Browsing articles in "Meet Your Neighbor"

Meet The Neighbor – Melanie Ron Agatstein

Nov 1, 2012   //   by wagona   //   Meet Your Neighbor  //  No Comments

By Callie Thomas

The Agatstein family is making beautiful music together. At least, as long as Melanie Ron Agatstein has anything to say about it. The 89135 resident grew up performing at her parents’ dance studio in Queens, New York, where she danced at an early age and also taught and choreographed for the Dance Theatre of Queens. She went on to share her singing, dancing and acting talents on New York stages, so it came as no surprise that she would encourage her own daughter, Noa, to do the same. After Noa was born, Melanie and her husband Seth moved from Manhattan to Long Island, where she discovered a class that would allow her to share her love of music and bond with her baby girl. The program, Music Together®, was more than a music class; it was an invaluable parenting tool that would not only affect Melanie but become a catalyst for change in her life and the lives of other parents and children here in Las Vegas.

For hundreds of thousands of families worldwide, Music Together is a magical music and movement experience for children newborn through five and the grownups who love them. Rather than emphasizing traditional performance, the program encourages families to experience the joy of sharing songs, rhymes, movement and playing instruments, both in formal classes and their daily lives. After falling in love with the program, Melanie trained to become a teacher and spent four years in New York sharing her knowledge and expertise with families and children. After moving to Las Vegas seven years ago, she offered classes at Temple Beth Sholom. Little did she know that Music Together would also help parents of a Down Syndrome child, beginning a commitment to providing outreach classes in the community. Melanie shares her passion for Music Together, for helping other families and why relaxing isn’t part of her vocabulary.

You began City Lights Music Together right after you moved to Vegas.

“Yes, after my whole entourage moved here – my parents, my sister and her family, my grandmother and my own family – I began with just two classes at Temple Beth Sholom in Summerlin and now run thirteen there and have three additional locations in the Northwest, Southwest and Henderson. I completed my level two certification at Music Together in Princeton and have now had the opportunity to train new teachers all over the world.”

We understand that Music Together has also had a profound effect on special needs children as well?

“We began offering outreach classes for the Henderson Libraries District and I focused on the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN). About two years ago, Lauren and David Fydman registered their twins Ari and Noah for a session. Lauren called me and shared the most wonderful musical stories about Noah, who has Down Syndrome. She said that Noah started copying gestures because of the class, which he had not done before. After seeing how beneficial the classes were to Noah’s development they wanted other families at the DSOSN to have the same opportunity.”

You began a fundraiser to continue to provide the DSOSN with weekly classes?

“My family, teachers and their families, as well as my students, have shared their support in making this event possible through their time, energy, donations and passion for the program. Temple Beth Sholom has generously donated the space to run this event, which has meant so much. We are also planning an interactive singing and dancing Music Together Marathon to benefit DSOSN on November 12th. For information, visit www.citylightsmusictogether.com.”

What are your proudest accomplishments?

“My now eleven year old daughter’s passion for working with children of all ages. Her kind heart and patience never ceases to amaze me. She is a rock star at the DSOSN.”

With your busy schedule, do you ever get to unwind?

“Me unwind? After a long day, unwinding for me is sharing my family’s challenges and surprises, which are the most rewarding moments of my day.”

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the Neighbor – John S. Pennington, Sr.

Nov 1, 2012   //   by wagona   //   Meet Your Neighbor  //  No Comments

By Callie Thomas

Let’s face it, shortcuts are a way of life. We text instead of call. We eat out more than we eat in. We DVR instead of watching TV in real time. But there are times when shortcuts just don’t work and time and attention are what get the job done. That kind of dedication is important to local resident John Pennington. He’s spent his life going the extra mile, whether it’s as a father of four and grandfather of seven or working his job as a mechanical designer before retiring as a superintendent from Bechtel. He also volunteers his time with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas and drives children from Las Vegas to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Los Angeles to get needed medical assistance. Pennington has even applied that philosophy to his current position as Transportation Chairman for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. John doesn’t give up, even when the path is long and winding.

