Healthy Eating Made Easy | Manhattan Fish Grill

It’s widely recognized that eating more fish is a good way to stay healthy. Yup, Omega 3’s deliver an array of benefits including lowering blood pressure and strengthening the immune system, while also having positive effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems.  Brain food lecture aside, the reality is if you’re like most people with busy lives, cooking fish at home or finding a healthy version of it while on the run or at work isn’t always easy.  Sushi, while awesome, isn’t for everyone and neither is a formal, sit down lunch or dinner with a hefty price tag. So, how can fish-starved people who are also starved for time get their healthy fix?  This is the goal of Manhattan Fish Grill, located at 4115 Grand Canyon Dr #100.

By: Aly Wagonseller

Located in a maze of streets, parking lots and retail outlets off Flamingo near the 215, this local restaurant has all the makings of a new concept (translation: franchise) business ready to set sail.  Clean, open and bright, the décor has clever touches of modern, nautical influenced lighting, picture perfect food photos and a polished logo you’d expect to see displayed nationwide. Most closely likened to a Chipotle of healthy fish cuisine, they rely on counter service ordering that encourages mixing and matching of side dishes, seasonings and sauces, allowing you to be as healthy or deviant as your mood.  Unlike Chipotle though, everything is cooked to order, so it’s not exactly fast food… more like 15-20 minute food.  Still, it’s a small price to pay when you can easily phone in your order ahead of time to eat in or take out depending on the clock.

The menu is pretty abbreviated (a good thing) offering appetizers, sandwiches, tacos, salads and fish plates.  The New England Clam Chowder served in a bread bowl was sadly sold out by the time we arrived so we decided to try the crab cakes.   Not really a fan, unfortunately, as they resembled a giant, crab-flecked hush puppy more than their namesake.  Priced at $11.00 for two, I wasn’t expecting a whole lot and, to be fair, if you’re going for legit crab cakes you probably should stick to a fine dining establishment.  My bad.  The same could be said for the Seared Ahi fish plate.  Yes, it was only priced at $15.00, and included one side dish and coleslaw, but it clearly wasn’t seared properly, lacking the firm texture and caramelized exterior I’d  hoped for. 

Overly ambitious mishaps aside, Manhattan offered some really outstanding selections that proved to be both tasty and healthy.  Fish tacos (either grilled or crispy fried) were plentiful and not greasy in the least, the salmon version exhibiting perfect preparation that paired well with a spicy, tomatillo relish, guacamole and pico de gallo. Note to the diet diva: they do come with an abundant slathering of mayo based sauce and cheddar cheese, something you might want to forgo if you’re counting calories. For the purest, a selection of fish platters that serve up Catfish, Mahi Mahi, Cod, Salmon and Talapia were real winners, each fairly priced between $10-$15.00.  Chargrilled and offered with a choice of side dishes that include super food options like kale salad, quinoa and sweet potato fries, they’re light years ahead of Long John Silver’s. I chose the Orange Roughy version with Mango Salsa.  The two, plentifully sized fillets were nicely charred yet retained their moisture, the salsa adding a subtle, sweet component with a bit of a kick. I couldn’t get enough of the delicious kale salad, a combo filled with strawberries, almonds, jicama, carrots, dried cranberries and apples, while the quinoa, made with just enough vegetables to provide flavor without added bulk, was a tasty, protein filled alternative to rice.  Sweet potato fries are some of the best around, sliced fairly thin and seasoned perfectly with garlic, salt and parsley.  So good.

Manhattan Fish Grill also offers a $5.00, fish-phobic menu for kiddies under 12, as well as gluten free Lava Cake or Vegan Brownies if you’re the kind that needs justification for dessert.   They’re making healthy eating easy for the busy masses, and that’s something worth catching on to. For hours, info or to place an order, visit www.manhattanfishgrill.com or call 802-2993.

OK Kids – Time for Camp!

