Making a Difference – Nevada Women’s Philanthropy (NWP)

Goodwill of Southern Nevada is just one of many organizations that provide services to the community in need, but like many similar groups, they often depend on outside donations for help. Thanks to a generous gift from Nevada Women’s Philanthropy (NWP), our local Goodwill chapter has been able to initiate a program that will help veterans and their spouses find jobs.

Nevada Women’s Philanthropy elected to award its $350,000 2012 grant to Goodwill of Southern Nevada, which used the funds to launch its Veteran Integration Program. The grant helped pay for the program’s start up costs, which included hiring three full time career specialists with military backgrounds who understand the unique challenges faced by veterans and their spouses when entering the work force. Approximately 400 veterans will be served through the program’s initial launch. A $30,000 NWP Founders Gift was also awarded to the year’s runner-up, Helping Hands of Vegas Valley and James Seastrand Helping Hands of North Las Vegas. In the past, NWP has awarded grants to Salvation Army of Southern Nevada, the Rape Crisis Center, Roundy Elementary School, the Public Education Foundation and others.

“We can’t think of a better way to honor those who served our country than to help them find work,” said Steve Chartrand, president & CEO of Goodwill of Southern Nevada. “Helping someone find a job is truly life changing, and we are grateful to Nevada Women’s Philanthropy for providing seed funding to develop this much needed program.”

For more information on NWP, visit www.nevadawomensphilantropy.org.

In the Know

Lynn’s World of Home Consignment

Looking for a unique gift or something nice for your home? Whether it’s as big as a sofa or as small as a diamond ring, Lynn’s World is the place to shop. With a new location now open on the west side to complement their established site in Henderson, the selection is bigger than ever. Lynn’s World offers a wide range of furniture, accessories, electronics, home décor and jewelry that have all been previously enjoyed but are still in superb condition. If you’re more interested in selling, they’ll strive to make sure you get the best value for your belongings while saving you the hassle of yard sales and finicky online buyers. Whatever you’re looking to buy or sell, Lynn’s World of Home Consignment can help you uncover the most bang for your buck.

269-5966  /  7155 S. Rainbow Blvd., #120  /  www.lynnsworldlv.com

Ten Tigers Martial Arts

Tucked away inside the Mission Paseo Shopping Center on Sahara and Rainbow is one of the area’s most fun martial arts dojos. Ten Tigers offers a unique mix of karate, kung-fu and both jiu-jitsu and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, with instructors that include fourth degree black belt Michael Hamm and Pan American Gold Medalist Lalo Salazar. Men, women and children of all ages and abilities can enjoy age appropriate group classes and private lessons while learning how to both avoid conflict and defend themselves. Programs run by the month, with no enrollment fees or contracts, and new students can even enjoy a free week of lessons to try things out. Learn a new sense of discipline and have a blast while you’re doing it at Ten Tigers Martial Arts.

207-6390  /  6985 W. Sahara Ave., #101  /  www.tentigersmartialarts.com

My Healthy Meal

Experience the wonders of delectable yet healthy eating for people on the go with My Healthy Meal, now open in Summerlin. This new eatery offers local residents a health conscious menu complete with pre-portioned meal options that can be easily customized to fit individual dietary goals. Available options range from raw foods to low carb to high protein to low calorie to everything in between. It’s the perfect set of building blocks to get you off and running with better eating habits in the new year. Don’t have time to cook at home? Rest easy, because you’ve got a new way to eat healthy that’s not just some hip fad. This is all about food that’s both good and good for you thanks to the nutrition connoisseurs at My Healthy Meal.

310-3737  /  10220 W. Charleston Blvd., #2  /  www.myhealthymeal.com

Hair Em Salon

From contemporary to classic designs, Hair Em Salon will help your hair match and complement your daily lifestyle while providing the best in customer comfort. Each client that walks through the door receives a hot towel and scalp massage while relaxing at their unique shampoo station, along with a free cup of coffee if you’d like one. With services that include everything from classic cuts for men and women to specialty offerings such as hair extensions and facial waxing, you’ll have a chic new look to celebrate. And they’ll do their best to help you keep it that way with a full line of premium hair care products, including a wide selection from L’Oreal. Express yourself with a bold new look today courtesy of the style professionals at Hair Em Salon.

