• 2-3 Essential Fatty Acids

• Complementary Samples

• 8000 Total ORAC Per Serving

• Consultations

• Prebiotics, Probiotics

• 115 Fruits and Vegetables

• Essential Mineral Co-Factors

• B12 Complex 16.667%

• Liquid Nutrition, Bio-Availability

“Healthy Transitional Food To Go” 5105 S. Fort Apache Rd. • 110 (Fort Apache & Tropicana) Las Vegas, NV 89148

702.992.0499 • RAWFoodExpress.com

What to Think about Decanting Wine

By Les Kincaid

ecanting is simply the art of transferring wine from the bottle to another container in order to remove sediment. It is a practice little understood and practiced properly by few. Decanting, when done in a restaurant, demonstrates to the patron a serious dedication to optimum wine service. When a wine is decanted, it invariably attracts the attention of other patrons at neighboring tables. For the restaurateur, this could eventually mean an increase in wine sales. At home or at a friend’s house, it affords a great way for friends and family to increase their enjoyment of a wine (be it red or white). You need not buy an expensive decanter- you can actually us a pitcher for a large bottle. Many wine drinkers notice that it is only when the bottle is nearly finished that the wine seems to come into its own. The reason is simple: it takes time for a wine to react to contact with air. Basically, wine and air do not care for each other. However, the swirling of wine in a glass hastens aeration. For this reason, wine glasses should not be more than half-filled, and larger wine glasses are preferred. Wine having been cooped up in a bottle for any number of years (or especially an older wine), needs an opportunity to open up and bloom before it can reveal its fullest flavor and bouquet. Decanting is a method that allows a wine to “breathe”. Transferring the wine from its original bottle to a decanter will certainly improve the overall taste of the wine. It doesn’t make much difference whether it is red or white wine, I like to decant most wines. By just removing the cork from the bottle and allowing it to sit will not improve taste or allow the wine to breathe. The air in the decanter achieves change rapidly. If you are trying to make the wine breathe, pour it quickly into your decanter. If you are concerned about sediment, pour it slowly and watch for the sediment toward the end of the pour so it doesn’t get into the wine. It also means you get more of what you paid for and allows you to enjoy twice as much bouquet and aroma from the wine. Decant and enjoy one of the most impressive phases of wine serving. MV

What’s The Dish? Shawn Tempesta Co-Host, “The Morning Blend” KTNV-TV Las Vegas www.thedish.tv

ike all of Las Vegas’ hidden gems, Panna Thai is hidden in a strip mall, but once you walk inside, you’ll wonder how you’d never noticed it before. Their staff is incredibly gracious and attentive. The dining room is sexy- mood lighting, classy decorations and music. Perfect for a night out. Their newly redesigned menu is very approachable, starting with an almost Tapas-like appetizer selection. Featured appetizers worthy of mention are their “Golden Cups”: Sautéed minced pork, shrimp and vegetables with a touch of curry powder in bite-size portions. Their beef & chicken Sate is perfectly marinated, served with a delicious peanut sauce. My personal favorite? The Crab Wonton, something I pride myself in being a connoisseur of. Real crab meat and incredible sweet sauce. Their Tom Kha Gai Soup (Chicken Coconut soup) is perfect- not too tart. The classic Pad Thai is always delicious, served with bean sprouts, chopped peanuts and a lime wedge. Their Pad See-Ew features thick rice noodles stir-fried to perfection. After you’ve explored their menu, you must polish it off with their homemade Coconut Ice Cream with coconut sticky rice…served inside of a coconut. If you are looking for a refined, up-scale Thai food experience without the “refined” price, Panna Thai is your spot. MV Panna Thai 6015 S. Fort Apache Rd #100 Las Vegas, NV 89148 702.823.2345, PannaThaiRestaurant.com