The “can do” resident of forty-four years has been lending a hand to the community through a variety of organizations, putting his skills in construction as well as his natural ability for sports to work through his volunteer efforts. Pennington has helped to construct the Boys and Girls Clubs building, coached Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football hopefuls to victory and has made a difference in the lives of children, giving them the chance to get the help they need in order to walk or recover from a severe burn injury. For these children, there are no shortcuts.  But with John’s help as a member of the Shriners organization, many have a fighting chance.  He talked with us about his accomplishments, giving back to the community and life on the road.

How did you first become involved with the Shriners?

“I joined the Freemasons in 1963, which led to becoming a 32nd Degree Mason, one of the highest degrees possible in Masonry, and then joining the Shriners.”

You’ve been on the go ever since you’ve been with the Shriners.

“Yes. I’ve been involved with the Shriners network of hospitals, which offers orthopedic care, burn treatment, cleft lip and palate care and spinal cord injury rehabilitation for children eighteen and younger. Aside from donating to the hospitals and assisting at fundraising events, I drive children from Vegas to the Los Angeles hospital for their appointments.”

Do you spend a lot of time on the road?

“At present I’ve logged over 100 trips. It’s an all day event as we leave at 3:30 a.m. and we’re lucky to be back by 6 p.m. in the evening.”

You must feel a sense of pride helping these children get to medical treatment.

“Helping the children is the most rewarding part of my experience with the Shriners. When you see a child that could not walk and now they can, or when you have a burned child endure many surgeries to cover the scars or when a child is given a prosthetic to be able to use his arms or legs, it is such a wonderful fulfillment. Many times, it brings tears to my eyes.”

 You’re also logging in hours as the Transportation Chairman for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

“I’ve done it for the past five years. The team is on call to transport players, officials and guests to various locations.”

You keep busy assisting other organizations too.

“In the past I’ve assisted the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas, was a Boy Scout leader when my son was involved (actually, all three of my boys were Eagle Scouts), and I’ve coached both baseball and football as I wanted to be a good role model for the boys. We won the Pop Warner championship two years in a row!”

Why do you think it’s important to give back?

“None of us should ever take for granted our good fortune.  We all need help in one way or another.”

 

Meet The Neighbor – Gerard and Elizabeth Ramalho

Nov 1, 2012   //   by wagona   //   Meet Your Neighbor  //  No Comments

By Callie Thomas

How many famous Las Vegas power couples can you name? Steve and Elaine, Oscar and Carolyn, Donny and Marie… okay that last one is a brother and sister act, but all are well known in the community as individuals as well as successful duos and can still get their competitive game on. Gerard Ramalho and Elizabeth (Watts) Ramalho are another couple that could be added to the list. As Gerard would say, he’s “married to the competition.” Gerard is a news anchor on KSNV (NBC) TV3 and Elizabeth is an anchor at KVVU (FOX) TV5. While the residents share a lot in common, including a passion for their work reporting on important stories that affect locals, getting involved and giving back to the community, having fun playing Megabucks and rooting for the Runnin’ Rebels of UNLV (Elizabeth’s alma mater), they also have a few differences… namely their respective newscasts and the multitude of local charitable organizations they support. But together, they cover and help sustain the community, and in the process have made an important difference in the hometown they report on every day.

Gerard has been involved with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign as a committee member, St. Baldrick’s Charities benefiting childhood cancer research as a volunteer and the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra as an Honorary Board Member. Elizabeth is involved in a variety of organizations, particularly through FOX5 Take 5 to Care events throughout the year and has recently joined the board of the nonprofit Shine Foundation, which was founded by FOX5 weekend weather anchor Les Krifaton and his wife Rowena. Together, Gerard and Elizabeth tell us how they met, talk about their most influential stories and show us that while opposites attract, it was their similarities that brought them together.

How did you meet?

