Livin in Vegas Magazine- January 2022

Page One Ad Page

Photo by cottonbro

Contents

4

Top Ski Resorts

10 Augusta Massey

32

Attitude of Gratitude

14 Best Coffee Shops

36

Cheri and Mike Tilman

18

40

Top Craft Brewpubs

22 Holiday Do’s and Don’ts 42

Vegas Sports 2022

26

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

Keeping off the Pounds

Best Parks

44

Top Golf

64

Dr. Phil Paleracio

48 9 Trends

68

Take Control in 2022

52 Gilda Graham

74

Nevada Film Office

56 Victoria Seaman

76

Russ Langer

60 Vegas Hacks

82

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

5

Interviews and Features

Livin in Vegas Magazine Publisher, Editor – Sherman Ray

Contributing Writers Courtney Langer Audrey Mae

Graphics Staff SRay Media Group

Photography Staff SRay Media Group

Social Media Staff SRay Media Group

Advertising info@sraymediagroup.com Internships info@LivinInVegas.com

Website

Www.LivinInVegas.com 6

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

On the Cover

From the Publisher.

I’ve spent most of my life in this town we call Las Vegas. From the time I was able to walk Vegas has had an impression on me. That’s why now as an adult I’m so very proud and blessed to be a part of this project.

Formerly I was an entertainer, singing across Europe and traveling all over America but no matte where I found myself, this little corner of the Desert Southwest would always call me home.

Page One Ad Page

It is unique, unrivaled and imagine, we’ve only just begun. In the next decade Las Vegas will become even bigger, better an with your help, the #1 City in the World.

For those of us who have lived here for decades we know there is more to our city than just gambling and the Strip. We are a community of families, churches, recreationalist and sun worshippers. We have some of the most dynamic shops and innovative influencers most would be surprised to know existed and that’s why Livin in Vegas magazine was created. To tell introduce them to the world and tell their stories.

In your hands you hold the Inaugural Digital Edition on Livin in Vegas magazine. It is our first works to be sure, by the end of the year it will have change dramatically but we hope you get the flavor of our message.

Photo by Arina Krasnikova

We represent the “Off the Strip” stories. Those people, places, trends and events which locals have come to appreciate and which we know you will agree. So onward and upward, it’s full steam ahead. Welcome to Livin in Vegas Magazine.

Sherman Ray Publisher, Livin in Vegas

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

7

The 5 Best Ski Resorts Near Las Brian Head Utah Vegas Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 201 mi (3 hour drive) When the weather turns cold in the desert the fun doesn’t stop. Las Vegas has long been home to gambling and nightlife but did you know the City that never sleeps is within miles of some of the best skiing in the Desert Southwest?

Don’t let your hunger for the powder be dashed because you live in one of the most inhospitable climates on the planet. There are plenty of resorts to satisfy your thirst for the white stuff. Here is our list of the 5 Best Ski Resorts near Las Vegas.

Lee Canyon Located just north of the city of Las Vegas.

Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 50 mi (1 hour drive)

Snow Summit Southern California

Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 214 mi (3.5 hour drive)

Brian Head Ski Resort is a ski destination for Southern Utah and the southern California, Arizona and Las Vegas areas. It is located 3.5 hours north of Las Vegas and four hours south of Salt Lake City. The resort is Utah’s southernmost. Brian Head Resort was established in 1964, and once operated as a one chairlift resort. Currently, the resort has 8 chairlifts, 71 runs, and over 650 skiable acres. It also features a bridge between its two skiable mountains.

Bear Mountain Southern California

Distance from Downtown Las Vegas - 215 mi (3.5 hour drive)

The Lee Canyon Ski and Snowboard Resort, officially Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort, is located in Lee Canyon, 35 mile northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The base lodge is situated at the base of Lee Peak, to the North of Mt. Charleston is the eighth highest peak in Nevada.

The resort can be reached by heading out I-95 North to Nevada State Route 156.

10

away from Snow Summit and thereby attune it once more to the culture of the dedicated skier. Bear Mountain acquired the nickname "The Park" because most of it comprises irregular terrain.

Snow Summit is a ski resort that was established in 1952 and is in the San Bernardino Mountains in So. California. It is located by Big Bear Lake along with its sister resort Bear Mountain; these two resorts which operate under the same management are collectively known as Big Bear Mountain Resorts (BBMR).

Snow Summit is one of the larger ski areas in Southern California, and is considered to be one of the most popular ski and snowboard destinations for patrons from around the Los Angeles area. Snow Summit is a mid -sized resort, with a 1,209 ft (369 m) topographic vertical drop, and 240 acres (97 ha) of skiable terrain, all of it covered by snowmaking.

In 2014, Mammoth Mountain purchased Bear Mountain and Snow Summit for $38 million. In 2017, Mammoth Resorts announced its sale by Starwood to a partnership of Aspen Skiing Company and KSL Capital Partners, known as Alterra Mountain Company.

Bear Mountain, formerly Goldmine Mountain, is a ski area in Southern California. When its neighbor, Snow Summit, bought Bear Mountain in 2002, the new entity, Big Bear Mountain Resorts, comprised the two, with California Distance from Downtown Las a single lift ticket usable at both.

Vegas - 225 mi (3.5 hour drive) Snow Summit's Richard “Dick” Kun led the move to focus Bear Mountain upon snowboarders, to draw them

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

Mountain High

Mountain High resort is a winter resort in the San Gabriel Mountains in LA County in California. Mountain High is one of the most-visited resorts in Southern California. The resort is located along State Route 2 west of Wrightwood, California. The elevation of the resort is 6,600 feet (2,000 m) to 8,200 feet (2,500 m) for the Mountain High East Resort, 7,000 feet (2,100 m) to 8,000 feet (2,400 m) for the West Resort and 7,200 feet (2,200 m) to 7,800 ft (2,400 m) for the North Resort.

Photo by Visit Almaty LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

11

30 The Las Vegas Valley has seen a market rise in the number of cyclists’ in the last decade. To get a better idea of how many bicycle riders there are we should look at how many bicycle trails there are. There are over 30 bicycle trails in the city which put us in the top 40 in the nation for recreational cyclists.

With so many two wheeled recreational riders in the valley it’s more important than ever that four-wheeled motorists learn to share the road with cyclists.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

13

Attitude of Gratitude Feeling gratitude while living in Las Vegas can be trying at times. It’s hard to feel thankful when you’re stuck in traffic. It’s 100 plus degrees outside daily for four months straight. You dream about warm and cozy sweaters in October, but the temperatures are still in the 80s. Everybody seems to be at the store when you are too. There is never a dull moment in this town. But is that really a surprise for a city well known to be a 24/7 town?

Before you get too down, let’s take a look at some things all Las Vegans should be grateful for especially this Fall 2022.

baseball splash pad. It’s the perfect offered in North Las Vegas, Summerplace to cool off. While you can’t see lin and Henderson. the field, you can still keep track of the game with the view of the scoreboard.

Bonus! Both businesses offer a free trial class.

Classes

Your child can join just about any class in town as a young infant.

Choose from classes like Gym, gymIf your little slugger loves spending sunny days playing baseball, perhaps a nastics, swimming, music, karate and trip to The Las Vegas Ballpark should much more! Some of my favorites are be in store next season! Owned by the My Gym, with both Summerlin and Howard Hughes Corporation, the Las Henderson locations, and City Lights Vegas Aviators are a Triple-A affiliate Music Together. of the Oakland Athletics. Voted Ballpark of the Year in 2019, its inaugural At My Gym, your child will get a feel season, by Ballpark Digest, there’s something for everyone. Specifically, for a traditional circle time at preschool. Join in with clapping to “Hi! for your young child nothing is more Hi! How do you do? Welcome to My magical than sitting in the stands and Gym!” Next comes stretches to wake cheering on the home team. up their little bodies. The class is then followed by free play, games often with a seasonal theme and a chance to When you see the team mascots work out. Little ones are invited to test Spruce Goose and the Aviator give them a hug and or high five and take a their abilities on equipment such as a picture! Enjoy a Hot Shots kids meal, rope ladder, trapeze and monkey bars. which consists of a hot dog, chips, ap- There are classes for infants through school age and a siblings class. ple slices and a drink! There are also sweet treats galore, from the classic Dippin’ Dots to sundaes and ice cream At City Lights Music Together, your cones. child will dance, sing and clang the time away through fun interactions with one of their wonderful teachers When it’s time to run off the “sugar and of course their caretaker! There are high”, take the kiddos to right center field and let them run around the small family classes and school age classes Sports

14

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

Travel Prior to the pandemic, there were 42 million tourists annually who chose Las Vegas as their vacation destination. The beauty of that is it means residents have easy access to flights to just about anywhere. Or if you choose to drive, Arizona, Utah and California all offer convenient destinations to many beaches, mountains, forests or other parts of the Mojave Desert.

Many people drive to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and the brilliant National Parks of Southern Utah, including Bryce Canyon and Zion to name a few.

Restaurants What are you in the mood for? How does a restaurant that is child friendly sound?

For breakfast or lunch, checkout one of the Hash House A Go Go locations in the valley. The portions are huge and prices are reasonable, the food is deli-

cious and there are TVs that children can easily see, which usually play sporting events. Grab yourself a coffee drink! Their unique menu features a cinnamon based beverage called cinnamon roll a go go. The frosted mint latte is topped with mint whip cream and if you’re feeling adventurous the banana latte is a unique choice. The nitro cold brew is served with a foamy top. It almost has a carbonated texture. It’s refreshing on a hot day. All coffee drinks can be served hot or cold.

Also Egg Works in Summerlin has a toy train, which passes along tracks just under the ceiling. It passes by tables frequently and is sure to keep your littles entertained until the food is served. For dinner try Lindo Michoacan for fine Mexican food.

They’re table side guacamole is made to order and never disappoints. Check out Dom Demarco’s for pizza.

Play

toy or big kid play structures before shopping or dining at DTS in a gated play area. There is also a basketball court with four hoops, tennis courts and another small gated area with swings. When you’re done, DTS is a five minute drive away.

There are many indoor playgrounds in town too. We have only ventured off to Wally Wombats in North Las Vegas and Kinderland in Summerlin.

Both offer a clean and safe place to play. I was impressed with their level of cleanliness during the early pandemic days. You can buy food or snacks and enjoy the day in air conditioned or heated comfort.

Nature Growing up in the Pacific Northwest myself, I miss the greenery and sometimes rain. When I’m feeling homesick, I am thankful for my two favorite escapes from the desert, Mt. Charleston and Red Rock Canyon.

Images of yellow caution tape wrapped around every inch of playground structures still haunt my mind.

Since their reopening in October 2020, how much have you taken out the kids to the playground? Las Vegas has many playgrounds for every age group.

Nestled in the Spring Mountains is a peak known as Mt. Charleston. It is a local place for skiing, camping or an easy day trip. The famous Mt. Charleston Lodge is always a popular spot for lodgers and day trippers alike. Unfortunately, a portion of it caught fire and burned down earlier this fall, but you can still lodge in the cabins. Each cabin includes a fireOlder children will enjoy the Gardens place.

Park playground structure. There are several slides to choose from, a small swing set and for the little ones, there While Red Rock Canyon is mostly is a tot playground in the same area. desert, the beautiful mountains in the The toy playground has a train struc- glory of their sienna hues can soothe ture that kids can climb on and sit a broken heart, and inspire and motidown in. You can keep an easy eye vate. Take a weekend to hike, jog or on all of your children at the playdrive your car through the loop. It ground. There is also a large basket- doesn’t get much better than that. ball court and grassy area.

Smaller tots might enjoy Sagemont Public Libraries Park near Downtown Summerlin. Let the kiddos run off some steam on the There are 24 branches in the Las Ve-

gas Clark County Library District.

Whichever location you frequent, each library is sure to have a great storytime for kids! Yes do show up early because there is a capacity limit and you must have a ticket to enter.

The library and will hand you a ticket at the counter in the children’s section. If you want to try different locations story times they all are run by different librarians and do vary in style. So if you don’t care for one story time check out another location and try their storytime. At the Summerlin location the storytime room has been smaller due to the pandemic.

Marisa is the Librarian and she brings a ukulele that she is learning to play herself and uses it during song time.

One popular part of story time at Summerlin is the egg shakers. Children’s shake eggs to a song and then hand them back to Marisa when it is over. At the Sahara library kids sing more songs and participate in more finger play activities. It is a larger room so do you have a better chance of getting in but still do arrive early!

This library is a popular location. Story time ends with the Librarian walking around the room past seated children with a bubble machine. They can choose to leave with a stamp on their hand. The library is not just for tots.

There are classes for preteens and teenagers as well. There may also be something for you! Check their event page here: https://lvccld.org/location/ clark-county-library-events/

By Courtney Langer (Need Bio + Blog or email address (if you want))approx. 200 characters.) (ex. Courtney Langer is a featured writer, mother and Social Influencer in Las Vegas. Her nationally syndicated columns can be found in the Associated Press. CourtneyLanger@myworld.com)

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

15

75 Happy Birthday Flamingo. It was December 26, 1946 Bugsy Siegel and his partner Meyer Lansky opened one of the oldest properties on the Las Vegas Strip, the Flamingo.

With its lavish accommodations, rooms and gambling space the Flamingo wowed visitors and many say launched what we know now as the resort industry.

Cheri and Mike Tillman Procyclery

we decided that this shop in Las kept up, and the medians and Vegas seemed the best fit for shoulders are landscaped and us. clean. We have lived in two other states and one other country We both grew up in the Midwest so trust me when I say that this and would never, ever, have city is clean and well cared thought that we would end up in for. We appreciate that the city LVN We all have a story to tell. Las Vegas because, of course, and county have worked to proall we knew about the city was vide paved cycling paths and Would you tell us who you are the few blocks called The look forward to the day when all and what brought you here to Strip. On our first visit to look at the paths are joined together inLas Vegas?

Pro Cyclery we were amazed at to a circle around the valley.

On the personal side, we love PC We are Mike and Cheri Till- the beauty of the surrounding area and kind of had a “who that Las Vegas is within driving man and we moved to Las Veknew???” reaction.