432-4320  /  3545 S. Fort Apache Rd., #120  /  www.hairem-salon.com
Cantina Laredo

Patrons seeking quality Mexican fare will find a wide variety of options at Cantina Laredo, including vegetarian and gluten free offerings.  Under the direction of Executive Chef Damon Workman, Cantina Laredo uses the best possible ingredients and prepares everything fresh in the kitchen. Sample a Camaron Poblano Asada with juicy carne asada steak wrapped around a grilled poblano pepper stuffed with shrimp, mushrooms and jack cheese. Enjoy a tasty enchilada with avocado and artichoke or savor some juicy pork carnitas in a chipotle wine sauce. The Top Shelf Guacamole is perfect for sharing with fresh ingredients and Haas avocados, prepared table side. Make sure you don’t leave without trying a decadent Mexican Brownie or Mango Tres Leches for dessert. Discover the great tastes of modern Mexican cuisine today at Cantina Laredo.

202-4511  /  430 S. Rampart Blvd., #110  /  www.cantinalaredo.com

Griffin Learning Center

For Nevada students looking to achieve academic success and enhance their collegiate choices, Griffin Learning Center is here to help. This Las Vegas based tutorial school is proud to offer help studying for SATs, Nevada State Proficiency Exams or just extra individual attention with school work. There are no costly admission or assessment tests or any registration fees. You pay only for the classroom instruction and all course work is provided as part of the tuition from as low as $25 per hour. Give them a call or stop by for a visit for a free interview and assessment and help secure the knowledge you need to make the most of a career marked with distinction. New opportunities and a bright academic future await you today at Griffin Learning Center.

982-1366  /  4520 S. Hualapai Way  /  www.griffinlearning.com

Down to Earth – Honey Salt

By Aly Wagonseller

Farm to Fork. It’s as trendy as reality TV, and in a place with soil as barren as it comes, it’s likely to be just as counterfeit in terms of authenticity. How can a true Farm to Fork experience reside in a place where nary a cow moos or few quality ingredients grow? And while I realize that passionate people such as Kerry Clasby, the woman responsible for gathering produce and the like for the Downtown & 3rd Market, have experienced a fair amount of success in bringing the movement to Vegas, this isn’t Santa Barbara County. So after hearing all the buzz about Honey Salt, the newest addition to the Summerlin restaurant scene, I braced myself for what I thought would be a disingenuous themed restaurant  developed  by  two intelligent and seasoned corporate restaurateurs more experienced at sniffing out a marketable opportunity than creating a real deal home for an impeccable meal. I was wrong… so very wrong.

Worth the drive on the 215, Honey Salt is a neighborhood spot that feels big city, yet it somehow remains soulful and unpretentious. Profoundly more polished than most locally owned eateries, it fits into the new generation of restaurant trends based in New York and Los Angeles that exhibit strategically loud acoustics and lighting that’s just a bit too dark, so dark that the waiters pack flashlights to help patrons read the menu. That being said, the décor is exceptional and the service exemplary, with an open view kitchen that clearly runs like a well oiled machine. None of this is surprising considering the husband and wife proprietor duo of Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla. For the past decade, Blau has been responsible for bringing many a celebrity chef and their restaurant concepts to our city, most notably with the Wynn properties and via her and her husband’s consulting firm, Blau & Associates. Chef Kim has travelled the world, feeding a passion for the craft of cooking, and even won alongside Kerry Simons on Iron Chef America. The pair has already opened their own successful gig on the Strip, the Society Café at the Encore resort, with Honey Salt fulfilling their desire to entertain local folks with the kind of food they serve in their own home.

