Jan.10 – Jan.12
It’s been a long week! How about getting out this weekend and discovering fun events in your neighborhood? We’ve got the top events around town this week in our Picks in the Zips.
Friday, January 10
RED by John Logan [All Play]
www.onyxtheater.com
- Where: Onyx Theater, 953 E. Sahara Avenue
- When: 8 p.m.
- How Much: $20
Poor Richard’s Players will challenge both artist and audience with their production of John Logan’s Tony Award winning play, RED. Performs at The Onyx Theatre: January 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 24 & 25 at 8pm with a 2pm matinee on Sunday, January 19th
Truett Hurst/Martin Family Winery Wine Tasting with Jeff Hurst [Summerlin]
http://www.totalwine.com/eng/event/40962
- Where: Total Wine, 730 S. Rampart Blvd.
- When: Noon to 6 p.m.
- How Much: Free
The Martin Family Vineyards and Truett Hurst Winery were born from a commitment to family and love of fine wine. Their wine-making philosophy is to use only fruit from extraordinary vineyards in order to produce extraordinary wines. Small-lot production, distinct hand-crafting and sustainable vineyard practices, enables Martin Family Vineyards and Truett Hurst Winery to produce these special wines. Please join Jeff Hurst, for an exciting tasting of these unique, hand-crafted wines.
The Rock-N-Roll Rebels [All Play]
www.downtowncontainerpark.com
- Where: The Downtown Container Park, 707 Fremont Street
- When: 8 p.m.
- How Much: Free
It’s time for you to check out the new Downtown Container Park! As the name may imply, this band plays Rock ‘n Roll music. But make no mistake about it… these guys and gals ain’t your average cover band from Las Vegas. In fact, after seeing the Rock ‘n Roll Rebels play one of their trademark shows, you’ll swear you’ve just been to one of the most amazing concerts you’ve ever seen!
Saturday, January 11
Strikes for Scholarships [All Play]
www.ecflv.squarespace.com
- Where: South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa
- When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- How Much: $35
The Epicurean Charitable Foundation will honor National Mentorship Month with the inaugural Strikes for Scholarships bowling tournament. Participants may sign up to bowl individually, as a team or bid to play with notable, participating celebrities. Visit www.ecflv.squarespace.com for more information.
Kids in the Kitchen [All Play]
www.pizzarocklasvegas.com
- Where: Pizza Rock Las Vegas, 201 N. Third Street
- When: Starts at 10 a.m.
- How Much: $10
Curiosity created the cook! Pizza Rock kicks off Kids in the Kitchen, a weekly series where kids are the chefs. Parents and their children will learn everything from handling the dough to topping the pizza and cooking it to perfection. Call 385-0838 for info.
Coin, Currency, Jewelry, Postcard and Stamp Show [All Play]
shows.bickinternational.com
- Where: Circus-Circus Hotel, 2880 Las Vegas Blvd.
- When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- How Much: Free
Join dealers buying and selling millions of dollars of merchandise in all categories including gold, silver, platinum, precious gems, all types of jewelry, pennies to silver bullion to gold dollars and collectors supplies. Visitwww.shows.bickinternational.com for more information.
Sunday, January 5
Miss Nevada and Miss Nevada Teen USA [All Play]
- Where: Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall – UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
- When: 7 p.m.
- How Much: Tickets start at $45
Watch the crowning of Miss Nevada USA at this annual event, hosted by Chet Buchanan and Alyssa Capanella. Performances include Brett Young.
Bottomless Mimosas at Sammy’s [All Play]
www.sammyspizza.com
- Where: Henderson | 1501 N. Green Valley Pkwy.
Summerlin | 6500 W. Sahara - When: All Day
- How Much: $10
What’s better than bottomless mimosas and breakfast pizza? Have a perfect Sunday Funday to close out your weekend at Sammy’s!
Looking for more? Check out our Circle the Date events calendar!