We have distance of so many beautiful gas because we purchased Pro loved getting to know the city areas. Traveling by car or air is Cyclery. We call this the Baby and exploring the surrounding easy from here. We also like Boomer version of retirement areas. that we are within driving disbecause we had spent many tance to several of our kids. years working and raising our LVN What about Las Vegas seven kids and were ready to LVN Give us a little insight into keeps you here? Why? get into a business and sport how you got started. that we love.

PC Pro Cyclery keeps us here PC As I said above, Mike and I and keeps us busy. We have When we began looking for a loved getting to know, and beboth spent most of our work bike shop to buy, one of our come part of the Las Vegas cylives in jobs completely different main parameters was that it had from the retail cycling busito be below the frost line and we cling community. We love that the city is clean, the roads are ness. I worked for many years looked in several areas before in marketing/communications for a Nebraska-based investment firm and Mike worked in the restaurant industry. So, we both had business backgrounds, but not as owners.

Mike was an avid cyclist. He rode as much as his job and our large family allowed. We took mini weekend vacations going as a family to watch him do distance rides and spent one week as his support crew for the Bike Ride Across Nebraska. When it got to the point that his restaurant job was literally killing him, we decided that we wanted to do something totally different and something we loved so decided to look into the bicycle business.

LVN Who was your inspiration that led you to this moment?

run out to give them a receipt. Like every bike shop in the world, we quickly sold out of almost every bike we had in stock. Then the big challenge came in the form of not being able to get bikes from our suppliers. Almost all bikes come to the U.S. from Asia and Asia was hit hard by Covid. Factories were shut down over and over, then shipping became a huge issue (and still is). So, we were blessed with great sales for about three months and then LVN What has been your bigcursed with having not much to gest obstacle to overcome and sell for a few months. It rewhy? quired Mike staying on top of our suppliers and grabbing evePC As in any business, finding ry bike, every part, every shoe, qualified employees has not and every helmet that became been easy. We are in a very available. Supply is very slowly specialized industry and the pay catching up, but expenses are in this industry is notorious for skyrocketing at the same time. being low – not because shop LVN What has been your bigowners are being greedy and rolling in money, but because gest fear that you have to overmargins are tight and expenses come? are high. We feel that we have a great staff and we do our best PC That’s easy – being able to to take care of them. Our emmake enough money to pay our ployees all share a passion for employees and keep the lights cycling and getting more people on. into the sport.

How did this fear make you I have to say that as far as obstronger? stacles go, Covid was huge and PC We are, and always have I’m very proud to say that our shop and our staff handled it been, believers in the power of with flying colors. We were God and the knowledge that no deemed an essential business matter what happens, He is in because we have customers charge. He has seen us whose bicycle is their sole mode through 50 years of marriage of transportation. For the first and raising seven kids so we six weeks we handled all of our know He will see us through this business on the patio outside part of our lives too. our front door in Village Square. We set up our canopy LVN How has being in Vegas tent and spent every day runhelped your business as opning back and forth to bring posed to being in another City? bikes outside for customers to PC The weather in Las Vegas see, run in to ring up the sale, PC Being Baby Boomers of the 60s, we pretty much were okay with doing things that weren’t “normal” or expected. We married very young, we adopted seven children of different ethnicities and didn’t worry a whole lot about what other people thought of our decisions. Our decision to buy a business was not a long drawn-out process. Once we decided, we moved forward.

is pretty near perfect for cycling. Yes, it gets hot and it gets cool, but there is no snow on the ground and usually no rain stopping people from getting on their bikes. We are also lucky that Las Vegas is such a huge tourist destination, so we get many customers from all over the world. A friend of ours who is a bicycle mechanic in Dubai sent us a photo of a bike he was working on in his shop – the bike had a Pro Cyclery, Las Vegas sticker on it!

LVN Where do you see your business in 5-10 years?

PC If I knew that, I’d be smarter than most anybody else in this business. We are challenged by increasing internet sales, by rising costs and decreasing margins, by the need to pay our employees better wages as their costs are also rising and by the fact that we are at an age where we should be more involved in planning our retirement than planning 10 years into the future of the bike business.

LVN If you could add anything to Vegas, what would it be and why?

PC I would add many, many more safe bike lanes. For the state as a whole, and actually the country, I would add politicians and policy makers who have actually had to run a business, hire and pay people, deal with the many layers of taxation on small businesses and know that their livelihood depends on treating their customers with respect and gratitude.

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

19

20 Art and creativity are at the heart of Vegas.

From dazzling displays to architectural structures Las Vegas has a vibrant, growing artist community.

There are well over 20 Art Galleries in the valley not including public displays in Strip casino properties like the Wynn and Bellagio. Some featuring one of a kind and priceless works from local and historic creatives.

20

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

Top 22 Craft BrewPubs To Visit in 2022 I hope that you will join me in celebrating our fabulous craft beer community in 2022. There is always so much happening, from new flavors to tempt your palate, to new craft breweries opening in our neighborhoods.

And 2022 is shaping up to be an epic year in our Las Vegas craft beer world!

brews after the things and people in their colorful neighborhood, which includes an assembly factory of AR15's. Another offering is named after a guy lovingly referred to as Metal Man Earl, who has a phenomenal IPA on tap. It doesn't get more local than that!

A new name "Neon Desert Brewing'', a new look and more of what Jimmy has to offer.

Deadwood Meadery https://www.facebook.com/ deadwoodmeadery/

I am so excited to hear that Deadwood Meadery will be Pat and Sam, the brewers start- opening soon in Henderson. ed this fantastic brewery off with Cheers to our first Meadery in Vegas! I for one, can't wait for some perfectly crafted beers. I the mead to start flowing! can't wait to taste what they brew next!

Nightmare Toys https://www.nightmaretoys.com/ Beer District https://www.facebook.com/ And I can't wait for this one!

Las Vegas is home to some of thebeerdistrictbrewery/ Nightmare Toys on Commerce our nation's most creative brewBeer District opened amidst the in the Arts District has begun ers. Surprisingly, it has only chaos of 2020, that will be forev- construction on The Nightmare been a few short years since Café. The café will be a horror er etched into our... “any who”. these imaginative visionaries themed restaurant and bar. have begun planting roots here Beer District boasts one of the Need I say more?! Opening most talented brewers that I in Vegas. This means a fresh, TBA. have ever met. competitive community that always has something new and While there are many new and Jimmy Doyle left his career as unique to offer. exciting things happening in an attorney to pursue his passion for brewing beer. He brings Let's start with the brand-new, shiny brew offerings in our Neon his background as an incredibly our community this coming year, City. We are all looking forward creative and experienced home which I plan to enjoy to the fullbrewer, to a much to the newest addition to our own fabulous brewery row. Voo- larger scale at doo Brewing Co. is set to open Beer District. This means flavor coma location in the Arts District. binations that The date has yet to be anmany other brewnounced, so we'll be keeping our glasses ready for it! https:// ers won't even try, but he knows what www.voodoobrewery.com/ he's doing! locations/vegas North 5th Brewing Company https:// www.north5thbrewingco.com/ This fantastic brewery opened at the end of December 2021 and is sure to be a staple of their local scene. The owners, Matt & Amanda, are third generation business owners in North Las Vegas. They name most of their

He even invites other homebrewers to inspire new beers. That's not something you see anywhere else. In 2022, Beer District will be seeing some exciting changes.

est! I also look forward to the good times to be had at every opportunity in many well established places. Every night of the week, at any one of the following places, you are in for a treat.

You'll find live entertainment, bingo, trivia nights, drinking games and happy hours, just to name a few. And No one should ever miss a brewery anniversary party!

This is when they pull out all the stops. Live music, multiple new releases, themes, giveaways, collectible one of a kind swag, fun activities, games and so much more.

Lucky for us, many of our craft breweries and incredible taprooms are within walking distance of one another. You don't have to brave crowds of tourists on the strip, to enjoy a night of hopping from one remarkable spot to the next. Just visit the Arts District, now cheekily known as Las Vegas' own Brewery Row.

duck that is a very important part I recommend taking your time to of our local history. visit them all.

Horse Trailer Hideout Each spot has its own unique https:// brews and atmosphere, and www.horsetrailerhideout.com/ there's something for everyone. Owners, Dane and Marissa, And as a Vegas local, we tend were hiking on Maui during their to gravitate to the Arts District honeymoon, they both noticed and the Downtown area. that the landscape seemed to be littered with old disused horse Here's a highlight tour of several trailers. And an idea struck of my favorite spots in the Arts them!

District, starting at Able Baker They wanted more out of life Brewing and sipping all the way than their bartending careers. to Banger Brewing on Fremont They wanted to make a real sceSt. A little tour I love to take ne and they nailed it! again and again.

The couple bought their first Able Baker Brewing horse trailer in 2018, converted http://ablebakerbrewing.com/ it into a bar and started catering Starting at the southernmost at local farmers markets. But brewery on Main Street in The that was just the beginning.

Arts District is Able Baker Brewing. They have so many great In 2020, Dane and Marissa sebeers on tap! You'll want to start cured the perfect storefront on with a flight for sure.

Main Street a couple doors up from Able Baker. They sold eveAble Baker serves their flights of rything they had, to sink into this four beers, on a big wooden new venture. Pulled their horse duck foot and every flight comes trailer into the building and surwith a collectable rubber ducky. rounded it with everything needThey have parted to make a fabulous tavern, nered with the complete with a shuffleboard ta595 Craft Kitchen, ble, couches, saddles, a backto serve up some yard and more. excellent pub fare You won't find any sugary mixas well. You must ers with fake ingredients in the try their banh mi! Horse Trailer Hideout, only the freshest local ingredients, The brewhouse is sourced through their connecright there on the tions at the Farmers Markets, dining floor, which are used in Dane's delectable is especially cool recipes. when the brewers are hard at work. They carry local beers and fine And if you pay spirits, some of which are rare attention to the and hard to find. In addition to decor, you'll leave their spot on knowing all about Main Street, they are now workAbles and Bakers ing on their seventh horse trailand the lucky er! The six others are used for LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

23

24

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

Photo by Artem Podrez LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

25

In 2022 Vegas Will Be the Greatest Sports Town And the winner of the greatest sports town in the USA goes to Las Vegas. That very well could be the new logo for the Gaming and Entertainment Capital of the World if things heat up in 2022.

Las Vegas has long been the go to place for gaming, entertainment, and event conventions. We have plenty of hotel space among our Strip hotel outlets. Who would ever try and compete with the likes of Caesars Palace or the Mandalay Bay? In addition, we have all the convention space to rival several cities of comparable size. Over the past few decades we’ve added to our already massive amount of convention space 100’s of thousands of square feet of display space. But all of that pales in comparison to what lies ahead for Sin City. We are on the verge of a sporting juggernaut not seen since the opening up of the town after prohibition.

We have to start back in the beginning for you to understand why now in 2022 Las Vegas will become the greatest sporting town in the country.

For years Las Vegas has seen a steady growth in gaming and of all things weddings. From our very beginning our rebellious nature and wild west theme has made us the “Bad Boys’ of the West. Yet we’ve always lacked the one thing most cosmopolitan cities had long ago established as their bread and butter industries and the thing that bound them together as a city.

Sports.

Oh yes, we’ve always had UNLV. 26

The university of Nevada at Las Vegas established in the late 60’s during the 90’s under the tutelage of Coach Jerry Tarkanian, had won the Men’s NCAA basketball championship for only the first time in the school's history. The town went crazy during that year.

The little school located in the middle of the desert had defeated all of the Big 10 schools to establish UNLV as a team to be reckoned with. We sent from that graduating class 5 men who went on to become NBA all-stars and to this day are commentators on ESPN. We had a taste of greatness but a taste was enough to keep us wanting more.

Coincidentally, at the same time the Aviators were looking at building a state of the art facility in Summerlin, speculations began to stir that the NHL was looking at Las Vegas for a proposed franchise expansion.

Hockey in Vegas? In the desert?

Who are you kidding? That made about as much sense as putting a beard on a Cadillac. Why would Las Vegas ever embrace a hockey team when most of the locals in town had never seen snow let alone purposely sit in a room that may as well be a large refrigerator?

But the Vegas Golden Knights not only would open in Vegas but draw a rabid fanbase. The VGK fans not Over the next 3 decades Las Veonly bought season tickets, they gas would see a lineup of professional and semi professional teams embraced this homegrown team try and recreate that same excite- like no other in sports history and it showed. ment we once had with the UNLV Runnin Rebels. Each time a team The first year of the franchise, they would launch, there would be the went to the Stanley Cup playoffs clear sound of a thud as they left limping out the door, a casualty of and nearly won it all. In their sectiming and, face it, they just could- ond year they repeated as a Championship caliber team. This is what n't compete with the casinos and Las Vegas needed, a winner, and the fans need for a winner. not only a winning team but a comThe list of failures reads like a book munity minded partner. of Who’s Who. There were the It was about the same time the Wranglers, the Rattlers, and any VGK were making a name for number of women’s teams. All of themselves the Oakland Raiders them hopefuls, all of them were dismal failures. The only bright spot were looking for a new home for over the past 30 years was our Tri- their beleaguered franchise. The Vegas market already showed ple A baseball team the Stars in 1983, whose name changed to the there was a hunger for a professional team but those fans had dol51’s and then in 2018 to the Las lars to spend. In 2020, it became Aviators. official, Las Vegas would have its The Las Vegas Ball Park, a truly long awaited NFL team, the Las topnotch multipurpose baseball Vegas Raiders. park built on land donated by the It would take nearly 3 years for AlHoward Hughes Corporation, legiant Stadium, dubbed the Death would be the new home for the Star on account of its massive AAA farm team for the Oakland black glass panels which shrouded A’s. The Ball Park was more than just a baseball diamond, it was the the state of the art facility which first time in Vegas a dedicated facil- came at a cost of $1.8B to open.. ity was built for a sports team and it Even with the opening being hindered by COVID-19 nothing would showed.

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

dampen the spirits of Raider Nation happened with the LV Aces. who followed the team from the Bay Area to its new digs in the De- 2021 during the Summer Olympics nearly the entire starting lineup for sert Southwest. the women’s basketball team came Running parallel to the launch of from our LV Aces. Liz Cambage, the Raiders, Aviators and VGK, the A’Ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and the Las Vegas FC Lights and the LV rest all were a part of the Olympic Aces were making their mark on Medal team. Like the famed the Vegas landscape. The Lights, “Miracle on Ice” the women’s basour professional soccer team, ketball team could do no wrong. staked out a claim on the East side They would return to Vegas with of town, setting up shop in the now much fanfare, each becoming a vacant Cashman field recently va- celebrity for their talent and comcated by the Las Vegas 51’s for munity involvement. their new home in Summerlin.

