College-bound traveling tween to Cirque stars, these doers are inspiring kids to dream big
ask the darndest things of this superstar, arriving Aug. 9 Danny Go! Knows
Publisher’s Note
Everymonth,gettinganissueofVegas
FamilyInsiderintoyourhandsisamix ofcoffee-fueledplanning,last-minute edits,andawholelotofheart Butthis Julyissue?Ithitalittledifferent
Wekickedoffthisissuethinkingabout balance,especiallyduringsummer One ofourJuniorJournalists,14-year-old Connor,openedupabouthisscreen timestruggles.Hisstorymightgetyour kidtologoffforsomethingsurprising.
AndthentherearetheCoolKidsof Summer Theselocallegendsare gettingacceptedtocollegeatage12 (yep,really),andshowingwhathappens whenpassionmeetspersistence Watchingtheirstoriescometogether throughinterviewsandsnapshotsfrom proudparentsandmentorsreminded us:thiscommunityissomething special
Pullingitalltogethertookavillage thankyoutoouramazingwriters, photographers,eventorganizers,and especiallytheteenswhotrusteduswith theirstories.
SoasyouflipthroughtheJulyissue (hopefullywithapopsicleorapoolfloat nearby),knowthatthismagazinewas builtwithcare,connection,anda wholelotofbehind-the-sceneslove
KIMBERLEY MCGEE Publisher
Contents Cool Kids of Summer
TheLocalCoolKids Localkidspursuingtheirdreams &doingthehardthings.
#31NoahAlbuquerque--CirqueProdigy #32AriaGoodson--ActingGenius #34XavierJiminez-OvercomingObstacles #35KingstonMajors--CuriosityKing #36ElizabethLayton--Dancer&Journalist #37LewisLayton--CreativeForce
OurCalendar There’salotgoingon!FindJulyevents inourcalendar.
KidsAskAnythingofDannyGo! ReadaninterviewwithDannyGo! Starofthelive-actioneducational children’sshow. HeartoftheCommunityAward Doyouknowapersonorsmall businessintheLasVegasValleythat goesaboveandbeyondtomakeour communitybetter? VegasHistory–Fantastic’sSwap FamilyFindsforDecadesatFantastic IndoorSwapMeet. BloodsuckersintheValley Whyitseemswe’reunderattack24/7 formmosquitoes andwhatyoucan doaboutit!
Home Food Excursions
CoolSpots IsaportableACworthit?
CaringforyourA/C AddyearstoyourA/Cto keepyourhomefeeling likeadesertoasis.
SummerDeclutter Onemonthplanto declutteryourhomethis summer.
LostPetMonth Whattodointhecaseof alostpet&howtokeep yourfurrylovedones comfywhileyou’reaway.
#8 SummerIdeasVKZKidpreneurWeeklynewsletter providesfunideasandchallengeseveryweekforkidsto earnpiontsandwingiftcards!
#30CoolKids Howlocalkids areusingtheirsummerto create,lead,andinspire.
#26KidsAskAnythingof DannyGo!Thishighenergy starletkidsdothetalkingand interviewhimforhisfirsttrip toLasVegasAug.9.
#47SummerDeclutter Refreshthisseasonwithaonemonthchallenge.
#48LostPetMonthWhatto dointhecaseofalostpet.
#52VegasBitesRealTalk& PizzawithLeadingLocalFood CriticAlMancini
#57SummerRecipesAdairy freecaramelsauce.
PogoPass Howtosaveonactivities thissummer.
VegasBites RealTalk&Pizzawith LeadingLocalFood CriticAlMancini.
WhereCrustMeets Championships Readaboutlocalpizzeria PizzaRock.
DairyFreeCaramel Asurprisinglygoodand simplesummersauce.
ChillIdeasfor Summer Savemoneyatlocal attractions. 60 62
WhispersoftheDeep Aglimpseintothe journeythroughtimeat theimmers-iveTitanic Exhibition.
Las Vegas summers are blazing, but that’s the perfect fuel for fiery young entrepreneurs! In this edition of the Kidpreneur Idea Lab, we’re spotlighting quick-hit, creative business ideas tailor-made for the season.