Shop Around for Advertising Using the Cost Per Thousand Method
Shopping around. It’s smart, necessary to run a successful business, and just makes sense all around. We all want the best deal on everything we purchase, so before we put down our hard earned money we shop around to make sure we get the best price. Now, with access to the internet at our fingertips at all times, we can simply type in information about a product we are looking for and with a mere keystroke get the best prices available. Shoppers are more informed than ever before with a method that works great for physical products like computers, cars and washing machines…but how do you shop around when you decide you need to invest in advertising? If two ad sales representatives are standing in front of you, both holding a similar looking product in their hands, how do you determine which is giving you the best value?
I hear of this dilemma frequently from business owners I work with, and unfortunately many times it comes down to whatever price the sales rep is quoting. However, it’s not always the case that the lower “price” is the best value. A simple formula that professional advertising agencies and media buyers use daily (but most business owners who purchase their own advertising aren’t aware of) is called Cost Per Thousand (CPM…”M” stands for mille which is Latin for thousand). The CPM is the “Great Equalizer” that puts the base price of advertising on an even playing field, so a business owner can make an informed decision.
No need to break out the fancy calculator. The CPM is straightforward, reflecting the cost for your ad to reach 1000 potential advertisers. To figure the CPM all you need to do is take the cost of the ad and divide it by the distribution (thousands only).
For example, if an ad costs $1000 and the distribution is 23,000 here’s what you do:
1. Divide $1000 by 23.
Yep, that’s it. What does it mean? It means your cost to reach 1000 potential customers is $43.47. Using the CPM, the base value when comparing advertising will become very apparent to you.
I mention advertising base value because, just like add-ons to other products, there are added value features in advertising that you must also take into account when considering the full value of your advertising. The quality of the publication, brand awareness, direct mail vs. rack distribution, in state vs. out of state distribution and readership numbers all add to the value of that base number.
Buying advertising doesn’t have to be a shot in the dark if you ask the right questions and use CPM to ensure you are getting the best value for the money you are spending.
Jan. 3 – Jan. 5
It’s been a long week! How about getting out this weekend and discovering fun events in your neighborhood? We’ve got the top events around town this week in our Picks in the Zips.
Friday, January 3
First Friday [All Play]
www.firstfridaylasvegas.com
- Where: Arts District – Downtown Las Vegas
- When: 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- How Much: Free
Walk the streets of the emerging Downtown Arts District while experiencing a vast array of art, people watching, live music, street performances and more. A Vegas institution since 2002, don’t miss supporting our avant garde local artists and shop owners.
Comedy Night at M Resort [South]
www.themresort.com
- Where: Ravello @ The M Resort, 12300 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
- When: 9 p.m.
- How Much: No cover with two-drink minimum purchase
Head to the Ravello Lounge for a good laugh at January Comedy Nights at M Resort. The stand-up night will feature headline comedians seen on television and from national tours. Doors open at 9 pm; no cover with two drink minimum purchase.
Zowie Bowie [West]
www.redrock.sclv.com
- Where: Red Rock Casino Resort Spa, 11011 West Charleston Boulevard
- When: 10 p.m.
- How Much: No Cover
Chris Phillips brings his unique blend of today’s hottest dance, hip-hop and Top 40 music to audiences at Rocks Lounge every Friday!
Saturday, January 4
UNLV Rebels Basketball host Air Force [All Play]
www.unlvrebels.com
- Where: Thomas & Mack Center
- When: 7 p.m.
- How Much: Varies
The UNLV men’s basketball team, which has won seven straight games – all by at least 13 points and by an average of 20.2 ppg – will open the home portion of its Mountain West schedule on Saturday, Jan. 4, at 7 p.m. against Air Force at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Kids in the Kitchen [All Play]
www.pizzarocklasvegas.com
- Where: Pizza Rock Las Vegas, 201 N. Third Street
- When: Starts at 10 a.m.
- How Much: $10
Curiosity created the cook! Pizza Rock kicks off Kids in the Kitchen, a weekly series where kids are the chefs. Parents and their children will learn everything from handling the dough to topping the pizza and cooking it to perfection. Call 385-0838 for info.
“Stars and Stardust: Sidewalk Astronomy in the Neon Boneyard” [All Play]
www.neonmuseum.org
- Where: The Neon Museum
- When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- How Much: Free
After enjoying the neon lights of the Boneyard, astronomy-lovers have the opportunity to potentially view the comet ISON and Jupiter with equipment provided by the LV Astronomical Society. Registration is free. Email education@neonmuseum.org.