All of this excitement happened The LV Aces would find a new during a pandemic of global proporhome on the Strip at the Mandalay tions. Most of the games were Bay event center for a time. It played in less than capacity crowds wouldn’t be for nearly 2 seasons and yet the level of excitement and that the Aces, who fielded an Allcommunity cohesiveness was as if Star caliber cast of players, would it were a Pentecostal church revivbe purchased by local Raiders al. Not one casino slot machine owner Mark Davis. was involved, as a matter of fact, the majority of the time the casinos It was that purchase of the LV Aces in Las Vegas were shuttered. that began a stratospheric rise in the WNBA championship team's It was all because of a shared hustock. Has you ever seen a rocket man need for community and wintake off from the pad and then at ning. We can say with a high desome point a mighty booster stage gree of confidence Vegas will never kicks into gear? Well that is what be the same and it is all because of

the addition of peo- Whether you're getting ready to ple play- hike, bike, trail run, or explore ing other outdoor activities, there

176

are 178 scenic trails in the Las Vegas area.

sports for a living.

catering events large and small.

Silver Stamp also serves classic But that's not all! Horse Trailer salt & vinegar chips and house Hideout is planning to host a made pickled eggs. You're going block party in April 2022. They'll to want to frequent Silver Stamp close off a section of Utah Ave., in 2022 and beyond! they'll invite the band "The EsHUDL Brewing capers", there will be vendors http://www.hudlbrewing.com/ and food trucks. This will be a When I walk into HUDL Brewparty you won't want to miss! ing, it's like walking into a good Silver Stamp friend's house and having a https://silverstamplv.com/ beer (or four).

Walk up to this building, located at 222 Imperial, and it looks like Ken and Skip, the owner and brewer at HUDL have been best a dive bar, except there's no friends for over 25 years. Their signage. Are we at Silver love for home brewing together Stamp, the beer bar? for all those years grew and they I feel like we need a password naturally wanted to share it with to get into this place. But no everyone. password needed. Walk right in They opened HUDL Brewing to and you are greeted by, “I kid extend the feeling they would you not”, the 1970's! get, having home brews around It's the classic beer signs, the their own dinner table, to their wood paneled walls, the wall of local community. Their beer ofbeer cans, the music, everything ferings are nothing short of indown to the flooring. You have credible and worth a trip to Main essentially stepped back in time. Street any day of the week!

I feel like Martin Scorsese This year, they are building a should be walking in the door stage on their front patio to offer any minute. local musicians a venue to Andrew & Rose opened Silver showcase their talents on Main Stamp, with a very clear vision Street. of bringing the 1970's to life.

And this vision was perfectly ex- HUDL just celebrated their oneyear anniversary, with a celebraecuted! tion that included an appreciaI could sit here all night, in the tion dinner for their most loyal most comfortable bar chairs in customers. I was lucky enough this city, specifically chosen by to make the list in 2021 and plan Rose with your comfort in mind. to be on that list in 2022. I suggest getting into HUDL Brewing Then there's the tap list! You as much as possible in 2022 won't find most of these beers and secure your invitation to this anywhere else. They have a annual event! nice local selection of brews on tap, but many are imported from Servehzah Bottle Shop & Tap Germany, France, and Ireland, Room to name a few. https://servehzah.com/ 28

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

In their comfortable and lively atmosphere, Servehzah has curated an extensive selection of craft beers in many styles on tap. They also have a wonderful collection of tequila and whisky for your sipping pleasure.

Servehzah invites a revolving list of food trucks to set up outside their front door. Every day is a new adventure in beer and food pairing. Once you've visited, on hot summer days, you'll be dreaming about shopping their walk-in beer fridge, which you'll never want to leave empty handed.

Servehzah is proudly the only Latino owned and operated tap house and bottle shop in our great city.

CraftHaus Tap Room https:// www.crafthausbrewery.com/ home Husband and wife team, Wyndee and Dave Forrest were inspired by the craft beer scene, while traveling Europe after graduating from college.

Between Dave's passion for home brewing and Wyndee's skill in business, they have seen great success in realizing their dream of bringing the community together, one pint at a time.

CraftHaus brewery is located in Henderson, with taprooms in both their Henderson and Arts District locations. They have regular, internationally inspired beer releases that you will want to have and keep for special occasions.

And you'll want to make CraftHaus Arts District taproom Photo by cottonbro

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

29

a regular stop, for their phenom- flight of six, four-ounce beer enal tap list and their “crave glasses, with the Beer District worthy” food menu. logo, that fit into a wooden paint palette.

Hop Nuts Brewing https:// I'm equally excited to attend the www.hopnutsbrewing.com/ grand opening of Neon Desert Hop Nuts opened in 2015, mak- Brewing (date TBA)! And Beer ing it the longest standing brew- District remains open through ery in the Arts District. And has the transition. stood strong through all of the In addition to big things happenupheaval that transitioned The District into the place that locals ing at Beer District, the longawaited English Hotel, by celebflock today. rity chef Todd English, is openHop Nuts Brewing on Main ing directly across the street on Street is a comfortable kind of February 22, 2022. place, where people regularly go to relax with a great beer af- The hotel will feature Mr. English's Pepper Club restaurant. ter a hard day’s work. It's not flashy or pretentious, it's just co- With the most amazing brewery across the street, the English zy and welcoming.

Hotel will be the perfect stayOne thing I find interesting cation destination! about Hop Nuts is their versatility. They opened a beautiful tap- A walk from Beer District to Fremont Street is pleasant on a room at Tivoli Village, in Summerlin. This area can easily be cool evening. But if you're driving to Fremont Street, I suggest described as bougie, and Hop parking in The Four Queens Nuts fits right in. garage.

Their Main Street location is very homey. It's the same excel- Bring your ticket with you to the lent beer, in two completely dif- bar on the casino floor, order a bottle of water and ask the barferent atmospheres. You must tender to validate your parking. experience them both to really You just parked on Fremont for experience Hop Nuts! $1.50 + tip. And a little hydration Beer District Brewing is always a good idea. It's just a https://www.facebook.com/ short walk down Fremont St. thebeerdistrictbrewery/ Experience to your first stop, Or shall I say, "Neon Desert Banger Brewing.

Brewing", coming in early 2022.

Banger Brewing As Beer District transitions to http://bangerbrewing.com/ their new look, fun things are Cozy up to the bar, for an evenafoot. ing of all the excellent brews First in January, they will have a that Banger Brewing has on tap.

Customer Appreciation event to Next to you, there is a window download all their iconic ware. I into their brewhouse, where all for one, can't wait to take home the real magic on Fremont one of their "taster palettes", a Street is happening.

Photo by ELEVATE

And if people watching appeals to you (who doesn't love a good people show), you're in the prime location! As the madness of Fremont swirls around outside, you can sit back and enjoy the show from the comfort of this one-of-a-kind spot.

I've seen things over the years that still give me a chuckle, that I can't unsee, and I wouldn't want to.

Eureka! Discover American Craft https:// eurekarestaurantgroup.com/ locations/las-vegas/ This spot is a happy ending to a night out on the town.

They have 40 craft beer taps to choose from, most of them local brews, all broken up on the menu by flavor profile.

Eureka also serves up a nice selection of wines and small batch whiskeys, in addition to their unique cocktail menu. Maybe you're in the mood for a delicious appetizer to snack on, they have you covered. But you can't beat a fantastic burger and beer at Eureka to finish off your night.

Their brunch offerings are also worth the trip to Fremont, so start off your day here! Come in for their "Steal the Glass" Night when they regularly highlight different local breweries. You'll find many reasons to visit Eureka in 2022.

Aside from The Arts District and Downtown, Vegas boasts so many fantastic places for great beers with great food, from pub

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

31

Augusta Massey Attorney, President of NV Bar Association

We all have a story to tell. Would you tell us who you are and what brought you here to Las Vegas?

Ms. Massey is a Judge Pro Tempore, Small Claims Court, located in Clark County, Nevada, and sits on the Nevada Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

She is also the Managing Partner of Massey & Associates Law Firm, PLLC, where she assists clthe community expand and grow. And it is paying off. From acquiring the Raiders, to new improvements in Summerlin, and everything in between, Vegas ients with legal matters. Ms. Massey loves to dance, travel and spend time with her family.

Massey I visited Las Vegas as an undergrad and fell in love with it. I vowed to return. That dream finally came true in 2008 and I haven’t left since. I love it here. There’s so much to do and there’s something for everyone. From cuisine, to architecture, to activities, there’s something to delight your senses.

LVN What about Las Vegas keeps you here? Why? Massey The people keep me here.

Las Vegas has a big city feel, yet it is still small enough to make an impact. I believe the ecosystem in Vegas is powered by individuals who are committed to seeing is a place that is full of life and people committed to community.

32

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

LVN Give us a little insight into how you got started.

Massey Not sure what you mean regarding how I got started??? But if you mean, how I got started in practicing law, then….

Massey As I mentioned earlier, I visited Las Vegas while I was an undergraduate student at the University of Memphis and fell in love with this city. So while in law school, I pursued any opportunity that would allow me to live and work in Las Vegas upon graduation. This led me to an interview in Atlanta, GA where I met with a Las Vegas law firm. I clerked for this law firm during law school and they extended an offer to me to work in their law firm once I graduated from law school. I packed my bags and moved out to Vegas on the last day of my law school exams. Needless to say, the rest is history.

LVN Who was your inspiration that led you to this moment?

Massey My mother is my biggest inspiration. She is a living example of hard work, tenacity, patience and faith in God. I get my positivity from her. Life has dealt her many lemons, but she makes lemonade with a smile and continues to serve others.

LVN What has been your biggest obstacle to overcome and why?

Massey My biggest obstacle

was overcoming the death of my profit work for business owners, father and my brother. These hit especially women, in the next 5too close to home and I would 10 years. never wish this on anybody.

LVN What has been your biggest fear that you have to overcome?

LVN If you could add anything to Vegas, what would it be and why?

Massey I would run for office Massey Whether I would ever because I believe I am called to make it and how I would turn out serve the great people of Las with no fatherly guidance.

Vegas, and the State of Nevada, in a broader capacity.

LVN How did this fear make you stronger?

Massey I know I am more resilient than I initially thought. It has helped me to prioritize my mental health and also have empathy for people who may be depressed, struggling, grieving, or lost a close family member. I also know there’s always light at the end of the tunnel, if only you just keep believing and taking it one day at a time. Lastly, it’s increased my faith in God and belief in myself.

LVN How has being in Vegas helped your business as opposed to being in another City?

Massey People here have been very welcoming and have provided me with resources whenever needed. For that, I am truly grateful.

LVN Where do you see your business in 5-10 years?

Massey I hope to move into doing more consulting and non-

5600+ Las Vegas is known the world over for its high end restaurants.

A simple Yelp search brings up over 5600 restaurants with now arrivals each month.

One could spend a lifetime sampling the variety of establishments and still never repeat one.

That’s an amazing thing to think about.

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

33

fare to healthy snacks, to a fulfilling dinner or a unique brunch, you don't even have to leave your neighborhood. Just to name a few...

Big Dogs Draft House https://www.bigdogsbrews.com/ Open 24 hours a day, Big Dogs is one of my favorite “go to” spots, for great beer and a Golden Knights game. They have a full menu, and I challenge anyone to find better “poutine fries” in this town!

host an "NCAA style event" called The IPA Smackdown. The smackdown will pit 16+ local breweries against each other to compete for “The Title” and “The Belt.”

Scenic Brewing Company http:// scenicbrewingcompany.com/ This neighborhood brewery, sports bar and restaurant is appealing in so many ways. Their staff is so friendly and relatable.

Their beers are incredible, and their internationally inspired There are three different seating menu has something for everyareas. Their full bar has open one. seating and some gaming, for those of you who feel like getting The bar features a couple of lucky. Bring the whole family for gaming machines but is mostly a seating in "the barn" or outside place to visit neighbors and on the patio. catch a game on one of their 33 televisions. The restaurant side Of course, the pups are always is family friendly; you can catch welcome on the patio. And Big the game there too.

Dogs hosts events and live music most weekends. In 2022, you And they serve house-made poknow where to find me. tato chips when they seat you.

Aces & Ales Brunch at SBC, on the weekhttps://www.acesandales.com/ ends, is the perfect way to start Your friendly neighborhood Aces your day right. & Ales has two locations in Vegas. They feature 50 fabulous 595 Craft Kitchen beer taps and a made from https://595craftandkitchen.com/ scratch menu, with everything This humble neighborhood destifrom appetizers, to filling burgers, spaghetti pizza (a must try), nation on South Rainbow is always so full of life. Their twenty and fried Oreos. carefully curated beer taps feaAces & Ales also carries bottles ture some excellent local brews, of rare and vintage brews to take in addition to several beers you home. Browsing their beer fridge won't find anywhere else in is an experience all its own. I'm town. drooling... And coming late in And while they are known for 2022, they plan to hold the their “banh mi”, everything on grand opening of their own their menu is as delicious as it is brewery! creative. Their beer fridges are filled with some of the best seBut for the next main event, on lections of beers to go, so you March 12th, Aces & Ales will 34

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

can keep the good times going even after your visit to 595.

They hold an annual multi day local appreciation event, that you won't want to miss. But any day is the perfect day to visit 595 Craft Kitchen.

Beer Zombies https://thebeerzombies.com/ Beer Zombies has three neighborhood locations throughout Vegas. Their taps revolve so quickly, you can try something new every week and take something new home from the Beer fridge at every visit.

They regularly partner and collaborate with one of the best meaderies in the world, Superstition Meadery out of Prescott, AZ. Beer Zombies also collaborates with craft breweries locally and nationwide, making their beers highly sought after!

It is common for people to line up hours early for a special release from BZ. But on any regular day, any one of their three taprooms is a great place to relax with some incredible beers and good people.