The Best Sushi Bar & Teppan Table

in Northwest Las Vegas

ne! ice of Oer r P r o f Two aki Dinn Teppeny

Lunch Specials (Until 3 p.m. daily) Dinner Specials (Starting 3 p.m. daily) Sashimi / Chef’s Recommendations Udon & Donburi

7101 W. Craig Road (U.S. 95 & Craig Rd.) Las Vegas, NV 89129 (702) 655-5782

Village Square Visit the best in Las Vegas! Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness is a small group heart rate based interval training program. Our certified trainers coach you through a vigorous 60 minute workout that improves energy, creates lean muscle and produces caloric after-burn! Phone 702.577.2884

Viva Mercado’s

Viva Mercado’s Mexican Restaurant. Daily Fresh Home Style cooking. 40 years experience. Awarded “Best of Vegas”, rated Excellent by Mobile Travel Guild. Phone: 702.454.8482

Chicago Brewing Company

Come check out the most award winning brewery in Las Vegas. All of our beer is crafted here. Chicago inspired pizza and food, 24hr gaming, beer garden, and cigar lounge. See you soon, brewya! Phone: 702.254.3333 Dining 11a-11p Bar 24 hours

Kinderland

Birthday Parties Available! Buy One Entry Pass at Our Regular Price of $12, Get the 2nd Entry for only $7! Use it Same Day or For a Future Visit! Expires 1/30/14 702.485.5263 Hours 10-6 Mon-Sat Sunday Open for Private Parties

Shops & Restaurants SAHARA & FT. APACHE

Full Circle Couture

FCC is a unique way of recycling clothing, shoes and accessories. Come in, hang out, shop and enjoy the amazing atmosphere. Phone: 702.685.1901 www.fccfullcirclecouture.com

X Element Music & Dance

X Element Music and Dance is a full service music and dance studio offering a wide selection of classes for a variety of age ranges. Phone: 702.337.6005/240.997.5622 by Appointment Only

Blow N’ Go Hairbar

Blow N’ Go Hairbar is Las Vegas’ very first blow-dry finishing salon. No cuts, no color, just Blow N’ Go Phone: 702.998.7200 www.blowngohairbar.com by Appointment Only

Avery’s Coffee

The motto of Avery’s Coffee is Good Coffee, Good Friends, Good Times and that’s how we enjoy everyday wherever we may be. It is a recipe so simple and solid just like beans, water and time. Avery’s Coffee 702.476.2063 www.averyscoffee.com

Siena Italian

We’re a family oriented restaurant that you can come and enjoy a truly authentic homemade Italian meal with your significant other or your whole family! We also have a great banquet room for any special party or event! Phone: 702.360.3358

Your Ad Can Be Here!

Call MyVegas Magazine at 702.792.2378

Michelle “Roxy” Davis 702Rox Radio Show

elcome everyone to the first article featuring the MYVEGAS Magazine radio segment airing on the 702 Rox Show with the MYVEGAS Magazine team and Michelle “Roxy” Davis. Listen every Friday 4-5pm on www.vegasallnetradio.com to keep up-todate and informed about mixers to attend, meet and greets with celebrities, great shows to see and fabulous restaurants to wine and dine at. The MYVEGAS Magazine radio segment will also include interviews with local musicians, artists and fashionable places that make Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world! Prizes will be given out during each show so don’t miss your chance to call between 4-5pm at (702) 483-4444 to WIN tickets to shows, gift certificates and much more! Get the scoop when and where the next MYVEGAS Magazine mixer will be held by listening to the show, and get your chance to be interviewed live on the radio! So don’t forget to join in on all the fun each and every Friday 4-5pm on www.vegasallnetradio.com to hear the most exciting local news that MYVEGAS Magazine has to offer exclusively with the 702 Rox Show. Until next time, get the best local information right here with MYVEGAS Magazine. MV

Michelle “Roxy” Davis

MY ENTERTAINMENT

Concert Hot List PSYCHIC LISALEE

Wednesday, 12/4 | 7 pm Club Madrid, Sunset Station

VEGAS VOICE – AN AFTERNOON AFFAIR Wednesday, 12/4 | 1pm Club Madrid, Sunset Station