Sunday, January 5
Bluegrass in the Park [West]
www.lasvegasnevada.gov/ward5
- Where: Lorenzi Park, 3333 W. Washington Ave
- When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- How Much: Free
Enjoy an afternoon of Bluegrass and acoustic music at the bandshell within Lorenzi Park.
Bottomless Mimosas at Sammy’s [All Play]
www.sammyspizza.com
- Where: Henderson | 1501 N. Green Valley Pkwy.
Summerlin | 6500 W. Sahara - When: All Day
- How Much: $10
What’s better than bottomless mimosas and breakfast pizza? Have a perfect Sunday Funday to close out your weekend at Sammy’s!
Looking for more? Check out our Circle the Date events calendar!
The System– The Glory and Scandal of Big-Time College Football
By: Armen Keteyian and Jeff Benedict
Reviewed By: Macy Walsh
The System will shock even the most casual college football fan as the reporting peels back the veneer on everything from coaching politics to sexual tension in tutoring labs, the role of recruiting hostesses, backstabbing conference realignments, super boosters and more. Even the hardcore fans will be surprised. Everyone knows this is a wild business, just not in such detail. The book also serves as a mini-recap of recent college football history, tying together the hot stories from the past five years, ranging from Ohio State to Tennessee to Texas Tech to BYU.
A thorough retelling of the Ohio State “tattoogate” scandal includes the previously unreported transcripts of NCAA interviews with Jim Tressel and athletic director Gene Smith. You can see Tressel incriminate himself as he tries to explain his cover-up of the scandal that doomed his career and led to major sanctions against the program. Meanwhile, Smith is vague on some details but claims he was forceful in multiple conversations with booster Bobby DiGeronimo, who was cited for overpaying players for work at his companies and later banned from associating with the Buckeyes for the next 10 years.
Also speaking publicly for the first time is Lacey Pearl Earps, the infamous Tennessee recruiting hostess dubbed “The Closer” by volunteer coaches for her ability to connect with top high school players. Earps details the bizarre system of the hostess business where pretty, personable, well-trained college women are used as bait to lure top talent. Even if they don’t have physical relationships with high school players (and some certainly do), they are encouraged to engage in at least pseudo-romantic relationships through social media, text and Skype for months on end. All of this happens with the approval and encouragement of athletic department officials and highly paid coaches. “Our job is to flirt with them,” Earps said. Earps insisted she never had a physical relationship with a recruit, but acknowledges purposefully leading the players on. “From the athletic department’s perspective, it didn’t matter how the recruit got there,” she said. “Whatever it took. A lot of people turned a blind eye.”
Even worse is the story of the University of Missouri student-athlete tutoring culture, which is paramount in keeping players eligible for competition. The System lays out the profoundly ill-conceived concept of college girls being paired with male football and basketball players, who are often academically disinterested and physically exhausted, for apparently “lightly” supervised one-on-one work. The result is an environment of sexually provocative conversations, rampant hook-ups, tutors doing the athlete’s schoolwork and worst of all, in the case of star running back Derrick Washington, a 2010 sexual assault of his tutor that sent him to prison.
Much time is spent on Alabama and coach Nick Saban, whose process and ensuing success has come to define this mini-era of college football. Saban grants the authors perhaps unprecedented access and there is an extensive retelling of how the Crimson Tide lured Saint Nick to Tuscaloosa.
The bottom line? It’s all about the money. And we’re not talking chump change. Big-time college football is a multi-billion dollar industry with wealthy alums ready and willing to provide whatever their star players need and/or want. Athletic departments live on the revenue generated by the football program.
This book encompasses the good, the bad and the ugly of college football, and it reads like a novel. Even if you’re not a fan, you’ll love it.
