South Vegas, NV July 2024 by City Lifestyle

Make Room for Exploration

We live in an efficiency and productivity-obsessed age. And I admit that I fall into the trap sometimes too with the demands of running my business, raising two young kids, and trying to find some “me” time. The trap is believing that the only things worth doing are those for which I can make an exact calculation of the time, effort, and investment that it will cost me.

But the truth is that reality is a sad and unfulfilling way to go through life.

We must leave some room for exploring, for trying new places and things, for being a beginner, and even for getting lost. It is the times that are unstructured and open-ended where the space exists for connections to be made, friendships to be fostered, and trust to be built.

In this issue, you’ll find some things to explore, such as a newly opened breakfast spot, top-tier golf courses, and a way to give back and serve.

In the last few months, I've really been analyzing my relationship with my children, how our family operates as a unit and what we love spending our time doing. The way I made this clearer was to first focus on the things that I don't love spending time on. For our family it means reducing screen time, especially here in the summer when the time can fly by. For your family it may mean too many busy weeknights away from home or not enough dinners around the table together. I've noticed that "adventures" and “exploration” don't even have to be something big and crazy. They can be playing a new game in the pool, walking a new trail, or simply gallivanting around the city to find a new playground or dessert shop (Sorry, Not Sorry anyone??).

Our hope is that this issue encourages you to make room for exploration. To prioritize time away from the regular schedule of life. To lose yourself in a book. To book that trip you’ve been thinking about, to make time for the things that matter most to you, but often come last on the calendar.

Happy Exploring,

CHAD JEFFRY, PUBLISHER

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Chad Jeffry | Chad.Jeffry@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Paige Candee | paige.candee@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Florendo, Darik Nielson, Ed Price, Vivian Greggory, Paige Candee

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian Oar, Brett Mulligan, Chris Wessling, Mya Williams, Lynn Price, Casey Jade, Young Dawson, Bryan Steffy, Gabe Ginsberg, Getty Images, Adam Trujillo

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

city scene

1: Keep Memory Alive’s 27th Annual Power of Love® Gala. 2: An esteemed lineup of entertainers and notable guests, such as Cassadee Pope and Gary LeVox, attended. 3: Keep Memory Alive Co-Founders Camille and Larry Ruvo welcomed the 1,500 guests. 4: Lou Ruvo Philanthropic Award Honoree Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani closed with a “Nobody But You” duet. 5: The gala raised funds for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. 6: Elaine Wynn and Lisa Vanderpump supported the non-profit organization. 7: Colbie Caillat, Kristin Chenoweth, and Crystal Minkoff helped raise funds for patients and their families affected by brain disorders. Photography by Bryan Steffy and Gabe Ginsberg, Getty Images

the community of hope and healing for children and young victims of abuse and neglect. 11: Attendees enjoyed a wine tasting, appetizers, designer shopping, and a fashion show. 12: Guests participated in silent and live auctions and a $10,000 key to the closet raffle. 13: The Best in Shoe contest activation was sponsored by Inspired Closets. 14:

8: St. Jude’s Ranch for Children’s Wine Women & Shoes included fashion, philanthropy, and community spirit. 9: Longtime supporters of the charity were on hand to congratulate FOX5 for receiving the Heroes for Hope Award. 10: Funds were raised for

Host Chet Buchanan and CEO Dr. Christina Vela, helped raise critical funds to help children thrive. Photography by Adam Trujillo

15: Dress for Success of Southern Nevada's 2024 Success Showcase “Springtime in Paris” Luncheon. 16: The event raised vital funding to support women on their journey toward economic independence. 17: The Board of Directors and Event Committee worked tirelessly to create a beautiful afternoon. 18: Event Chairwoman Dolores Campuzano Pignatello and her mother Dolores Campuzano Colin enjoyed the festivities. 19: Sponsors shared why they support the mission of empowering women towards economic independence. 20: Guests included fund-a-need donors, honorees, sponsors, community partners, founding members, and volunteers. 21: The French-inspired floral affair was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. Photography by Casey Jade and Young Dawson

FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Wonderland Comes to Life with Mad Hatter's Tea Party Pop-Up

The whimsical world of "Alice in Wonderland" is on display as the Mad Hatter's Tea Party pop-up bar at Silverton Casino Lodge's Shady Grove Lounge extends through July 7. This overthe-top spectacle transforms the space with enormous flowers and colorful settings, including a wonderland-themed Airstream. Those 21 and older can partake in fanciful "tea party" cocktails and participate in the MAD HATTER Puzzle Hunt every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. silvertoncasino.com/madhatter.