Gerard: “I met Elizabeth while she was just a newsroom assistant at channel 3. I was interested from the beginning, and when she eventually became a producer for my weekend newscasts, that’s when our relationship began to grow.”

Elizabeth: “Co-workers relayed messages to me that Gerard was interested and I was pretty much embarrassed, but he was very determined. I kept turning him down but eventually agreed after spending time together at a co-worker’s birthday party.”

And the rest is history?

Gerard:  “Not exactly. Elizabeth was offered an important job in Yuma, Arizona and we both knew she had to go. We had a long distance relationship till just before our wedding when she was offered a job at KVVU, and now she’s my competition… but also my motivation and inspiration.”

What does it mean to report on events that affect the lives of everyone in the community?

Elizabeth: “I love going to work to help others and tell stories. My compassion comes out when reporting on tragedies and I stay unbiased covering politics, which is hard to find on the news sometimes. We cover a variety of stories. A lot of people think we just cover the unhappy events, but we cover the happy ones too.”

Gerard: “Being an anchor gives you access to incredible people. Not just elected officials or celebrities but everyday people with amazing stories. I’ve had the opportunity to interview Holocaust survivors, war veterans, inventors, child prodigies and many, many heroes. Just when I think I’ve seen it all, something or someone else comes along that blows me away.”

Why is giving back so important?

Gerard: “It’s a privilege to be a news anchor. I believe part of that privilege is giving back. Volunteering and meeting people in the community is actually one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”

Tell us about your shared interests.

Elizabeth: “You can find us hiking at Red Rock or Mount Charleston or trying to win Megabucks. We love going to shows and cheering on my UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball team. You’ll also find us on Twitter; we love to tweet.”

Gerard and Elizabeth invite you to interact with them on Twitter at @ElizabethWatts5 and @gmannews.

 

 

 

Meet the Neighbor – Charles “CJ” Watson

Nov 1, 2012   //   by wagona   //   Meet Your Neighbor  //  No Comments

 By Callie Thomas

Talk about hoop dreams becoming a reality. The story of 89117 resident Charles “CJ” Watson is as inspiring as the video clip you’d see on ESPN or SportsCenter just before the big basketball game. Imagine a four year old CJ, along with his little brother Kashif, tearing up the gym or neighborhood park each day with their dad, not just playing on the swings but learning about basketball, practicing their moves and loving every minute. That passion for the game steered Watson through his formative years and helped him grow up to become an in demand recruit who eventually signed with the University of Tennessee and later with the NBA, playing first for the Chicago Bulls and currently with the Brooklyn Nets. Even brother Kashif took the court for the University of Idaho and went on to play for a professional Canadian basketball team.

What both boys have in common is not just the love of the game, but also parents that instilled a work hard – play hard philosophy coupled with a sense of value that has shaped the young athletes’ lives. It has also been an inspiration that has led the Las Vegas native and Bishop Gorman graduate to initiate an organization called the “Quiet Storm Foundation,” whose mission is to provide every youth with opportunities and resources to realize their maximum potential.

Watson makes a point to not be so quiet about Quiet Storm. He supports the foundation in a variety of ways and is even an avid tweeter on the subject. The basketball star and philanthropist talks about growing up with supportive and faithful parents, being a dad to his own daughter and why giving his time and effort to create opportunities for youth and families, both local and abroad, is as exciting as making a full court shot.

Your parents have been hugely influential to your success as both a basketball player and in giving back to the community.

“My mom and dad have played a major part in my life and my brother’s as we were growing up.  We share great and proud moments playing together during those days at the gymnasium and park and even played against some of the greatest players in Las Vegas. To this day, my mom and dad travel month after month to the cities that my brother and I work. They have instilled a confidence in us and strong, spiritual beliefs.”

Your nickname is “Quiet Storm.”

(Smiles) “I’ve always been a relatively shy guy and that’s what my family and coaches have called me, so hopefully my actions speak louder than words. I am a family person and enjoy working in different communities – with the people in Las Vegas and where I am assigned each season to help improve the lives of families. I’ve always wanted to help others.”