Blau and Canteenwalla care passionately about the quality of their food, offering simple dishes that transcend basic ingredients into something tasty and enormously satisfying. The Burrata, Rosso Bruno and Teardrop Tomato Salad ($15) exemplifies this philosophy to perfection. The buttery creaminess of the cheese lends substance yet doesn’t feel overly heavy when paired with the bright, acidic flavors of the Rosso  Bruno and teardrop tomatoes. Fresh figs and a balsamic reduction add sweet elements, with fresh basil leaves and crunchy black peppercorns providing an aromatic finish. Clean, simple, amazing. Taking our server’s advice to eat anything raw, we opted for the Steak Tartare ($14), a refreshing combo of righteously chopped beef combined with pungent capers and sweet, crispy bites of pickled papaya. Charred pita bread toast points added an amazing smokiness and a backyard, home-style sensibility to the dish. Another winner!

Scallops and filet were suggested as fan favorites, but as we wanted to see what magic they could do with pizza and simple chicken breast, we chose the Free Ranch Brick Oven Chicken ($22) and Charcuterie Pizza ($15). The chicken was presented airline style, with perfectly crisp skin that preserved every last drop of juice in this typically dry offering. An incredible sauce that was thicker than au jus yet thinner than gravy added savory depth of flavor, especially as it saturated the rustic mac and cheese dotted with kale that accompanied the dish. Pizza was also well executed. Aggressively peppered, paper thin cured meats were rendered so crispy that they melted in your mouth. When paired with creamy mounds of fresh ricotta cheese, a subtle tomato sauce, crunchy fennel salad and a perfectly charred crust, it’s just one more example of how the best ingredients can transform the mundane into something truly special.

Farm to Fork in the literal “pick a bunch of radishes down the road” sense is certainly not feasible in our geographic locale. Still, the down to earth flavors that Honey Salt puts on a plate are much more than a fleeting trend. It’s what food ought to be and then some.  For reservations (you’ll probably need them), call 445-6100 or book online at www.honeysalt.com.

A Step Above – Wesley Mann

Palo Verde High School
Class of 2013

Actions may speak louder than words, but Palo Verde High School senior Wesley Mann has a talent for turning words into action. As a proud member of speech and debate, Wesley has numerous awards to his credit and has competed all over the country. Outspoken, eloquent and well rounded, Wesley also shows an equal knack for athleticism on the tennis court and a passion for politics that keeps him involved and engaged in always expanding his horizons. He’s not just a spectator in life but a full-on participant, and that helps place Wesley Mann – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.8

Sports/Activities/Community Service

• Varsity Tennis, 2008-12; Captain, 2012
• Forensics: Speech and Debate, 2009-12; Captain, 2011-12
• National Honor Society, 2011-12; Secretary, 2012
• Interact Club, 2010-12; Secretary, 2011-12
• Sun Youth Forum Room Representative, 2011-12
• Helping Hands 2010-12; Co-Founder, 2010; Co-President, 2012
• Gan Alonim Volunteer Day Camp Counselor, 2011
• National Honor Society Tutor, 2011-12
• Rotary SantaClothes, 2011

Awards

• National Merit Semi-Finalist, 2012
• AP Scholar with Distinction, 2012
• Harvard Book Award, 2011
• Athletic Scholar, 2009-12
• Varsity Tennis Nevada State Champions – Team, 2009-10; Finalists, 2012
• Varsity Tennis Nevada State Quarterfinalist – Individual, 2012
• Varsity Tennis Sunset Regional Finalists – Team, 2011; Individual, 2012
• Varsity Tennis Sunset Regional Champions – Team, 2009-10, 2012
• Superior Distinction, National Forensic League, 2012
• District Finalist, Varsity Extemporaneous Speaking, 2011
• National Qualifier, Varsity Public Forum Debate, 2011
• National Top 120, Varsity Public Forum Debate, 2011
• Nevada State Forensic Champions, 2009

Goals & Aspirations: “I would like to graduate as a valedictorian and attend college majoring in environmental engineering. I see myself in a position where I can improve the environment through projects as well as spreading awareness about many issues facing our world.”