Tenaya Creek Brewery http://www.tenayacreek.com/ Tenaya Creek Brewery & Taproom on Bonanza is the perfect neighborhood destination any night of the week. They host a pint night every Tuesday, complete with collectable glass and killer deals on all Tenaya Creek beers.

Wednesday is trivia night. They have great deals on beers during Golden Knights and Raiders games, nightly happy hours, and a different food truck every day.

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

35

The Top 5 Coffee Shops in Las Vegas Some people can’t start their day without it. Others say it is a gift from the heavens. Whatever you may call it, coffee is if not one of the most important beverages on the planet, it surely ranks up there with air.

Discovered some 1400 years ago in Ethiopia by a sheep herder by the name of Kaldi. Coffee became a prized possession of Muslim farmers, Royalty and then nations. It has become the most consumed beverage besides water on earth. Its importance should not be diminished.

In Muslim culture, it is said that the only way a woman can divorce her husband is if he does not provide her with coffee. Now that is serious.

In America coffee has taken on mystical features. Depending on the locale, the coffee culture has become so developed that competitions and clubs have developed to pay homage to the best coffee shop, barista or farmer.

The coffee community in Las Vegas is still in its infancy by comparison to places like Seattle, San Francisco or Los Angeles nonetheless, we still have some outstanding coffee shops to be aware of. Don’t worry, there are no franchise players in our top contenders. Each of these shops are family-owned and for the most part roast small batches locally.

Sambalatte

The Eastside wouldn’t be complete without Mothership Coffee. Located just east of Eastern and Sunset, Mothership is one of the oldest coffee roasters in town. Serving a delicate blend of highly sought after coffees, this local favorite supplies to many shops in town.

Vesta Coffee

Less than 5 years ago Vesta Coffee established itself as a downtown Las Vegas favorite. The Arts District needed a bonafide coffee roaster and it got one in this local favorite.

Magnum Coffee Hailing from the east coast, Magnum Coffee made its mission to become a staple in Las Vegas. Establishing itself near the airport alley this giant in the coffee industry has become a local favorite.

Cafe Leone By far the most iconic place to enjoy a great cup of coffee, maybe a scrumptious pastry and don’t forget the visuals with the place that made Las Vegas Latte Art famous. Owner Luis Oliveira is a longtime Las Vegan. Affable and engaging, he’ll make you feel like you’re right at home in this trendy spot.

Mothership

At one time Cafe Leone housed a roaster in its lobby. That was before it needed the room for its crowded throng of customers. Located in Tivoli Village Leone is one of the most frequented spots in the valley. On any given weekend the lines are around the cobblestone walkway to order this world famous cafes coffee, pastries and eats.

240 This may come as a surprise but there are over 240 coffee shops in Las Vegas, not including major franchises like Starbucks, Dutch Bros and Dunkin.

The coffee culture has been growing ever since the early 2000’s when the addition of small batch roasting gained momentum.

Imagine what it will be like in another decade of growth.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

37

45 Nevada ranks #41 out of 50 in the number of breweries in our state. At last count there are 45 breweries to take care of the more than 3million people who live in Nevada.

That’s amazing when you think of all of the alcohol served in our fair share of casinos and bars.

I must give a special thanks to all the brewers and business Paul's passion for craft was a owners that shared their stories huge help in keeping breweries with me. And a huge thanks to open in our area, when they David Shapiro, my partner in couldn't do business as usual in crime and co-founder of Beers 2020. He's even collaborated with Friends, for going out with Drink there, take some home for with local craft breweries to cre- me day after day for "research" your beer fridge and pick up ate brews inspired by his own and for helping me ask all the some awesome merch, to wear tastes! right questions. proudly around town. And do set a reminder on your calendar for When you get off work and just I leave you with this final note. their November anniversary par- want to drink a celebratory beer And this might just drive you to ty now. Tenaya Creek throws by the pool for a job well done, drink more beer. Every one of the best parties! stop by your closest SpeeDee the places mentioned in this artiMart and grab a few of his care- cle is a small local business, Rí Rá Irish Pub fully curated craft beers to bring many of them mom and pop https://rira.com/las-vegas/ home. Paul is constantly filling shops, all built on the dreams I love Rí Rá! As locals, we tend his shelves with new selections. and visions of passionate loto stay away from the strip. Just cals. as well, that there's a back way Bonus Arrival in, off Frank Sinatra Dr. And I Las Vegas Brews Cruise When you support them, you would brave the strip any day, if https:// are supporting families and your you said, "Let's go to Rí Rá"! www.brewscrui community. Every one of these se.com/ businesses hold events and colThis authentic Irish pub was lasvegas/ laborate with one another to edcarefully restored, then deconLaunched in late 2021, ucate, bring people together and structed in Ireland and rebuilt Las Vegas Brews support local charities. So, give inside of Mandalay Bay. Rí Rá is Cruise is an immersive back to your community in 2022 a great place to have a refresh- experience in our local and go have a beer! And reing Kilkenny cream ale or a beer scene. LVBC has member to always drink responproperly poured, classic Guinpartnered with every sibility. ness. And you must experience brewery in town, to the high energy live music on showcase our local Audrey Mae weekend nights by the world fa- beer, history, and art, mous, resident musicians, The with expert guided Las Vegas resident for over 10 Black Donnellys from Dublin! tours. In 2022, choose years. An avid reader and storyone of their many fun teller. She’s been a glass artist If that's not enough, Rí Rá offers tour options for a fresh, for 25 years. etsy.com/ half price entrées for locals on in-depth, hands-on exMaeFamilyArts. Co-founder of Fridays. It's good to be Local! perience in beer like no Beers with Friends, based in Vehttps:// other! gas, https://www.facebook.com/ theblackdonnellysband.com/ groups/1144880535975126/ , I G https://www. Instagram.com/ We should all celebrate these beers_withfriends/ and cheersSpeeDee Mart visionaries in 2022 and beyond. beerfriends.com. https://www.speedeemart.net/ They are part of what makes our That's right, I said it. Local busi- city a thriving community. And ness owner Paul Orluske is pas- they remind us that we really do sionate about bringing craft beer live in a small town, where we're to our neighborhoods via his all connected. seventeen SpeeDee Mart locaThen there's the annual release of one of my favorite beers, the legendary Jackelope. In fact, every beer at Tenaya is phenomenal!

tions across the valley.

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

39

5 Best Tips on How to Keep Off the Pounds During the Holidays The holiday season is one of the best times of year. Family, friends and plenty of food mark each and every occasion, but there are definitely things you have to watch out for. Number one on our list is not gaining all of those holiday pounds, especially now after the pandemic.

Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to keep those pounds off your hips during the holidays.

1 Fix your own meals

It’s the holidays, Thanksgiving is the ultimate time to pig out, but there are also consequences to overeating, pounds. No one is saying not to eat that cherry pie, just eat smaller portions. Don’t let your eyes write checks, your belly can’t cash.

3 Eat more vegetables

Face it, we all fall off the wagon on occasion. If you find over the holidays that you’ve been a bad boy or girl forgive, forget and get back on that weight curbing schedule.

Don’t get down on yourself for eating that extra piece of pie, With holiday seasons comes tomorrow morning hit the reset sugar laden desserts and appe- button and get back to being tizers. Be good to yourself by good to yourself. filling up with vegetables first before digging into that Turkey and glazed ham. Your body won’t know the difference if you eat a salad rich with green stuff before the apple pie.

Being good to yourself means eating plenty of veggies.

Let’s face it, who wants to cook 5 meals a day during the holiday season. Certainly not me. There are Bowl Games to watch, relatives coming in from out of town and don’t forget kids are out of school. The temptation to order 4 Don’t forget to exercise out is the first thing you think Just because it is the end of the about. year doesn’t mean you must With those takeout meals come stop exercising. As a matter of fact, now is the perfect time to added calories and of course increase the amount of exercise weight gain. Take control of you do. It will help to compenwhat goes into your mouth by sate for all of the food you’ll be cooking a large portion of your meals at home. There’s no bet- eating. ter way of keeping an eye on the Start each day with a regime calories. you can continue as a part of your regular day. It’s important that whatever exercise schedule you choose, that it fits in with your lifestyle. If it is easy to do, chances are you’ll stick with it.

2 Eat smaller portions 40

5 If you Fall off the Wagon, Forgive, Forget and Get Back on That Horse

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

500 Men and women have different needs when it comes to our calorie intake. According to nutritionist experts if you’re trying to lose weight, all it takes is a cut of 500 calories per day.

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

41

Don’t bring a flower wreath with a card that reads, “Here lies our poor poodle Chester, He was fast, Just not as fast as a Yugo!”

Holiday Party Do’s and Don’ts Everyone loves holiday parties, especially the kind where friends and relatives come by and share fond memories. They don’t seem to happen often enough, so when they do, let’s try and alleviate the regretful and unforgettable faux pas which occur.

You know what I mean, the kind of anecdotes you only read about in Hollywood magazines or see spoofed on The Simpsons. If you want to avoid making the kinds of Holiday Party No No’s then check out our short list of Holiday Party Do’s and Don’ts.

Don’t knock over the Christmas tree Don’t Bring your Pet alligator.

If you are going to regift remove the Tag that says Discounted and discontinued and l Irregular Don’t play music that only has Ads Don’t bring the neighbors cat Don’t turn the party into an Amway recruiting Night.

Don’t bring a flower wreath with a card that reads, “Here lies our poor poodle Chester, He was fast, Just not as fast as a Yugo!”

Don’t invite your old friend Louie, who's been out on parole because he’s a pickpocket.

Don’t rush in the door and immediately say, “Quick turn on the Cornhole Championships.”

Don’t bring your own mistletoe.

Don’t steal the heirloom silverware.

When mingling around the party don’t bum money.

If you know the host has a weak heart, don’t invite the Chippendales.

If your host has a gambling habit, Stay away from playing Card games.

Avoid inviting a Knife Thrower to carve the Christmas Turkey.

Don’t leave the job of putting out the place cards for your comedian sister Nancy.

Don’t invite your really talkative and friendly friend whose nickname is Spencer the Spitter

Ask the host before you spike in the punch bowl with Jamaican Rum Don’t invite your Zumba or Hot Yoga class to show up unannounced.

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

43

10 Best Parks in Las Vegas Why Lovin and Livin In Vegas The history of Las Vegas starts with water and a place to stop and rest. We’ll list the Top 10 Parks in Las Vegas as a tribute to the beginnings of our town.

Whether the parks lie in the heart of the town like the Springs Preserve, with its abundance of flowers, butterfly exhibits or outside of the city limits like the Valley of Fire, you’ll see why locals and visitors alike Love Livin in Vegas.

development. The park includes the Tule Springs Ranch, Tule Springs Archaeological Site, Tule Springs Wash and four ponds available for fishing.

SPRING MOUNTAIN RANCH STATE PARK

We hope that when you’re here that you take time from the Strip to take a short car ride or bicycle Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is a public recreation area trip to visit many of the scenic located within the Red Rock and historic areas in town.

Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada's Cottonwood Valley, five miles (8.0 km) northFLOYD LAMB PARK west of Blue Diamond, Nevada.

The state park preserves the AT TULE SPRINGS historic Sandstone Ranch, which was entered into the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district in 1976

store within easy walking distance of the park. This area of Summerlin is filled with an abundance of parks, but Gardens Park is one of the easiest to access from major cross-streets, plus it offers lots of opportunities for family-friendly activities.

CLARK COUNTY WETLANDS PARK

[3]

GARDENS PARK Located in the heart of Summerlin--an area that's home to many parks--the Gardens Park is in a Floyd Lamb Park at Tule great central location for the arSprings is a 2,040-acre (830 ea and offers plenty of amenities ha) park in Las Vegas, Nevada. for a picnic or family outing. The The park is centered on Tule park has picnic areas, open Springs, a series of small lakes fields, basketball courts, horsethat formed an oasis in this part shoe pits, tennis courts and of the Mojave Desert. One of the even a bocce court. If you didn't larger urban retreats in the Las bring your lunch, don't worry.

Vegas Valley, Tule Springs was Nearby you'll find all kinds of once considered to be far out of restaurants and even grocery town but is now encroached by stores, as well as a convenience 44

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

The Clark County Wetlands Park is the largest park in the Clark County, Nevada park system. The park is on the east side of the Las Vegas valley and runs from the various water treatment plants near the natural beginning of the Las Vegas Wash to where the wash flows under Lake Las Vegas and later into Lake Mead.

One purpose of the park is to reduce the environmental impact of the waste water and stormwater runoff leaving the drainage basin area, by building a constructed wetland. This is being accomplished by installing

a series of water flow control structures such as dams and weirs and by creating ponds that together slow down the flow of the water, catching silt, and reducing the undercutting of the dirt walls that form the wash. As of June, 2005 nine of these structures were operational.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve consists of 180 acres (73 ha) dedicated to nature walks and displays and is owned and operated by the Las Vegas Valley Water District. The Preserve is located approximately three miles west of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. The Preserve is built around the original water The sides of the wash are being source for Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Springs. stabilized by installing native plants and large pieces of demolished construction debris.

The Springs Preserve includes Some of the native plants, espe- colorful desert botanical garcially those in areas of standing dens, museum galleries, outwater, also help purify the water door concert and event venues, by removing various pollutants an indoor theater, historic photo as the slow moving water progallery and a series of walking vides these plants with nourish- trails that meander through a ment. This method of purificawetland habitat. tion is also called natural water polishing.

The Gardens at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, previously The second purpose of the park known as the Desert Demonis education. The displays within stration Gardens opened in the park show visitors how the 1980 at another location. The wash looked before major setgardens now occupy 8 acres tlement occurred in the valley (3.2 ha) within the Springs Preand the impact people have had serve site. on the environment.

The park has a nature center with displays about the park's plants and animals. There are miles of walking paths.

SPRINGS PRESERVE

minutes from downtown Las Vegas and encompasses more than 316,000 acres of remarkable beauty and surprising diversity. During the winter months, skiing is a top draw; when the weather warms, hiking trails become incredibly popular. Camping and picnicking are also prominent, and folks have been known to encounter wild horses and elk when they're taking advantage of the terrain's natural beauty. The area is actually home to more than 50 sensitive plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Other activities include horseback riding, mountain biking and rock climbing.

