Flying Without a Net
Behind the costumes, makeup and brilliant acrobatic skills of the world-famous Cirque du Soleil performers, there is a story of how they ended up on the Cirque stage. In the case of Vital Germaine, that story is one of perseverance, bravery and passion. A local resident since 1996, Vital tells all in his new book Flying Without a Net, released on February 27 and recently ranking #2 on Amazon.com.
Summarized as “the true story of a boy who defies all odds and runs away with Cirque du Soleil,” Flying Without a Net details Vital’s journey growing up in a neighborhood plagued by gangs, drugs and violence. Statistics predicted that he would end up dead or in jail by the time he reached eighteen. Instead, he challenged the odds and headed to New York with nothing in his pocket, eventually running away with Cirque where he performed in Mystère and Quidam and also studied literature and fine art at UNLV and the College of Southern Nevada. With rave reviews from readers, Flying Without a Net is a fast, easy read that will leave you inspired.
“If there is one thing I have learned, no matter the circumstance, no matter the obstacle, it is one’s attitude and one’s determination that will prevail. The choice is ours.”
– Vital Germaine
Congrats to the Graduates!
Year after year, May marks the beginning of a new chapter for high school and college students everywhere: graduation. We’re proud of our local graduates, so we put together some words of wisdom from the greats to send them off on their new journeys the right way. Congratulations, and cheers!
“Don’t be afraid of fear. Because it sharpens you, it challenges you, it makes you stronger; and when you run away from fear, you also run away from the opportunity to be your best possible self.”
– Ed Helms
“Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that never were and ask why not.”
–George Bernard Shaw
“Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and keep it.”
– Mary Lou Retton
“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You’re on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
– Dr. Suess
“Every person you meet knows something you don’t; learn from them.”
– H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Go forth and do wonderful things, Class of 2014. Here at the Zip Code Magazines, we’re rooting for you!
Michael Tatalovich Fundraiser
Dear Friends and Community Partners,
As 2014 rolls along, we are often reminded of how precious and vulnerable time is. As most in our community are familiar with the Josh Stevens Foundation, and their “Be Kind” message that inspires us all to spread kindness and heartfelt acts of love, some are unaware that the Coronado High School class of 2014 would have been Josh’s graduating class. The motto of the foundation from its start has been, “Genuine kindness born in the heart of a child deserves celebration.”
It is with this celebration in mind that I would like to tell you about one of Josh’s classmates, Michael Tatalovich. Michael is also the true epitome of kindness, love, generosity, and hope. Michael is a senior at Coronado High School, graduating with honors, with the admiration from staff and faculty alike, and with lots of love and respect from his fellow students. In May of last year however, Michael and his family’s world was turned upside down. Michael was a stand-out athlete and a member of the State Champion Coronado men’s volleyball team, when a pain in his hip led him to consult his doctors. The diagnosis: Ewing’s Sarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer that had infiltrated his femur. After months of treatment, chemotherapy, multiple surgeries and blood transfusions, and ultimately a partial hip replacement at 17 years old, Michael is battling to make a full recovery. However, all of this treatment has left the family with a huge financial burden and the stress of huge medical bills.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Michael since he was just an elementary school boy, being raised in the neighborhood that our families still reside in today. I can say without hesitation that he has always been one of our family’s favorite neighborhood kids. Michael is always upbeat, always polite, always respectful, always there for his family and friends whenever needed. He’s just your all around wonderful American boy. I am proud and honored to be writing this letter on behalf of a wonderful young man, his family, his friends, and the entire community.
We are asking for your help and support. We are holding a fundraiser for Michael and his family on May 5th, 2014 at 6pm at the Coronado High School men’s volleyball game vs. Basic HS. We are asking for donations of money, gifts/gift cards for drawings during the game, time to be volunteered, or any other way you could possibly help the cause. All donations will go to help ease the burden of Michael’s cost to fight cancer. This community has been incredible in raising great kids like Michael and Josh; kids that truly understand what it means to be loving and kind. Now we want to help as a community, to ensure that Michael has what he needs to win his toughest battle yet. Please find it in your heart to donate and to come out and celebrate a remarkable young man.
