Meet The Neighbor – Judy Hart & Natasha Reese
By Callie Thomas
Although life’s challenges can easily cause us to focus on our individual needs, it’s when we look up and around to others that we find our ultimate success. 89052 resident Judy Hart and 89074 resident Natasha Reese each took a moment of their lives and re-focused it on a charitable program that they were introduced to as members of Hope Church called Operation Mobilization. The international mission serves approximately 160 countries around the world and specifically supports at risk women and children who are exploited, enslaved, oppressed and trafficked. After learning of the startling facts about human trafficking, the women were ready to help, which in this case meant to reach the top—that is, the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Hart and Reese became two of the forty-seven women from several countries to make “The Freedom Climb” (thefreedomclimb.net), which would not only raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to assist the effort but bring awareness to this issue. For the first time in Freedom Climb’s history, the percentage of women who reached the top far exceeded typical percentages for groups. Having participated in the extreme fundraising effort has not only made a difference for women and children in need but has enriched their own lives as a result.
Hart and Reese of Las Vegas signed on for the grueling climb with others who came together for a bigger purpose than themselves. The 2012 effort raised $350,000 and brought support to thirty projects around the world, but Hart and Reese aren’t stopping there. They are getting ready to climb another mountain in the next few months; this time, it’s Mt. Everest. Hart and Reese talk about their experiences on the mountain and why saying yes to The Freedom Climb has been a defining moment in their lives.
The Freedom Climb is an enormous undertaking. What prompted you to take the trip to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro?
Hart: “It was an opportunity to give hope to the hopeless and give whatever I could to restore innocence and self worth to young girls and women here in Las Vegas and the world.”
Reese: “The Freedom Climb was my first introduction to the issues of human trafficking and modern day slavery. Once I started reading about victims’ stories, I knew that I had to contribute something and the climb was an opportunity to do so.”
Any experiences you can relay from the climb?
Hart: “As I stood at Uhuru Peak (Swahili for ‘freedom’) I knew my pain from fatigue, lack of oxygen and bruiser headaches would lessen as I descended the mountain. I also knew that the pain for the victims won’t end and the next day would bring more unimaginable horrors. The money we are raising will help to bring awareness and freedom for these women.”
How did you prep for the expedition?
Hart: “Most people are surprised at how little individual physical training I did to prepare. The real preparation to me was getting to know the cause and the other women who would be climbing. Having the support of a team to encourage me when I wanted to quit allowed me to summit.”
Reese: “I enjoy running and I’ve run three marathons and two half marathons. I’ve also made mission trips with Hope Church to Honduras, Thailand and South Africa. I think my belief in Christ is responsible for enabling me to accomplish such things!”
What effect do you think this climb has had on you?
Hart: “When I put my YES on the table to join the Freedom Climb, it was a big turning point in my life and has become my definition of success.”
Reese: “I have had the opportunity to share these issues at churches, Bible studies and on television. My job as a veterinarian has given me ample opportunities to share the climb as well. Once I began having these conversations, people opened up about their own experiences.”
You’ve both signed on for the next Freedom Climb to Mt. Everest. Any inspiration or life lesson you can share with us?
Hart: “Be willing to make yourself available for something you believe in. Surround yourself with other people who believe the same.”
Meet The Neighbor – Stacia Lemke
By Callie Thomas
How many times have you heard the phrase “Mother knows best?” Moms just seem to have that extra sensory perception about what’s right for their children, and in many cases, what’s right for the children in their community. 89012 resident Stacia Lemke has a good idea of what is needed to ensure that all of our kids have access to the resources that are best for them.
Lemke spent ten years working in the area of marketing for American West Homes. Today, she’s a stay at home mom with four children. Both of her careers have occasionally led her to brick walls, both literally and figuratively. In her career as “mom” she has become educated on a form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome, which her oldest son Cameron lives with daily. She’s active in his treatment and education, and in the process has found gaping holes in the available resources for our children within the community. As a result, Lemke has developed a passion to not only fill in the gaps but to help bring moms and kids together in the process.
She has focused her efforts on a nonprofit organization called Young Men’s Service League (YMSL), which formed a Las Vegas chapter one year ago this month. The group enables mothers and their teenage sons to work together to serve the community. Their philanthropic efforts will help support a variety of programs that better the lives of others such as Joy Prom, Miracle League, Operation School Bell, After School All-Stars, Toys 4 Smiles, Catholic Charities and more. We had the opportunity to talk with Lemke about her work with the organization and how it’s brought her closer to her own kids and helped inspire other mother-child teams.