Tell us about the Quiet Storm Foundation.

“We provide positive educational and recreational opportunities to youth, particularly those who are disadvantaged. It provides academic scholarships, educational incentives, books, field trips, clothing as well as after school programs. Quiet Storm has also sponsored Hoops for Hope, a community program held with youth in Las Vegas each year since its inception.”

You are a father, too, so this must be really important.

“Yes, my daughter Ayanna is everything. I’m dedicated to giving her what I didn’t have… without spoiling her!”

She has a different personality than you.

“She’s definitely outgoing and talks a lot and I love spending time with her.”

Aside from your daughter, what other accomplishments make you proud?

“Graduating from college, playing a game I love and giving back to the community.”

If you weren’t a professional basketball player what other job or occupation would you pursue?

“I majored in psychology at the University of Tennessee and continued working toward this degree every summer after starting my basketball career. I would be a psychologist to help and advise others through life’s experiences.”

 

 

Meet The Neighbor – Warren Whitney

Oct 2, 2012   //   by wagona   //   Meet Your Neighbor  //  No Comments

By Callie Thomas

It takes courage to know what you want and to take the steps to make it happen. While Warren Whitney was in college, he knew what he didn’t want. The 89012 resident was interning at a local advertising agency while attending UNLV and discovered that he didn’t want an “office job” but rather an opportunity to be active outside of the office and serve the public. After testing to be in fire services, his career path was set in motion and he’s never regretted that decision. The native Las Vegan is currently a captain/paramedic with the Clark County Fire Department. Through determination, he worked his way up through the ranks, first as a firefighter, then firefighter/paramedic, engineer/paramedic and now captain/paramedic. Even today, Warren still runs EMS calls, which accounts for about 85% of their call volume, but that wasn’t enough.

Warren is also currently president of the Southern Nevada Firefighters Burn Foundation (SNFBF; www.theburnfoundation.org) which provides assistance to burn victims and their families as well as at-risk children that are identified by local fire agencies. They are there for those involved in catastrophic events and act as a resource to fire agencies and the community while also creating awareness of fire and life safety. The organization’s annual Toy Drive helps nearly 40 charities and government organizations, schools and churches each year. Last year, they reached over 17,500 kids. Under Whitney’s presidency, the SNFBF teamed up with MDA and raised over $120,000 by coordinating volunteers from the Clark County Fire Department. Warren Whitney shares his passion for serving the community, the SNFBF’s upcoming Karaoke Challenge and why he and his brethren of firefighters strive to make your life better every day.

What inspired you to become involved with the SNFBF?

“I appreciate and respect what they do. When I first approached past president Nino Galloway about becoming a member, all I knew was that they collected toys and handed them out to needy kids for Christmas and helped burn victims that had been treated at UMC Burn Center. But having been on numerous house fires and seeing how people’s lives were devastated, treating burn victims from these calls and seeing them in the hospital dealing with the agony they endured while going through their debridement, I felt I had to help.”

You must have a sense of pride knowing that you’re making a difference for the people of our community.

“It feels good to help out people who are less fortunate, especially the kids who are dealing with things that are beyond their control through SNFBF. As a firefighter and paramedic, it’s an extremely dynamic environment. You can train and train, but there’s always something that pops up and requires you to respond in a timely manner. Even on the EMS side of things, we run into situations that are sometimes mind-blowing. It can make you feel good just by helping.”

You’ve decided to bring back the Karaoke Challenge to benefit SNFBF this month?

“Yes. It will be at Ri Ra at Mandalay Place and each fire department puts teams together and is judged on performance, costume, most original concept and so on. The participants really take this seriously and it’s fun to watch. We use the event to kick off our annual Toy Drive and as it’s right around Halloween, the costumes are pretty interesting!”

You’re happy you chose to be a firefighter/paramedic?