“OH WHAT A NIGHT!” Saturday, 12/7 | 7pm Chrome Showroom, Santa Fe Station

KRYSTAL KEITH

Thursday, 12/12 | 9pm Revolver, Santa Fe Station

PSYCHIC LISALEE

Wednesday, 12/18 | 7pm Club Tequila, Fiesta Rancho

OTHERWISE

Saturday, 12/28 at 9pm The Railhead, Boulder Station

PSYCHIC LISALEE

Wednesday, 1/8 | 7pm Club Madrid, Sunset Station

DENNIS WISE KING FOR A NIGHT Saturday, 1/11 | 7pm Chrome Showroom, Santa Fe Station

PSYCHIC LISALEE

Wednesday, 1/22 | 7pm Club Tequila, Fiesta Rancho

TOMMY EMMANUEL featuring special guest

MARTIN TAYLOR

Friday, 1/24 | 8pm The Railhead, Boulder Station

BOBBY CALDWELL

Saturday, 2/15 | 8pm, Sunday, 2/16 | 2pm Chrome Showroom, Santa Fe Station

by Lori Nelson, Station Casinos

We Really Do Love Locals

hen our “We Love Locals” campaign debuted two years ago, we were thrilled it resonated with the community, because it’s much more than a slogan, it’s a way of life for our 13,000 team members. They are the ones who look forward to making your visit memorable, like when you frequent one of our restaurants and our team member not only remembers your name, but also recalls your favorite drink. Over the years, I have heard about and watched real friendships forge between our team members and guests as they are included in special occasions such as our guests’ weddings and birthday parties (and sadly at times, even funerals) because that’ how real the Love is. The Love can also be seen throughout all of our actions in the community. The Love shows itself in canned food drives for needy elementary school children, whose families have little to eat. When Station Casinos heard the Salvation Army was running low on water supplies to assist the homeless during the hot summer months, we showed up with thousands of water bottles to keep the cooling stations open. The Love is sincere. We are proud to be woven into the fabric of the Las Vegas community. We have never strayed from our commitment of catering to the locals and we always strive to do our best for our community. That commitment began in 1976 when our founder Frank Fertitta Jr.

had a novel idea to cater to the locals of Southern Nevada and opened up a 5,000 square foot casino (today Palace Station) with 100 slot machines, a snack bar and 90 team members. Locals were thrilled there was a “Vegas” entertainment experience just for them. Fertitta believed if you give people great service with a smile and a good value for their entertainment dollar they would come back. And they did. Fertitta’s two sons Frank III and Lorenzo grew up in the family business learning every aspect from their father. To this day, they have never taken for granted the simplicity and sincerity of taking good care of their employees who in return take very good care of the guests. So when we opened up TV auditions to our employees to tell their stories of how they love the locals, nearly 2,000 team members auditioned. But it didn’t end there as our guests also wanted to show their love for Station Casinos and asked us to be part of the next campaign and the rest is “We Love Locals” history. Speaking of history, a little known fun fact about “We Love Locals” is that it didn’t debut two years ago; it was ﬁrst introduced more than 30 years ago by Frank Fertitta Jr. when Bingo Palace grew and expanded into Palace Station. Frank and Lorenzo wanted to go back to the roots of what made the Company great and reafﬁrmed its commitment of its love for locals. On behalf of our 13,000-team members, thanks for loving us back. MV

MYVEGAS Magazine

MY VEGAS

OFF CAMERA

with Four of Las Vegas’ Favorite News Anchors Fashion: ECCOCI, Stylist: Billie Wilson for Eccoci, Hair and Makeup: Glam Squad

Stefanie Jay – FOX5

Tamale Dress: $299 Red stretch belted sleeveless sheath dress. Deep V-Neckline with attached Black Lace V-Neck Cami