What is your role with YMSL?
“I’ve been the VP of Membership. Since the chapter began, we’ve had an overwhelming response with waiting lists of boys and moms interested in being part of the organization. It is heartwarming to see how many people want to give back and help others. In less than a year, we’ve served over 3,000 hours to our community. This year I am stepping into the role of VP of Philanthropy.”
How does the organization support the community?
“Chapter members commit to serving a minimum of 75 hours of service over the four years of high school, mostly as a mom/son team. Members may also donate items needed by charities through a giving program called Wish List.”
YMSL is new to Vegas and yet you’ve already reached so many. Is there a standout event over the last year?
“Joy Prom was our first big charity event. It’s a free, full-scale extravagant prom for teenagers and adults with cognitive and physical impairments. It was breathtaking to watch our YMSL boys escort their disabled companions. Our teen boys spent an entire night giving of themselves to ensure that their guest had an amazing evening. The best part was when we left and our exhausted teen boys were smiling ear to ear and talking about the great night they had making a difference for others!”
Your efforts are not just relegated to mom-son duos. You help an organization that pairs moms and daughters, too?
“Yes. My daughter and I are involved with the National Charity League, which is a similar organization for young ladies and their moms.”
With all of your efforts, do you ever get any down time?
“My weekends typically start with a long run with my friends—that’s my “me” time. The rest of the time is spent watching my kids Cameron, Shaye, Coleman and Graydon play sports or doing some charity work and hopefully relaxing for a bit with my husband Michael.”
Do you have any “motherly” advice to give the kids in our community?
“Every day I tell my children to do your best, do what’s right and I love you always.”
Meet The Neighbor – Megan Lane
By Callie Thomas
It’s been said that your character will speak so loudly about you that it overpowers what you may try to convince others in words. Resident Megan Lane has not only shown incredible strength of character through her actions, but has also managed to convince others through her words – not of the validity of her integrity, but to support and raise awareness for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) Las Vegas.
While Lane has a knack for putting pen to paper and speaking effectively in front of clients in her job as Director of Client Relations at Imagine Communications, it is her personal experiences with the disease and dedication to supporting efforts to help those afflicted that is making a difference. When Lane was twenty-four, her mother was diagnosed with Huntington’s. Since then, her two older brothers have also tested positive for the gene. The neurological disorder is caused by a genetic mutation which begins showing symptoms between the ages of thirty and fifty. Uncontrollable movement progresses and a person with Huntington’s can eventually no longer talk, walk or think on their own. There is currently no cure, but Lane is making sure that every possible resource to reach that goal and help others in the process is utilized.
She has not only helped to establish the HDSA Las Vegas affiliate and assisted them in working towards receiving chapter status, but she’s also dedicated to raising funds and awareness. In addition, Lane has met with local political leaders to impart legislative change on how Huntington’s is defined by the Social Security Administration to make it easier for those struggling with the disease to receive disability benefits. She tells us of her own experiences and how she is determined to “fill in the gaps” when it comes to Huntington’s Disease.
Local support of Huntington’s Disease has come a long way in the past few years.
“After my mom was diagnosed, I searched for an organization locally that would provide support and help me understand the disease better, but there wasn’t anything established in Las Vegas. In 2010, shortly after the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health opened, they started a support group for HD, where I met several people dealing with the disease and finally felt I wasn’t alone. Those meetings were essentially the beginning of establishing the HDSA Las Vegas Affiliate. While our group is still relatively small, everyone involved is very dedicated and works hard to raise awareness of this disease and provide a welcoming place for those affected.”
You are working toward gaining chapter status for the group. How will this affect those with HD?
“I have served as the communications chair for the HDSA of Las Vegas for the last two years. Once the organization has chapter status, the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health will be eligible to apply to become a Center of Excellence. This will provide funding for research and patient care to the facility.”
You’ve also helped by raising funds and sharing your experiences at the National HDSA Convention this year?
“Yes, I have assisted in organizing two fundraising events that have raised over $35,000 for HD research and had a chance to share my personal experiences with nearly 1,000 people from all over the country at the National HDSA Convention here in Las Vegas.”
Your efforts are also changing how HD is viewed by families of those afflicted and others.