Poolside Snack & Drink Stations – If you live in a neighborhood with a community pool, set up a mini stand with chilled drinks, popsicles, or grab-and-go snacks Just check with your HOA first and keep safety and cleanliness top of mind.
Landscaping or Pet Care Services – Mowing lawns, pulling weeds, watering plants, or walking dogs while neighbors escape the heat? Yes, please. It’s a practical way to earn money while helping your local community
Social Media Help for Family Businesses – Older kids can offer basic web design or post ideas for small businesses (think: restaurants, boutiques, barbers). Many adults would love the help and it builds awesome tech and marketing skills!
Light up a Senior Living Facility with Letters & Laughs - Offer a pen-pal service where kids write jokes, stories, or kind letters weekly. Add a small business twist: families “sponsor a smile” and help cover postage and materials
Big ideas don’t need big budgets, just heart, hustle, and a little SPF
VKZKidpreneurWeeklynewsletterprovidesfun ideasandchallengeseveryweekforkidsto earnpiontsandwingiftcards!Signuphere andlet’swatchthemshine.
Discoverunique, handmadetreasuresand nurturethe entrepreneurialspiritof thesetalentedkids. Let’sinspirethenext generationtogether join usattheVKZKidpreneur Market!Every2nd SaturdayatFantastic! VEGASKIDSZONE.COM
Clickhere for aexamples andmore dvice!
2ND
FREE FOOD, DRINKS,& DISCOUNTS ON YOUR BIRTHDAY
FREE BIRTHDAY SWAGMAP
It’s our favorite time of the year, birthday time! We have found 20+ places to get a free goodie or gift during your birthday month or only when you arrive on your actual birthday.
From a cookie or a Bundlet to lipstick, eye makeup and candles, there is an abundance of goodies for you to grab on your birthday!
VIEW ENTIRE LIST, CLICK HERE
BIRTHDAY SHOUTOUTS
Ourinboxisfulloflovefromproud parentsshoutingfromtherooftops (oratleastfromtheirphones We sharebirthdayshoutoutsevery month!
“Kaytanna,yourwilddancemoves, yourkindspirit,youmakeeveryday better Keepbeingawesome! Happy12 birthday!”–AuntieT th
“Happy5thBirthday,Luna!You're li l f hi d h b
Wanttojointhefun?Sendyourbirthday shoutout withapicandmessage to Kim@vegaskidszone.comandwe’ll includeyoursuperstarinournextround ofbirthdaycheers!
VKZ OUT & ABOUT
NOURISHING COMMUNITY
Itwasasupergoodtimeatthedelicious pancakebreakfastbenefiting500 ProjectsofLove Thecharactersfrom CriticalCareComicsstoppedbytosayhi! Morethan20localbusinessesjoined forcesforagreateventwithgiveaways fromOceanPrime,SylvanTutoring, magicianJenKramer,andavisitfrom Mrs.DowntownLasVegas,Gianina Sanchez
Wanttohelp?Nodonationneeded just yourtime!Signuphere.
GROWTH BY NUMBERS
We’restillbuzzingfromtheenergyofour 2-YearAnniversaryIndoorMarket and WOW,whatawaytocelebrate!Mrs. DowntownLasVegas,GianinaSanchez wasourguestjudge.
Beforeweevencutthecake,nearlya dozensaleshadalreadyhappened!
Patronscameearly,excitedtoshopand support Wehadregularsstopbyand intentionallymakeapurchasefrom everysinglekidpreneur,asking thoughtfulquestionsandshowingreal interestinwhatouryoungbusinesses arebuilding That’stheheartofVKZon fulldisplay.
Ifyouwerepartofit
thankyou.Ifyou missedit markyourcalendarnowfor the:July12Market
wellness
The Mindful Momma
This Summer, I’m Choosing to Stay Cool
ByAntoinnetteMajors
There’sacertainkindofchaosthatonly summercanbring.
The kids are home. The routine is gone. The sun is blazing, the days are long, and the fridge door opens 85 times before noon. Somewhere between my 100 lecture on staying hydrated and the resulting 100 unclaimed half full water bottles, I find myself trying to breathe through the overstimulation noise, heat, requests, and expectations coming from all directions. th
Andyet,everyyear,Itellmyselfthis summerwillbedifferent. Iromanticize it thinkofallthememorieswe’llmake andthefunwe’llhave.