MYVEGAS Magazine

Tricia Kean: 13 Action NEWS

Bewitched Jacket $329 Stretch black cotton techno trench-styled jacket with faux patent trim Bewitched skirt: $179 Black Cotton blend pegged skirt, tonal faux patent and techno strips Classic Tank: $89 Black 100% Silk georgette sleeveless top with lack satin trim

MY VEGAS

Marie Mortera â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NEWS 3

Oblivion Dress: $229 Red and black bold geometric color blocked sheath with draped cowl neckline

Paula Francis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 News NOW

Redapple SweaterJacket: $300 Drape front cardigan styled knit jacket Shawl collar Odyssey Sweater $149 Silk/Cashmere cap sleeve sweater w/beaded trimmed Collar Blacktie Pant: $129 Stretch Satin, crepe wide-leg pant w/attached belt, Gunmetal Rings and Tie

MY ENTERTAINMENT

MelissaT’s Hit List:

Season Savvy Cowgirl by Melissa T., Coyote Country 102.7

iving in a city known for its neverending parties and ongoing nightlife can often leave a gal with a full calendar…but, not enough clothes and accessories to accompany it! As we all know, a lady can never get caught wearing the same outfit twice! (Okay, at least not in the same week.) And with fall and winter officially here, there are many reasons this season to dress to impress; especially in the Country world. In fact, one of my favorite times of the year is coming up: NFR, also known as, The National Finals Rodeo. For one week, Cowboys take over sin city and country music can be heard just about everywhere. NFR hits Las Vegas December 5th through the 14th. Every year, thousands of people from all over the world flock to Vegas to watch NFR at The Thomas and Mack Center. Whether you’re into it or not, you can expect to see them cowboys and cowgirls dressed in their Sunday finest! If you’ve been looking to add to your

MYVEGAS Magazine

wardrobe for NFR, or just for another night out on the town, I’ve got just the place for you…and it’s all about the Bling! Blaze-N-Bling is a brand new shop in town where you can find everything from boots and belts to jeans for men and women. Locally owned and operated by Darcie Wiltse, Darcie says she’s been living the “country lifestyle” for as long as she can remember. Originally from Montana, Darcie and her family moved to Las Vegas 18 years ago. Darcie had been working in the construction business, but recently left it to pursue her dream of “opening a unique western boutique store with a little bling.” And I for one, am sure glad she did! The first time I went in, I couldn’t believe how sparkling clean and cutely decorated it was inside. The dressing rooms are all decked out with country western pieces and themed interior designs. The selection of clothes is amazing! Blaze-N-Bling carries a variety of clothing, shoes and jewelry. It was nice to have so much to pick from! My favorite thing about this store though? The prices. We all know that getting the look of a fine southern belle or gentleman can often be pretty pricey. Not at Blaze-N-Bling. Whether you’re hitting up a country bar or just feel like getting a new pair of jeans, there’s a variety of apparel and bling to pick from that won’t break your budget. This cowgirl is officially going back! Check out Blaze-N-Bling at 6230 S. Decatur Boulevard, suite 110, Las Vegas, NV 89118. They are open Monday thru Friday from 10am to 7pm and Saturday thru Sunday 10am-6pm. MV

BEST COUNTRY SONGS FOR THE HOLIDAYS Martina McBride “Oh Holy Night” Taylor Swift “Santa Baby” Newsong “The Christmas Shoes” Rascal Flatts “I’ll be Home for Christmas” Lee Ann Womack “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” Oak Ridge Boys “Christmas Cookies” SHeDAISY “Deck the Halls” George Strait “Winter Wonderland” Faith Hill “Where Are You Christmas?” Elvis Presley “Blue Christmas”

MY LOVE LIFE

Struggling Couples Try Marriage Boot Camp

ivorce has become a societal phenomenon almost as prevalent as marriage. While some speculate on the reasons why, Mort Fertel, creator of the Marriage Fitness Tele-Boot Camp and author of “Marriage Fitness,” (MarriageMax.com), says he knows. “What do people do when they finally open up and admit there’s a problem in their marriage? They start talking to their friends and family and basically get a lot of bad, conflicting advice. Or, they go to a marriage counselor which is often where it gets really messy,” says Fertel, a global marriage expert. “Too much marriage counseling consists primarily of couples beating up on each other; the wife gets her turn and the husband gets his turn. This adds stress to an already strained marriage and it’s often the final straw in a relationship.”