“I want people to know that they are not alone. It is a disease that is often not talked about or discussed among families who are affected. There is a stigma associated with it and we are working toward changing that by creating a community of support.”
You give so much of your time to helping others. What do you do when you get a chance to unwind?
“Spend time with my fiancé Adam and his fourteen-year-old daughter Niki. We love to go to the movies and have family dinner. I also love baking. It’s my creative outlet and another way I show my love for my family.”
Meet the Neighbor – Paul Davis
By Callie Thomas
With a lot of determination and a little luck, the smallest of dreams can open up a whole new world of experiences. Take Paul Davis, for example. The 89135 resident once began his career as what he affectionately calls “a bean counter” and eventually ditched his job in finance to nurture his passion for music and reach his dream of running an arena. He worked in a variety of entertainment positions, including general manager for the 7,000 seat Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. While living in the “big T,” Davis began to appreciate all that Vegas has to offer, and so the native son and his family moved back to his hometown, where Davis has also held positions at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Planet Hollywood. He currently serves as the Vice President of Entertainment at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Davis oversees bookings for the Hard Rock’s entertainment venues, including the Joint, which has hosted legendary performers such as Paul McCartney and The Who. He’s helped to raise the bar on the music scene by creating first ever residency performances with bands such as Mötley Crüe, Santana and most recently Guns N’ Roses. Working with such world class entertainers might go to anyone’s head, but Davis doesn’t have much of an ego and often exhibits a good sense of humor. Even with all the “glamour” of the industry and his groundbreaking efforts in the field, his most prized accomplishment is being a solid husband to wife Cammy and a good dad to sons Connor and Trevor. He’s also big on giving back to the community through programs such as FEAT and Miracle League of Las Vegas. We got a glimpse into the world of Vegas entertainment and the man that also pays it forward to help others.
Why did you get into the entertainment business?
“I’ve always loved music and concerts and realized along the way that I could actually make a living in that field.”
Who’s the one performer you thought you’d never book?
“I never thought I’d ever be involved in producing a show where there was a Beatle on stage.”
You’ve broken new ground again at the Hard Rock with Vinyl?
“It is in our smaller venue and has an unpretentious vibe that goes with the Hard Rock brand. It’s like an ‘underground’ experience that offers everything from new and unheard performances to older classics.”
Where are you when you’re not working?
“I get sensory overload in my job, so I love to be home. As a family, we do help out a bit in the community through FEAT and Miracle League of Las Vegas.”
How did you get involved in those organizations?
“FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) is a nonprofit organization of parents and professionals designed to help families of autistic children. I have a close friend with an autistic son, which drew me to it. I also periodically take my sons to games at the Miracle League of Las Vegas. This is an awesome association where they pair you up as a buddy with kids and adults who are handicapped and you play a mock baseball game with them.”
What is that experience like for you and your sons?
“To be honest, I well up when I think of my ten-year-old son walking to first base with his hand on the back of a mentally disabled child his own age, cheering him along.”
Tell us something you think your friends might not know about you?
“I’ve been a guitarist most of my life and have played tons of gigs in different bands, but I don’t get a lot of time now.”
Do you have any life inspirations or affirmations?
“There are no short cuts. You have to work hard and grind out the details every day in order to do things the right way. The small things add up. Reach for the apple instead of the cookie.”
Meet The Neighbor – Rosemarie Celera Yu
By Callie Thomas
Do you remember the first time you rode a bicycle? Is it the training wheels that made it difficult to make the sharp turn or the sparkly streamers hanging from the handlebars that are still part of your fondest memories? Maybe it was your mom, dad, big brother or sister that was there to run alongside you with hands ready to catch the inevitable fall. Riding a bicycle has opened up a whole new world and a lot of memories for resident Rosemarie Celera Yu.
Celera Yu vividly remembers her dad running along behind her, holding onto the seat as she learned to ride her little Strawberry Shortcake bike, and she also recalls the fear of falling if he let go. She eventually did learn to ride without falling, but at some point, her father had to let go. Today, cycling has become a personal and significant experience for Rosemarie. When her father passed away of non Hodgkin’s lymphoma, she decided to ride again thirty years later – not only in his honor, but to raise money toward a cure for the very type of cancer that took his life just a year and a half ago. Little did Rosemarie know that her life would be forever changed by participating in the 102-mile RTC 2012 Viva Bike Vegas Gran Fondo century ride through Las Vegas, Hoover Dam and Henderson.
