Terry Murphy

By Callie Thomas

There’s an old Irish saying that, “You never plow a field by turning it over in your mind.”   Resident Terry Murphy is definitely an action girl.  With a Masters Degree in Sociology, the study of how people function in groups (which can be as small as a family unit or as large as society as a whole), she began working in Government Affairs for the Southern Nevada Homebuilders Association back in 1989.  That was at the height of the desert tortoise predicament. The species was listed as endangered and efforts to protect it threatened to bring development and other economic activities to a standstill.  Murphy was instrumental in forging a compromise among parties and helped to establish conservation mechanisms that allowed development to continue.  Years later, she lent her expertise to the Clark County government before starting her own business, which focuses on helping private companies communicate with local governments.  In addition to her consulting business, she’s currently the Honorary Consul to Ireland for the State of Nevada.

Murphy also shares her gifts to the community in other ways.  As President of the Downtown Las Vegas Alliance she’s helped to establish growth in the downtown area.  As a Community Advisory Board member of The Smith Center, she’s been a part of launching and executing the project to fruition and, in effect, making the arts accessible to everyone. Murphy is also a big champion of Casa De Luz, an organization that serves children and families living in a challenged neighborhood downtown and The Center, which provides counseling services to the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Questioning) community. Terry Murphy discusses the growth of Downtown Las Vegas, her support of community organizations and what it’s like to be Honorary Consul to Ireland.

How did you get involved in the Downtown Las Vegas Alliance?

“I’ve worked in downtown on and off since 1991. I’ve always been an advocate of redeveloping downtown and have participated in lots of projects over the years that have come to fruition.  I love watching the growing sense of community downtown and seeing people’s surprise at what’s going on here after not visiting the area for a while.”

How has the Downtown Las Vegas Alliance helped the city?

“It’s growing exponentially and is at the tipping point toward becoming an influential public policy voice for business downtown, as well as a resource for some of the other organizations like the 18B Las Vegas Arts District.” 

Tell us about your involvement with the other community groups.

“I enjoy being on the Advisory Board of the Smith Center.  The arts were a large part of my growing up in New York and it was a missing ingredient here for a long time. It’s like a “coming of age” for Las Vegas.  Casa De Luz is a community based in love, and the organization is literally changing lives. The Center is dear to my heart primarily because I’m a firm believer in and advocate for human rights.  The Center provides a place for youth who may have nowhere else to turn.”

What’s it like being Honorary Consul to Ireland?

“I assist Irish citizens when they have issues here in Nevada, whether it’s a lost passport, severe illness or sadly, the death of a loved one.  I also help promote the Republic of Ireland as a tourist destination.  It’s probably the greatest honor in my entire life.”

What does giving back mean to you?

“I believe we are all given certain gifts or talents and our lives aren’t complete without sharing them. At least mine wouldn’t be.”

What are you most proud to have achieved?

“First and foremost would be my daughter who is a happy, healthy adult.  Beyond that, everything else is icing on the cake.”

What do you think makes you successful?

“I don’t think about being successful.  I think about getting things done.  And I very much enjoy the journey.”

Stephen Gordon, MD

How many times have you heard about the importance of looks?  As Americans we take for granted much that affects our overall appearance and well-being. In third world countries it’s not about looks, but rather, the ability to survive.  89117 resident Stephen Gordon has made a career of performing surgeries that not only improve appearance, but also improve lives.

Gordon completed his Plastic Surgery residency at Emory University in Atlanta and later entered private practice there.  For the first five years he was on staff at 12 hospitals and on call every night.  He kept busy with trauma and reconstructive plastic surgery until he made the decision to develop a cosmetic surgery practice.  Since moving to Las Vegas over fifteen years ago, Gordon has lent his expertise to the community and to programs that make a difference.  He has long thought it better to give of his time and assistance to ensure that the contributions he makes directly benefit the people he serves. 

At home in Las Vegas, he volunteers each month as a ringside physician for amateur boxing.  He also travels to places like Africa and other third world countries on medical missions to help the people who would have no way of obtaining treatment for deformities such as massive keloids, cleft lip and palate as well as burn scar atrocities and reconstructive challenges. As a result of his travels, he and his wife have founded The Stephen and Lori Gordon Plastic Surgery Foundation to provide surgical care and consultation to third world countries. Gordon provides insight into the widespread needs in these areas and why he is so passionate about involving other medical professionals.