Butthen,therealityhits,blaringlikethe sunatnoon.Theearlyexcitementturns intoemotionaloverload.Istartscrolling forsummerhacks,summercamps, anythingthatwillprovideabrief reprieve.ThenIfeelguiltyfornot creatingmorestructure AndbeforeI knowit,I’mcaughtinaloopoftryingto surviveaseasonIwantedtosavor.
Sothisyear,Ichosetorewritethescript. Thissummer,I’mchoosingtostaycool. Notjustintemperature(ifthat’seven possiblehere)butinpresence.InhowI showup.InhowIprotectmypeace.
I’mnotchasingcuratedmomentsor tryingtopackeveryweekwith activities I’mnotcompetingwith Instagramfamilieswhoseemtoliveat thebeachandhavematchingtowels.
I’mnotover-explainingwhyI’mnot signingupforallthethings.
Instead,I’mslowingdown.I’mletting stillnessbeenough
I’mreclaimingsummerasatimefordeep presence,notsurfacelevelphotoops.That meansallowingmorespacebetweenthings Sayingnototheurgetofilleverypocketof timewithsomething"productive."Choosing napsinthehammockoverperformance Listeningmorecloselytowhatmybodyand mychildactuallyneed,notwhatIthink we’resupposedtobedoing
Italsomeanstuningintowhatmybody holds Becausehere’sthething:the tightnessinyourshoulders,thefatiguethat hitsbeforedinner,themoodswingsthat feeloutofnowhere they’renotalways physical.Sometimes,it’semotionalheat. Unspokentension.Mentaloverstimulation. Thepressuretoholditalltogethereven whenyou'remeltinginside.
SoI’mleaningintopracticesthatcoolmy energy,too.Breathwork.Longexhales. Morningstretchesbeforethehousewakes up Sayingoutloud,“Ineedamoment,” whenIfeelmyselfstarttoboil.
That’swhat“cool”lookslikeformethis summer.It’snotavibe.It’sachoice.Away ofmovingthroughtheworldwithless reactivityandmoreintention
And maybe most importantly, I’m givingmyselfpermission.
Permissiontobeamommawhodoesn't haveitallfiguredout.
Permissiontoservesnackdinnersand callitgood.
Permissiontoskipthecrowdedevents andstayhomeinpajamas
Permissiontojustbe without performing,producing,orproving.
I want my child to remember a summer filled with laughter, not stress
A momma who was present, not perfect. A season where connection was more important than control So no, I won’t be trying to be the “cool mom” in the performative sense. I won’t be filling our calendar with back-toback activities or pretending I enjoy chaos when I don’t.
ButIwillbethemomwhoknows howtoregulatehernervoussystem. Whoknowswhentopause Whoknowsthatrestisresistance andjoyisenough.
Becausethetruthis,there’s nothingmore“cool” thana parentwho’scalm.Grounded. Aware.
Andthatstartswithhowwecarefor ourselves especiallyinthe unstructured,messy, overstimulatingdaysofsummer Soifyou'refeelingtheweightof summeralready ifyou’re somewherebetweenburntoutand barelykeepingup Ihopeyou’ll joinme.
Thisdoesn’thavetobetheseason thatwearsyoudown.Itcanbethe seasonthatbringsyoubacktolife Letthisbethesummeryougive yourselfpermission.
Torest.
Tobe.
Tostaycool inthewaysthat mattermost.
Whatwoulditlooklikeforyouto staycoolthissummer notjustfor yourkids,butforyourself?
Youdon’tneedaplan.Justapause. Therestwillfollow(literallyand figuratively).
AbouttheAuthor
AntoinnetteMajorsistheowner ofMommaMindframe,a
prenatalmindsetcoaching practicethathelpsexpecting mothersaccesstheirinnate powerandintuitionsothatthey areempoweredtocreatethe birthingexperiencetheydesire
Soul Tal with Heather Cri
“Mom, He Won't ": What Sibling Fight Teaching Us, an excerpt from “How to Happy Child (and be happy too.) "
Dinner was burning. I was tired. And somewhere in the living room, it sounded like a WWE match between my four-year-old and seven-year-old had just broken out.
Cue the footsteps. Fast and furious.
Chase burst into the kitchen, tears streaming, pointing fingers, breathless with injustice.