She began to work with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training coaches and hasn’t looked back. Her first ride raised $3,000 and Rosemarie was hooked. Today, there are 560 cyclists on her team who hail from thirty-three states. Rosemarie talks with us about her dedication to cycling for a cure and how her dad is still coaching her all the way to the finish line.
How hard was it to “get back on the bike” after so many years?
“My family had made a promise to my dad that we would continue this fight against cancer. My siblings first joined Team In Training with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I was so inspired, I was ready to join, but I was pregnant at the time. My son was actually born on my dad’s birthday and my hands were quite full with a newborn. I signed up last May. I hadn’t been on a bike since I was ten and never a road bike. On Mother’s Day, my husband Rui bought a road bike for me and less than four months later I completed my first Century.”
102 miles is a very long way for your first ride!
“I hadn’t done anything athletic in a long time. In fact, I‘ve had surgery in both knees and am still carrying a lot of post pregnancy weight, but when I am on my bike, every pedal I do is for my dad. I do it for those that have suffered and died from this awful cancer. I do it for those that have survived and for those still fighting.”
How does Team In Training help you get ready for these events?
“There are clinics on nutrition, injury prevention, gear and other essentials to help prepare for an endurance ride. In return, we raise money to find new and better therapies for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma as well as support services to improve patients’ lives.”
You are very dedicated to giving back.
“I really do want to make the world a better place. I am so grateful for my blessings and I want to set an example for our kids Lily Josephine and Dylan Gene.”
It would seem your dad has set a good example for you.
“During the Century ride, there were a few hills where my legs were just spent, but I never stopped pedaling. My dad was in my mind pushing me up those hills like when I was first learning to ride. He always made me feel that I could do anything.”
Meet The Neighbor – Lamar Marchese
By Callie Thomas
Winston Churchill gave one of the shortest commencement addresses ever when he rose, walked to the podium and said, “Never, never, never, never give up,” then sat down. That quote adequately conveys that most things worth accomplishing don’t come easy, and 89117 resident Lamar Marchese is a successful example of what being persistent can accomplish.
Lamar, his wife Patricia, and several others founded Nevada Public Radio in 1975. Persistence drove the long and arduous task of putting a station on the air, and persistence helped the endeavor grow from a mere idea into a seven station, four state regional network with an annual budget approaching five million dollars. Persistence helped them acquire a state-of-the-art studio and a full time professional staff of thirty-six members. Persistence filled the need for 24/7 information and cultural programming that enticed a weekly audience of 150,000 KNPR listeners at the time of Marchese’s retirement in 2007. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Marchese’s determination is also at the heart of a lifetime of giving back to the community, from civic arts and cultural organizations such as the Las Vegas Philharmonic to Shade Tree Shelter for abused and homeless women and children. He has artfully integrated a dedication to public service with his work as a public broadcaster. Even in his retirement, Marchese is not satisfied to sit on his laurels. He and his wife have taken up Tai Chi for the past two years and he’s re-awakened a passion for photography that has led to a series of acclaimed works of art and three one-man show exhibits. Lamar tells of his beginnings in public service, his most memorable experiences in creating a Las Vegas first and the invigorating excitement of re-inventing yourself and embarking on an all new passion.
Tell us about your first experiences in public service.
“I began as a foot soldier in the war on poverty. I was in the first graduated group of VISTA Volunteers and served for a year in the country’s first Job Corps camp. When my wife and I moved to Vegas in 1972, I took a job with the brand new Clark County Library District as the Program Director.”
How did you become interested in starting a public radio station?
“While working with the public library, I became involved in arts and cultural organizations serving on the Board and as Chairman of the Allied Arts Council. It was during that time I became interested in starting Southern Nevada’s first public radio station.”
The kick-off of KNPR was a bit… challenging?
“I was flicking the switch to turn on the transmitter for KNPR after four and a half years of struggle. It didn’t work. Something blew at the transmitter site, so instead of signing on March 23, 1980, we had to wait an extra day.”
Since that time, you expanded the operation and made an impact on national public radio.
“I added six repeater stations that serve most of Nevada and portions of Arizona, Utah and California. I was able to influence national events by serving two terms on the NPR network national Board of Directors in Washington, D.C.”
Tell us about your new passions.