Tell us about The Stephen and Lori Gordon Plastic Surgery Foundation.

“We are currently seeking not-for-profit status so that we can receive funding and material contributions and participation by other medical professionals to help those in need. I am regarded as a goodwill medical ambassador and the capacity in which I perform ranges from training and performing medical procedures and surgeries to providing integral information about the facilities I have visited along with recommendations on improving services to the community.  For example, I identify and report unsanitary conditions such as insufficient running water, or over-extended physicians.” 

Any observances you’d like to share about your medical missions?

“African medical facilities are still 100 years behind the medical community in the United States.  There is little or no formal medical training beyond six months in pediatrics, internal medicine, OB/GYN and surgery (two years).  As a barometer, an American surgeon trains for a minimum of five years after medical school to become a general surgeon. Part of my mission there was to train the local doctor in plastic surgery techniques such as skin grafting, but he missed most of the surgeries because he was seeing as many as 200 people a day in his emergency clinic.”

Based on your findings, are burn accidents prevalent in Africa?

“Those living in small villages have to pump water from a well, carry large buckets to their hut and then sterilize the water over an open fire in order to have drinking water.  Practically everything they consume is prepared this way so there are many burn victims. Most of the time the victim lives with a permanent disability or disfigurement because they do not have access to appropriate timely medical care.”

How does it feel to have helped so many in need?

“Despite many hurdles, it was rewarding to repair an eleven-year-old girl’s cleft lip, or to remove a massive keloid around a handsome, yet depressed, twenty one year old man’s neck.  From that moment on, I never saw them without a smile on their faces.”

What does giving back mean to you?

“Not only is it necessary for community survival and growth, it is a spiritual principal that you reap what you sow.”

Angele Bruce

A Step Above 89144
Angele Bruce
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2014

G.P.A.: 4.4

“To thine own self be true…” The quote is Shakespearean and a little old-fashioned, yes, but does that make the message wrong? Absolutely not. That fact is made clear through the success and happiness of Palo Verde High School student Angele Bruce. Fully dedicated to greatness, while simultaneously humble and thoughtful, this senior shows bravery, conviction and honor in all she does and we’re confident that trend will continue into her future, placing Angele  – A Step Above. 

Sports/Music

• Palo Verde Panther Pride Marching Bands 2010­Present; Percussion section leader 2011­2012, 2013­2014
• Palo Verde AFJROTC 2010­Present; Element Leader 2011­2012, Squadron Commander 2012­2013, Vice Corps Commander 2013­2014, Mission Support Group Commander 2013­2014
• Palo Verde AFJROTC Armed Drill Team 2010­Present
• Palo Verde Jazz Band 2010­2012

Scholarships/Awards

• National Merit Semifinalist 2014
• Air Force Association Award 2013
• Outstanding Cadet AS­II 2012
• Outstanding Musician: Wind Ensemble 2012
• Tuskeegee Airman Award 2011

What do you plan to do after high school? “For now I would really just love to be accepted to my first choice university as well as be able to pay for it. I intend to earn my degree in Biochemistry and move on to medical school thereafter. In all honestly though I just want to be happy and secure with my life and do something I can consider good. There is already enough negativity in the world so I want to make a more positive contribution to it.”

You’ve been through some personal hardship in high school.  “I know it tends to be a bit of a controversial topic but my coming out during my junior year of high school was probably the scariest and best thing to ever happen to me. It might seem a bit cliché but it really did help lead to a lot of realizations about myself as a person. I found that it is just such a waste of time to try and be anything other than you. I found that the antisocial, negative, and self-pitying person that I was before was due to the suppression of who I really was. That is putting it in very simple terms but I believe finding the courage to accept myself as well as to open myself up to others changed me for the better.”