If you are unable to attend the fundraiser PLEASE make all donations at http://www.gofundme.com/7n4u9k.
Checks can be mailed to: 2311 Tilden Way Henderson, NV 89074 Questions: 702-274-8271
Yours Truly,
Dr. Gene & Lori Garlick
Mother’s Day Dates
We love our moms – so while we should be treating her EVERY day, let’s take extra special care to show her what she means to us on the day carved out just for her. If you haven’t started thinking about it yet, get on it. Here are some ideas that looked fun to us:
Spa Day
Get mom out to a fancy spa this year and lounge the day away. ESPA, which just recently launched at Vdara Hotel & Spa, 2600 W. Harmon Ave., is one of our picks for a truly luxurious all-day spa experience. Mom will love to be pampered with a variety of top of the line treatments like the “On the Rocks” massage, and maybe even glass of champagne to toast a job well done (yes, we’re talking about you). Visit www.vdara.com for scheduling and locals discounts.
Let her show off her skills
Give mom a chance to show off her cooking chops at Border Grill Las Vegas in Mandalay Bay, 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Guests can enroll in a two-hour demonstration cooking class before partaking in some Mother-worthy mimosas and a multi-course brunch. Visit www.bordergrill.com for more information or call (702) 632-7403 to RSVP today before spots fill up!
Tea and Crumpets?
If mom wants to feel elegant on her big day, try one of the tea events being held in her honor:
“Mom’s Rock” Mother’s Day Tea
Benefitting St. Jude’s Ranch, the event takes place at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 221 N. Rampart Blvd., and features a hat parade, balloon drawing, live music, mother-daughter diamond pendant drawing and more. Visit www.stjudesranch.org for more information.
Safe Nest Mother’s Day Tea
Benefitting Safe Nest, the event takes place at the Four Seasons, 3960 Las Vegas Fwy., and features high tea and a fashion show along with a raffle, prizes and the announcement of the coveted Mother of Distinction award (you know your mom deserves it). Visit www.safenest.org for more information.
Art Festival of Henderson
For the artsy mom, there’s no better tradition than this annual celebration of artisanship at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street. A family-friendly outing with mom to check out contemporary artists, fine craft, fashion, home décor artisans and more will be the perfect way to free her creative juices and celebrate her passions. Also, it might not be a bad idea to peruse for some awesome pottery or photography for your Mother’s Day gift! The event will run May 10-11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (4 p.m. on Sunday) and will include food and live music. Visit www.hendersonlive.com for more information.
Culture Clash – International Fun in Our Backyard
If you’re looking for a little diversity without the airline travel, April in Southern Nevada should be right up your alley! Festivals and parties celebrating cultures from all over the world are popping up right here at home.
April 5-6
Vegas Loves Brazil 2014
Rio All Suites Hotel & Casino, 3700 W. Flamingo Rd.
The largest Brazilian festival in Las Vegas is coming back and this time with a two day festival at the Rio Hotel parking lot. Tickets for the event are $8 for general admission and $13 for a two-day pass. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Visit www.vegaslovesbrazil.com for more information.
April 12-13
10th Annual Las Vegas Highland Games
Floyd Lamb Park, 9200 Tule Springs Rd.
Presented by the Las Vegas Celtic Society, this Scottish-themed event includes a unique mix of the sporting, the cultural and the social such as field and track events. Tickets start at $12.50 for general admission in advance. Visit www.lasvegashighlandgames.com for more information.
April 17-20
13th Annual Pure Aloha Concerts & Festival
Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino, 3700 W. Flamingo Rd.
Celebrate the power of the islands with this celebration of Hawaiian culture featuring a carnival with midway rides, cultural performances, specialty food and retail vendors and concerts. General admission tickets start at $8. Call 604-9438 or visit www.vizzun.com for information.