“First and foremost, I am passionate about family. I am proud of my two children, Peter and Julia, and we have always traveled together, most recently to India, Nepal and Turkey. After I retired, I picked up the camera again and that has become my new passion.”
Your photography has been well-received!
“I have a showing at the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Arts at Neonopolis. It’s entitled “Namaste: Faces of India and Nepal” and consists of forty-six portraits taken during our recent family travels.”
What else might we be surprised to know about you?
“I met the love of my life in the sixth grade. We went to the same junior high, high school and college. We’ve been married for forty-six years. She is the co-pilot of my life and I am the most blessed of men.”
Meet the Neighbor – Susan T. Spencer
By Callie Thomas
Persistence, drive, experience, education and good communication are all qualities that make Susan T. Spencer a successful woman, entrepreneur, wife, mother and grandmother. They are also qualities of a woman that continually raises the roof on the possibilities for all women.
It’s easy to call the 89123 resident a “maverick” or “trailblazer” since she’s worked in male dominated industries throughout her career, including being a former general manager and lawyer for the Philadelphia Eagles (1980-1985), which she accomplished despite the chauvinistic attitude of the owner, her father, Leonard Tose. It was that experience that fed her need to succeed despite the obstacles. Spencer went on to acquire several companies in the food business, from distribution to meat processing for fast food restaurants. The title “author” can also be added to Spencer’s list of accomplishments, as she has written and published a book titled Briefcase Essentials, which gives women advice about succeeding in the business world, all based on her own experiences working in fields predominately run by males.
She’s also bucked tradition in another way by taking to the airwaves as a radio host of her own weekday sports program on KDWN called “Not Just Sports,” making her the only female talent talking about sports on the radio in Las Vegas. So where exactly does the tough, gutsy Spencer go from there? She’s made it her mission to give her time and talent as a mentor to business students and to organizations that help women enter the workforce to become everything and anything they want to be. Spencer spoke with us about the trials and tribulations of working her way to the top, why football will always be in her blood and how she’s setting the stage for others to get into the game of business.
Although you grew up around football all your life and love the game, you really didn’t want to have anything to do with the Eagles, yet you signed on to be part of the organization?
“I always wanted to create my own identity, and I was always rebelling against having to be under someone else’s identity. But when the team was suffering financially in the late 70’s, I offered my father legal services when I was in law school at a significantly lower rate. He didn’t hire me because I was family. He hired me because I worked cheap!”
You learned a lot during those years?
“I immersed myself in the organization, working within a predominately male environment which included my father. I had to make some pretty tough decisions which were extremely unpopular. Being submissive is just not in my DNA. Looking back, I am thankful for the lessons learned in my three years as GM of the team.”
You’ve taken those lessons and put them to work as a mentor to other women?
“I’m proud to be leading other women to be successful by hiring and mentoring them during my business career, building community awareness of sports in the Las Vegas high schools and drawing a spotlight on female athletes that are often ignored.”
Tell us about some of the organizations you support.
“I am on the Advisory Board for Touro University, which addresses critical needs in health care, and in Nevada I have worked with Dress for Success, which provides clothing and confidence for women in need so that they may enter the workforce. I also devote time to talk to undergrads and MBA students at UNLV about what it’s like to be in business. I’ve been a judge of the Business Plan competition as well as a donor for the Global Entrepreneur Program at UNLV.”
What do you enjoy most about your work?
“Being able to spread the word that women can accomplish, whatever they set out to do whether in sports, business or community activism and enlightening those that continue to pigeonhole women’s abilities to compete and succeed.”
What are you passionate about?
“My family, our grandchildren, our Morgan horses, Goldendoodles and highlighting the accomplishments of women.”
Meet the Neighbor – Noreen Pico & Karen and Kathryn Martin
By Callie Thomas
Noreen Pico is a notable artist, but her current passion is inspiring the art of volunteerism. In fact, the 89074 resident has motivated two generations of women to offer their time and talents to assist children in need throughout the community. Noreen, her daughter Karen and grand-daughter Kathryn are all dedicated to making a difference through the Assistance League of Las Vegas.