It’s okay to admit that, after a couple weeks out of school, it’s about time to get the kids off for some energy-burning, chaperoned fun time during the day. The expansive range of Vegas day camps will do just that:

Adventure

The Ultimate Vacation Camp @ Dawson
Who: Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada
Where: The Alexander Dawson School
          10845 West Desert Inn Road
When: June 9 – August 15 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kids: 1^st – 8^th Grade
Price: $200/week or $1,800 total
Lunch: Included
www.bgchevents.org 

Between ice cream sundaes, playing in the game room, a cultural art center, an acting lab, a science center and Summerlin’s longest slip’n’slide, this annual camp makes us want to be kids again! Youngsters will have a hard time being bored with daily events and, with lunch prepared daily, they definitely won’t go hungry either.

Summer Adventure Camp
Who: Springs Preserve
Where: Springs Preserve
          330 S. Valley View Blvd.
When: June 9 – August 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (extended hours available)
Kids: Ages 6-12
Price: $190/week or $170/week for members
Lunch: Not Included
www.springspreserve.org 

Taking only 60 campers per week, this adventure summer camp focuses on personal relationships between kids and counselors along with opportunities to explore nature, sustainability, local wildlife and more. Sprinkle in noodle hockey, indoor mini-golf and swimming at the YMCA and you have something for everyone!

Sports

UNLV Youth Sports Camps
Where: UNLV Campus
          4505 S. Maryland Pkwy. 
When: Month of June
Kids: Varies
Price: Varies
Sports: Baseball, Softball, Football, Men’s/Women’s: Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Rebel Girls Dance Camps, Cheerleading.
www.unlvrebels.com/camps 

Give the gift of sport to your kids during their time off school. Sure to spin off passionate enthusiasts from each camp, allowing for organized sport will give them the chance to experience and learn a skill they will take with them for life. Choose one or even a few throughout June!

Darling Tennis Camp
Where: Darling Tennis Center
          7901 W. Washington Avenue
When: Sessions run June 9 – August 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kids: Varies
Price: $110 for half day/ $190 for full day with options for before and after care
www.darlingtenniscenter.net

For those interested in practicing “The Sport of Kings,” Darling Tennis Center offers a USTA certified training center and High Performance Training Program for kids ages 6-18 and all skill levels, including practice and match play options throughout the week.

Science/Art

Discovery Children’s Museum
Where: Discovery Children’s Museum
          360 Promenade Pl.
When: July 7 – August 1 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Kids: Ages 6-9 or 10-12
Price: $180/week per session (half day)
Lunch: Can be added for $75 extra/week per child
www.discoverykidslv.org 

A focus on science and art will leave kids strong in body and mind, and ensure that learning doesn’t stop just because school’s out! Depending on age, kids will go from chemistry to sculpture and from animals to space, all in one day. The possibilities are endless, and may spur an interest you didn’t even know they had!

Nevada Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (S.T.E.M.)
Where: Cooperative Extension Lifelong Learning Center
          8050 Paradise Road
When: June 24-26 and July 15-17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kids: June ages 7-11 | July ages 9-14
Price: $60 per session ($45 each for siblings) 
Lunch: Not Included, although snacks will be provided
Call 257-5538 for more information. 

With a focus on S.T.E.M, this summer camp promises to open kids up to concepts and knowledge that will change their lives for the better. From healthy eating and cooking to working with computers, 4-H delivers an enriching camp experience sure to grab their attention and curiosity! 

No matter the camp you choose, allowing kids the time to engage with others in a fun, learning environment and keeping them active during the summer months can’t be a bad thing! 

Alexis Best

West Career and Technical Academy
Class of 2014
G.P.A.: 4.3

Have you ever met someone who “just has it,” and you can’t quite place what “it” is? Meeting Alexis Best is just like that. The graduating senior at West CTA has something special – let’s call it an energy – that leaves you knowing she is on her way to greatness. What’s even more inspiring, and possibly more impressive, is that her definition of greatness is just that, hers. Even in youth, Alexis is able to determine her own direction without letting outside pressure dictate what her success should look like. She’s smart enough to surround herself with the right people, kind enough to take time to raise others to their highest potentials and talented enough to get her anywhere she dreams up, placing her – A Step Above.  