Boys & Girls Clubs Offers Summer Camp

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada is offering a summer of fun and growth for kids and teens. Their summer camps ignite youths' passions with exciting activities tailored for all ages and interests, from artists to scientists, sports enthusiasts to tech wizards, at 13 Clubhouse locations. Summer Camp runs through August 8th from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the week, with early drop-off, late pickup, and flexible scheduling options. bgcsnv.org/services/summer-programs

Nonprofits Honored with Yawa' Awards

The San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority (SMGHA) and Palms Casino Resort recognized four nonprofits for their contributions at the inaugural 2024 Forging Hope Yawa' Awards. The Yawa' Award, meaning “to act on one's beliefs,” a Serrano cultural concept passed down through generations, honored organizations for exceptional service, accountability, resilience, and quality of life community impact. Recipients included Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada, The Just One Project, Discovery Children’s Museum, and Green Our Planet.

by SMGHA

Photography

Photography by Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada

JUSTICE Prevails

RECENT AWARDS RECOVERED FOR INJURY CLIENTS

• $38.8 Million Dollar Jury Verdict

• $7.2 Million Dollar Award

• $2.1 Million Dollar Award

• $2.0 Million Dollar Settlement

• $2.0 Million Dollar Judgement

• $1.9 Million Dollar Settlement

EXPLORING A TRILOGY OF GOLF COURSES

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER FLORENDO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN OAR AND BRETT MULLIGAN

A range of redesigned luxury in the desert

Dr. Peter Shin's name resonates across Las Vegas, not just for his illustrious medical career but also for his venture into the world of golf course ownership.

At a young age, Dr. Shin was introduced to the game of golf by his father. “We played together every weekend, and then the day the ball actually flew, I was hooked,” he said.

After a successful hospital and nursing home administration career, Dr. Shin moved to Palm Springs thinking that would be his retirement plan, until an opportunity for ownership of a golf course came up in Las Vegas. He put together a team of investors and they acquired the iconic Southern Highlands Golf Club in 2016.

“For the first two years, we lost money and in the third year, we broke even,” said Dr. Shin. As things were leveling out, the pandemic hit in 2020, and it was almost back to square one. But, as parts of the country bounced back, golfers from California found themselves making their way to Las Vegas to escape restrictions and get back out on the courses. “From February through August of 2022, we had about 60 people from California become members. COVID-19 ended up being a boost to the golf economy,” he said.

Dr. Peter Shin Spanish Trail Country Club

Then, in July of 2022, Dr. Shin, as part of the Spanish Trails Investment Group (STIG) purchased Spanish Trail Country Club with the goal of restoring it to the premier club that it had been. “The bones were good, but it needed a lot of maintenance, and the greens were decent, so I thought I could turn it back into something nice,” said Dr. Shin.

With determination, Dr. Shin set his sights on restoring Spanish Trail Country Club. “If we could get the course moving in the right direction, it would not only enhance the community but also enhance the value of Spanish Trail,” said Dr. Shin. Within a year, he was able to complete a facelift of the course and show the members that he was committed to improving the area, and in a reasonable amount of time.

“The golf course had to improve, and the clubhouse had to improve, in facilities and in food and service. It was a challenge because we are competing against the Strip for service,” said Dr. Shin. After undergoing a tremendous number of personnel changes, he boasts that he is fulfilling his mission of hiring high-quality employees and has around 125 employees at each course.

Having demonstrated that under his leadership the two courses were elevated, Dr. Shin took over SouthShore Country Club. Located at the scenic Lake Las Vegas, SouthShore Country Club, allows golfers to enjoy a challenging round of golf against a beautiful backdrop, which is just one of the draws.

Dr. Shin knows that each property bears a distinct imprint, and he focuses on maximizing the natural beauty of each golf course and maintaining a high level of standard. He also believes in a commitment to the community. The recent inaugural Shin Invitational recently hosted more than 90 players with three beneficiaries: National Trust Links, Opportunity Village, and the Southern Nevada Jr. Golf Association.

Dr. Shin's trilogy of golf courses offers a diverse range of experiences for players of all skill levels and desires. Membership with one club gives you access across all three properties, creating a unique experience for sport and camaraderie that intertwines work and leisure for exploring premier golf in the desert.