"John hit me and took the Wii!"
Not far behind came John, red-faced and yelling his defense.
Old me? She would've dropped the spatula and launched into full-blown mediator mode judge, jury, and referee.
But this time, I tried something different. I breathed. Just once. Deeply. And I remembered: this wasn't a crisis. This was practice.
I turned to Chase.
"Did John hit me?"
"No "
"Then who do you need to talk to?"
"...John."
"Right I know you can handle this Use your words. I'm here if you need me."
He paused. Then turned. "JOHHHNNN, GIVE ME A TURN!"
It didn't go perfectly. They still argued. But here's the shift I didn't fix it for them. I gave them a choice
"Guys, here's the deal: You can work this out and keep playing. Or you can keep fighting and the game goes off Totally up to you. I trust you."
That's it. Clear. Loving. Boundaried.
And that moment? It wasn't about a video game. It was about life skills. Conflict resolution. Communication. Emotional intelligence. The good stuff.
Reflection Pause:
How often do we jump in to fix things, when what our kids really need is a little faith from us? Because here's the secret: When we give our kids the space to figure it out without blame, shame, or micromanaging they rise.
HeatherCriswell,author,speaker,andfounderofHeather’sSoulTalks,hasover 30 yearsofexperiencehelping30,000+childrenandfamilies.She’stheauthorof“How toRaiseaHappyChild(andBeHappyToo)”and“WiseTalkfromtheOtherSide,”and hoststhe“Heather’sSoulTalks”podcast,sharingstoriesonparenting,love,and wisdom Formoreparentingtips,visitheathercriswellcomforfreeresources
My Screen Time Secret
ByConnorT.,15
It was too much, and I know it. But, if you had told me six months ago that I’d willingly cut my screen time from six hours a day down to two, I would’ve laughed and kept scrolling But here I am, living that reality.
Andyah,I’mstillkindofembarrassedtotalkaboutit
It started when my mom gave me an ultimatum. Either have my screen time reduced drastically or I could come up with a plan to manage it better I thought she was bluffing Six hours wasn’t that bad, right? Everyone I know is on their phone or gaming thatmuch
Butshewasn’twrong
My grades had started slipping I was zoning out during conversations I couldn’t go ten minutes withoutcheckingsomething
So,Imadetheplan
We landed on two hours of screen time a day, and I can earn up to four extra hours a week only if I do things that make my life better Stuff like reading, working out, helping around the house,orspendingtimenotgluedtoascreen.Basically,thingsIhadbeenignoring.
I’ll be real: I hated it at first I felt like I was being punished, even though I knew it was my own doing I was also super awkward telling my friends, especially when I had to log off mid-convo or mid-game and say, “Hey, I used up my screen time today.” I got a few “bro, seriously?” reactions But over time, they kind of stopped giving me a hard time Some even said they wereimpressed
The thing is, I feel better. Like, noticeably better. My brain isn’t as foggy. I can focus longer at school I’ve started actually finishing books again I even talk more at dinner which my parentsaredefinitelynotcomplainingabout
Weirdly enough, my relationships are better too I joke around with my siblings more, hang out with my cousin without both of us just sitting on our phones, and I feel more connected to stuff in real life
Not just what’s happening online I’ve picked up a few new interests too like trying to cook something once a week (don’t ask about my first pancake attempt) and sketching again, which I hadn’tdoneinforever.
I’m still working on the balance Sometimes, I catch myself itching to unlock my phone or jump on a game, even when I know I’ve hit my limit And I still feel awkward admitting I have a limit But honestly, I’d rather deal with that thangobacktohowIwas.
Cutting my screen time wasn’t easy It was kind of embarrassing at first, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I didn’t want to make And now? Two hours a day feels like enough to enjoy my favorite stuff without missing everything elsethatmakeslifeactuallyinteresting.
community
VEGASKIDSZONE
Calendar
JULY
FamilyNightat Freddy's Steakburgers
July1
EveryfirstTue.of themonth,free kidsmealwith adultcombo purchase
Blastoffinthe Basin
July4
Freefireworks show,a spectacular droneaerial display, marchingband, musicandmore!