Wardrobe TLC – Tips that Keep Your Clothing Looking its Best
By Joni Hoffman
- Love your Leather. Keep leather goods in top condition by cleaning with a cotton rag that’s been lightly dipped in a solution of 1 part baby shampoo to 30 parts water. Gently rub off residue and allow to air dry. To clean and condition use leather cleaners like Meltonian 183 Cream Cleaner (Wardrobesupplies.com), or remove tough stains including lipstick and wine with an automotive interior cleaner like Leather CPR ($13.95, Amazon.com). Finally, alleviate rough and flaky spots by using a leather softener like Leather Honey, (Leatherhoney.com, $15.95).
- Tweak what you Own. If you purchased something vintage or on sale that doesn’t feel quite right, consider adding or subtracting sleeves, adjusting the hemline or changing the buttons. Don’t stop there! Your existing wardrobe can also benefit from a structural change. Do it yourself with a needle and thread or enlist a local tailor to give old pieces a modern facelift.
- Erase Stains. Whisk away everything from errant deodorant on clothing to scuffs on suede or powder on blouses with a sponge eraser like Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser. No need to wet your clothes. Just briskly rub the dry sponge against the problem area and watch it disappear.
- Give the Washing Machine a Day Off. Take a cue from European women and extend the life of your clothing by washing them less. Air your best pieces outdoors the day after wearing them. Place them in a location where the air can circulate freely without exposing them to direct sunlight which can cause fading. Unless articles are stained, this trick is usually enough to freshen the fabric.
- Repair Suede. Revive minor balding spots on suede garments by rubbing the area with a piece of super fine sandpaper in a vertical motion. Use the same pressure you would use to check a pulse. For major cleaning, take garments to the dry cleaner, but request they do a test patch first to ensure they have enough experience to handle the job. To remove salt stains on footwear, brush the area with a suede brush tipped in a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent white vinegar and let dry overnight. Re-brush in the morning to restore the nap.
- Freshen up Intimates. Tuck an unlit scented candle in the back of your lingerie drawer. Make sure to put the candle in a glass votive so the oils won’t stain fabrics.
- Safely Transport Jewelry. Organize your jewelry and sort out the pieces that you still love but need to have repaired. Put them in individual Ziploc bags and place them in a protective padded envelope. Stash it in your tote to take to a jeweler next time you’re out and about.
- Renew the Sparkle in your Bling. Once you have organized your must keep jewelry, take a little time for maintenance. Metals like gold that are simple and stone free can be cleaned with diluted soapy water or polished with a soft cloth. Use jewelry polish on silver and sterling silver.
- Protect your Handbags. Moisture from the outdoor elements can lead to mold. Always wipe leather handbags with a clean, soft cloth before storing in a cool, dry closet. Use the protective fabric pouch that your high -end bags came in and stuff with acid free tissue to keep them safe.
- Keep your Whites, White. Start by putting away the bleach since it weakens fibers and causes yellowing over time. If at all possible, avoid dry-cleaning garments for the same reason. Routinely soak whites (jeans and cotton) in a large basin of water with a pretreater like Oxiclean Versatile Stain Remover Powder, (Amazon.com). Wash in warm or hot water and air dry in a cool temperature. Never dry your whites in the dryer, as the heat is a yellowing culprit.
- Give Undies VIP Treatment. Extend the wear and luxury of delicates by washing your intimates separately from other laundry. Purchase a gentle washing liquid like Nordstrom lingerie wash, and a one-gallon glass jar. Fill the jar three quarters to the top with lukewarm water and a half capful of the detergent. Add up to five pieces of lingerie and shake until sudsy. Finish by rinsing items until water runs clear, then hang dry.
- Add a Sixth Scent. Tickle your nose and enjoy a beautiful fragrance every time you wear your clothes by using a delicately scented detergent. Many manufacturers offer scented laundry products but we’re addicted to Tyler Candle Company’s selection of fine detergents. There are ten scents to choose from, with Joni’s favorite being “Diva.” But, of course! (Tylercandles.com)
- Let off Some Steam.Toss out the iron and invest in a professional steamer to keep your wardrobe freshly pressed without compromising the fabric. Steam heat is the safest dewrinkling method and is perfect for delicate items like silk which cannot be pressed with an iron or garments with embellishments.