Is there anything specific that defines you and your success? There are three specific things that I believe have made me successful in most every venture of my life thus far. The first of these is my integrity. It was something instilled in me by parents and reinforced by my time in Palo Verde’s AFJROTC program. Being an honest and dependable person I think is a necessity for success. It earns not only the trust, but also respect of peers and leaders. I also find my self-discipline very key to my success. Some might call me a perfectionist in this sense but I want everything I do to be the best it possibly can. I want my name to be near synonymous with excellence and its something I strive for in everything that I do. Lastly, and most importantly,   I owe my success to my tenacity. Joining the marching band in my freshman year of high school was the most difficult test of this. I have never been nor do I ever plan on quitting anything. I take my commitments very seriously

What’s your favorite quote to live by? “When one begins to live by habit and by quotation, one has begun to stop living”

James Baldwin. 

Luke Kecman, Clayton James Rhodes and Billy Wolfbrandt

Step Above 89128

Faith Lutheran Mark 10:14 Program Graduating Class
Luke Kecman, Clayton James Rhodes and Billy Wolfbrandt

The Mark 10:14 Program at Faith Lutheran High School is dedicated to children with intellectual disabilities such as autism or Down syndrome. Students in the program are included in the general high school curriculum including classroom discussions, lectures, labs, skits, projects and group activities, among peers, with high levels of support to ensure they are successful. In addition to immersing these students into high school life, the program also instills a greater sense of kindness, helpfulness and encouragement into Faith Lutheran students campus-wide.

 
(From left: Billy Wolfbrandt, Luke Kecman, Clayton Rhodes)

This year, three students will be first to graduate with an adjusted diploma from the Mark 10:14 program. The students have participated in everything from varsity sports, theater, guitar lessons, art and more. They have been Students of the Month, and won spirit competitions, attended dances and gotten the most out of their time in school. By definition, Luke Kecman, Clayton James Rhodes and Billy Wolfbrandt are all– A Step Above.

Luke Kecman

Clubs/Community Service

• Mock Trial Team, 2014
• Honors Art, 2013-Present
• Swim Team, 2013-Present
• Art Club, 2010, 2012 & 2013
• Teen Works Program for Grant a Gift Autism Foundation (Four week program as Front Ambassador at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 2012
• Goodwill, 2012

Awards

• Student of the Month, 2013 

What Makes Luke Successful: “Doing good in life, helping out others and working on being a mature, successful adult. By watching my Mother raise my brother Damon and I while running her own business to care and provide for our family. My Faith in God keeps me doing good in life and being open for new opportunities even with my disability.”

Clayton James Rhodes

Sports/Music/Awards

• Faith Lutheran Football, 2010-2014; Varsity, 2013-2014
• Faith Lutheran Basketball, 2013-2014; Varsity, 2013-2014
• Mellow Dramatist, 2010-2011
• High School Musical Jr., 2010
• Nevada Football Champions 2013

Clubs/Community Service

• Young Life, 2010-2014
• Art Club, 2011-2012
• Mark 10:14 Drive Thru BBQ
• Young Life Leadership Team

A Key Issue Facing Young People Today: “A key issue facing young people today is including people who might be different. Being a part of the Faith Lutheran student body has helped others see that because I have Down syndrome. I learn differently but I have many of the same dreams they have.  God has made me on purpose, for a purpose.” 

Billy Wolfbrandt 

Sports/Activities

• Faith Lutheran Wrestling Team, 2008 – 2014
• School Lip Sync Competition, 2012 and 2013
• Faith Lutheran Middle School Football, 2007-2009

Awards/Community Service

• Faith Lutheran Spirit Award, 2013 

Billy’s Proudest Accomplishment: “Being an athlete and a wrestler.”

Billy’s Goal After High School: “Go to college and find a job to be a lawyer like my dad.”

Paula Chelee R. Castro

A Step Above 89135
Paula Chelee R. Castro
Northwest Career and Technical Academy
Class of 2014

G.P.A.: 4.8

Are there times when you look at others and think, “How do they have the time?” Paula Castro, a senior at the Northwest Career and Technical Academy, would fit into that category. She has the time because she cares, and she makes things work because they are in her line of focus and on her list of goals. This multi-lingual “stud-ette,” originally from an island called Saipan, has proven her commitment to her new community through service and continues to raise her bar with new goals and challenges. Her tenacity and impassioned spirit are impressive and place Paula – A Step Above.