Southern Highlands Golf Club

SouthShore Country Club

Spanish Trail Country Club

Soaring Breakfast Spot

EXPLORING EARLY BIRDS

Las Vegas has a new culinary spot that’s flown into the breakfast scene. Early Birds - A Breakfast Spot, owned by Ryan Labbe, is a delectable addition to the city's early day dining landscape, offering an appealing atmosphere for breakfast enthusiasts.

"I love breakfast," Labbe says. "I wanted to make a space that was beautiful and inviting to everyone." With a “Don’t Sleep on Breakfast" motto, Early Birds promises an unforgettable morning experience with the restaurant's retro charm and carefully curated menu.

"Our lemon poppy pancakes have turned into a house favorite," he states. "Light fluffy 'souffle' style pancakes with a topping of fresh blueberry compote and tart but sweet lemon poppy drizzle."

ARTICLE BY VIVIAN GREGGORY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS WESSLING

Early Birds also boasts an impressive beverage menu, including the Bird Bath, a pineapple-flavored cocktail with a pina colada twist, and the Hair of the Dog, a unique take on a beer paloma featuring the bright citrus notes of Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. With its mouthwatering dishes, creative cocktails, and inviting ambiance, Early Birds is quickly becoming a local’s favorite. Whether you're seeking a leisurely brunch or a quick bite before starting your day, this spot will make you an early bird.

ARTICLE BY PAIGE CANDEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MYA WILLIAMS

Give Back An Adventurous Way to

LAS VEGAS MEN BUILD HOMES IN MEXICO

In a heartwarming display of community engagement, a group of men from Las Vegas embarked on a unique volunteer trip to Tijuana, Mexico, where they built homes for families living in deplorable conditions.

Organized by The Crossing, a Christian church, the initiative aimed to provide safe and secure housing while fostering cultural exchange and personal growth.

Jacob Musselman, the influence & impact pastor at The Crossing’s main campus in South Vegas located at 7950 West Windmill Lane, shared insights into this transformative experience. "Several times a year, we send people to build houses for some of the poorest families in the area around Tijuana," he explained. "On our latest trip, we sent 120 guys to build six houses."

The trip's purpose extends beyond mere construction; it aligns with the church's belief in caring for vulnerable groups, including the poor.

The process is both efficient and impactful. Upon arrival, the volunteers find a concrete pad and materials ready for construction. Within a day and a half, teams of 15 to 20 people complete each house, enabling families to move in immediately.

"On Sunday morning, we drive back to Las Vegas, and the family is waking up for the first time in their new house," Musselman described.

Participants contribute between $500 and $600 to cover expenses, while The Crossing funds the $15,000 cost of each house. A touching gesture involves collecting money for a surprise shopping spree, allowing families to furnish their new homes with essentials and groceries.

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The most poignant moment occurs during the key handover ceremony. "Each team stands in a circle, and then we pass the keys around the circle. Usually, each volunteer will share a thought with the family, and then we will pray for them," Musselman recounted. "There's not a lot of dry eyes by the end."

For the volunteers, the experience is profound. "You end the trip with your heart connected to the family, and you build great connections with your house build team," Musselman shared. "It's exciting to know that you helped change their lives."

Musselman emphasized the trip's distinctiveness compared to other volunteer work or travel. "The most unique part of this trip is that you get to see the completion; at the end of a couple days there is a house where there wasn't a house."

For those interested in getting involved, The Crossing offers multiple trips throughout the year. Musselman encouraged everyone to find a way to contribute, whether through prayer, financial support, or direct participation. The next trip is scheduled for October, and more information can be found at thecrossinglv.com/reach.

This initiative exemplifies the power of community engagement and the impact of giving back. By exploring new avenues of service, these Las Vegas men not only built homes, but also developed lasting connections and discovered a profound sense of purpose.

SAFER WINDOW COVERINGS

Exploring a new law prompts homeowners to upgrade

ARTICLE BY DARIK NIELSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUNBURST SHUTTERS & WINDOW FASHIONS

Homeowners are exploring ways to enhance home safety as a new law requiring window treatments to be cordless goes into effect. The ruling aims to eliminate the strangulation risks posed by corded blinds and shades, particularly for young children and pets.

“Eliminating cords from window treatments significantly decreases the risk of harm. Cordless window coverings prevent entanglement, safeguarding even the most curious children.”

In the wake of this legislation, many households are now investigating their options for upgrading outdated window coverings and moving to cordless window treatments, seeking solutions that not only prioritize safety but also complement their home's aesthetic. This shift presents a prime opportunity for homeowners to explore the latest innovations in window treatments, embracing designs that blend functionality and style.