- Shave your Sweaters. Get rid of pilling and fuzzy’s on your favorite sweaters with a special shaver. They’re readily available at retailers including Target and Wal-Mart, as well as online. Consider using a special comb or brush on cashmere sweaters to keep them luxurious. (kentbrushes.com, $20)\
- Clean Jeans Without Fading. Typical jeans, regardless of how dark the color are dyed with indigo. Indigo will eventually “chip off” just like paint. Minimize loss of color by turning your jeans inside out before washing. Place them in the dryer for 5 minutes to remove excess water, then shake and air dry.
- Safeguard Embellishments. Beaded or sequined pieces are prone to snags. If a sparkle is misplaced, safety pin or tape the spot to keep more of the jewels from unraveling. Then, head to Michaels or another retailer that carries trimmings to find a replacement. Simply sew it on yourself or bring it to a professional.
- Protect Your Sole. Immediately after buying a pair of shoes, wear them three times to allow for forming to your feet. Afterwards, have the soles and heels reinforced with a rubber sole that’s installed over the existing leather one. In addition to water-resistance, the rubber gives you traction. Store them with cedar shoetrees to absorb odor and to help keep their shape.
- Polish up Patent. Even if you don’t do windows, keep a bottle of Windex on hand. Glass cleaner safely restores the finish on patent leather without streaking. A safe, effective and inexpensive solution to keep that high gloss shine.
- Salvage your Cashmere. Moths and frequent wearing can cause holes in a cashmere garment. A professional reweaver can create magic by seamlessly duplicating the pattern of the weave with an identical or similar thread. (Or you can provide the extra yarn that came with the sweater). Prices typically start at $50 on up depending on the damage. Shop for comparison pricing by searching for “reweaver ” on the net. There are some that ship nationwide.
- Give Shoes and Bags New Life. A good shoe repair or leather specialist can work miracles. From redying your faded suede bag to rebuilding those expensive pumps you’ve worn to shreds, a little attention can go a long way to renewing these favorite staples.
A Welcoming Elegance – Wine 5 Café
By Aly Wagonseller
In a flashy town that houses an array of haute cuisine prepared by celebrity chefs that sometimes lose their soulful intent due to the almighty dollar, it’s incredibly satisfying to stumble upon a tiny, neighborhood restaurant whose mantra encompasses a respect for culture, food and, most importantly, the dining experience in general. I’m not talking pomp and circumstance or trendy fads – I mean, American/African fusion isn’t exactly on every street corner – simply a culinary team comprised of mom and son in the kitchen; offering an eclectic menu and wine list that’s influenced by a culture they’re proud of; in a setting that obviously revolves around making their customers happy, satisfied and dare I say, feeling a little loved at the end of the day. This is the beauty of Wine 5 Café, located at 3250 N. Tenaya Way, at Cheyenne.
Not knowing what to expect from a restaurant located in a Target anchored strip mall, we were pleasantly surprised with the tasteful décor. Nothing too themed or cheesy as you might have experienced in other mom and pops. Rather, it was a quirky, elegant mish mash of design that included artful, wine inspired posters mounted behind window and antique door facades reminiscent of a stroll down a city sidewalk. Distinctly African or American as might be implied? Nope. But charming, yet lively enough for both a romantic dinner or, as was taking place the night we dined, birthday celebration with a large group of friends.
Much like the décor, the menu is diverse. Deemed the aforementioned fusion by the proprietors, it’s really not so much that American dishes have been spiked with African flair but, rather, that you can choose from a vast selection of cuisine from both cultures. Kind of nice, as instead of compromising one cuisine at the expense of another, adventuresome eaters can try something new, while those who prefer a burger (which are as big as a hubcap and served on a buttery, brioche roll), fish or steak dish can live their culinary life on the tamer side. We chose to embark on the wild side of the globe, starting with the Samosa Situa Surprise appetizer for two. Highly recommended by James, our multi-talented waiter who not only provided exceptional service but also presented us with a frame worthy to-go bag artfully “painted” with African frescos he fashioned from the ink of multi-colored Sharpie pens, they didn’t disappoint. Crisp, lightly fried pillows of dough were generously stuffed with exotically spiced beef containing hints of curry, greens and tomatoes and served with spicy piri piri sauce and onion marmalade. The absolute perfect bite of spicy, sweet and savory, these ample morsels are a must try.