Six is a lucky number for Pico. She’s a mother of six and a grandmother of six. Busy could not begin to describe her lifestyle: raising kids with her husband of 55 years, Jim; adoring her grandchildren, who range in age from fourteen to twenty-one; and pursuing a career as a successful watercolor artist. She’s had many showings and shared her gifts by teaching art classes in the community for many years. Through it all, volunteerism has remained a constant in her life. In fact, Pico found a way to integrate her love of art with her passion for giving. She founded a program called the Suitcase Gallery, bringing artwork and art lessons into fifth grade classrooms across the valley as a member of Junior League, an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and developing the potential of women while improving the community through action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Pico has made a difference in other ways, too. Her example has influenced her own children and grandchildren to lend a hand in the community. All three women are dedicated through the Assistance League of Las Vegas, which offers several programs that assist children, particularly through their Operation School Bell Program. The mother, daughter and granddaughter trio talked about their passion for giving and why volunteerism will always be a part of their lives.
What attracted you to the Assistance League of Las Vegas?
Noreen: “As a mother and grandmother, providing for the needs of children has always been my highest priority. I also donate my clothes to the thrift store at Assistance League as it is run entirely by volunteers and all of their proceeds go right back to the community.”
How can the public support the thrift store?
“Our Thrift Shop is happy to resell items you no longer need! We gladly accept gently used clothing, household items and furniture. Our Thrift Shop is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.”
You, your daughter Karen and granddaughter Kathryn are also involved in Operation School Bell Program?
Noreen: “Yes, we’ve all been involved. I’ve loved participating in this program and sharing my time to help children in need.”
Karen: “I believe in volunteer service and doing what I can to make a difference in the community. I learned this from both my mother and father. I love dressing and visiting with children as they come into the Operation School Bell ‘shop.’ I have always loved picking out clothing for my own children and this program gives me an opportunity to do what I love and provide fashionable clothing, shoes and supplies to children from families with extreme need, who are referred to us by the Clark County School District. The simple act of providing new school clothing gives these children renewed self esteem and improved school attendance.”
Kathryn, how are you involved with the Assistance League?
“I’ve been a part of Assisteens since the 8th grade and I’m a senior now at Bishop Gorman High School. I love working directly with the kids at Operation School Bell. I’ve also had the opportunity to attend two National Assisteens conferences and am currently the Membership Chairman of the auxiliary, and I plan on continuing my work with the children even after I graduate.”
What do you think makes you and your family successful in life?
Noreen: “Never give up! It’s important to keep plugging away and maintaining a positive attitude, no matter the obstacles.”
Meet the Neighbor – Carla Pellegrino
By Callie Thomas
Resident foodies relish the thought that Las Vegas now rivals New York and Los Angeles for award winning dining. On any given day, you can experience what many travelers seek from around the globe: exceptionally satisfying dishes from superstar chefs. This includes the Northern Italian cuisine of Carla Pellegrino, one of the few female celebrity chefs in Las Vegas and a local 89052 resident. You may have seen her on Throwdown with Bobby Flay on Food Network (she won, by the way) and on many other shows including the Today Show, CBS Morning News and, most recently, as a participant on season ten of Bravo’s Top Chef, which began airing earlier last month. You may have also seen her in person at her restaurants Bacio in the new Tropicana and Bratalian Neopolitan Cantina in Henderson. Both are fairly new and have already won many awards. What you may not know is that she’s passionate about preparing dishes that are both delicious and healthy and that she utilizes her gifts in the kitchen to give back to the community.
Pellegrino has embraced the city she now calls home and supports organizations such as Three Square Food Bank through Restaurant Week, Boys and Girls Clubs of Henderson, F.E.A.T. (Families for Effective Autism Treatment), the prestigious James Beard Foundation and M.E.N.U.S for the Epicurean Charitable Foundation. She was also the chef chair for Flavors of the Heart in support of the American Heart Association this past September. The self proclaimed “workaholic” took a few minutes to speak with us between juggling multiple new restaurant projects (including her new restaurant Meatball Spot, located at Town Square) and putting the final touches on her first cookbook. We talked with her about being a chef in Las Vegas, how Italian cuisine isn’t always about pasta and her role as chef chair for Flavors of the Heart.
What was it like moving from New York to Las Vegas?
“From the minute I landed and saw the flashing neon lights, I fell in love with the city. Once I started work in the local culinary scene, I realized Las Vegas has the potential to become one of the biggest culinary centers in the world. It’s no wonder that so many well known chefs from all over the globe are moving here.”
Your restaurants feature healthy choices, something one might not always think of when it comes to Italian cuisine.