Wesley is Successful Because: “I attribute my success to a great family structure. My family is always there to support me in all my endeavors, whether it is a success or failure. My brother has always been a friend I could rely on as well as a person who is always willing to have intellectual conversations with me or to just play around with.”

Part of the Solution: “Many young adults feel a lack of political efficacy and thus fail to vote. This problem is a self fulfilling prophecy, however, for as long as the youth do not vote, they will not have a voice in government. Informing as many youth as possible to vote, not only in the presidential elections but also in midterm and local elections, is the best way to solve this.”

A Step Above – Taylor Calmelat

Palo Verde High School
Class of 2013

She’s played a princess, an orphan and a noble matriarch, but just about any role suits Palo Verde High School senior Taylor Calmelat. Her myriad talents range from singing to comedy to directing with a love of all things theatrical. Spirited, engaging and full of winning charm, Taylor puts a lot of heart into the characters she plays but also shows a lot of character in setting clear goals for herself. Whether it’s through the worlds she helps create on stage or the life she leads every day, she’s an inspiration. For all that and more, Taylor Calmelat stands – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.0

Activities/Community Service

• Concert Choir, 2011-12
• Annie in PVHS Theatre’s Annie, 2011
• Cinderella in PVHS Theatre’s Cinderella, 2012
• Lady Montague in PVHS Theatre’s Romeo & Juliet, 2012
• PVHS Theatre’s Student Directed One Acts (Director), 2012
• International Thespian Society (President), 2012
• Comedy Team Pun Intended, 2010-12
• Pep Club, 2012
• Lupus Walk, 2011
• Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat, 2012
• Creative Minds, 2012
• Tunes for Tots, 2012

Awards

• Shining Star Award, 2011-12
• Varsity Letter (Drama), 2012
• Hispanic Recognition Scholar, 2012
• 2^nd Place, Pun Intended, Shakespeare Festival, 2012
• 1^st Place Gold, Anaheim Heritage Festival Concert Choir, 2012
• Superior Rating, One Act Thespian State Conference, 2012
• Excellent Rating, Thespian State Conference Monologues, 2010
• Excellent Rating, Thespian State Conference Solo Musical, 2012

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I’m most proud of being elected the Thespian President because it gives me the chance to change the way my community views the theatre, to encourage other students to participate, and to educate others on what being a thespian really means.”

Overcoming Peer Pressure: “Sometimes I get invited to parties that have illegal substances. I decline these invitations even though most of my friends will be there. I’m not going to put my future in jeopardy just to have a drink or two. I’m usually home with my mom memorizing scripts or doing homework so that I actually have somewhere to go after high school other than a party.”

Cause for Concern: “I would become president of an organization that I am actually already a part of called Tunes for Tots! It is a worldwide organization that gathers a group of young performers around the community and holds free concerts to raise money for children’s charities. It not only brings culture and music to the community, it also is for a great cause.”

A Step Above – Brianna Becker

Faith Lutheran High School
Class of 2013

A winning golf game isn’t about sinking a hole in one every time. It’s about discipline, consistency and follow through, all qualities that are exemplified by Faith Lutheran High School senior and championship golfer Brianna Becker. With unbridled optimism, intensive practice and the most serious focus, she’s turned a passion for the game into a scholarship to the University of Hawaii, but her dreams don’t stop there. Brianna isn’t setting any limits, because she knows any achievement she can imagine is possible when she’s got faith, family and the will to succeed on her side. That kind of boundless ambition helps elevate Brianna Becker to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 3.9