Main dishes were of epic proportions and could easily have been split between two (maybe three) people, yet were reasonably priced. The Traditional Nayama and Ugali is a go to dish for those who relish an amalgamation of textures on the palate. Humble, yet exceedingly tasty braised beef is served with Ugali -a white, creamy polenta- and a delish spinach, tomato and ground beef stew that adds just the right acidic element to brighten the rich dish. Lightly battered sweet potato logs, prepared somewhat more underdone than you might expect, and triangles of addictive bread rounded out the meal. The Taste of Nairobi Chicken Curry is also quite nice. Not as spicy as an Indian curry, the flavors in the gravy are well developed and served with enough chicken legs, thighs, vegetables and a grilled flat bread known as chapati to feed an army. Pair it with one of their organic wines from the homeland and you’ve got something special.
Regardless of what you choose, know that Wine 5 Café is all about soulful, simple food, thoughtfully presented in a sophisticated way not unlike some of the best restaurants on the Strip. When you add charming details including live music on Wednesday night and expert wine pairing events from passionate proprietors that strive hard to personalize your dining experience, you’ll see why their motto Karibuni Wageni Wetu (welcome our guests) rings true. For reservations call 462-9463.
Steven Leibowitz
By Callie Thomas
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller
The gift of sight is truly a blessing, and it takes a man with an enormous amount of heart to dedicate himself to allowing others that opportunity. Resident Steven Leibowitz specializes in ophthalmology and has used his skills as an eye surgeon to help his patients. He’s founded The Center for Graves’ Disease at Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center to ensure that all Southern Nevadans have access to first-class medical care without having to leave the state. He has also personally funded medical missions to the Island of St. Lucia in the West Indies to provide much-needed eye care.
To say that Leibowitz is an accomplished eye surgeon would only be the beginning of the story. He attended Columbia, interned at Stanford and did his residency in ophthalmology and his fellowship in ophthalmic plastic and orbital surgery at Harvard. After his training, he joined the faculty at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at UCLA Medical Center. Although a Las Vegas resident since 1993, he is still on the faculty there and travels to Los Angeles every week doing surgery, teaching and research at the center.
It is evident that Leibowitz is passionate about giving back, as his entire practice has been built on that philosophy. He assists those without access to medical eye treatment by traveling and providing his skills to people in need inside and outside of the country and has been a part of the Founders Group, which provides funds to local charities. Steven Leibowitz talks more about giving back and shares some personal facts that even his friends may not know.
Tell us more about some of the charitable organizations you support.
“I was a member of the Founders Group for years. We sponsored the Las Vegas PGA annual tournament and gave away the entire profits to local charities. While it was very time consuming we gave away $16 million dollars to local charities. Through UCLA I started the ophthalmic plastic, orbital and trauma service at Martin Luther King Hospital for this much underserved medical population, and operated on over 50,000 patients there.”
How did you get started with the missions to St. Lucia?
“I started going there when I was a resident at Harvard. At that time, there were 120,000 people and no ophthalmologists. Today there are 170,000 people and four ophthalmologists. In this area people walk four hours to come to my clinic. Everyone from the Prime Minister to the poorest person comes to the clinic.”
How does your practice here assist those in the community?
“In addition to founding The Center for Graves’ Disease at Sunrise Hospital, I also operate on Saturdays and Sundays so that people can have needed surgery and not miss time at work. During the recession when many of my patients lost their jobs and their insurance, I still kept them as patients. When many ophthalmic plastic surgeons around the country don’t accept any type of insurance, I accept Medicaid and others so that all patients can have needed surgery.”
What are you most passionate about?
“Aside from raising my three sons Jeremy, Brett and Shaine, it would be helping the less fortunate. I grew up in an economically depressed neighborhood in Philadelphia and went to university on full scholarship. I also try to help young people apply to university and attend top colleges.”
So, we hear there may be a surprising job that some may not know you’ve had?
“I was a Ringside Physician for the Nevada State Athletic Commission for 3-1/2 years. My favorite quote is by Mike Tyson, who said that everybody has a plan till they get punched in the mouth.”