Sports/Clubs/Community Service

• WCTA Dance Company- Lead Captain, 2011-2014
• Delgado Dance Performance Team, 2009-2013
• Skills USA, 2014
• Future Business Leaders of America- Secretary & Vice President, 2011-Present
• B’nai Brith Youth Organization- Orechet/Historian, 2010- 2013
• Student Council Ambassador, 2010-2012
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation- 2011- 2014
• Habitat for Humanity- 2013
• Ballroom for Schools- 2010- 2012
• Public Education Foundation- 2011

Scholarships/Awards

• FBLA Video Production State Finalist
• Honor Roll, 2010-Present
• Walker Furniture TV Spot Contest- 1^st place, 2013
• International Flat Classroom Project- Google Category – 1^st place, Worldwide – 2^nd place

A career in television is your ultimate goal? “My current goals are to graduate high school and go to college to get a degree in Film & Television Production. In the future, I want to produce a children/family television show that will become a classic. In 10 years, I see myself having a career somewhere in the television field, slowly working my way up to my goal of being a producer.”

Dance is a huge inspiration and passion for you: “I am most proud of being the lead captain on my dance company. Dance has been a passion of mine for 10 years, and I have always been the student. Being the lead captain allows me to take the role of “dance teacher” and create choreography, formations, and more for the members of my company. I also enjoy being the lead captain because it gives me the opportunity to be a role model for the younger girls and boys and mold them into better dancers.”

You have some special role models: “I look up to all of the influential women in my life. Both my grandmother and my mother are strong women who never let anything get in their way. My grandmother came to America from Morocco at a very young age, and did not let anything stop her. My mother inspires me to work my hardest and give my all to whatever I am doing. Both of these women taught me to never give up and always love what I do.”

Is there a certain experience that has made you a stronger person? “My best friend of 17 years was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes during the summer of 2011. Seeing someone so close to me get diagnosed with a disease that currently has no cure was painful and hard for the both of us. However, we did not let her diagnosis get us down. Ever since, I have been doing community service with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in hopes to find a cure for my best friend.”

Favorite Quote to Live By: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emily Wattles

Palo Verde High School
Class of 2014
G.P.A.: 3.9

Sense of self is a powerful thing, and not easily achieved. For Emily Wattles, knowing yourself is the most important key to finding happiness and success, two things she is seeing a lot of as a senior at Palo Verde High School. The Senior Class President, athlete and engaged citizen knows exactly where she’s headed, and how she’s going to get there while still holding on to balance, relationships and health in her life. Her uncanny ability to take the best out of every situation and her appreciation for the life and world around her is undoubtedly contagious and places her – A Step Above. 

Sports/Clubs/Community Service

• Varsity Cheer, 2012-Present
• JV Cheer, 2011-2012
• Swim Team, 2011
• Volleyball, 2010
• Dance, 2010-2012
• Student Council 2010-Present; Senior Class President, 2013-Present; Representative, 2012-2013
• NASC Representative, 2013
• Forensics, 2012
• Pep Club, 2013-2014
• CTR Club, 2013-2014
• International Club, 2012
• FBLA, 2010-2011
• Running Club, 2010-2011
• Lunch sacks for the Ronald McDonald House, 2014
• Summer Camp Counselor, 2013
• JDRF Walk & Rhetts Walk, 2013
• Opportunity Village Volunteer 

Scholarships/Awards

• UCA West Coast Championship, 2014
• USA Nevada Open, 2012 & 2014
• Best Attitude Varsity Cheer, 2014
• National Young Leader Nomination, 2014
• Most Dependable Varsity Cheer, 2013
• Student Council Award, 2013
• JDRF Golden Sneaker Award
• Young Woman Recognition Award, 2013

A career in health and fitness is your ultimate goal? “My goal right now is to graduate high school with an honors diploma. Being Senior Class President, I would like this last year of high school to be a success knowing that I tried my best.  I will be attending BYU in the fall and I plan to serve an LDS mission. After serving a mission I plan to graduate college and work in the area of health and fitness. Fitness is important to me and I hope to share that knowledge and love with others.”