Sports/Awards/Community Service

• Faith Lutheran Golf Team, 2009-Present
• University of Hawaii Golf Scholarship, 2013
• First Tee Most Improved, 2009
• First Tee Judgment Award, 2010
• Vee Massi Award, 2010
• Regional Individual Champion, 2009 & 2011-12
• Regional Team Champions, 2009-12
• NIAA State Team Champions (Division 1-A), 2012
• NIAA Individual State Champion (Division 1-A), 2012
• Sunset Player of the Year, 2010 & 2012
• Las Vegas City Junior Champion, 2007 & 2010-11
• Tournament of Champions Winner, 2012
• Volunteer with First Tee of Southern Nevada, 2008-Present

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of signing my national letter of intent to the University of Hawaii and winning the individual state championship. I have worked so hard for these past nine years to get a golf scholarship for college. After signing to go to Hawaii, it showed that all my hard work paid off! Winning the state championship was also a huge goal of mine. Since it was my senior year, my goal was to actually win a state tournament. I worked so hard for this state tournament and it was such a great feeling to actually win it!”

Brianna Looks Up To: “I look up to my mom and dad. They have always worked hard to give my sister and I the best things in life and they do so much for us. They always help me with golf, whether it’s taking me to lessons or driving me to tournaments. They have sent me to good schools and they have helped me a lot in life. I am very thankful for both of them.”

Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults today is they don’t get involved in something productive like sports, theater, or other extracurricular activities. People who are involved in extracurricular activities usually do better in school and are less likely to get in trouble. I would encourage all students to get involved in something after school.”

A Step Above – Julie Borzage

Bishop Gorman High School
Class of 2013

All the world’s a stage, and Bishop Gorman High School senior Julie Borzage is happy to be one of the players. Whether she’s performing on stage or playing an instrument, this talented young woman’s exceptional and enthusiastic love for the arts shines through, no matter what role she’s taking on. From singing her heart out to helping improve the lives of others, her positive outlook has driven her to find strength within through dedication, faith and a clear moral compass. With resilience on her side and the future in her hands, Julie Borzage rises to – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.13

Activities/Community Service

• Gorman Gaels Theatre Guild, 2009-Present; Membership Director, 2012-Present
• Gorman Worship Choir – Singer, 2009-11; Pianist, 2011-12; Flautist, 2012-Present
• Drama Ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2009-Present
• Nevada Youth Legislature, 2011-Present
• National Honor Society, 2011-Present
• Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), 2011-Present; VP, 2012-Present
• We the People, 2012-Present
• Volunteer at Summerlin Hospital, 2011-12
• Baptism Coordinator at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2012-Present

Awards

• Placement Exam Scholarship, 2009-Present
• Honor Thespian, 2010
• National Honor Thespian, 2012
• International Honor Thespian, 2012
• Student of the Year: Scholars Geometry & Chemistry, Spanish 3 Honors, 2011
• Mainstage Showcase, International Thespian Festival – Godspell, 2011
• 1^st Place, Nevada Thespians Southern Nevada Regional Competition – Skid Row, 2012
• 1^st Place, Nevada Thespians State Competition – Skid Row, 2012
• Student of the Year: Honors Physics & AP English Language 2012
• AP Scholar with Honor, 2012
• National Merit Semi-Finalist, 2012
• We the People District Champions, 2012

Goals & Aspirations: “I want to go to a great college (Stanford, Yale, Notre Dame, and UCLA are my top choices) and double major in anthropology and mathematics with a minor in music. While I’m there, I hope to participate in theater and make a ton of new friends. I just want to be happy doing whatever I do and learn as much as I can before I find that dream occupation.”

Julie Looks Up To: “St. Gianna Beretta Molla, because she is the perfect combination of the modern and traditional woman. She was well-educated and became a pediatrician when most women were stay-at-home mothers, but she was still devoted to her family.”

Part of the Solution: “We have been raised where it is accepted for an individual to do whatever he or she wants, no matter how it may affect others or themselves in the long run. Some children grow up not even knowing where to draw the line between doing what makes you feel good and prudently acting with the future in mind.  I want to be a part of this solution by setting a good example for my peers and being honest about my commitment to be responsible for my actions.”

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.”