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One piece of advice Fertel offers: Don’t be afraid to start repairing your marriage on your own. One spouse’s effort can change the momentum and very often, it’s that effort that motivates the other spouse to join in the process of saving the relationship, he says. Patty, one of Fertel’s past success stories, was the spouse acting alone when she initially entered his program. In a letter featured on Fertel’s website, she writes the following: “…I was in your October program as a lone ranger. Thanks to following your advice, my husband moved back home mid-December. We are now doing the program again but this time TOGETHER. He says he is totally committed to our marriage and making it work.” Fertel says wanting to make it work is half the battle.

“Many people seem to go into marriage counseling not even sure if they want their relationship to work out– but that is unacceptable,” he says. “In my program, the ﬁrst step is simply knowing you want your marriage to succeed.” MV

MY LOVE LIFE BeautifulBrideMagazine.com

Image Issue Wedding Memories to Cherish

15 MUST HAVE

Real Bride Stories

Getting Married in Las Vegas

hen it comes to the “Wedding Capital of the World,” there are numerous ways to tie the knot in Las Vegas. One of Las Vegas’ extraordinary wedding venues is bound to turn your dream wedding into a memorable reality. We’ve narrowed down the Top 10 ways you can have the wedding of your dreams in Las Vegas.

TOP 10 INCREDIBLE WAYS TO GET MARRIED IN LAS VEGAS

Country Club Weddings – These offer a gorgeous wedding on a pristine golf course with green fairways, glistening lakes, soothing waterfalls and towering palm trees offering brides a luxurious and elegant wedding experience.

Chapel Weddings – Getting married in a chapel combines a romantically private union with levels of grandiose fashion.

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Exotic Fiji

Unique Weddings – Chapel of the Dreams at Madame Tussauds is a setting unlike any other. The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay surrounds you with 1.3 million gallons of seawater and 15 species of sharks. Broaden your horizons!

Mountain Weddings – The Resort on Mount Charleston serves as a warm and romantic venue. Natural rolling beauty is found at Las Vegas Paiute or Red Rock Canyon…

Restaurant Weddings – Brides can ﬁnd everything from fun, to posh, to elegant or family-style in a restaurant venue. The options are endless in our town!

Waterfront Weddings – Flowing willow trees set the stage for romance at Lakeside Weddings. So many venues in town provide that romantic, waterfront feel that you might be looking for.

Resort Weddings – Get married under the Eiffel Tower or at The Venetian, overlooking the canals throughout old world Venice. At the Bellagio, watch the fountains on the Terrazza di Sogno.

OU T R IG G ER ON T HE L AG OON

Get your free copy at lasvegasbride.com

Airplane Weddings – For the more adventurous bride and groom, you can hover over the amazing sites of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the magniﬁcent Grand Canyon (to name a few ideas).