“People don’t call the fire department because they are having a great day and want to say hi. In most cases, they call us because they are having the most traumatic day of their lives. Whether it’s being on call with the department or helping the Burn Foundation, our motto is “Our Family Helping Yours.” It’s great to see people smile when we affect their lives. That’s the best reward.”

 

 

 

 

 

Meet The Neighbor – Edwin Kingsley, M.D.

Oct 2, 2012   //   by wagona   //   Meet Your Neighbor  //  No Comments

By Callie Thomas

Edwin Kingsley is a rockstar doctor. It’s an appropriate description given that the 89074 resident is not only an esteemed doctor of oncology and hematology with patients who treasure him for his enduring compassion, but he has also greatly contributed to the well-being of the community. Those qualities alone would qualify him for rockstar status. What many may not know is that Dr. Kingsley also rocks out as a keyboard player and harmony vocalist as a member of the popular local rock band Alter’d Ego.

Not many can claim that their doctor continues to battle cancer for his patients and for the community through his service as past president of the Clark County Medical Society, past president of the Nevada Medical Association, and as trustee of the Nathan Adelson Hospice, but he can also wow audiences with his musical expertise. It is abundantly clear that his primary passion lies in caring for those afflicted with cancer and taking part in meaningful activities that support programs and therapies to assist them.

Kingsley has chosen to focus his energies with the Nathan Adelson Hospice, the largest and oldest nonprofit hospice in Nevada. The first home care hospice in southern Nevada provides patients and their loved ones with comprehensive end-of-life care and has been an influence in better care for all in the community. Through his support of the organization, Dr. Kingsley has found a way to combine his passion for healing and passion for music at their annual “Serenades of Life – Doctors in Concert” event.  Dr. Kingsley spoke with us about why he chose the field of cancer care, the annual fundraiser and making a positive influence on those facing the hardest battle of all.

What influenced you to choose the field of cancer care?

“I chose the field because I love cancer patients, their courage and their indefatigable energy in fighting their cancer. My own mother succumbed to cancer at the age of forty-two and that is probably when I first started thinking about becoming a physician.”

How did you come to work with the Nathan Adelson Hospice?

“It was an easy choice because of the excellent care it has provided for countless thousands since its inception in 1979. I have been enrolling my terminally ill patients into the hospice since I came to town in 1985 and have always been impressed with the quality care it has provided to my patients.”

Tell us about the annual “Serenades of Life” concert event.

“It’s one of my favorite times to give back annually and the event benefits The Bonnie Schreck Memorial Complementary Therapies program at Nathan Adelson Hospice. It will be the eighteenth year for the fundraiser on October 27th which will be held at The Smith Center and tickets are available to the public at www.thesmithcenter.com. It will be an entertaining evening with Sheena Easton, Chris Mann and Clint Holmes taking the stage along with talented medical professionals. Actor/comedian Brad Garrett will also make a special introduction.”

One of those talented medical professionals will include you.

“Well, I do really look forward to playing the keyboard as a member of the dance band Alter’d Ego which will perform at the event. The band includes other doctors.”

What do you think makes you successful?

“There have been many good people who have had a positive influence in my life and I am blessed to have had a long and happy marriage to my wife Kathy and we have five wonderful children and grandchildren. Having a strong religious life has also been important to me.”

Besides being a rock ‘n roll keyboardist, what else would your friends be surprised to know about you?

“I love to snowboard and if I weren’t a physician, I’d probably be a teacher or professor of biology.”

Meet The Neighbor – Duane and Dana Gordin

Oct 2, 2012   //   by wagona   //   Meet Your Neighbor  //  1 Comment

 By Callie Thomas

Duane Gordin has been in the U.S. Air Force for the past twenty-three years. As an Air Force wife, Dana has come to know a thing or two about moving around. The couple has had an opportunity to see several parts of the country as well as Germany and amass a variety of life experiences. Their first son was born in Nebraska, but since that time, Duane was also stationed in Ohio, Virginia, Kansas and Hawaii, where they welcomed the birth of another son. Five years ago, the family became residents of Nevada. While they learned a lot while living at each duty station, they didn’t count on learning about children’s food allergies. The 89052 residents have since become experts of sorts, through their experiences with their young boys.