Scholarships/Awards

• Delegate, Key Club District Convention, 2013
• Delegate, Key Club International Convention, 2013
• Girl Scouts Gold Award, 2013
• Outstanding Vice-President, Key Club (District Level), 2013
• GAGE Community Service Award, 2013
• NWCTA Academic Letter and Gold Bar Award, 2011-2013
• HOSA State Competition (Career Health Display 4^th Place)- 2012
• Distinguished Key Club Officer, 2011
• Nevada Representative, National Youth Leadership Conference, 2011
• Key Club Member of the Year, 2010 

Clubs/Community Service

• Key Club, 2010-Present; President 2013-2014, Vice President 2012-2013, Sergeant At Arms 2011-2012, Fundraising Committee Chair 2010-2011
• Polynesian Club, 2010-Present; Vice President 2012-2014, Treasurer 2011-2012
• National Honor Society, 2011-Present
• Health Occupation Students of America, 2011-Present
• Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada, 2011-Present
• National Society of High School Scholars Ambassador, 2011-Present
• Children’s Miracle Network Youth Marketing Committee, 2011-Present
• National Honor Society of Sports Medicine, 2012-Present
• Advanced Placement Club, 2011-2013
• Southern Nevada Youth Advisory Council, 2013-Present
• Sahara West Library Volunteer 2010-2011
• Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2010- Present
• Making Strides against Breast Cancer 2010-Present
• Relay for Life 2010-Present
• Light the Night Walk 2010-Present
• Springs Preserve 2010-Present

So…your goals made our head spin a little bit. You have a ton of energy! “For the remainder of my senior year, I would like to finish off both high school and my term as Key Club President strong. I plan to major in Nursing and double minor in Business and Spanish at a four year university, however, I hope to finish college in three years so that I can move on to medical school. I have always aspired to someday become an Interventional Nephrologist, a fairly new specialty in the field of medicine, so that is what I plan to study for. When I am finished with all my schooling, I hope to return to Saipan and open my own dialysis center”

It’s not always been an easy road.  “When I first moved here, I was often dubbed foreign and incompetent of the CCSD curriculum because I came from an island. I was placed in all regular classes and denied the opportunity to take Algebra 1 Honors. Instead of allowing this to undermine my competence I persisted, focusing intently on my academics and proving that my origins had nothing to do with my capabilities.”

What’s your favorite quote to live by? “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

― Howard Thurman.

Tyler Teresi

A Step Above 89117
Tyler Teresi
Spring Valley High School
Class of 2014

G.P.A.: 4.706

There’s nothing more exciting than an activist in the making. Aside from his stellar grades and recent admission (on scholarship) to Emory University, the most impressive thing about Tyler Teresi is his passion for impact, for changing the course of the world and the people who live in it. The enthusiastically informed senior at Spring Valley High School has big plans, and we think he just might be someone we’re talking about on the news for years to come. His fervent belief in civil rights and his willingness to speak his mind place Tyler – A Step Above. 

Clubs/Community Service

• Model United Nations (MUN) 2011-Present; President 2013-2014
• Mu Alpha Theta Math Tutoring 2012-Present
• Mu Alpha Theta Vice President, 2013-Present
• Member of National Honor Society 2012-Present; Vice President 2013-2014
• Survivorship and Sponsorship Chair on the Relay for Life Planning Committee 2012-Present

Scholarships/Awards

• Recipient of the Questbridge scholarship for Emory University, UCIMUN 2013
• Outstanding Delegate Award, UCIMUN 2013
• Outstanding Delegate, BYUMUN 2012
• Research Award, Paris MUN 2012 Honorable Mention

Your goals for the future are pretty profound. “For now, my goals are to maintain my academic performance, take care of all of my responsibilities and be very successful in doing so. My only real goal for the future can be summed up in three words: Make an impact. If I can do something that has a positive effect on those around me while enjoying what I am doing, then I will consider my goal achieved. When I’m older, I want to be able to say that I helped a lot of people in some way.”

We understand you’re well versed in world news, and have some pretty special idols? “One of my biggest idols is Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who has stood up against Taliban influence to increase the rights of women and make a way for women to get an education in the country. Anyone who is able to stand up against something that they know is wrong is admirable in itself, but to do it under the conditions that she has, with the risks involved, is amazing.  I find her story amazing and if I were able to take action in the future, like she has, I would feel fulfilled.”