What are your keys to success? “I think what makes a person successful is when they follow their dreams and go after what they want. I have done things in my life that I wasn’t sure I could do but I didn’t let that stop me from trying. When I ran for Senior Class President, I wasn’t sure if I could take on the added responsibilities to my already busy schedule but it has turned out to be a positive experience and has shown me that I can do hard things. You just have to want it.”

Is there a certain experience that has made you a stronger person? “One time I was on a very strenuous hike with a friend. We hiked for quite sometime until we finally reached the top. We sat down, enjoyed the scenery and returned to the bottom. Once we reached the bottom I realized that I left my car keys at the very top of the mountain. I was devastated. After thinking long and hard on what I should do, I decided to re-hike the mountain and get my keys. Because of this experience, I learned that it is so important to be aware of your responsibilities and actions in life. A seemingly simple mistake is not always easy to fix.”

Favorite Quote to Live By: “Don’t be scared to walk alone. Don’t be scared to like it.” -John Mayer

Maggie Boyd

Palo Verde High School
Class of 2014
G.P.A.: 4.3

Not everyone can say they are among the top in the world at something, and it’s even harder to find those who can say it and describe the accomplishment as “pretty cool.” That’s the endearing, humble attitude that just adds charm to the success of Palo Verde High School student and future Texas A&M Aggie, Maggie Boyd. Quiet, yet undoubtedly passionate and talented, the graduating senior is top five in the world as a West Coast Equestrian, in addition to being a stellar student and engaged young citizen. Her drive and dedication to her skill is truly a joy to watch and her natural, laid back approach to life makes her “pretty cool” in our book, placing her – A Step Above. 

Sports/Clubs/Community Service

• Photographer for football & lacrosse teams, 2010-Present
• Competitive equestrian -National, Regional & Local levels, 2011-Present
• United States Equestrian Federation Varsity Athlete, 2011-Present
• National Honor Society, 2011-Present
• PVTV Broadcast Group                  , 2011-Present
• Palo Verde High School Track Team, 2011
• Junior League of Las Vegas, 2010-Present
• BJ Schafer Training Center, 2010-Present
• Project 150, 2012-2013
• Title One Hope, 2010-2011

Scholarships/Awards

• Multiple award winner; West Coast equestrian events, 2011-Present
• AMHA Equestrian Medal Recipient, 2011-2013
• Ranked Top 3 in Nation – AMHA Grand Nationals, 2013 
• Ranked Top 5 in World – AMHA World Championships, 2013  
• West Coast Region Champion, 2013 

Sounds like your passion for sports will be driving your career? “Right now my goals are to get through the rest of senior year and further improve my riding abilities. Long term I hope to win the World Championships in October and graduate from Texas A&M with a sports management degree. In ten years I see myself in Texas, managing or running PR for some of the biggest names in sports.” 

What accomplishments are you most proud of and why? “ I’m most proud of my 3/5 finishes at the National and World Championships. It was my first time competing at that level, so I’d say that’s pretty cool.”’

You have a very special idol: “As cliché as it seems, I look up to my mom. She has such a caring and supportive demeanor and she always has the solution to my problems. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

Animals play a really important role in your life: “If I could be president of a non-profit organization it would be the SPCA. I have the biggest soft spot for animals and would jump at any opportunity to help them. To be able to run an animal rescue would be an amazing experience.”

Favorite quote to live by: “Hakuna Matata!”

Jennifer Teng

Gorman High School
Class of 2014
G.P.A.: 4.11 

Jennifer Teng’s quote to live by comes from the great William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” She couldn’t be more spot-on. The tiny senior at Bishop Gorman High School packs an impressive punch when it comes to her goals and vision for the world around her, and the talent she brings in everything she puts her mind to. An aspiring lawyer, Jennifer holds a profound and refreshing respect for the protection of civil rights that will surely lead to a lasting and respectable career. Her perspective beyond her years, genuine kindness and “fierce” tenacity place her – A Step Above. 