SUNSET PARK

MOUNT CHARLESTON

The crown jewel of Clark County's park system, Sunset Park has served the Las Vegas valley since 1967. Phased park expansions have developed 185 of the 323 total acres, making Sunset the largest and the most distinguished park in town. An oasis in the desert, it offers something for everyone including tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, softball fields, a disc golf course, dog park, playground, shaded The Spring Mountains National picnic areas, lake--fish includedRecreation Area is part of the -and plenty of open space. The Humboldt-Toiyabe National For- most recent expansion includes est. Better known to locals as the addition of walking trails meMount Charleston, it's just 30 andering through natural mesLIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

45

Photo by Marina Monroe

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

47

Dr. Phil

ed up working as a dental technician fear that you overcome? getting paid $100 a week on 14 hours The biggest fear I faced in life was of labor from Monday to Saturday. the thought of losing my first child. At Dr. Phil Palacerio After receiving my green card, with 6 weeks old, he was diagnosed with Dentist no hope of being a dentist again, I biliary atresia, a life threatening disapplied in 50 nursing school in New ease that affects one in a million.

LIV We all have a story to York and New Jersey area. Unfortutell .Would you tell us who you are It pained me to see my newborn and what brought you here to Las Ve- nately, only one nursing school responded and put me on a waiting list child with multiple injections almost gas. daily in his tiny arms, legs feet and and then got eliminated at the end. buttocks. With all anxieties, I learned One thing I would never get tired of I went back to an unpaid dental asto pray and give complete trust to sharing to people is about the USA is sisting job and one day, Rosa talked God. the land of endless possibilities and to me, asked me if I wanted to be a great opportunities. I was born in dentist. After I replied yes, she pulled Now, my first born is a healthy, Sampaloc Quezon, Philippines. The fourth of 5 children of former chief of out a box full of previous dental board young adult and soon will graduate from college. examinations as a review material.

Philippine Narcotics Command Col. Rosa encouraged me to take the denErnesto S. Paleracio and tal admission test .

Paz Merana a retired teacher.

LIV How did this fear makes you stronger?

I moved from New York-New Jersey From that day onwards, here I am. area to evade the constant snow and LIV Who was your inspiration that seasonal allergies.

Whether things are smooth or rough led you to this moment? or in any circumstances, always reLIV What about Las Vegas keeps main in prayers. I believe that prayer My parents and my 2 kids were my you here? Why? true inspirations to this day especially is the strongest tool in life’s journey. my Dad. Las Vegas is undoubtedly a very • How has being in Vegas unique city. I lived in different cities in helped your business as opposed to During high school days, my parents different countries and always remind me that “life is a diffi- being in another city? cult and wonderful journey with deep There is nothing to compare the Business in Vegas is not without beauty, vibrancies and great diversity and many rough roads. When you have a hard fall make sure you stand huge challenge. You can see dental of Las Vegas. offices in every corner of the street up, continue walking forAdditionally, our city offers the world ward”. Those words resonate in me with large billboard advertising. I had private practice in New York City and class foods, entertainments and end- from within. in Bloomfield New Jersey, huge billless economic advancements opporboard advertisings were prohibited. tunities.

One of the issue also are the people are transient. I have to be vigilant with my clinical, social and administrative I thought that I was faced with the skills everyday. My mantra is “always biggest obstacle in my life, when I I arrived as H-4 dependent Visa in do the best for people every single realized I had no single dime to enter day “. That mantra stabilized the fiNY-JFK on April 8, 1993 with just $ 15.00 in my pocket. Indeed it was un- dental school in New York University. nancial and relationship aspect of my certain if I would be able to continue I never heard the word student loan. practice. working as a dentist. Being trained in In the Philippines ,student loan is non Saudi Arabia gave me a sense of se- existent . curity of being able to carry out my profession. To my dismay, it was just When I discovered about student LIV Where do you see your business loan, I walked right in it. a false sense of security realizing I in 5-10 years ? was reduced to Zero.

LIV Give us a little insight into how you got started.

I worked as an unpaid dental assistant for many months and later, end48

LIV What has been your biggest obstacle to overcome and why?

LVN What has been your biggest

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

I see myself as constantly up-

dated with modern technique and technology to best serve our patients. As we all know, Dentistry from the last 2 to 3 decades evolved exponentially. So the need for constant learning is a must.

Hopefully, I will transfer my practice to my children to continue so that I can focus more in serving our Vegas community.

LIV If you could do anything to Vegas, what would it be and why?

Las Vegas is a fast growing city. I want to ensure that all people of all ages and economic status shall have access to quality healthcare.

The second wish is uplifting our education at par level. Our education system in Nevada is always falling behind. I’m certain that our teachers and educators has the right tools, skills and background to accomplish this goal.

Lastly, I would like to establish a good training ground and facilities to develop manpower skills so that we shall supply the expanding needs of ever growing Nevada state.

Dr.Philip M.Paleracio,DDS

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

49

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya 50

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

51

Taking Control of Your Life in 2022 10 Ways to Take Control of Your Life in 2022 “This year I’m really going to do some great things.” “2022 Is going to be my breakout year.” Or maybe you’ve even said to yourself, “I’m going to have such a great year...This year”. Then reality sets in and all of those great sayings fade into the field of dreams.

Many of us are stuck in the old, Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda cycle of life, but this year is going to be different. PUt into action some of our simple tips to take control of your life in 2022.

In 2012, I was a fairly successful insurance agent. My life was fine, I had a couple of cars, 4 kids and an expensive mortgage that demanded to be paid each and every month. So, failure as it is now, wasn’t an option. This was the same year that I decided I was going to open a restaurant and take control of my life.

When others are in Control What do we mean when we say take control of my own life? I thought I was in control, you might say. You get up in the morning, eat what you want and for all intent and purposes, do what you want all day...or do you?

Statistics say that the vast majority of people, when asked, “are you in control of your life”, say, ``Yes! When pressed a little harder in some key areas, the answers may surprise you.

52

When asked questions like, “Why do you wake up each morning at 5am, the answer? To be on time to work.

Another question. “What would happen if you didn’t go to the meeting, you know you hate attending?

The answer. Because if I didn’t everyone would be disappointed with me” The answers to the first part of the question, “Are you in control of your life”, drastically changed when we started digging around. As a matter of fact, most people would agree they react to life, rather than live the life they want.

How can we get out of the reactionary level in life and become a person who is living the life they want?

Here are some tips on how to take control of your life starting in 2022.

If you practice these steps your life will change for the good.

Set Goals One of the most important characteristics of a person living the life they want to live, is having Goals in life. Without goals firmly in place, the alternative is reacting to whatever is put in front of you. It would be like getting into a car and just starting to drive down the street with no plan on where you are going to end up or why you are driving in the first place.

Many people live life this way.

When you ask them, “What are you doing this weekend?” Their reply is, “Oh, whatever.” Whatever? What kind of answer is that? If 2022 is going to be a Life of Direction then you’ve got to have clearly developed Goals to shoot for.

S.M.A.R.T. Use the acronym SMART to develop goals in your life. S- Specific, M - Measurable, A- Achievable, RRealistic, T-Time based

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

Specific- Specific Goals are laser focused on what you want to do.

Write down what you are shooting for. Let your mind get around the idea. If you can’t write it down it is just an idea.

Measurable- Goals must be measurable. How will you know when you’ve achieved a goal? How much, little, high or low.

Achievable- Goals must be achievable. Pipe dreams are so high there is no way they can be achieved.

Achievable dreams may be hard but are within the realm of reality.

Realistic- Realistic Goals make sense. If you are a male and want to have a baby that is just unrealistic. Your goals must fall within the realm of being logically doable.

Time-based- Time-based goals set your boundaries for success. Put yourself on a timetable to get things done. Leaving things open-ended gives you an excuse to not focus on your goal.

Set Boundaries One of my favorite parts about taking control of my own life was understanding the concept of Setting Boundaries. There have been volumes written about the subject.

Everyone had written about it at some point but in its simplest form it breaks down to this. Learn how to say NO! Life is about living and not about surviving. People who live life know what they want and what they will not allow in their lives. If you really want to live a life that is yours then you have to know what it is and what it aint.

Here’s a great example, let’s say you have been allowing circumstances to occur in your life, you know aren’t getting you anywhere?

As a matter of fact, everytime it occurs you get sad or upset. Learn to

what you absolutely don’t want in

life, guess what, all you’re going to see is the negative all around you.

It is sad to see people walking through life with a chip on their shoulders. They can’t see the good and lovely things in life because their mind is squarely fixed on the bad things which are a part of life.

Training yourself to begin to see the possibilities in life, opens up a whole new level of consciousness. This isn’t some voodoo, esoteric ritual, it is seeing what you want to see. Like walking down the street looking for yellow roses and only yellow roses. If you are laser focused on seeing those wonderful flowers you’ll find life is much nicer than you think.

Diamond Miners

Diamond Miners are peculiar souls. All day long they go down into the mines, sometimes taking a half hour to descend down a shaft in cold, damp and dangerous conditions.

These surroundings can be so dangerous, most people wouldn’t dare to step foot there, but not your diamond miners. life.

Take Control cont. So why do miners dig through tons of rock Change Your Attitude and dirt day in and day out knowing their conditions?

You’ve probably heard it before, “Your Atti- The answer? Because we are say, “That’s enough of that.” “Life tude will determine your Altitude.” looking for diamonds! is too short for me to be putting up These famous words should be written in your Book of 2022, be- All of the things in life are much with this anymore in my life.” like the dirt and danger diamond cause they are not just a metaminers must go through in order It’s not being selfish or selfphor for life, they are a blueprint to reach the precious diamonds centered to expect to do the for success. they seek. It’s all about attitude things in life you want to do. It is and perspective which makes it all your life and no one else is going Attitude is the way you feel and worthwhile. look at life. Feelings determine to live it for you. Take control in how you perceive things and if 2022 by first deciding what you want in life, and equally important, you have a sour attitude towards Change Your Friends LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

53

Crab Mentality. That’s when “Friends” say, “If I can’t have it, neither can you.” Ouch! Yes it all too often occurs. This is why it is vitally important you choose friends who are your biggest cheerleaders in life. If your current friends are the kind of people who are always criticizing or show signs of being “Takers” and never Givers, then maybe it’s time to find some new friends.

Change Your Location Next on our list just may be the toughest step yet. There are surveys that say most people don’t move more than 50 miles away from the place where they grew up. That can be a very good thing in some people's lives. Having a firm foundation of family, friends and history are important aspects of life.

Unfortunately, if the place where you live causes you pain, or stifles your personal growth, then moving may be just the thing needed to One of help you take control. Starting the hardest things in life to do is to fresh, with a new attitude, goals choose friends, but it is one of the and perspective may just be what most important. Friends can either the doctor ordered. help you or harm you. Don't make light of the friends you choose to Change Your Job surround yourself with. In a pinch they are a lifeline but under the Are you stuck in a dead end, unfulsame conditions can be a chain filling job? Chances are the answer around your neck pulling you unto that question is YES! So why der. spend another day doing something you don’t want to do, making Statistics say that you will earn the money that doesn’t pay the bills average of the 5 people whom you and spending hours around people hang around with. The same can you wouldn’t choose? be said for the attitude you have and the heights you reach in your My last day working for an employcareer or happiness you achieve. er was in 2009. I had had enough of taking orders and when I had the Many of us have heard about the opportunity to NOT go back to work 54

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

for an employer I took the chance and have never questioned my decision. Why? Because I wanted control of my own destiny and the only way to do that was to cut the cord.

Being self-employed isn’t for everyone and I’m not advocating you quit your job. But no one is holding you hostage to stay in a job where you aren’t happy. You live in the greatest, richest country in the world.

Challenge Yourself All of the things we’ve outlined before are wonderful tips and will bring about positive results but one of the most life altering things you can do for yourself, that will radically change your life is to find something that will challenge you physically, mentally and spiritually.

Humans are amazing creatures.

We have amazing abilities, but most of us walk around never really exploring how far we can push ourselves. Those people who have recorded say their lives have been forever changed.

In my case, back in 2012 I began training for a 26.2 mile marathon.

Only 1% of the world’s population has ever run that distance and everyone who does can attest to the life-altering effect training for such a feat has on oneself. It certainly has had a profound effect on my life, especially in the area of achieving my dreams.

Whatever you choose, here are some guidelines: Make it absolutely, terrifyingly hard. I wish I could sugar-coat it but I won’t, because you need it. You are an amazing person, if you weren’t you wouldn’t have spent all this time reading this article. So if you are going to take control of your life then you have to expand what you believe you are able to achieve. That takes you

challenging your preconceived notion of what you can do.

When I first started training for a marathon, I wasn’t able to run more than a couple of miles in a single practice session. When it came time for the race, I had been training on the weekends running half marathons for weeks. It had become my routine. If I could do it, so can you. LIV

12 It is estimated that most people will have 12 jobs during their lives. In the last year, 32% of those 25 to 44 have considered a career change. Since starting their first job after college, 29% of people have completely changed fields.

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

55

Photo by Terje Sollie

Nevada Film Office LIV- What is the purpose of the Nevada Film Office?

NFO- The Nevada Film Office (NFO) as part of the Governor's Office of Economic Development exists to promote Nevada to the content creation industry, including Film, Television, Documentaries, Music Videos, Video Gaming, and all other forms of digital media. The NFO strives to

LIV- Who and why was the department started and how long has it been in existence?

NFO- The Nevada Film Office 56

was established in 1982, as the Division of Motion Pictures. The demand from the motion picture industry to work in Nevada and the need to facilitate these economic opportunities resulted in the division being created.

LIV- What are filmmakers looking for when they contact your office?

governmental cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies, filming incentives, best practices and more.

We facilitate business opportunities in Nevada for Nevadans operating in the industry. There is a direct correlation between the film and television industry and the economic impact it has on an area.

One recent example is the TV reality show Hell’s Kitchen SeaNFO- Our office facilitates consons 19 & 20. The production tent creation in Nevada at all took place in Southern Nevada levels. When producing content, and included 41 shoot days, the producers need resources, we creation of 357 local jobs and connect them with those re$6.9 million spent locally on sources in Nevada. rentals & purchases.