April 26
5th Annual Día del Niño
Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd.
Celebrate childhood as they do in Mexico with this annual event offering hours of fun for children of all ages, including clowns and magicians, dancing and singing, games, traditional food and drink and much more. Call 822-7700 or visit www.springspreserve.org for information.
Desert Mermaids Synchronized Swimming
If you’re still reeling from the end of figure skating, bobsleighing and curling at the Sochi Olympics, at least find comfort in the fact that Rio 2016 is just around the corner and there are plenty of interesting sports featured in the summer games. One such sport happens to combine acrobatics, water and some serious hair gel: synchronized swimming. It’s a lesser known sport, but one with inspirational and highly trained athletes who train for hours a day for a chance to win gold. A local synchronized swimming group, The Desert Mermaids, are doing big things right here in Southern Nevada.
The only group of its kind in Nevada, the Desert Mermaids are run by seven-time world champion, Linda Tannenbaum, and have been coached by an Olympic gold medalist. The teams are nationally ranked (one duet placed 1st in the nation!) and only gaining notoriety among their synchronized counterparts in other states.
Those interested in synchronized swimming can attend a free lesson for novice swimmers the first Saturday of every month at the Desert Mermaids local Pavilion Center Pool, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive. For more information visit www.nevadadesertmermaids.com.
The Unicorn
The Unicorn
1.5 oz Ketel One Citron vodka
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
8 mint leaves
Ginger Beer
Combine all ingredients, shake and strain over ice into a mason jar. Top off with ginger beer.
Garnish: Lemon wedge
Recipe Courtesy of Dan Marohnic as served at Park on Fremont
Spring Cleaning Hacks
It’s that dreaded time of the year…we lose an hour of sleep AND we are forced by tradition to do a mass cleaning of the house. The ritual innocently dubbed “spring cleaning” could be considered a giant pain, but there are ways to game the system, if you will. We call them “hacks” and we compiled a few to help you out. So turn on your cleaning jams, bust out your Swiffer and enjoy!
Hack #1: Fabric softening dryer sheets are versatile creatures.
They can be used while doing your laundry, of course, but did you know they could also be used to more easily scrub away mineral deposits in the shower or get rid of that hard water ring in the toilet? You can even use them to dust the baseboards!
Hack #2: Use vinegar to clean your microwave.
If you fear the food explosion buildup in your microwave, just put equal parts vinegar and water in a microwave safe container and nuke it for 5 minutes (longer if your kids LOVE Hot Pockets). Wait for a few minutes for the steam to subside and easily wipe away crusty food surplus.
Hack #3: Organize your refrigerator with a Lazy Susan. If you’re irritated with clutter in the fridge, or that you have to move the mayo, butter AND ketchup to get to the salsa in the back, why not add a Lazy Susan to the mix? Put all the regulars on and watch as your food storage dilemmas become a thing of the past.
The hacks for spring cleaning are endless. Before you begin, check out some online forums for more time and sweat-saving ideas.
Editor’s Picks – April/May
April 10-13
Clark County Fair & Rodeo
Saddle up and blaze a trail out to Logandale where you can experience the thrills of a traditional rural Nevada fair. Festivities include carnival rides, a junior livestock show, horticulture exhibits and an endless parade of arts and crafts that cover everything from ceramics to furniture to photography. Over 500 of the nation’s top rodeo athletes will compete in steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and more as they battle it out for cash prizes. You’ll also find plenty of food, drinks and live entertainment, so dust off your boots and get ready to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the modern day cowboy! Call (888) 876-FAIR or visit www.ccfair.com for more information.
April 12-13
29th Annual Boulder City Fine Arts Festival
This two day show brings artists from across the southwest together for a dynamic festival at Bicentennial Park in Boulder City. Browse the park at your leisure, taking in works from over 130 artists and craftsmen that include painting, glasswork, handcrafted jewelry and much more. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Boulder City Art Guild, a nonprofit that uses proceeds from the show to fund scholarships for art students. Come support a good cause and uncover some hidden treasures! Call 293-2138 or visit www.bcfineartsfestival.com for more information.