Picture this: You’re the President of a non-profit…what would it be? “If I could be president of a nonprofit, then I believe it would be Human Rights Watch because it does a great job of reporting issues and serious rights violations and plays an important role by doing so and by advocating for solutions to those issues.”

What’s your favorite quote to live by? “I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that, then I realized I was somebody.” I love this quote because it upsets me to see others struggling, for example, the millions of people in the world facing poverty. I could never understand how things like this, and many other problems in the world, and even directly around us are not being fixed. It helped me to realize that the only way to be happy with the result is to be the cause of the result and go out and fix what you do not like instead of waiting for someone else to just do it for you.”  

A Decade of Development – Ten Years in the Life of Henderson, NV

By Aly Wagonseller

Maybe you remember 2004. The Zip Code Magazines had just hit the scene with our first issue of 89052, and our city of Henderson was in full bloom, growing at a phenomenal rate and making a name on both the local and national levels as one of the best places for a growing family to take roots.   Then….well… most of us remember what happened in 2007 and beyond. The housing bubble debacle left many small town government entities low on property tax revenues, leaving little resources available for much more than simple survival.    

Fast forward to today and you’ll discover that despite some bumpy years on the economy front, Henderson, Nevada has continued to flourish. Growing in population by more than 36,000 people in the past decade, the city has added new entertainment venues, parks and trails, and businesses to enhance a community lifestyle that delights all of us who call Henderson home. 

Here’s a look back at a few of the larger additions to Henderson that we’ve written about over the past ten years, and why they continue to make Henderson the city we love.

That’s Entertainment

Besides the Henderson Pavilion, a facility opened in 2002 that continues to provide world class productions for the masses, Nevada’s first public outdoor events space, The Henderson Events Plaza, joined the party in 2006. Located adjacent to Henderson City Hall and the Henderson Convention Center, the facility seats 900 attendees and is the hub for many of the Downtown Water Street District events.  The ArtBeat series sponsored by Target is one of the many family friendly activities offered at the Events Center, allowing kids and grownups alike to experience art displays, crafts, demonstrations and concerts.  In addition to this family friendly affair, the Henderson Events Plaza hosts several signature events throughout the year. Annual events include:

• Heritage Parade and Festival
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
• Super Run
• Art Festival of Henderson
• Ho’olaule’a Festival
• WinterFest
• Off-Road Desert Race

For dates and information about these and other events, visit www.Hendersonlive.com. 

Encompassing the surrounding areas of the Event Center and City Hall, The Downtown Water Street District has also seen changes over the past ten years. A Redevelopment effort has readied the area for future growth, allowing for more convenient parking and ease of doing business for retail stores, bars and restaurants.  The new Historic Walking Tour in the area offers a stroll that’s just under a mile and includes an informative and colorful account of the development of Henderson, starting with its birth during the industrialization period to support World War II efforts to the vibrant city it has become today.  To begin the self-guided tour, visit the front desk in the Henderson Convention Center to pick up the tour map, or go to www.waterstreetdistrict.com for a downloadable version of the tour. 

For the Active Family

Unlike many communities that had to cut back on developing parks and recreational trails, Henderson has several new additions to the landscape. The 160-acre Heritage Park, located at 350 Racetrack Rd., is the largest multi-use sports complex in the Las Vegas Valley. It features 13 lighted, full-sized multipurpose fields and two lighted 90-foot baseball fields. The campus is also home to the 5-acre Bark Park dog park, LEED Gold certified Heritage Park Aquatic Complex, and the 29,667-square-foot LEED Gold certified Heritage Park Senior Facility. The 100-acre Cornerstone Park, 1600 Wigwam Pkwy., opened in June 2013, and is accented by a 31-acre lake. Housing running trails and a tranquil, suburban-like feel, the park hosts some of the city’s most visible outdoor events including Bark in the Park and the Southern Nevada Trails Day Celebration.  Also in 2013, Whitney Mesa Recreation Area, 1661 Galleria Dr., opened for public use featuring a lighted tennis complex, basketball court, playground, archery range, day camp, and a walking course, along with a representation of the architecture that resided in decades past.   