If you weren’t an Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon, what would be your other dream job?
“Commissioner on the Nevada State Athletic Commission.”
Dean Fletcher
By Callie Thomas
“Not the glittering weapon fights the fight, but rather the hero’s heart”. –Proverb
There’s a very good reason that firefighters have long been considered heroes…they possess equal parts courage and heart. Resident Dean Fletcher has been a firefighter for the City of Las Vegas for more than 31 years, and has not only served the city well but continues to show heart through his volunteer efforts. Whether it is the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) or his work as a board member for the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada Benevolent Fund, it is easy to say that Fletcher is driven to influence positive change and make a difference throughout the community.
The 33-year resident has established deep roots in the city he calls home. He and his wife Cindy have been married for 32 years and both of their children, Ashlee and Ryan, were born in Las Vegas. Fletcher and his wife are equally elated to have welcomed their first granddaughter, Flynn, in December. Children are and have been an important part of his life, and so it is natural that he has aligned himself with organizations that assist them including the Coats for Kids Program, the Public Education Foundation and the “Fill the Boot” MDA Drive. Although he considers himself a “simple” person, Fletcher has made a difference in the community. He shares some of his experiences through the charities he’s chosen, as well as a passion for all things sports.
How is it you first became a firefighter?
“I was a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force prior to becoming a firefighter with the City of Las Vegas.”
Any experiences in the early days of your career you’d like to share?
“Well, as a rookie firefighter I responded to both the MGM and Las Vegas Hilton fires the first six months of my career within the Las Vegas Fire Department.”
Tell us a bit about your volunteer efforts. How did you get started?
“Over the past 31 years as a firefighter for the city, I was able to become involved in the Professional Fire Fighters of Las Vegas local union early on in my career, which eventually allowed me to serve as the Southern District Vice President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada. The Fund allows us to assist many charitable organizations such as the Coats for Kids Program, which will provide new coats for children in need throughout Northern and Southern Nevada. Volunteering for the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter was also part of a natural progression as they assist citizens on a daily basis because of fires in their residence. The Red Cross does an exceptional job of helping families who have been affected by home fires, which is a big part of why I continue to volunteer for them.”
Any personal experiences you’d like to share about these charities?
“While working with the MDA, you become very attached to the children that are affected with Muscular Dystrophy. This charitable cause in particular has become a very rewarding (yet sometimes difficult) experience as the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada continue to assist children affected throughout the years.”
So… we hear you’re a really big sports fan…
“Yes, I enjoy watching college sports and I’m a big football fan… love playing Fantasy Football as well as traveling to watch college and professional football games. I’m also a pretty big Dallas Cowboys fan.”
So…if you weren’t a firefighter, what would be your dream job?
“Coach of the Dallas Cowboys.”
Joanie McCarty
By: Callie Thomas
This month, many of us will consider what we want to accomplish in the year ahead…new resolutions, aspirations or just taking time to appreciate others and embrace life with a bit more gusto. Resident Joanie McCarty is not one to stand on the sidelines of her life and is an inspiration on becoming more involved with family, home, work and helping others throughout the community.
Although originally hailing from Milwaukee, Wis., McCarty and her family moved to Southern California, then on to Naperville, Ill. and finally to Las Vegas five and a half years ago. Joanie and her husband, Alan, have been married for the past 37 years and have three sons, John, Robert and Matthew. She has always stayed active in her children’s lives and while her husband was a Little League Coach for all of the boys, she was their team mom. She also ran the Little League Snack Bar, and when her kids were in grammar school was the PTA president, room mom for class parties and field trips, and a teacher’s aide when they were in the 3rd grade helping under achievers.
When her children were older she decided to go back to work in accounting, a career she had started prior to being a stay at home mom. She worked for Lawry’s Foods Inc., where she learned more about fundraisers and getting involved in the community. As a newcomer to Las Vegas, McCarty came upon The Assistance League where she found truly caring, giving women who were making a difference. She joined the group as a volunteer but also found many new friends. Joanie talks about her work with the organization and why she tries never to miss a Green Bay Packers game.
How did you get involved with The Assistance League?