WINTER 2013

Wedding Photos

Private Venue Weddings – Private venues have indoor and outdoor options including beautifully landscaped courtyards glittered with lights and lush landscape. Garden Weddings – Private gardens create a peaceful setting at The Secret Garden. During the day, natural light generates an inviting atmosphere. At night, the open air and glowing park lamps create a moment worth savoring. MV

MY CHARITIES

Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada Righting Wrongs, Changing Lives by Barbara Buckley, Esq., Executive Director

hen Arturo Martinez turned in for the night with his wife and three young children in his modest Las Vegas home, he had no idea that his life would soon take a tragic turn. His oldest boy awoke the next morning to ﬁnd his mother and sister lying dead and his father bleeding and unable to function due to blunt force trauma to his head. An unimaginable horror had befallen Arturo’s family… an intruder had broken into their home and ripped their lives to pieces. We soon received word that Arturo was in desperate need of our services. He had survived the attack, but was fragile and barely able to speak. Among the many legal issues that he faced, two

required immediate attention: extended family members were contemplating competing court actions to take custody of his boys, and he could never return to his home as it had become an excruciating symbol of loss. Selling his home seemed an impossible solution, as the mortgage was “upside down.” Arturo needed an effective legal advocate, and we were there for him. We successfully dismissed the family court petitions and had Arturo’s children released to him the day he was well enough to come home. His home was another crucial aspect of this family’s recovery- we worked with his bank to forgive his mortgage so this brave father and his boys would

not have to go back to the home where so much tragedy occurred. We also recruited a pro bono attorney to draft a will for Arturo prior to follow-up brain surgery so that his wishes for his boys would be known in case anything happened to Arturo during surgery. At Legal Aid Center, we are in the business of righting wrongs and mending lives. We make sure that victims of crime (including domestic abuse and neglect, consumer fraud, and random acts of incredible violence) have someone in their corner as they face the legal system. We also help community members who have been hit hard by the economic downturn – facing foreclosure, bankruptcy, and divorce – forge a new path. For the most vulnerable among us, we make sure that access to justice is more than a slogan. For more information about Legal Aid Center, including how to refer people in need, our volunteer opportunities, and how you can get involved, feel free to give me a call at (702) 386-1406. MV

MYVEGAS Magazine

Autism Community Trust & Art i

sts

for

tis

Congratulates

Julie Ostrovsky and all the 2014 Women of InďŹ&#x201A;uence Honorees

www.autismcommunitytrust.com

New Vista is a non-profit organization that specializes in helping adults and youth with intellectual challenges. We provide an array of programs to individuals and their loved ones that create equal opportunities and support so that they may experience life to the fullest.

Learn how you can help at

www.NewVistaNV.org

MY CHARITIES

Your Time, Talent, Treasure!

Give your time, talent or treasure and make a difference in someone’s life. A Home for Spot | 239-7986

DJs for PJs® | 702.944.2464

Refuge for Women Las Vegas | 618-567-1918

www.ahome4spot.com

www.djsforpjs.org

www.refugewomanvegas.org

Adam’s Place for Grief | 339-0848

Dress for Success of So. NV (DFSSN)

Ronald McDonald House

www.adamsplaceforgrieﬂasvegas.org

684-6412 | www.dressforsuccess

252-4664 | www.rmhlv.com

Adopt a Rescue Pet | 798-8663 www.AdoptARescuePet.org Alzheimer’s Association Las Vegas 248-2770 | www.alz.org/dsw/ American Heart Association 367-1366 | www.heart.org/lasvegas Andre Agassi Foundation 227-5700 | www.agassifoundation.org Baby’s Bounty | 485-2229 www.babysbounty.org Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada 731-2227 | www.bbbsn.org Boys and Girls Club | 367-2582 www.bgclv.org Boys Town | 642-7070 www.boystown.org/nevada C4S G.I.R.L.S. Club | 855-246-6678 www.c4sfoundation.org Candlelighters | 737-1919 www.candlelightersnv.org Caring 4 Kids Foundation | 544-1400 www.caring4kidsfoundation.org CASA – Child Appointed Special Advocates

southernnevada.org FUPI Foreclosed Upon Pets | 272-0010 www.forecloseduponpets.org Goodwill | 214-2066 www.SNGoodwill.org Habitat for Humanity | 638-6477 www.HabitatLasVegas.org

Safe Nest | 877-0133 www.SafeNest.org Salvation Army | 870-4430 www.salvationarmysouthernnevada.org Shade Tree | 385-0072 www.TheShadeTree.org Southern Nevada