Sports/Clubs/Community Service

• JV/ Varsity Track, 2011-2012 & 2014
• Pole Vault Captain, 2014
• Aerialist, 2013-2014
• JV/ Varsity Cheerleading, 2011-2012
• National Honor Society, 2013-Present
• National Science Honor Society, 2013 – Present
• Mu Alpha Theta, 2014
• We the People – Unit 2 Leader, 2014
• Student Government – Junior Class Representative, 2013
• Sun Youth Forum Delegate, 2013
• Nevada JCL, 2011-2012
• National Latin Honor Society, 2012
• Forensics and Debate, 2011
• Matthew 25 Board, 2013-2014
• Historical Interpreter, 2011-2013
• Mountain View Hospital Volunteer, 2013
• Make a Wish, 2011-2012

Scholarships/Awards

• National Merit Scholar Finalist, 2014
• We the People Regional Winners, 2014
• AP World History Student of the Year, 2013
• AP Scholar with Honor, 2013
• Commended Student for AP English and Spanish 2, 2013
• Commended Student for New Testament, 2012
• JV Scholar Athlete, 2012
• All State Academic Team for Spirit, 2012
• Academic Achievement Award in Art II, 2011
• Academic Achievement Award in English 3H, 2011
• Top 10 in National JCL Writing Contest, 2011
• Honors Status in the National Forensics League, 2011

What are your keys to success? “I think that an open mind, along with a desire to learn and achieve makes me successful. Also, I recognize that taking risks and having great aspirations is essential. As Michelangelo said, ‘The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.”’

A certain teacher has really inspired you:  “My instructor, Mr. Goertemiller, inspires me. Not only has he taught me world history and US government, but has revealed more important life skills and morals such as dedication, perseverance, patriotism, faith, and compassion. His kindness on my first day at Bishop Gorman will forever be a fond memory of mine.”

We love your perspective on what shapes a person: “Though certain experiences can have great effects, I believe every day decisions play the most crucial role in determining your identity. Every day you have the ability to shape and transform who you are.”

What a great idea of a non-profit. We say go for it! “If I could be president of any non-profit it would be a foundation that would provide a ‘virtual pen pal’ to children who are recovering from serious illnesses, especially those who are quarantined. Through social media such as Skype and Facetime, two children who were paired together could give eachother the necessary support and companionship during the difficult recovery process.”

Spring Fever | RX for Seasonal Allergies

Fresh flowers, busy bees, green grass and weather that just makes you want to play in the park all signify the renewal and rejuvenation of spring time. But for more than 35 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies, this time of year also ushers in some unwelcome guests; Sneezy, Stuffy, Wheezy, Dopey, Watery, Runny and Itchy.

Aside from painfully obvious physical symptoms, allergies are often responsible for sleepless nights, an inability to focus at work, trouble socializing and a general feeling of ill health. While there is no catch-all, miracle cure, there are a number of simple lifestyle changes and alternative solutions that’ll help you feel your best the whole year through.

By Lisha Ross 

The Low Down

An allergic reaction is what occurs when your immune system over-reacts to common substances that you inhale, ingest or come into physical contact with. After repeated exposure to substances including pollen, pet dander, mold and dust mites, your body produces histamines that cause a cascade of symptoms to occur.  

Because there are so many allergens circulating at any given time of year, Dr. Hugh Windom of the University of South Florida recommends that allergy sufferers get tested by an allergist or immunologist to pinpoint specific problems. Once you know just what you’re allergic to, fighting the battle against the elements will be that much easier.   

An Ounce of Prevention

Particularly with seasonal allergies, your first instinct might be to lock yourself indoors, but we often forget just how many allergens are lurking inside our homes, cars and offices. Early preparation and continued maintenance are key factors for reducing allergens in your living spaces.   

Linens and Things

Towels, sheets, bath mats, linens and curtains should be washed frequently in hot water to kill dust mites and remove pollen. Shower curtain liners should be bleached once per month, or replaced entirely to eradicate mold.  Consider purchasing pillow, box spring and mattress enclosures that are impenetrable to allergens, as well as other allergy friendly bedding and linens. Ask your allergist, or visit Allergy One (www.allergyone.com) or Allergy Control Products (www.allergycontrol.com) for product lines.  