“The day I went to their new member’s coffee, I really didn’t think I would join, but thought, what the heck, I’ll go check this out. It was raining and I looked like a drowned rat. I walked in and saw the beautiful fresh flowers on the tables and everything was first class. As I listened to the president and all the speakers and took the tour of the facility, I knew this is where I belong.”
What is your role with the group?
“I am the chairman of their Thrift Shop. The shop’s income takes care of the Assistance League facilities and Operation School Bell. I got involved because I feel every child needs a good start in life and when I saw the way The Assistance League works for our community children I knew I had to be a part of this wonderful organization.”
Any experiences you’d like to share?
“It’s so satisfying when I hear the customers compliment our prices, the merchandise, the cleanliness and our wonderful volunteers. We have customers who come in here every day, as it is their social place to meet. People may not be able to afford a nice outfit or a new pair of shoes and they are thrilled with the merchandise. It brings a smile to my face to see them excited about what they’ve found.”
What would you say you are you most passionate about?
“My grandchildren. They live in Chicago but we get to spend time with them in the summer. I try to teach them games and things that I did when I was young like swimming, skating and hula hoop and try to get them away from the video games. We tell stories at night and I get a hundred kisses and hugs before tucking them in.”
So… we hear you’re a “Cheesehead”?
“Yes, I’m an avid Green Bay Packers fan and try not to miss ANY games. If they win it really starts my week and if they lose I am really sad, but I’m over it by the next Sunday.”
For more information on The Assistance League visit www.assistanceleague.org.
Wendy Albert
By Callie Thomas
For many, the mere idea of shopping conjures up a feeling of excitement and adventure. It’s a true passion and some even consider it a “sport” to track down the latest trend or the best deal. Shopping, marketing and the arts are all passions of 89135 resident Wendy Albert, and she is happy to be able to combine those interests in her work within the retail industry for the past 20 years. She has honed her skills in this arena and utilized her expertise within the marketing departments of nine different shopping centers throughout her career. Albert moved to Las Vegas in 2001 and continues to be a part of the city’s ongoing transformation into a premier shopping destination by marketing the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
While shopping (particularly for shoes) has always been near and dear to her heart, so has giving back to the community. Through her work with the Miracle Mile Shops she has become involved in community relations efforts including overseeing donations to a wide variety of nonprofits such as Opportunity Village, Habitat for Humanity and HELP of Southern Nevada, as well as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. She also participates in numerous charitable events, both hosted at Miracle Mile Shops and off-property. Her desire to give back to the community began in her college years when she was involved in student-group activities that included feeding the homeless. Today she is especially happy to support organizations that allow her to interact with kids such as the Girl’s Day and Fun Day for Kids program through the Boys and Girls Clubs. Albert tells us about her volunteer efforts and interest in the arts, and shares her life inspirations.
Of the many charitable organizations you support, you have a soft spot for the Boys and Girls Clubs.
“Yes, I’m actively involved and have served on the Board of Directors for many years and have been fortunate to participate in numerous committees and events. My favorite thing is being matched up with a child and spending the day with them. I’m always touched by how much the children seem to value a few hours of our time. I benefit from these days so much more than the children do!”
Why do you think giving back is so important?
“Giving back reminds me that the world is so much bigger than our lives here in Las Vegas. I’m humbled by how fortunate I’ve been and, over the years, I’ve learned how important my time and effort can be. People depend on other people and I think we need to continue to lift each other up as a society.”
You also have a passion for the arts, which you’ve combined to help the community?
“I am passionate about all forms of artistic expression whether it be found in museums, theaters or concert halls. I am also a member of the Bellagio Modern Art Council that supports art programs in the community and benefits the Public Education Foundation. I enjoy being a part of groups that do so much for children in our city.”
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not crunched at work or volunteering?
“I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family and friends. I’m actually a really big foodie and love trying new restaurants. We’re lucky to have so many options in Las Vegas.”
So, if you weren’t in your present job what else would you like to do?
“Without a doubt, I’d be a food critic.”
Do you have any life inspirations that you’d like to share?
“I try to remember to tell the people that I care about that I love them. I don’t take for granted how much they mean to me and how appreciative I am for all of them and what they bring to my life.”