Here, we dig into this ruling that is the result of a collaborative effort by the Window Covering Manufactures Association, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and the American National Standards Institute.

The change aims to address the grave risks associated with corded window coverings, primarily the danger of strangulation among young children and animals. Data from safety organizations indicates that corded window treatments pose a significant strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers. The CPSC has reports of numerous incidents over the years where children have become entangled in window covering cords, leading to tragic outcomes.

Manufacturers will eventually stop offering corded window treatments. If your current home has corded window treatments, you should consider upgrading to newer, safer, cordless treatments.

Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions stands out as a leading provider of safe, stylish, and innovative cordless window treatments. In addition to its great reputation for superior quality and service, Sunburst is known for:

1. Diverse Cordless Options that meet various aesthetics and functionality, including:

• Cord Tensioners: These devices secure any cords, preventing them from dangling freely. Offered as inside mount installation or outside mount.

• Cordless Lift: Popular option on new shades that allows raising and lowering blinds without a cord.

• Wand Control: Instead of corded blinds, a simple wand opens and closes the blind slats. Available with Cordless Lift.

• Motorized: Motorized shades can be controlled via remote or auto set up, eliminating manual operation and cords.

• Shutters: For the ultimate convenience and safety, shutters offer premium safety, energy efficiency, and beauty. Sunburst’s Polywood shutters add an extra layer of protection with their built-in weather-stripping, which is a feature exclusive to Sunburst.

2. Commitment to Safety and Quality: Sunburst Shutters produces high-quality window treatments that meet and exceed safety standards. Their products are custom made to fit any type of window in any shape.

3. Expert Consultation and Installation: To help you make the transition to cordless window treatments, Sunburst Shutters offers a free in-home consultation. Their experts help find the perfect cordless window treatment to ensure optimal safety and aesthetic.

With their array of options, strong commitment to safety and quality, and expert consultations, Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions (SunburstShuttersLasVegas.com) will help you make the transition easily with the best products and special financing incentives. Free consultations are available to help you make the best decisions for your home.

As homeowners ruminate on the new mandate of cordless window coverings, it's clear that prioritizing safety doesn't have to come at the expense of style or functionality. The transition to cordless treatments presents an opportunity to explore innovative designs that not only eliminate potential hazards but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of living spaces. By embracing this change, families can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their homes are safer for children and pets, while also creating environments that reflect their personal tastes and preferences.

events

JULY 1ST

Flower Odyssey Zone

Arte Museum | 10:00 AM

Enter the Flower Odyssey Zone and explore a realm where the delicate progression of a blooming flower is captured in a mesmerizing timelapse. Discover the story unfolding behind each petal as their hues shift and witness the ambiance melting with every unique blossom that takes center stage. Tickets at tickets-lasvegas.artemuseum.com.

JULY 4TH

Fourth of July Celebration 2024

Heritage Park | 7:00 PM

It's America's Party in the beautiful setting of Heritage Park. Grab your friends and family and be ready to celebrate with live entertainment, great food, family games, and fireworks. Visit cityofhenderson.com for more information.

JULY 5TH

Work It Out Wombats! A Vegas PBS Workshop

Windmill Library | 10:30 AM

Join Vegas PBS for a two-series preschool workshop on computational thinking, a creative way of thinking that helps people solve problems in more organized ways using a toolbox of skills from computer science. Encouraged for families with children ages 3 to 5 years old, the event is free and open to the public. Registration is required by calling 702-507-6041.

JULY 6TH

Jesse McCartney

M Pavilion | 8:00 PM

Known best for his instantly recognizable anthems - from Beautiful Soul and Leavin' to Body Language - singer, songwriter, and actor Jesse McCartney will captivate audiences at the M Pavilion. Tickets at themresort.com

JULY 13TH

Mustang Challenge Championship Finals

South Point Arena | 6:00 PM

The Mustang Challenge Championship Finals showcases the skill and adaptability of the American mustang and the talented trainers that work with them in the Western discipline. Tickets on sale at mustangchallenge2024.com.

JULY 26TH-28TH

Las Vegas Monster Jam®

Thomas & Mack Center | 7:00 PM

Experience big-time family fun at Monster Jam®. An unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable motorsports experience for families and fans returns to Las Vegas for an adrenaline-charged weekend at the Thomas & Mack Center. For more information, visit MonsterJam.com and purchase tickets online at UNLVTickets.com.