April 26
Henderson Heritage Parade
Celebrate the rich history of our very own City of Henderson at the annual Henderson Heritage Parade & Festival. This year, marking the event’s 60th anniversary, is themed Let’s Go to the Market! and will recognize the 15th year of the Henderson Farmer’s Market on Water Street. The daylong event kicks off with a breakfast featuring Mayor Hafen and the Henderson City Council, followed by an afternoon featuring a parade, festival, car show and more. Events will take place at the Henderson Events Plaza at & Amphitheater at 200 S. Water Street. Admission is complimentary and cyclists can rest easy with a complimentary bike valet! Visit www.hendersonlive.com for more information.
May 2
Boys & Girls Club Sneaker Ball
How many times have you dreaded a fancy cocktail event for the toll it takes on your feet? Well the annual Boys & Girls Club Sneaker Ball is the one for you. Choose your comfiest kicks to pair with that little black dress and head out to the M Resort at 12300 S. Las Vegas Blvd for a live and silent auction, entertainment, gourmet dinner, beer, wine and signature cocktails. Basically a night of fun with no “dress shoe” blisters to worry about! The event will feature guest speaker Rick Reilly, 11-time National Sportswriter of the Year and Front-page columnist for ESPN.com and proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada. Tickets start at $200 per person. Visit www.bgchevents.org for more information.
May 7-11
San Gennaro Feast
Join the annual festivities at this Italian feast held in the honor of Saint Gennaro. A portion of West Flamingo Rd. at 4245 South Grand Canyon Drive will be transformed into “Littly Italy”, featuring a wide variety of ethnic food vendors offering a huge selection of favorites including sausage and peppers, pizza, pasta, desserts, pastries and much more. Live national acts perform hourly on the main stage, while amusement rides and games keep things fun for the whole family. As one of the most popular festivals around, attracting locals and visitors from all over the world, it’s the best Italian heritage celebration this side of Napoli. Visit www.sangennarofeast.com for more information.
Get Outside on the West Side
We’re lucky to have an early spring in our hometown. Make sure to take advantage of it in your neighborhood with these outside events on the West side.
Golf Summerlin and Golf 101 Clinics
If you’re thinking of hitting the links this spring but feel a little rusty, the deal from Golf Summerlin is the perfect way to get back into Phil Mickelson shape (OK…maybe not really!) For only $100 total, the following weekly clinics are a hole-in-one.
Co-ed Clinics
March 4 – Intro/putting
March 11 – Chipping/Short Game
March 18 – Irons
March 25 – Woods
Women Only Clinics
March 6 – Intro/putting
March 13 – Chipping/Short Game
March 20 – Irons
March 27 – Woods
Clinics will be held at Eagle Crest Golf Course (2203 Thomas W. Ryan Blvd.) and individual clinics can be purchased for $30 per person. Visit www.golfsummerlin.com for more information.
Tour De Summerlin
If the saddle is more your style, the annual Tour de Summerlin should do the trick. Benefitting Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada (www.candlelightersnv.org) this non-competitive 40, 75 or 100-mile ride is one of the most beautiful around.
If you’re a little nervous at the thought of a 40-mile ride, joining the Riders for Candlelighters cycling team is your way to train with the experts! The training program is designed for individuals interested in completing an endurance event, no experience required. Participants commit to raising $1,000 for Candlelighters in exchange for a customized training program, which includes a training manual, bike repair, nutrition and hydration clinics, weekly team rides, a team pasta dinner and team jersey. Visit www.candlelightersnv.org for more information.
An entry fee starting at $65 for early registration includes an event commemorative shirt, aid station food and drinks and delicious post ride luncheon. Visit www.tourdesummerlin.com for more information.