Carpeting presents a serious issue for allergy sufferers as it is a virtual breeding ground for millions of allergens. Wood flooring or carpeting with very tight knit fibers are optimal for chronic allergy sufferers, but if changing your floor coverings isn’t an option be sure to vacuum at least once per week with a vacuum outfitted with a HEPA filtration system. Product ratings are available at Allergybuyersclub.com. Other products purported to kill allergens in carpeting include Allersearch X-mite Fabric and Carpet Powder and Allersearch ADS Fabric and Carpet Spray. They claim to deactivate most allergens associated with dust mites, cat dander, mold, mildew and plants, but must be re-applied periodically.

In the Air

Air purifiers are your best defense in removing allergens from the air. Choose models equipped with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration, a system that removes 99.97% of airborne allergens.  You’ll also want to make sure the system is the correct size for the square footage of the room it will be used in.

Humidity in your home is also a factor and should ideally stay between 20%-40%. Levels below 20% may cause the body to generating excessive mucus in your nasal passages, leading to congestion and possible sinus infections. Humidity over 40%, a condition likely to occur in your bathroom, encourages mold and dust mites to thrive. Keep the air dry by running an exhaust fan during and after showering and on humid days. Consider purchasing a small, battery operated hygrometer ($25), a device that measures humidity, to keep the moisture levels in check. Then, with the use of a humidifier/dehumidifier, you can adjust moisture levels to suit your needs.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America also suggests that you keep the air conditioner set to re-circulate air, replace filters frequently and keep the windows closed during high pollen season.

Away From Home

In your car as in your home, set the air conditioner to re-circulate. Turn the A/C or heater on before you get in and always keep the windows up.  

Products that might help at work or on the go include:

• The Portable Car Air Purifier ($119.95) plugs into your car cigarette lighter and straps to the back of the headrest. Roomaid Portable HEPA Air Purifiers ($159.95) are light-weight, have a car adaptor, and are perfect for use on a desktop at work. Check out Allergybuyersclubshopping.com for info.

• Aller-RX ($7.95), a carpet and upholstery spray that temporarily de-natures allergens, comes in convenient and refillable 4 oz. spray bottles, perfect for your glove box or desk drawer. Visit Allerrx.com to order.

• The Dust Grabber Magnetic Dust Cloth ($3.99) picks up dust and fine particles without stirring them into the air. Use to dust your dashboard, desk and shelves at work. Available at allergyone.com.

• Dirt Tamer Handheld Vacuum Cleaners ($59.95+) are wet/dry, cordless, rechargeable HEPA vacuums that can be used in the car or in the area around your desk at work. Find them at Greenandmore.com.       

Other Attractions

Remember that clothing and hair are magnets for allergens circulating outdoors. During high pollen season, remove your shoes at the door so as not to track pollen inside. For those who have severe pollen allergies, it is recommended that you change your clothes, and immediately wash your hair upon arriving home. This will help to prevent the pollen on your body from rubbing off onto your couch, pillows and linens.

Mother Nature’s Medicine Cabinet 

Improving your living environment may not be the only remedy for keeping allergy symptoms at bay. Mary Hardy, MD, director of integrative medicine at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles says, “Using nature-based products can be a very useful way to handle mild allergies and a useful adjunct for more significant allergies….” From herbal supplements to local honey, when used properly, nature’s gifts can be a great way to alleviate allergy discomfort.   

Honey Do 

Many experts agree that foods that help manage inflammation and support the immune system can help alleviate allergic reactions. One such food is local raw honey. Similar to an allergy shot, eating local honey produced within ten miles of your home will gradually expose your body to the same types of pollen that induce allergic reactions when inhaled, purportedly boosting your own immune defense. Often found at local farmer’s markets, visit www.localharvest.org for a market near you.