Qualified crew members, experi- LIV- What is the Vegas Film enced local vendors and supscene like currently and how is it porting businesses, locations for changing? filming, permit processing, inter-

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

NFO- Nevada and it's destinations like Las Vegas have been a part of the film industry since its inception. Las Vegas is a destination known around the world, it's a desirable location that story tellers have been using as a backdrop and central character for nearly a century.

allows for convenient travel to our locations. Our qualified crews and experienced vendors provide all the support a filmmaker needs to create content.

than most can remember. Some popular productions recently include Hacks on HBO, CSI Las Vegas 2021, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Shark Tank, Jason Bourne, Army of the Dead, Pawn Stars, Property Brothers.

The list goes on and on and on, Nevada offers production incen- for more details, many of the tives, and lower costs for permit- productions can be found at neting, hotels, and all the amenivadafilm.com.

New technologies continue to ties necessary to complete a change the landscape of conproduction on time and within tent creation. In the past, every- budget. As a destination, above The allure of Las Vegas has a thing was filmed on location, lo- the line talent love filming in Las very strong appeal, our relationcations were practical, the shots Vegas. ships with the content creation were filmed right where they industry dates to the inception of were written. the city, and will extend forward LIV- Describe some untapped, for the rest of history, exported secret resources filmmakers to the world through a new genCurrently, new digital technolo- should take advantage of when eration of streaming services gies, including virtual producconsidering filming in Nevada? and digital content. The future is tion, allow content creates to bright as the lights of our film anywhere, with the technolcity. —LIV ogy to insert actors into the scenes digitally, to use comput- NFO- Our goal is to make nother generated graphics and other ing a secret. Nevadafilm.com is an effective and engaging retechniques to represent a real location, but all in the computer. source for anyone creating content in Nevada to get the answers to all their questions. Our goal is to provide all the reThese technological changes In the 60+ years filmmakers have impacted the entire indus- sources needed for an enjoyahave been working in Las try, making filmmaking less de- ble and efficient production.

Vegas, well over 100 major pendent on practical locations, through the entertainment industry films and countless number Time saved is money saved, we by driving business to local venof art pieces and photodors and creating diversify the Ne- aim to facilitate all the producgraphs have been done in vada economy employment oppor- tions needs to create successful tunities, for our production crew projects for everyone involved.

Las Vegas.

100

members.

LIV- Hollywood and Georgia are LIV- Give us a Who's Who of centers for filmmaking. What films made in Nevada for those makes Nevada unique and de- people who may not Know. sirable for filmmakers?

NFO- Nevada has many advantages for filmmaking. Our proximity to Los Angeles, the historic epicenter of filmmaking,

NFO- The list of films, tv shows, commercials, music videos, and video games made in or featuring Las Vegas, Reno/Tahoe and all of Nevada is a list longer

Photo by Corentin HENRY

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

57

Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that makes you smile.” “

Mark Twain

Las Vegas has

more than meets the eye.

Livin in Vegas

Photo by Sherman Ray

Take a short drive north on the old Rancho Road Blvd. til you are out of town. Make a left on the highway and you’ll come across some of the most beautiful scenery God has to offer in Las Vegas, Lee Canyon. A mere 6 miles off the highway and you are in God’s country. Winding roads, tree lined views and tall evergreen trees that have been there forever.

Hard imagine that less than 10 minutes before you were sitting at a blackjack table ordering another Long Island Iced Tea or 2 fingers of whiskey but it’s true. Las Vegas is a land of paradoxes wrapped in an enigma. So much beauty and excitement in a valley where there shouldn’t be, but it is.

On your next trip check out Lee Canyon, Mt. Charleston or Red Rock Canyon. There is plenty of hiking, cycling and camping to keep you happy all summer long. And we’ve only just touched the surface.

-Livin in Vegas

Russ Langer– LV Aviators

1980s. I was working in the production department of the NBC Radio Network in New York, but had always wanted to become a Russ Langer play by play announcer Head of Communications, LV Avia- professionally. I had some tors play by play experience in college, and kept the tapes RL- I am the director of of some of my better broadcasting for the Las broadcasts. The problem Vegas Aviators baseball for me was that I didn't team, the Triple A affiliate know how to properly edit of the Oakland Athletthose raw tapes into a sinics. Also, I serve as the gle audition tape that radio play by play broadwould help me to stand out caster for the UNLV footin an extremely competiball team. I moved to Las tive industry. Then, I read Vegas back in 2000 from in USA Today that the BalAlbuquerque because the timore Orioles were planTriple A team located there ning to conduct their first had been sold and was annual Caribbean Cruise preparing to move out of including some of their town. players and their radio broadcaster, Jon Miller.

RL- What keep me in Las So, armed with my tapes, I Vegas is my career, which went on the cruise in the I remain passionate about, hopes of meeting Mr. Miland the fact that my family ler and benefitting from his enjoys the outstanding feedback on my tapes. Mr. quality of life here.

Miller was extremely gracious and gave me incrediRL- The big break in my bly valuable advice on how career came in the late I should edit my audition 60

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

tape. A few weeks later, I took several copies of my newly edited audition tape to the Baseball Winter Meetings in Florida. There were between 55 and 60 other aspiring broadcasters who were competing for just three radio openings available in the minor leagues at that time. Thanks to Jon Miller's outstanding advice, my tape stood out well enough for me to receive offers from two of those three teams. To this day, Jon Miller's friendship is one that I greatly treasure. I was thrilled when he became a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

RL- Aside from Jon Miller, my original inspiration for entering broadcasting was another Hall of Fame member, Vin Scully. I grew up in the Los Angeles area listening to Vin call Dodger games, and was captivated by his unmatched knowledge of the game, storytelling ability, and command of the language. Fortunately, I was able to meet and become friendly with Vin, who is one of the finest gentlemen I've been privileged to meet. I've been lucky enough to have reached the major leagues on a fillin basis with two MLB teams despite the fact that hundreds of others applied for those positions. Without the kindly assistance of Jon Miller and the standard set by Vin Scully, that

would not have been possible.

RL- The biggest obstacle for me was the fact that most minor league teams required their radio broadcaster to sell advertising in the off season. Because of the fact that I had no such experience, I had to teach myself how to sell by conducting cold calls to set up appointments with business owners. It took a great deal of trial and error and the help of sales expert Brian Tracy to gain success in that area.

RL- The biggest fear that I had to overcome was the fear of rejection when selling advertising. However, with much practical experience over time, I was able to conquer that fear.

RL- Fear made me stronger because when I overcame it, I enjoyed a significant rise in personal confidence.

The Triple A baseball team here, now called the Las Vegas Aviators, stayed afloat for many years because of the support of its loyal fan base. Now that the team has a new home at Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin, that support has grown even greater.

RL- It's hard to know what the future holds for minor league baseball in Las Vegas. If we remain a minor league market, the prognosis for the viability of the

Las Vegas Aviators should remain strong for many years. However, should Las Vegas become the home of a major league team, the Aviators' future will face a huge challenge and will be thrown into doubt.

RL- If I could add anything to Las Vegas, it would be more rain. We need it.

In addition, you had asked about an anecdotal story. When I was broadcasting for the Phoenix Firebirds, I was approached after one particular game by a gentleman who was accompanied by his 11 year old son who carried a white cane. The father introduced himself and then introduced his son by saying, "Ben listens to every single one of your broadcasts and is your biggest fan. You are his eyes for the game." Young Ben was trembling as he said to me, "I can't believe I am meeting you." On another occasion, I received a letter from a woman who said that she had been in a serious auto accident. She told me that my broadcasts had gotten her through "many painful nights in traction in a cold hospital room." These were the most humbling moments of my career.

My sincere best,

Photo by Frederico Erthal

Russ Langer

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

61

62

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

Photo by Magda Ehlers

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

63

Top Golf Courses of 2022

nature and time have been artfully aided by the timeless design of a modern day master, Arnold Palmer.

pressive portfolios of Jay Morrish and David Druzisky. Between them, the two have built other well-known facilities such as Troon North and the TPC Stadium Course in Scottsdale, Arizona, Forest Highlands in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Reserve in Palm Springs, and many others.

Palmer’s two Signature courses, the private Mountain Course and the public Arroyo Course, offer a 10 Top Golf Courses in Vegas prism of challenge, beauty, and Las Vegas has so many sites escape. All 36 holes invite comand sounds to witness. Parks, petition and camaraderie against ponies and of course the casipanoramic views of city scapes Stallion Mountain nos. At the end of a long hard and towering mountains, creat- Northeast Valley week, relaxation is the key word. ing the most stunning golfing exOr in some cases, it’s the only perience in Las Vegas. word. We’ve put together a list Dragon Ridge of our 10 top golf courses for Eastside, Henderson you to consider.

Some on the list are private Sunrise Mountain, on the eastclubs, so unless you have a ern reaches of the Las Vegas membership or know someone Valley, is the backdrop for a who does, you’ll have to choose great golfing venue, Stallion from others on the list.

Mountain Golf Club. This great To be sure, you won’t be disapPar 72, 7,120 yard layout offers pointed, Las Vegas has some of golfers at every level a unique the most picturesque and chalgolfing opportunity while walking lenging courses in the country.

Elevated in the McCullough the fairways that even the Many of these are affordable Mountains, above the Las Veand challenging at the same gas Valley Floor with unobstruct- world’s best players have time. Don’t be surprised if while ed views, Dragon Ridge is a pri- crossed. Stallion offers a beautiplaying you meet up with one of vate, Championship 18-hole, par ful, exclusive and varied golf esyour favorite Hollywood A72 layout course that stretches cape in a wonderful southwestern theme. listers because they Love Livin to 6,975 yards and offers feain Vegas too. tures unsurpassed in Southern The Club was originally a 54Nevada. hole facility named Sunrise Golf Red Rock Country Club Club when it opened in 1991.

Westside Distinguished golf course archiSeveral years later, the owners tects Jay Morrish and David decided that the land was worth Druzisky designed an innovative more to the housing market of way to use the natural hillsides the early 2000’s boom and reand canyons, with a topography duced the course to what they that allows our members to enconsidered their best 18 holes of joy wide fairways, large greens golf. The recession that hit the and over 60,000 square feet of Gently swaying palms, cascad- practice facilities, including an all country in 2008 sent the Golf ing waterfalls and emerald green grass driving range, short game Club spiraling, but the new ownfairways weave a colorful tapes- area with two practice sand bun- ers have now resurrected the once great facility and brought it try that sprawls across the rollkers, and two bent grass putting back to life. ing terrain of what once was a greens. desert. Here at Red Rock Coun- DragonRidge Country Club in Stallion Mountain has a decorattry Club the sculpting hands of Las Vegas complements the im- ed history in the Las Vegas golf 64

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

scene as a host venue for Golf Channel’s Big Break II and also Top Golf Clubs conti.

Park.

7 Hills Revere Concorde

past host of the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Classic and the PGA Tour’s Las Vegas event (at the time known as the Panasonic Las Vegas Invitational). Also, it is the home of PGA Tour Professional Chip Beck’s well known round of 59 during the third round of the 1991 Las Vegas Invitational. In those years, the tournament was five rounds.

Beck shot a 13-under par round which consisted of 5 pars, 13 birdies and no bogeys. Beck received a $1 million bonus for his feat.

Experience a premier Las Vegas Golf Course at its finest at the Revere Golf Club. Offering 36-holes of championship golf nestled just off the strip in Henderson, Revere Golf Club provides golfers unique challenges with panoramic views of the famous Las Vegas strip. Teeing Angel Park off at one of Revere Golf Club’s Northwest, Boca Park, Summer- two distinct courses, Lexington lin or Concord, guarantees your Las Vegas golf vacation will be exciting and challenging. Round out your experience with a delicious meal or cocktail at the newly renovated Buckman’s Grille and grab a special souvenir from our fully stocked golf shop.

An icon in Vegas golf for more than 3 decades, Angel Park stands the test of time for playa- The Revere presents a blend of bility, location and service. With beauty and challenge unlike any other in southern Nevada. a newly renovated restaurant, Draped through the rugged deNino’s Grill, an updated menu and fun social events including sert canyons and valleys of the live music, themed dinners and Las Vegas foothills, The Revere Golf Club offers unending, awemore.

Angel Park is a whole lot more inspiring views of the Las Vegas Skyline and mountains beyond, than a golfer’s club. We weland the Lexington’s stunning come the Summerlin and surrounding communities to gather 7,143 -yard, par-72 layout will test your shot-making capabilihere- golf clubs not required. ties with classic risk/reward sceWe include Angel Park on our narios. Our Concord Course, list for its sheer fun to play. the latest creation, offers a Where else in Las Vegas can 7,034-yard par-72 layout that you play par 3 golf with the offers Bermuda fairways and scenery and pace of Angel Photo by Alexandr Podvalny

large greens. At The Revere Golf Club, we provide you with a variety of options to accommodate your game, regardless of skill level.

Revere by far is one of the most spectacular courses on our list.

When they say accommodations, they aren’t kidding. The caddies treat you like Arnold Palmer, all the way down to cleaning your old beater clubs and scuffed up shoes. You feel like a million bucks when you leave Revere.

TPC Summerlin Summerlin

TPC Summerlin was honored by Golf Digest magazine as “One of America’s Best Golf Courses” and named by Nevada Business Magazine as the “#1 private golf course in Nevada” in 2006. It also was ranked No. 39 in Golf World magazine’s 2012 PGA TOUR’s Course Ranking issue among the TOUR venues the pros like to play.

TPC Summerlin’s par-72, 7,243yard layout was carved from a magnificent swath of rugged desert terrain by renowned golf course architect Bobby Weed with PGA TOUR veteran Fuzzy Zoeller serving as a consultant.

TPC Summerlin was the first golf course in Nevada to be certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System by Audubon International. Great care was taken during the construction of TPC Summerlin to pre-

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

65

66

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

hoto by Andrea Piacquadio

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

67

9 Trends in 2022 That Will Keep You Livin In Vegas 9 Trends in 2022 That Will Keep You Lovin and Livin In Vegas As we enter into the New Year there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

With the pandemic in our rearview mirror, the city opening up to full capacity and a hunger to visit the desert, why shouldn’t we be optimistic about the future.