“As a chef, I am conscious of cooking healthy and making sure that I keep Italian cuisine authentic. Italian food is not only about pasta, cheese and heavy cream; authentic Italian cuisine is based upon fresh ingredients made from scratch, lots of seafood, grilled chops, oven roasted fishes and vegetables cooked in every flavorful way possible.”
You are also dedicated to giving back to the city.
“I try to do as much as I can to help all kinds of charities. It’s very important to give back, and all the experiences are positively wonderful! I opened my Bratalian restaurant here because I love everything about this part of the town. I used to live in Anthem Country Club and find it to be a very united community.”
Tell us about your role with the American Heart Association’s Flavors of the Heart event.
“Since I believe in healthy eating, I enthusiastically agreed to be the chef chair for Flavors of the Heart in support of the American Heart Association. It is a multicultural culinary event where I had the opportunity to create and serve heart healthy dishes. Las Vegas residents get to discover new restaurants, new recipes and new ways to live heart healthy. Proceeds benefitted the American Heart Association’s local community outreach programs.”
What’s the best dish you’ve ever eaten?
“Anything prepared by my dear friend Guy Savoir!”
If you weren’t a chef what other job would you like to do?
“It would have to be a clothing designer. I have a thing for good fashion.”
Meet The Neighbor – Dr. Robert DeMartino
By Callie Thomas
Ever notice that everything old becomes new again… but with a twist? Dr. Robert DeMartino has embraced some old concepts and given them a new spin by combining them with modern technology. The 89012 resident and chiropractor is the founder of Superior Health Solutions, a decidedly different kind of clinic. Although modeled after the Mayo Clinic concept, Superior takes a natural approach and offers patients more options to treat their health concerns.
In addition to serving as the medical board chair for Lupus of Nevada, Dr. DeMartino is also the health advisor for Whole Foods Henderson and Sun City MacDonald Ranch. He regularly takes his message to the streets and into Whole Foods stores, providing free seminars on important healthy living topics and addressing chronic illness. He also takes his message to the web in helpful videos, particularly through his volunteer efforts with the Foundation for Wellness Professionals and Well Rounded Momma, a natural birthing center.
DeMartino draws his unending energy toward helping others from his own experiences. He lost his older sister to cancer when she was just sixteen. From that point on, he dedicated his life to helping others so that they didn’t have to go through what his family had endured. His interest in chiropractic came from his own need to alleviate migraines, which had been caused from stress after his sister passed. DeMartino took his efforts a step further by becoming a master trainer for the Neurological Relief Centers.
The good doctor dedicated three years of his career traveling the country to learn all he could about natural healing methods, acquiring knowledge and expertise in all types of techniques, including the Neurologic Relief Center’s techniques, quantum neurology and biological medicine. Dr. DeMartino talks about helping others using natural methods and shared some advice on healthy foods that can make a difference.
Tell us about your role with the Foundation for Wellness.
“I volunteer my time with the national organization by going out into the community to give lectures on different health topics free of charge. The goal is to educate the community on what they can do to become healthy in a natural way. We also do a tremendous amount of work with the Lupus Association of Nevada, which actually works out of our clinic. I provide regular advice on health and host their support group meetings and help answer their questions.”
What do you do as a consultant for Whole Foods in Henderson?
“Once a month, we pick health topics we think people would find interesting and helpful. We then conduct lectures on those topics, involving the latest research and how people can use the Whole Foods Market as a health resource, since diet always plays a main role in regaining or restoring health.”
Is there a specific diet you recommend?
“As far as diet goes, we have some main rules we follow, but the more serious the health problem, the more strictly we follow the diet. One of the major problems we find with the increase in chronic disease is that the average American eats around 130 grams of protein a day, while that number should be more around 45-70 grams.”
Are there specific foods that you recommend be avoided?
“We usually advise people to avoid all of the allergenic types of foods like cow’s milk products, nuts, non-organic eggs and, of course, no processed foods or white sugar products. Avoiding these foods decreases inflammation and allows for a balanced whole food diet.”
Do you ever get any down time?
“When I’m not working, I’m with my family. It’s pretty much impossible for me to be around my two kids and wife and not be happy.”
What inspires you?
“I keep the picture of my sister in a frame on my nightstand next to my bed so that when I wake up, it is the first thing I see in the morning. That way, if I’m tired or don’t feel like going to work, I quickly remember why I do it. It’s not hard to get up after that.”