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society

Newborns in Need | 916-276-6171

227-5555 | www.hcws.org

www.newbornsinneed.com/southnevada

Helping Hands Surgical Care | 242-5393

Speedway Children’s Charities

www.HelpingHandsSurgicalCare.com

632-8242

www.lasvegas.speedwaycharities.org Spirit Therapies | 373-7607 www.spirittherapies.org St. Jude’s Ranch | 294-7100 www.stjudesranch.org The Cupcake Girls | 879-8195 www.thecupcakegirls.org The Rape Crisis Center | 385-2153 www.therapecrisiscenter.org Three Square | 644-3663 www.ThreeSquare.org Trial by Peers | 333-8277 www.trialbypeers.org

for Children

Muscular Dystrophy Association of

455-4306 | www.casalasvegas.org

Southern Nevada

United Blood Services | 228-4483

822-6920 | www.mda.org

www.UnitedBloodServices.org/LV

Nevada SPCA | 873-7722

United Way of Southern Nevada

www.nevadaspca.org

892-2300 | www.uwsn.org

New Vista Ranch | 457-4677

Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada

www.newvistanv.org

967-0530 | www.vmsn.org

NV Childhood Cancer Foundation

WestCare | 385-2090

735-8434 | www.nvccf.org

www.westcare.com

Catholic Charities of So. NV 385-2662 | www.ChatholicCharities.com Diabetes Association (JDRF) 364-5604 | www.DiabetesNV.org Dinosaurs & Roses | 258-1187 www.dinosaursandroses.org Divorced & Widowed Adjustment, Inc. 735-5544 | www.info4nv.org

Opportunity Village | 259-3700 www.OpportunityVillage.org

MYVEGAS Magazine

MY ENTERTAINMENT

Calendar of Events MONTHLY

fresh52 Farmers and Artisan Market Fridays- 3pm to 7pm Town Square at Whole Foods 6689 Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89119 Saturdays- 8am to 1pm Tivoli Village 302 S. Rampart Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89145 Sundays- 8:30am to 1pm Sansone Park Place 9480 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89123 702.900.2552, www.fresh52.com

Football Central at the LVH Sundays- 9am The LVH Theater 3000 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.732.5111, www.thelvh.com Brian Hoffman’s Remembering Red - A Tribute to Red Skelton Saturday-Tuesday at 2pm, Through December 30 | $34.95-39.95 The Westin Causarina Las Vegas Hotel 160 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.245.2393 www.redskeltoncomedyshow.com

MYVEGAS Magazine

La Cucina Italiana Food and Wine Festival December 5-8 | $50+ The Venetian Hotel Resort Casino 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 702.414.9000, www.venetian.com Lead Team Business Networking Spring Valley Every Wednesday at 6pm Ricardo’s Mexican Restaurant 4930 W. Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89103 702.736.0560 www.theleadteam.net

Nevada Film Festival December 7 Orleans Hotel and Casino 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89103 702.331.4599 www.nevadaﬁ lmfestival.com WinterFest December 13- 6pm to 9pm December 14- 12pm to 8pm Henderson Events Plaza 200 S. Water St. Henderson, NV 89015 702.267.2171 hendersonlive.com

Magical Forest Opportunity Village November 22-January 6, 5:30pm to 9pm Opportunity Village 6300 W. Oakey Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89146 702.259.3741 www.opportunityvillage.org

DECEMBER Signature Christmas 2013 December 5-7, 7:30pm to 9pm Summerlin Library 1771 Inner Circle Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89134 702.878.7529

Candy Cane Festival December 14- 3pm | $5 Heritage Park Aquatic Complex 310 S. Racetrack Rd. Henderson, NV 89015 702.267.2980 www.cityofhenderson.com/parks Holiday Bazaar December 14- 9am to 2pm Elks Lodge 4100 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102 702.871.6739