ACCESSIBLE TRAILS WORTH EXPLORING

Inclusive Outdoor Experiences

ARTICLE BY ED PRICE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYNN PRICE

Corn Creek

Photo credit Christa Johnston Historic Railroad Trail

The fine gravel beneath Angel’s wheelchair tires makes crunching and crinkling sounds as she powers along the Historic Railroad Trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. She has now completed the five-mile roll twice with the team of Las Vegas nonprofits DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Center and Trail Access Project. As we come to the end of the group adaptive hike, Angel asks me, “Where can we hike next?”

When Southern Nevadans and tourists want to go for a hike on gorgeous trails outside of Las Vegas, where should they go? The favorite choices are typically the Historic Railroad Trail near Boulder City; Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area; and Mount Charleston in the Spring Mountains. But, if you, a family member, or a friend with a disability want to explore our local natural trails, where can you go?

Could you answer Angel’s question about where she could hike next in her wheelchair?

The National Park Service estimates that approximately one-fifth of Americans have a physical disability that affects their enjoyment of our nation’s parks. Even beyond disability, we each have our own strengths, weaknesses, and hiking abilities. If you have paraplegia

(can’t fully use your legs) or quadriplegia (can’t fully use your legs, arms, and hands), you most likely rely on a wheelchair and additional help to enable you to enjoy the outdoors. When people with disabilities visit a scenic area, they are likely accompanied by family, friends, family dogs, or service dogs. The disabilities often control the activities of the entire group.

HISTORIC RAILROAD TRAIL

The Historic Railroad Trail is a wide and leveled trail along an abandoned railroad bed with five short tunnels and great views of Lake Mead. The trail traverses and tunnels through volcanic rocks, the same as those underneath Hoover Dam. The firm surface of crushed granite provides stability for rolling wheelchairs, biking, and hiking for 2.4 miles each way. Dogs are always permitted to hike along, but there is no shade except in the tunnels, so this trail is not recommended during the hot summer.

TRAILS AT CORN CREEK

Corn Creek is a spring-fed oasis in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, 17 miles northwest of the suburban sprawl of Las Vegas. Of the four hiking trails at Corn

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Historic Railroad Trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

If someone with a disability wants to explore our local natural trails, where should they go? “

Creek, there are three interconnected loop trails (about 0.7 miles), which were built to be accessible to most adaptive hikers and were recently resurfaced with stabilized crushed natural stone for firm footing and to increase accessibility. Dogs are welcome.

CLARK COUNTY WETLANDS PARK

Wetlands Park has numerous paved and dirt trails circulating through trees and wetlands with an ultimate destination of a bridge over the Las Vegas Wash, a year-round river. The trails are flat, except for a 4 percent climb immediately adjacent to the bridge. Across the bridge a paved, but hilly, bike path continues for about six miles across the desert with views to the west of the entire Las Vegas Valley.

DESERT OVERLOOK TRAIL

The Desert Overlook Trail in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a wonderful escape from the summer heat in the valley. The mountain trail is located near the edge of the pinyon-juniper forest at an elevation near 8,200 feet. It descends along a concrete path with a few switchbacks to an interpretive overlook, toward the desert and mountains. While trekking the switchbacks, keep to the outside of the curves — the insides reach a 10 percent grade.

Most hiking trails in the past have been designed only for the non-disabled. This may be because the natural terrain makes people, or trail builders, assume it’s too difficult for hikers with disabilities. Or it may be because

trail users with disabilities simply were not considered at all. Regulations now require that new trails on federal lands be built with certain accessibility characteristics, such as moderate gradient on hills.

People with disabilities, and their families, are now displaying their pent-up demand to enjoy being in nature and are realizing its healing effects. But, like Angel asked, “Where can we go?”

While there are numerous, wonderfully paved paths in the Las Vegas Valley, finding “wheelchair-accessible trails” away from traffic and crowds in the surrounding scenic public lands is not easy. It’s also important to note that “paved” does not always mean that a trail is wheelchair-friendly, and “wheelchair-friendly” or “accessible” does not always mean paved.

Managers of federal lands sincerely want to create greater access, but budgets and resources are usually prioritized elsewhere. While we continue to wait for trail access improvements, a few gems of “accessible” trails are worth experiencing now, whether you have a disability or not. For more details about these trails and their accessibility features, visit trailaccessproject.org

A geologist and professor, Ed Price founded the Trail Access Project in 2015. The volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization helps those with physical disabilities have safer, more meaningful outdoor experiences in public lands and parks, including facilitating the removal of barriers to recreational trail use.