After a scary occurrence at school, the couple sought medical treatment. At the time, no one had told them that their child’s food allergies were potentially life threatening. There were no warnings to avoid the food in the future, to have their children tested to confirm their allergies or that they should carry epinephrine at all times. Out of frustration, the couple found the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) online. They have since become members and learned a great deal to keep their boys safe. The Gordin family has become integrally involved with the organization with Duane and Dana working as volunteer directors for the Walk for Food Allergy in Nevada. As their sons have grown, they’ve made it their choice to help spread food allergy awareness. Duane and Dana talk about their involvement with FAAN, the upcoming Walk for Food Allergies this October and coming together as a family to help others.

You have both been key leaders for every FAAN Walk in Las Vegas since its inception in 2009?

“Yes. In honor of food allergic children, the first year we volunteered as the FAAN Walk for Food Allergy Logistics Chair and the past three years as the FAAN Walk Directors in Nevada. We personally know parents who have lost their children to food allergies. There are no words to adequately describe their loss.”

What is the ultimate goal of the Walk?

“To raise awareness throughout Nevada about food allergies and anaphylaxis. Two thousand residents of Las Vegas are expected to walk this year with family teams and company teams at The District at Green Valley Ranch.”

Tell us about the influence the Walk has made on the Clark County School District regarding Food Allergies.

“FAAN and CCSD have created a wonderful partnership. FAAN’s involvement in Las Vegas has been for two initiatives. Educate Las Vegas by way of the Community Outreach Grant from the Las Vegas Walk (educating ER staff, EMTs and restaurants) and the FAAN/CDC Cooperative Agreement, which is to educate the staff in the Clark County School District on best practices, create written food allergy management guidelines to protect the estimated 23,000 students with potentially life threatening food allergies and assist in policy change. FAAN generated over $30,000 to train and guide all 15,000 CCSD personnel in proactive food allergy management. It has definitely been a team effort!”

The number of those afflicted with Food Allergies continues to rise?

“Yes. The numbers have skyrocketed to more than 78,000 Clark County residents with food allergies. Even trace amounts of food allergens can cause severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis and can be life threatening. Prompt administration of epinephrine (also known as an EpiPen) can save lives, but unfortunately there is no cure.”

As a family, you are passionate about giving back to the community.

“It means that we are part of something larger than ourselves and we’re making a difference for the fifteen million Americans and one in thirteen children that suffer from potentially life threatening food allergies. We love how our boys have grown from FAAN and how it has brought out ‘the best’ in them, so together we are working hard to give back.”

What’s it like when you see the community come together to make a difference?

“It’s so great to see everyone coming out to help this medical condition that affects so many Americans. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can walk to save a life.”

For information on the walk, visit www.foodallergywalk.org/LasVegas_NV12.

 

 

Meet The Neighbor – Donna Millwood

Oct 2, 2012   //   by wagona   //   Meet Your Neighbor  //  No Comments

By Callie Thomas

 

Donna Millwood loves a challenge, so it’s no wonder that the 89123 resident loves her job as the finance and volunteer services manager for the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. It’s not because the day to day work is particularly difficult (in fact, Millwood would consider it a labor of love) but rather because of the challenge she placed on herself to increase and improve the volunteer program for the Shriners Hospitals premiere annual fundraising event. However, Millwood has already met that challenge as she’s successfully doubled the number of volunteers since she took over the program in 2009. True to her nature, she created a new one—a youth mentor program for the tournament that offers opportunities for at-risk youth from ages 12 to 21 the chance to shadow tournament volunteers. Something tells us that this new initiative will be a rousing success this year as well.