Just to give you some idea of how excited the Las Vegas community is about the prospects of a banner 2022, we’ve put together a list of 10 Trends in 2022 that will you Lovin and Livin in Vegas, event if you don’t visit the Strip or go to a Raiders game. There are still plenty of attractions to keep you busy all year long.

Outdoor Spaces Las Vegas has long been the getaway for folks seeking the sun and dry climate. Did you know there is a trend for more outdoor eating and playing?

Venues like The Park on the Strip and The Downtown Arts District are betting on the move to soaking up the sun on the patio and not indoors.

Vegan Bars It was bound to happen. Yes, the city which is synonymous with cheap food and buffet lines would have a healthy lifestyle. The Vegan restaurant scene is alive and well in Vegas. It seems like each week a new spot is opening up and there are even signs of Vegas chain quick serve spots in the offing.

With the pandemic, came the dreaded Covid 19 and by that we mean 19lbs.

People are tired of carrying around all those extra pounds. Time to shed them for a leaner, healthy figure.

Driverless Cars Downtown Move over Uber and Lyft, welcome driverless autonomous vehicles to the 68

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

downtown and Strip corridor.

This project has been on the drawing board for nearly a decade and now its ready to go mainstream.

Test runs of driverless shuttles hit the streets in 2019. In 2022 look for an expanded footprint in the downtown corridor. As Vegas continues to grow, the need for better transportation will become even more vital.

Circa Goes Fully Open Derrick Stephens, the mad scientist of the Downtown, took a chance on building the first

ground up Hotel Casino in over a decade on Fremont Street.

The Circa Resort and Casino.

Circa opened in 2021 to great fanfare but due to the pandemic has not fully shown the public what it is capable of doing.

In 2022, the Circa will be fully open and when it does, watch out. Imagine the 6 bay patio pool parties, events and a casino floor so clean and new, it just begs to be visited by visitors and locals alike.

A New Baseball Team Coming to Town Vegas has become ground zero for sports teams. In 2018 it was the Vegas Golden and Silver Knights, 2019 the Las Vegas

Aces and in 2020 the LV Raiders and the LV FC Lights. Now in 2022 we are poised to see the dawn of a new era for men’s professional baseball.

No serious city can claim to “have arrived” without a pro baseball team. In 2022, watch for the completion of the first pro MLB baseball team.

The Smith Center Since 2012, the Smith Center, Vegas’ only cultural arts center not attached to a casino, has been pleasing crowds and drawing rave reviews. They’ve hosted Broadway shows such as Cats, Hamilton and Tootsie, also attracting crowds to its smaller stage venue.

In 2022, look for transplants to Vegas to discover the unique opportunity to host events and meetings down in the Symphony Park District.

Concerts Cancelled Due to COVID 19 2020-21 will go down in history as the worst in Las Vegas history.

Not only were all of the great entertainment spots shuttered, some upwards of 18 months, but along with their closing were the Shows and Concerts.

As we open the new year, the leotards have been dusted off and once rusty vocal chords have been lubed. Bring on the Concert Extravaganza. In 2022, it will be surprising to not have a major concert venue in action. With the

opening of the MSG Sphere on Twain and lesser known venues, there won’t be anyone who can say, “There’s nothing to do this weekend” because there will be something for every level of taste.

ABA Basketball Announced in 2021, the American Basketball Association will kick off their season in the new year. Not an amateur league but a full-fledged professional basketball league, the ABA got its start alongside the National Basketball Association.

Names like Julius Erving (Dr J) of the Philadelphia 76ers. Rick Barry and Moses Malone all were a part of the old ABA which morphed into the NBA. After many years the old ABA is back and Vegas is its home.

Drone Racing Championships One of the most highly anticipated competitions is coming to Las Vegas in 2022. The Professional Drone Racing Championships. If you are a tech geek looking for that ultimate rush of adrenalin, speed and excitement, then drone racing is for you.

This competition will bring peo ple from all over the country.

Each of the contestants and spectators rooting for their crowd favorite.

As most players are under the age of 30, this will bring a whole new demographic to Vegas.

One that is sure to make second and third visits to our home on the off season.

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

69

Frankie’s Tiki Room

Peppermill Fireside Lounge

Nacho Daddy

The Mob Museum

Drunk Monk A refreshingly unique flavor mosaic. Just one sip and you will be bowing to the god Frankie 1 oz. Old Monk rum 1/2oz.Appleton White Rum 1/4 oz. St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram 1/2oz. Date Syrup 2oz. Milk

Strawberry Daiquiri A cool fruity specialty, blended with Rum, Ice and Strawberries, and other tasty ingredients.

Mexican Candy Margarita

The Bathtub Fizz

Casamigos Blanco, mango schnapps & mango puree, fresh jalapenos, house-made sweet & Fantastic when Blended with My- sour, tapatio with a Mexican seaers or Captain Morgan Rum. soned rim. Other great Margaritas SPICY CUCUMBER, PINEAPPLE MINT, WHITE PEACH ,and BEERRITA

At the heart of Las Vegas is our extraordinary assortment of adult beverages. Just visit any bar, restaurant or casino and you’ll be exposed to the widest variety of locally inspired concoctions.

These drinks have made Las Vegas home to the most revered mixologists’ on the planet. Most of them only displaying their signature drinks upon request and for a kings ransom, but there are also some Vegas standards which have shaped our city from it’s beginning. Here is our ode to these Vegas Classic Drinks.

70

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

Gin, Sloe Gin, Aperol, Sugar, on, Egg White, Bitters.

A spin on the Prohibition era Bathtub Gin, this take on a S Gin Fizz has higher quality liq but gives you the same batht feel.

The Golden Tiki

The Classic Jewel

Mai Tai

The 20th Century

Lem- Trader Vic’s classic created in 1944.

a Slow quor tub

A blend of exotic rums are mixed with orange juice and curacao, Gifford Orgeat and fresh Lime juice.

Gin Crème de Caoco Lillet Blanc Lemon Café Royal Cocktail Book William J. Tarling

Las Vegas prides itself on promising and delivering world class entertainment, epic shows and award winning food but did you know Las Vegas also has one if not the best selection of bars and pubs in the world?

On any given day of the week, visitors and locals frequent these watering holes where they meet and make up for lost time spent either at work or as most of us bivouacked at home due to the pandemic.

In any case, with a population surging past 2 million people Vegas is fast becoming the most talked about social gathering mecca .

Along with all this notoriety comes the need for equally as famous drinks, appetizers and the occasional Tiki song. None hits all of these newly acquired requirements than Frankie’s Tiki Room or the equally as attention grabbing Golden Tiki Bar. On your next night out on the town put one or both of these on your list. Tell em Livin in Vegas sent you and don’t forget, you only have one life to live, why not do it in Vegas.

Photo by ahmad syahrir

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

71

72

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

Photo by Leah Kelley

help each other.

LVN Give us a little insight into how you got started.

Gilda I began my journey as an actress when I was 19. I fell in love with Shakespearean theater but Gilda Graham- Actress, Writer and was not sure how to continue that Gildagraham.com study into Hollywood so I went to college and got my degree. I graduated from California State UniverLVN We all have a story to tell. sity of Northridge with a bachelors Would you tell us who you are and in screenwriting and film producwhat brought you here to Las Ve- tion. gas?

LVN Who was your inspiration that Gilda Hello! I’m Gilda Graham, led you to this moment?

Founder of Golden Horse Films, LLC. I moved to Las Vegas in Gilda My screenwriting professor, September of 2014. I originally Alexis Krasilovsky, inspired me to came because a friend of mine got become a producer and is still my a job as a third-grade teacher in support system to this day. One of Clark County and didn’t want to the greatest teachers I’ll ever travel alone. At the time, I was have. looking for something new and Las Vegas sounded like a good place LVN What has been your biggest to find answers to questions I had obstacle to overcome and why? been pondering so I packed up and left with her to Vegas. Fast Gilda As cheesy as this sounds, forward eight years later and it getting out of my own way. I used was the BEST decision I had ever to find every excuse in the book made in my life. I had no idea the why not to do something that I beauty and passion I was about to wanted to succeed in. I know experience. sounds weird, right? It’s not listening to all the negativity anymore LVN What about Las Vegas keeps and giving yourself that chance to you here? Why? have a great career.

Gilda Graham

Gilda Simply: The people. They are what keeps me here. Las Vegans are the kindest people that really do root for you and your success. The art community became my mentors, my rock and my friends for life. They are all about giving back and how we can all 74

LVN What has been your biggest fear that you have to overcome?

Gilda Being afraid of failing but then I learned there is no such thing if you keep learning and pushing forward to a better life.

There was nothing to be afraid of

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

then.

LVN How did this fear make you stronger?

Gilda Keeps me pushing toward my goals and keeping a realistic view on everything.

LVN How has being in Vegas helped your business as opposed to being in another City?

Gilda The circle of people around you lift you up as you do all the hard work. That’s why it works here as opposed to another city where it’s going against the grain.

Here, everyone is the farmer that wants you to grow your seed.

LVN Where do you see your business in 5-10 years?

Gilda There are two parts to my company: film and consultation services. My coaching and consultation services are about helping people in the film industry with mindset work. My film company focuses on making films about celebrating heritage, culture, and diversity. I see them rise together and eventually making an impact in the lives of people in the film business. I take after my grandfather who was an entrepreneur himself. I’ve always felt him by my side through this journey.

LVN If you could add anything to Vegas, what would it be and why?

Gilda A film studio! Lol. We have so many hidden film companies that do Emmy award winning work and not many sound stages or studios where we can access things that many other states have.

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

75

Victoria Seaman Victoria Seaman Las Vegas City Councilwoman LVN We all have a story to tell.

Would you tell us who you are and what brought you here to Las Vegas?

VS I was a small business owner in Los Angeles for over 23 years before moving to Las Vegas. Every year we were experiencing more and more unfriendly business policies. I came to Las Vegas because it offered everything Los Angeles did, but it was business-friendly.

LVN What about Las Vegas keeps you here? Why? VS I love Las Vegas because it is a small town in a big city. The natives of Las Vegas have generations of history. It is a diverse city now with so many people coming because of the tax climate.

livelihood that had never signed the front of a paycheck. I wanted to use that experience and bring it to the government.

LVN What has been your biggest obstacle to overcome and why?

VS The biggest obstacle as a businesswoman who wanted to advance in politics was no one taking me seriously. I understood that not a lot of people in Nevada knew my background in business. The other obstacle has been that not everyone is in politics for the right reason, and it's a cutthroat business.

LVN What has been your biggest fear that you have to overcome?

VS My biggest fear was public speaking. I was educated in skincare and decided to go back and get a degree in political science taking public speaking classes to overcome. I finished my AssociLVN Give us a little insight into how ate's degree in Political Science. I you got started. was elected to the Legislature immediately after and took a hiatus from my bachelor's degree in PolitiVS I brought a business to Las Ve- cal Science. gas. After five years, I saw the political climate change for those who were creating jobs. I wanted to LVN How did this fear make you bring my business perspective to stronger? politics and help fiscal conservatives get elected.

VS I had to continue to confront my fear by speaking whenever I had LVN Who was your inspiration that the opportunity. And, eventually, led you to this moment? the practice and opportunity gave me the confidence to overcome.

VS I was introduced and volunteered for Danny Tarkanian's Sen- LVN How has being in Vegas ate campaign in 2010. I realized helped your business as opposed we had so many legislators that to being in another City? were so many people making decisions on businesses and people's 76

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

VS My business was successful when I moved here because of its business-friendly climate of fewer regulations and taxes. I brought it to Las Vegas in 2005 and sold it in 2009.

LVN Where do you see your business in 5-10 years?

VS I see that there is work to do in Nevada in electing more businessfriendly elected officials who understand how to grow the economy.

LVN If you could add anything to Vegas, what would it be and why?

VS I would add more businesses to diversify the economy by keeping us a low tax and business-friendly city. I would bring in a major league baseball team as we are becoming a worldwide sports hub.

34 Before becoming a Las Vegas City Councilwoman, Victoria was a State Assemblywoman, in District 34.

She served as assistant Minority Whip which gave her needed experience for her next position serving the people of Ward 2 where she lives now.

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

77

50 The arid climate in Vegas is ideal for outdoor activities like golf.

With over 50 courses, some listed on the Professional Golfer’s Tour, Las Vegas has clearly made its mark for those who love the links

Photo by Jopwell

Top Golf Courses cont.

serve and protect natural wildlife habitats.

The golf course meanders through arroyos and canyons.

Top Golf Clubs conti.

Lush bentgrass greens, striking flora, numerous water features and an abundance of honey mesquite and pine trees all contrast dramatically with undisturbed desert washes and other raw landscape features. The result is one of the most visually stunning tests of golf in Nevada.

TPC Summerlin proudly hosts the PGA TOUR’s Shriners Children’s Open. While challenging enough for the best players in the world during and the home of Tiger Woods’ first Professional victory, multiple tees on each hole enable golfers of all abilities to enjoy this exceptional layout.

Southern Highlands South Las Vegas

We are pleased to welcome you to Southern Highlands Golf Club. We have established a series of customs and traditions in order to enhance your experience at our Club. We take pride in making every one of our guests feel like a member during your visit with us.

This dress code is mandatory for all players. Improperly dressed golfers shall be asked to change before playing. If you are in doubt concerning your attire, please check with the golf shop before starting play. The deci-

sion of the Head Golf Professional or Director of Golf regarding dress code is final.

Expectations are that Members and Guests will dress in a fashion befitting the surroundings and atmosphere provided in the setting of the Club Facilities. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times on the Club premises, except in locker rooms, the pool areas and other areas that may be designated by the Club. Members are responsible for their guests being properly attired. Club Management has the final decision related to dress code matters. The policies are general and may vary by Club, especially as it relates to particular dining areas. It is up to the member to check with the Club prior to visiting for any special circumstances that may exist.

Southern Highlands is setting a high standard for Las Vegas.

Not only is the course impeccable, but the surroundings are top of the line. This is what it must have felt like to play back in the days of Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo.

No expense has been spared in preparing a truly rich golfing experience. It isn’t surprising that golfers remark, “I’ll be back” after playing Southern Highlands.

Legacy Golf Club Green Valley, Henderson

Tucked away in the beautiful Henderson/Las Vegas Valley

area, The Legacy Golf Club boasts a par 72 championship golf course, sure to offer a great experience for golfers of all skill levels.