Food for Thought 

Eliminating empty calories from your diet, such as those found in fast food, and consuming foods rich in vitamins and healthy calories is also thought to help in alleviating allergy symptoms. Apples, leafy vegetables, bananas, tofu, legumes and walnuts are foods purported to tame inflammation. Additional anti-allergy foods include broccoli, turnips, kale, cabbage and colorful red berries such as raspberries, blackberries and cranberries which contain quercetin, a powerful flavanoid thought to ease symptoms.

Experts say spicy hot foods containing cayenne pepper, hot ginger and fenugreek seeds can thin mucus secretions, ultimately clearing nasal passages. Onions and garlic are also thought to be helpful.  

A Note on Natural Alternatives

Non-traditional treatments, including acupuncture, diet and exercise, are garnering recognition for having affective results for treating allergies. However, while supplements such as Butterbur, goldenseal, fish oil and perilla oil are thought to be helpful in quelling allergy symptoms, non-traditional supplements should be used with as much caution as any other treatment. Natural doesn’t always mean better or safer, and one should always consult a physician before mixing alternative treatments with traditional drugs.

Seasonal allergies don’t have to put a damper on your spring time activities. With a few simple changes, you too can enjoy the beauty this season has to offer.

Michael Tatalovich Fundraiser

Dear Friends and Community Partners,

As 2014 rolls along, we are often reminded of how precious and vulnerable time is. As most in our community are familiar with the Josh Stevens Foundation, and their “Be Kind” message that inspires us all to spread kindness and heartfelt acts of love, some are unaware that the Coronado High School class of 2014 would have been Josh’s graduating class. The motto of the foundation from its start has been, “Genuine kindness born in the heart of a child deserves celebration.”

It is with this celebration in mind that I would like to tell you about one of Josh’s classmates, Michael Tatalovich. Michael is also the true epitome of kindness, love, generosity, and hope. Michael is a senior at Coronado High School, graduating with honors, with the admiration from staff and faculty alike, and with lots of love and respect from his fellow students. In May of last year however, Michael and his family’s world was turned upside down. Michael was a stand-out athlete and a member of the State Champion Coronado men’s volleyball team, when a pain in his hip led him to consult his doctors. The diagnosis: Ewing’s Sarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer that had infiltrated his femur. After months of treatment, chemotherapy, multiple surgeries and blood transfusions, and ultimately a partial hip replacement at 17 years old, Michael is battling to make a full recovery. However, all of this treatment has left the family with a huge financial burden and the stress of huge medical bills.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Michael since he was just an elementary school boy, being raised in the neighborhood that our families still reside in today. I can say without hesitation that he has always been one of our family’s favorite neighborhood kids. Michael is always upbeat, always polite, always respectful, always there for his family and friends whenever needed. He’s just your all around wonderful American boy. I am proud and honored to be writing this letter on behalf of a wonderful young man, his family, his friends, and the entire community.

We are asking for your help and support.  We are holding a fundraiser for Michael and his family on May 5^th, 2014 at 6pm at the Coronado High School men’s volleyball game vs. Basic HS.  We are asking for donations of money, gifts/gift cards for drawings during the game, time to be volunteered, or any other way you could possibly help the cause. All donations will go to help ease the burden of Michael’s cost to fight cancer. This community has been incredible in raising great kids like Michael and Josh; kids that truly understand what it means to be loving and kind. Now we want to help as a community, to ensure that Michael has what he needs to win his toughest battle yet.  Please find it in your heart to donate and to come out and celebrate a remarkable young man.

If you are unable to attend the fundraiser PLEASE make all donations at http://www.gofundme.com/7n4u9k.      
Checks can be mailed to: 2311 Tilden Way Henderson, NV 89074  Questions: 702-274-8271

Yours Truly,
Dr. Gene & Lori Garlick

Dallin Bryan

Coronado High School
Class of 2014
G.P.A.: 4.8

Dallin Bryan epitomizes the all around “stand-up” guy. He’s comfortable in his own skin, smart enough to think for himself and willing to make the tough choices in Einstein-esque “what’s right is not always popular” style. He’s the guy you want in your corner. It would be easy to look at Dallin’s track record and assume that grades and sports define him, but in fact there’s something much deeper and exponentially more important to his resume. It’s his character. Dallin stands for kindness, integrity and responsibility and those qualities are what truly place him – A Step Above.  