What might be more difficult for Donna Millwood is to maintain her composure when hearing the many stories that are shared by parents of patients and former patients about how the Shriners Hospitals have helped them and changed their lives. Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 nonprofit hospitals across North America. Children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay. The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open (www.jtshrinersopen.com ) helps raise awareness and money for Shriners Hospitals for Children. All proceeds from the tournament, which is played annually in October at TPC Summerlin and hosted by recording star Justin Timberlake, benefit the hospitals. Donna talked with us about her passion for helping others, her determination to reach her goals and why it isn’t always easy to be tear-free in her line of work.

Tell us a bit about your job. What does the day to day work entail?

“My job puts me in contact with numerous Las Vegas residents and people across the United States who want to give back to the community and volunteer their time for a great cause.”

You keep challenging yourself in your job.

“Yes, I wanted to improve our volunteer program and we have successfully increased our number of volunteers from 500 to more than 1,000 last year.”

What was your inspiration for pairing at-risk youth with the volunteers?

“I am passionate about being a mom and through the Open I have been able to dabble and explore my interests in working with children who are at risk and creating opportunities to make a difference in their lives.”

What is one of your most memorable experiences with the organization?

“A local two-year old, Alissa Perkins, and her family came to the Youth Clinic and had noticed Katie Walker, who was the Shriners Hospitals for Children patient ambassador. Alissa and her family were seeking answers on Alissa’s condition, Fibular Hemimelia, as she was born missing her fibula. After speaking with Katie, Alissa’s parents were introduced to the hospitals and made arrangements for her to receive her first prosthetic leg.”

It’s hard to hear those stories and not get a little teary-eyed.

“Yes. It brought me to tears to see this introduction take place, all because of our tournament.  That day, we were able to help one local girl receive the treatment she needed.”

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

“I am proud of creating challenges for myself and going after them, but I am most proud of my daughters and the women they have grown up to become. My successes are a result of the support from my family, including my husband Larry, my daughters and my little two and a half year old grandson.”

Any advice or life inspiration you’d like to share?

“For everything, there is a reason. Embrace it and learn from it.”

 

 

 

Todd L. Moody

Sep 1, 2012   //   by wagona   //   Meet Your Neighbor  //  No Comments

By Callie Thomas

 

It was a scene that could easily have been played out in any law drama on TV. A young lawyer sinks into the comfortable leather chair behind an immaculate desk in his newly appointed office, pleased with himself after passing the bar. Visions of the tough, compelling cases that are sure to pave the way to a brilliant legal career flash before him, just as the all knowing senior partner saunters in and gleefully dumps a banker’s box full of cases onto the desk. While the bubble may have been burst for many, 89144 resident Todd Moody had a different reaction.

In 1994, Moody was the young attorney that accepted the senior partner’s “welcome” in the form of several adoption cases. He soon found himself immersed in Family Law and loving it. Nearly two decades later, Moody is still passionate about his work and has been influential in helping create new families throughout the community, along with his ongoing commitment to working with Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, Jewish Family Services, LDS Family Services and Premier Adoption. Moody is also one of just three attorneys in southern Nevada authorized to finalize adoptions for special needs children for Clark County. His passion for kids is evident as he also relishes his appointment as an executive board member for both the Las Vegas Area Council and Western Region for Boy Scouts of America. In his spare time, he’s a super sleuth of sorts, connecting the dots by studying family history through his involvement with the National Genealogical Society, which is sometimes less enthusiastically appreciated by his four children Johnson, Mary, Sam and Emilee, as well as his wife Dee. Todd Moody talks about his work, his passions and making a difference.

Tell us a bit about the adoption cases. What’s it like creating new families?

“I finalize between six and ten adoptions almost every week of the year. Nothing that I do as an attorney is more rewarding than helping people navigate the legal process and become a permanent family. I go into the courtroom with them, unopposed, and share one of the happiest moments of their lives. I really think I have one of the best jobs on earth!”

You have been recognized by the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys.

“Yes, I was named as one of only four Fellows in all of Nevada. Fellows in the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys are selected because they have met the highest ethical and competency standards.”