In addition to our golf course, The Grill @ Legacy Golf Club is a full-service casual restaurant, bar and patio, open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch.

What's more — we offer an excellent array of vacation and tournament packages, and play host to a number of beautiful weddings!

Come by today to see why The Legacy is one of Henderson's prized golf courses!

I watched this course being built and always knew it would become a classic. Now some 30 years later The Legacy has stood the breath of time and has carved a name out for itself.

Las Vegas Golf Club Midtown

Situated not far from the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas Golf Club’s remarkable golf, upscale amenities and superlative gusset service have earned it recognition among the city’s best and most affordable daily fee golf properties.

Whether you are seeking a beautiful backdrop for gold with family and friends, a spectacular setting for weddings and special events, or a memorable golf

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

79

5 Las Vegas sits in an area known as basins and range, meaning she is surrounded by mountains. There are 5 major mountain ranges which give our city a unique and varied landscape for climbing, hiking or skiing nearly year-round.

80

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

tournament locale, we have what you’re looking for.

“For a casual, relaxing round on a traditional course that won’t strain the budget, Las Vegas Golf Club is as good as it gets.”

Top Golf Clubs cont.

VegasGolfer Magazine, 2008 One of Las Vegas’ oldest and most honored courses is The Las Vegas Golf Course. The Course is included on our list as our homage to old school Vegas. This is the place where all the greats played. It was the course where everyone learned how to play and when you just want to get out on the links and hit some long drives The Las Vegas Golf Course has easy access, affordability and pure enjoyment to play.

Los Prados Golf Club Northwest Valley

courts. A golfers paradise in the challenging. beautiful Las Vegas Valley.

Our weather generously provided a perfect relaxing getaway.

Our course plays to a par of 70, with the yardage just under 6000. The fairways are tight and the extremely fat greens are well burned. Due to the narrow fairways, the course is very quite and dunes areas. The park contains the last remaining natural dunes that once dominated the southern end of the Las Vegas valley. Sunset Park also hosts many special events open to the public, including the annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival.

people and large areas of farmland.

At maximum capacity, Lake Mead is 112 miles (180 km) long, 532 feet (162 m) at its greatest depth, has a surface elevation of 1,221.4 feet (372.3 m) above sea level and 247 square miles (640 km ) of surface area, and contains 26.12 million acre-feet (3.222×10 L) of water.

The lake has remained below full capacity since 1983 due to drought and increased water demand. As of 30 June 2021, Lake Mead held 35.17% of full capacity at 9.102 million acrefeet (1.1227×10 L), dropping below the reservoir's previous all-time low of 9.328 million acre-feet (1.1506×10 L) recorded in July 2016 In a draft 2022 Colorado River annual operating plan released by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a "Shortage Condition" is expected to be declared for 2022 due to the lake level falling below 1,075 feet (327.7 m), which will result in a projected 4.44% curtailment in downstream water delivery.

2

LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

13

13

13

Los Prados Golf Course is nestled in the picturesque guardgated Los Prados Community in the northwest corner of the Vegas Valley. Beautiful views, great service and a well maintained course have made us a long time local favorit. We would like to welcome you to join us for a truly enjoyable golf experience in a beautiful relaxed setting.

The Los Prados Golf Course is owned and operated by the Los Prados Community Association.

A community comprising 1,358 homes that surround the course, clubhouse, pools and tennis

Lake Mead is a reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in the Southwestern United States. It is located in the states of Nevada and Arizona, 24 mi (39 km) east from Las Vegas Strip.

It is the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water capacity. Formed by the Hoover Dam on September 30, 1935, the reservoir serves water to the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada, as well as some of Mexico, providing sustenance to nearly 20 million

VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK Photo by Kindel Media

23 Hacks Every Las Vegan Should Know Livin in Vegas is a unique experience, one that only those who have lived here for a long time understand. For the newbies to the Valley, we've put together our short list of Hacks every Las Vegan should know. Take this list seriously, some of the items could mean the difference between having a fun time living here or frustration.

1. Never attempt to leave Vegas on a Friday or Sunday.

Sporting events and live entertainment can mean only one thing, lots and lots of people. In Vegas there are only two major ways in or out of the city. This can mean a major bottleneck on the I-15 South going to California, if you choose the wrong day or time, a short 30 minute drive could last 4 or 5 hours just to get to Jean, Nevada.

2. Tipping your waitress isn’t just customary, it is essential.

Put this high on your list.

Las Vegas is a service based economy, meaning your waiters, and bartenders make their living off tips.

Tip well and you have a friend for life. Being stingy is a recipe for disaster, especially if you plan on making a local hangout your regular bar or restaurant. Remem82

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

ber, word gets around and paybacks are a mofo.

3. We don’t have rush hour traffic. It is always Rush Hour..

In most cities rush hour is pretty regular, but not in a 24/7 town like Las Vegas.

We don’t have a regular rush hour because there are shifts all day long. Don’t be surprised if at 12 noon there is a traffic jam on the I -15 just when you are planning to go to lunch.

4. Plan on using the entire day when going to any sporting event.

Small towns with large populations like Vegas can spell disaster when it comes to sporting events. Getting in and out of places that just

weren’t meant for throngs of people can make for slow going. Our laid back lifestyle mandates you reserve most of the day for any sporting event. You’ll thank us later.

5. Stay in a short term rental or Airbnb to save money on hotel charges.

The days of cheap hotel rooms off the Strip are gone. Hotel fees are added to every room jacking up the price of a $50 room to well over $200 or more a night. Why not check out the growing Short Term rental or Air BnB industry.

You can rent an entire house, with full accommodations and split it with a friend for less than a room on or off the Strip.

6. Why rent a car when you

can rent a Lamborghini.

Vegas is the land of dreams and fantasy. Renting a 4door mid-size grocery getter from one of the major chains is fine but when friends and family come to town, suggest they get the full effect by renting a sweet exotic or one of those 3 wheeled motor racer. If you’re gonna do Vegas, do it right.

7. Gilcrease farms has the best produce.

One of the oldest farms in Vegas is located on the northside of the valley at Gilcrease Farms. This family owned orchard and farm has been serving the Vegas valley for over a generation with everything you can imagine in the way of produce.

Pay an entrance fee and pick till your bucket is full.

8. Lovit frozen custard is a secret stop hidden behind a 7 -11 off of Sahara and Las Vegas Blvd.

One of Vegas’ hidden treasures, Lovit frozen yogurt is a Vegas tradition. It ain't big in size, but big in flavor. If you can wait in line to the walkup store you won’t be disappointed.

9. The best time to go running in Vegas or any outdoor activity. When it’s hot. Before the sun comes up.

Lovin and Livin in Vegas means understanding the dry, hot climate. When the weather hits 110 degrees during the day and you still need to workout, a compromise is in order. The morning hours before the sun

comes up or the evening, just after dusk are perfect times to get in a short jog or long bike ride. Just be sure to wear light reflective clothing and maybe a headlamp.

10. Never buy brand new windshield wiper blades.

Las Vegas on average receives less than 2” of rain per year and when it does rain, it’s only for a couple of minutes. Buying brand new windshield wiper blades is almost ridiculous. Yes, you’ll need them when and if it rains but that only happens twice a year. Save the cash for Lovit Frozen Yogurt.

11. Never ever leave your pets in a locked car with the windows rolled up during the summer.

Your pets are the most important part of your family save your kids. Leaving them in a car in Denver is one thing but in Vegas it could mean the unthinkable.

NEVER leave your pets in a car with the windows rolled up for any length of time.

Temps can easily get over 100 degrees, which could mean curtains for Fifi or Fido.

12. Get the darkest window shades possible for your cars.

The sun can be murder on your dashboard and more importantly on you during the summer. Invest in a window tint that is as dark as humanly possible to see out of. Take it from experience, there is nothing worse than sitting on hot change with bare skin.

13. Wear sunscreen SPF 1000 during the summer.

Dry, hot and sunny are ingredients where wearing a high rated sunscreen is in order. If they made a solution with a sunblock equivalent of SPF 1000 that would be about right for Las Vegas. The higher the rating, the better you’ll be able to survive Vegas on a hot summer day.

14. Never buy dinner at the airport.

You can save some major cash by avoiding places meant for tourists’. The first place is the airport. Costs for food in McCarran can be as high as 60% or more for a cup of coffee or dinner.

That’s money you could be tipping your bartender at your favorite local bar or better yet putting in your own pocket.

15. Buy your own slot machine.

Most locals in Vegas don’t go to the Strip or even gamble but there are those who do. If you just can’t stay away from gambling then the next best thing is to purchase your own slot machine. Put it in your mancave or she-cave and have it.

16. Gambling is recreation. It is for tourists.

To survive and thrive in Vegas you have to understand that gambling is for the tourists. You may hit a jackpot or two but the odds are against you making it in Vegas if you spend too much time in the Casinos.

Photo by KEHN HERMANO

17. Get a dependable car, with AIR CONDITIONING. Think of your car like it is your camel. If you don’t have a good, healthy camel in the desert (Las Vegas) you are going to die. An air conditioner is more important than seats in the desert. Whatever you do, make sure your air conditioning isn’t just working, it is something to be proud of.

18. Bottled water isn’t a luxury, it is essential.

You’ll find that after a few seasons in the desert, your water consumption will level off but in the beginning expect to drink plenty of water.

Convenience is the key and bottled water is essential.

Keep a bottle or two on hand especially during the summer months.

19. Rain is God’s way of saying “Be Cautious of Drivers”.

Because Las Vegas only gets a few inches of rain per year, when it does rain people go crazy. Add to the lack of experience with the wet stuff, oils on the roadways make the streets like skating rinks and you have some real issues. Take extra care during rainy days.

Our accidents go through the roof, not because of the rain, it’s because of the drivers not taking extra caution and care.

20. A large percentage of drivers on our street are not from Las Vegas. They do not understand how it is to drive in Vegas. Stay in your lane, stay home.

There is a saying that Vegas drivers don’t know how to drive. The truth is, we are trying to stay out of the way of California drivers. Take this into consideration when you’re on the streets, many drivers don’t know our streets and are driving by braille. Let them do their thing and stay the heck out of their way.

21. Remember we are Las Vegas and not Los Angeles or New York. We do things differently here. Once you learn that things go much easier.

Vegas has a population of over 2million people. We do things a certain way and are comfortable with our laid back lifestyle and community feel. Get to know our really big Little town and its style. For those coming from other states, remember, you came here for a reason.

22. The spaghetti bowl is for tourists not locals.

Planning wasn’t the first thing on the drawing board for Las Vegas when it came to travel. The infamous “Spaghetti Bowl” is a prime example. If you can help it, find an alternate route through town and leave “The Bowl” to the tourists.

No matter what they do to fix it, there may never be a good solution.

23. Learn how to say Nevada.

Locals can tell if you are a tourist or not.

One thing that drives people from Nevada is to hear our beloved state's name destroyed by some Yankee from New Jersey. It ain’t

Nevada it is Nevada. Learn it, live it, love it.

5 The Seven Magic Mountains. The attraction opened on May 11, 2016, and was originally scheduled to be on view for 2 years. Because of its popularity, the Bureau of Land Management issued a three-year permit extension for the attraction, meaning it will be on display through the end of 2021.

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

85

86

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

Photo by Prime Cinematics f

Homemade Eggnog Recipe Ingredients 12 Eggs

Here’s a thought. Take our Eggnog Recipe to the next Level by adding a Premium Rum or Whiskey.

1-1/2 Cups Sugar 1/2 teaspoon Salt 2 Cinnamon Sticks 8 Cups Whole Milk, Divided 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream Additional Nutmeg

For the Kids add Peppermint or a Candy Cane for Garnish Vegas is the home of so many Award-winning restaurants and chef’s. As the home of the Shrimp cocktail and of course our hurricane sized drinks, not a day goes by without another innovation or update on classics.

1. In a heavy saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar and salt.

Gradually add 4 cups milk; cook and stir over low heat until a thermometer reads 160°-170°, 30-35 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Immediately transfer to a large bowl.

2. Stir in vanilla, nutmeg and remaining milk. Place bowl in an ice-water bath, stirring until milk mixture is cool. (If mixture separates, process in a blender until smooth.) Refrigerate, covered, until cold, at least 3 hours.

To serve, beat cream until soft peaks form. Whisk gently into cooled milk mixture. If desired, sprinkle with additional nutmeg before serving.

If you are a chef, own a café or just have a great recipe you’d like to share, send it to us at Livin in Vegas and we’ll be sure to try it out. Who knows, we may just post it online or in our next issue.

Send your recipes to LivinInVegasMag@gmail.com LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

89

1 Although there are many places where you can find water in the valley, the Colorado River is the only river that runs through or near Las Vegas.

In 1931, work began on the Boulder Dam Project, to harness the power of the mighty Colorado, which produced the nations first recreational area, Lake Mead measuring 247.1mi2. Named after the Reclamation Commissioner at the time Elwood Mead.

Up until that point Indian cultures, settlers and adventurous pioneers looking for cheap land camped on the banks of the Colorado River, which runs just east of Las Vegas.

90

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

Parks cont.

Valley of Fire State Park is a public recreation and nature preservation area covering nearly 46,000 acres (19,000 ha) located 16 miles (26 km) south of Overton, Nevada.

The state park derives its name from red sandstone formations, the Aztec Sandstone, which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago. These features, which are the centerpiece of the park's attractions, often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun's rays. It is Nevada's oldest state park, as commemorated with Nevada Historical Marker #150. It was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1968.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lies in Nevada’s Mojave Desert. It is known for geological features such as towering red sandstone peaks and the Keystone Thrust Fault, as well as Native American petroglyphs. Panoramic viewing spots dot the 13-mile Scenic Drive. The sheltered Ice Box Canyon has seasonal waterfalls.

To the south, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park features historic buildings and hiking trails.

Valley of Fire is located 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas, at an elevation between 1,320–3,009 feet (402–917 m). It abuts the Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the east at the Virgin River confluence. It lies in a 4 by 6 mi (6.4 by 9.7 km) basin.

RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

LIVIN IN VEGAS JANUARY 2022/MARCH 2022

91