Sports/Music/Scholarships/Awards

• Coronado Volleyball Team, 2011-Present; Freshman, 2011-2012; Jr. Varsity, 2012-2013; Varsity, 2013-2014
• Vegas Volleyball Club, 2011-Present
• Piano
• Nevada Boys State Delegate, 2013
• Nevada All-State Academic Team, Volleyball, 2013
• Nevada State Champions, Volleyball, 2013
• HOBY Leadership Seminar Delegate, 2012
• Junior Varsity Sportsmanship Award, Volleyball, 2011
• Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America, 2010

Clubs/Community Service

• Student Body Treasurer, 2013-Present
• Junior Class Treasurer, 2012-2013
• Sophomore Class Treasurer, 2011-2012
• Freshman Class Treasurer, 2010-2011
• Co-Founder of Ping-Pong Club, 2012-2013
• Quantum Physics Club Treasurer, 2014
• Four Square Club, 2014
• Boy Scouts of America, 2007-Present
• Smiles for Central America Participant, 2009-2013
• Cougar Care Volunteer/Participant, 2009
• Santa Run Participant, 2009-2010
• Danny Gans Memorial Champion Run for Life, 2009
• Tiny Tim Foundation Volunteer to Chihuahua, Mexico, 2006            

Your goals and aspirations are pretty well thought out! “I hope to graduate as a valedictorian and leave my mark on this school’s history.  I would like to be remembered as a kind friend to all who brightened people’s days. I then plan on serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, attend BYU on scholarship (hopefully), and eventually Stanford Business College for my MBA. In 10 years I see myself having a small, happy family.  I see myself as a young business owner striving to serve his fellow man and provide for his wife and kids.”

Of all that you’ve accomplished, there’s one thing that stands out: “I am most proud of my Eagle Scout award.  It took a lot of hard work and dedication through countless hours of merit badges, but the skills and the life lessons I learned in the scouting program have forever changed me. I will never be able to repay the debt I owe to the scouting program for shaping me into a man.”

Is there someone you look up to? “I look up to my brother, Logan.  I have strived to model my high school career as much after him as I possibly can. He was in Student Council, I’m in Student Council.  He was Student Body Treasurer, I’m the Student Body Treasurer. He was a valedictorian, I’m on track to be a valedictorian. He couldn’t have set a better example for me to follow, and I will be eternally indebted to him for that.”

Favorite quote to live by: “My favorite quote to live by is “Come what may and love it!”  It basically means no matter what happens in your life, love it!  Smile!  Have a positive attitude!  Though one can acknowledge the hardships and trials in one’s life, they can choose how those will affect them and what attitude they will exhibit.  Every day can be the best day of your life, if you choose to “Come what may and love it!”

“Fire Hurts. Red Cross Helps.”

A fire can be detrimental and traumatic in the lives of all involved – especially if it’s a fire to a home. Beyond all of the emotional distress and destruction of sentimental objects that can’t be replaced, many victims of house fires also have to consider where they might find basic necessities like clothing and furniture that are most likely gone with the flames. A local organization, with a profound understanding of what a victim goes through during this time, reached out to help.

On January 23, 2014 the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada (PFFN) made a financial contribution of $20,000 to American Red Cross’s “Fire Hurts. Red Cross Helps.” campaign, which provides assistance to victims throughout Nevada who have been displaced from their homes due to fire. The campaign is a joint effort by the American Red Cross and PFFN, with the goal of raising $350,000 to fund emergency assistance to local families. All assistance provided is an outright gift, made possible by financial contributions and donations. “It is an honor to be part of such an impactful campaign, and we hope to provide the best assistance possible to those whose lives have been disrupted by house fires,” said Rusty McAllister, president of PFFN. “Though we are grateful to be able to donate $20,000 to this worthy cause, we are reaching out to the community to help us meet the financial goal and create awareness on fire safety.”

On average, the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross responds to a residential fire every 18 hours, day and night. For more information on PFFN visit www.pffn.org.