In addition to developed parks, the pristine wilderness in the Henderson area has become easier to explore with the designation of several new trails in the landscape. Most notable is the River Mountains Loop Trail whose paths were dedicated as a National Recreation Trail in May of 2010. The 35-mile paved multi-use and multi-jurisdictional trail connects Henderson, Boulder City, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area to the rest of the Las Vegas Valley, providing ample opportunity for hiking and sightseeing in the area.   For information on trails and parks in the City of Henderson, visit www.cityofhenderson.com.

The past ten years have been a challenging, yet successful time for our award winning city. With prudent fiscal responsibility and a master plan aimed at creating superior quality of life for its residents, we can rest assured that the future of Henderson’s looking bright. 

10 Years of Zip Code Magazines

Over 10 years ago I had an idea to create a local magazine for the communities of Las Vegas and Henderson.  At the time there were city wide magazines, but nothing that targeted individual areas and highlighted the people and families who lived in them.  In February of 2004, the first issue of 89052 Magazine was mailed. Baseball icon Rollie Fingers was our first “Meet the Neighbor” feature, Andrew Hatch, our inaugural “A Step Above” student and Mark Corazzi, from State Farm Insurance, was our first advertiser (and still advertising).  After our first mailing we anxiously waited to see what the response would be and, to our delight, 89052 Magazine was an instant hit. Since that time, we have grown from 1 zip code to 14 total, spanning the valley from Green Valley to Summerlin.

Over the years we have highlighted hundreds of neighbors and students, all of whom had incredible stories and dreams.  In looking back, it amazes me what astonishing people we have been fortunate enough to interview and meet.  Many of the neighbors were just starting out on their own non-profit organizations that were near and dear to their hearts.  Their efforts have made a significant impact on so many people, each and every day.  Just as fascinating are the students that we have featured throughout the years. Incredible teenagers, so focused and driven, with dreams that they would one day become the future leaders of our country.  They have studied at the finest universities and are now starting their careers.  So, in this issue, we thought it would be interesting to revisit some of our past neighbors and students to see where their path has led them the last 10 years.   I think the stories are just as fascinating and promising now as they were then, and I hope you enjoy them.

It has been such a fun 10 years watching the progression of the city and meeting so many people in our zip codes.  The zip code magazines wouldn’t be around if not for our loyal readers, advertisers and my incredible staff.   I want to thank you for all of your support over the years and I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years have in store.

As always, I look forward to seeing you in the neighborhood. 

Greg

Our Love of Food

By Aly Wagonseller: Food Stylist
Creative Director: Kristi Stephenson
Photographer: Dave Smith

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been searching for, testing, tweaking and cranking out Love of Food recipes for ten years.  Starting with our first issue, we highlighted what was then a little-known trend in American food culture known as Tapas, and we’ve been providing progressive and interesting recipes to our readers ever since.   

Much like the Tapas phenom, one that has transcended its simple, Spanish roots to include innovative “small plate” dishes from genres that run the gamut from gastro pubs to Indian fare, we too have evolved. Sure, we’re a local publication, but we honestly do prepare each and every dish to make sure it “works,” as well as passes self imposed standards for providing delicious recipes our readers can serve to family and friends with pride. And, what about those gorgeous pictures of what’s on the plate?  They’re ours too.   We spare no expense in time or money to prepare, plate and photograph the food ourselves; mainly because we feel our pictures rival those of national publications, and have been told so by readers and professionals alike.  A bit of bragging? Well…yes. But only because it’s these “little” details that make our Love of Food section one of the most popular features in the magazines.

We’ve chosen a few of your favorite recipes from the past 10 years.  Recipes you’ve taken the time to call or email us about to either compliment or rediscover, having misplaced them over time.  It was tough to choose (we do have A LOT of great recipes), but know your most wanted are merely a click away at www.zipcodemagazines.com. We’re also more than happy to help you find an archived recipe – just give us a call. 

So, here’s to ten more years of loving food. There’s no telling where the trends may travel, and that’s half the fun. But, more importantly, it’s a big part of our family, and something we’re very proud to pass along to yours.

MooOink Balls

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