You have to be proud of your efforts. What makes you successful?

“I work with an entire firm of attorneys and staff who love what they do and are extremely good at it. Success is contagious. If you do a good job for someone, they share the experience with others and it snowballs.”

How do you feel Scouting supports our youth?

“I am passionate about youth having experiences that allow them to do difficult things. Young men and women who are stretched and challenged beyond what they thought they can do are more apt to meet life’s later challenges head-on. It takes willing adults to stand side by side with youth, particularly those from broken homes, to give them a vision of who they are and what they can become.”

You also spend time studying genealogy; however, it seems it isn’t a favorite pastime of your family.

“Frequently, when I travel, I try to find a cemetery where a relative is buried and a library or courthouse to search for vital records. My children don’t always share my passion and get a little frustrated with me when I want to stop to take a photo of a headstone at a cemetery.”

Your research uncovered the fact that you are a descendant of someone who sailed on the Mayflower. Anything else you think others might not know about you?

“I have a collection of almost 400 Star Wars action figures. My kids are getting older but one day, when I have grandchildren, we’ll have some fun. I can ride a unicycle and if I wasn’t an attorney or professional genealogist, I’d be an FBI agent.”

Nichole Flaharty

Sep 1, 2012   //   by wagona   //   Meet Your Neighbor  //  No Comments

By Callie Thomas

 

A great majority of women often find it hard to pass up a little bling in their lives. Nichole Flaharty gets to surround herself with all things shiny through her jewelry business but also uses it to illuminate the message of an organization that is near to her heart and an integral resource for the Flaharty family.

 

It wasn’t until Nichole and Chris Flaharty began to introduce food to their infant sons Caelan and Nevan that they discovered both boys suffered from food allergies which could lead to anaphylaxis. As parents, they sought out doctors and experts on food allergens but also began to educate themselves on what they could do to keep their children safe. That’s when they found FAAN, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. Here they were able to relate with other parents and children facing many of the same obstacles and obtain vital research, information and support.

The organization’s mission is to raise public awareness, provide advocacy and education and to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis. Nichole and her family have been involved with FAAN for the past four years and actively participate in and assist the Vegas committee with the annual FAAN Walk for Food Allergy, which will be held this October 6th at the District at Green Valley Ranch. Each day, the Flaharty family learns of more people affected by food allergies, which reinforces their efforts and urgency to continue to educate, advocate and raise funds for FAAN. Nichole Flaharty gives us some insight about the devastating effects of these allergies on her family and how they are dealing with it and helping others.

Tell us about your first encounter with food allergies.

“We suffered the first food-related allergy experience when our oldest son Caelan was under the age of one. His little lip swelled so beyond normal size, it was terrifying. That incident was one of several trips to the ER for help. After a concrete diagnosis, it led us to understand that vigilance will encompass every aspect of our lives. Strict avoidance, knowledge and the use of emergency medicines is imperative.”

It must be a daunting task to safely feed your children and avoid these allergens.

“As we learned more, we got creative in the kitchen and found a multitude of choices. I’m happy to say we’ve successfully created, served and enjoyed many meals made with basic grocery ingredients and a few specialty products we find. We take great pride in serving safe, allergy friendly meals for our children at a dinner party or event in our home and have our non-allergic guests rave about it!”

How are you assisting at the annual FAAN Walk?

“We participate in the walk and assist the Las Vegas committee by coordinating efforts to help grow the event each year. The goal for the walk this year is $95,000 and my hope is that by supporting such community events it will increase the visibility of food allergies.”

Any tips you would give to other parents on ways to unplug and cope with the daily toll that allergens can place on a family?

“My husband and I make a date night to one of the many Vegas restaurants that serve fabulous food we don’t often get to have due to the children’s allergies. We love to try a new restaurant at least each month.”

What’s your recipe for de-stressing as a family?

“We all like to spend time outdoors, but we also turn on loud music in the house and dance like crazy with the kids. It makes us all laugh at ourselves and each other.”

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