NerdyDebate Club
July2
Lighthearted debatetopicsfor funandfree entertainmentat theSunrise Library
Movies,Beats& Eats
July5
Enjoyafree outdoormovieat AlianteNature DiscoveryPark, featuring“Star Wars:TheForce Awakens”
Henderson4th ofJuly
July4
Country musicianTony Jackson headlinesthis celebrationat HeritagePark
BadgeClass: Architecture
July5
AttheSprings Preserve,learn howarchitects create structures,from housesto skyscrapers
PlazaSummer Friday Fireworks
July4
Freefireworks showdowntown atthePlaza rooftoppoolwith aliveDJ
Homeschool PlayDay
July8
AspecialAllYou CanPlayoffer andunlimited softdrinksat ChuckE Cheese, the2ndTue.of everymonth
NatureTales
July9
Cometothe WetlandsPark forafree,family story-timeand craftprogram withanature theme
FNAFEscape Room
July17
Useteamworkto solvepuzzlesina FiveNightsat Freddy’s-themed escaperoom Will youescape?
BacktoSchool ResourceFair
July26
Bringthekidsfor freebackpacks, andschool supplies aswell ashealth screenings
EnchantedIce CreamBall
July27
Kidscandress upasafavorite princessand enjoyasweet scooportwoat Emeraldat Queensridge
80sNight
July9
Downtown Summerlin promisesanepic nightofmusic, kidsactivities andyourfavorite 80sjams
YouthOpenMic Night
July18
TheCentennial HillsYMCA presents this eventforages1218toshowoff theirtalents.
BacktoSchool Fair
July26
TheEastLas Vegas Community Centeroffers resourcesand schoolsupplies
BouncyWorld's BacktoSchool Bash
July27
Stockupon schoolsupplies, getabackpack, playgamesand enterrafflesat thisfreeevent
Kidpreneur Market
July12
Kidsshowcase theirhandmade treasuresand curateditemsat FantasticIndoor SwapMeet
PrismaticLaser LightShow
July18
Reallasersshine onthescreen, ceilingandwalls, settohitsongs attheClark CountyLibrary.
BacktoSchool Bash
July26
Enjoyraffles, games,karaoke, andmoreatthis eventthat featuresschool suppliesanda backpack giveaway Free entry,from10 am-3pm VIP Family Indoorplay& More
FullMoon SoundBath
July12
AtCactusJoe’s, enjoyaquiet atmosphereand soundsfrom soothingcrystal bowls
NeonNight Market
July26
VisitLasVegas MiniGrandPrix forfacepainting, glowfoam, giveawaysand more
BacktoSchool SlimeWeek
July26
Headtothe WindmillLibrary forabackpack giveaway,crafts, familyresources, andmusicby Subsanity
VKZJunior Journalism Camp
July29-31
Learnessential journalismskills, andgeta chancetobe publishedin VegasFamily Insider!
JUMP, WIGGLE, ASK!
Vegas Kids Interview the mind behind “Danny Go!” - the High-Energy Kids’ Show Everyone’s Talking About
Createdin2019bythreechildhoodfriendsinCharlotte,NorthCarolina,“DannyGo!”getskids learning,laughing,andupontheirfeet
How do you get the ideas for your videos and who edits them when you do make them? - Kathleen M., 7
Ideas can come from anywhere at any time. I've made up several Danny Go songs while doing the dishes! But, usually, me and Bearhead and Pap Pap will eat lunch together and just throw around ideas for new videos. We also have a super long list of ideas that we ' ve been adding to for years that we'll look at often We'll also look at toy catalogs and see if there's any fun ideas we ' re missing...that's how we came up with our glowstick song! When it comes to video editing, both me and Bearhead do that work together It's very detailed work and we stay up editing until 3 a m all the time, but it's also very satisfying. We love creating these imaginary adventures!
If we could go on a snake adventure, what goes in your adventure backpack?Eric, 4
I love this question! Hmm I think I'd want to make sure I pack some snake repellent, for sure. But maybe also a few fake mouse toys, just in case we need to throw the snakes off in a chase? A pet honey badger could also come in handy if we really get into trouble Oh, and probably smart to bring plenty of water and snacks, of course
When you were a kid, what games or songs did you play? - Max, 5
Oh, I used to love playing the Floor is Lava in my house, hopping around from pillow to pillow. I also used to love dancing around by myself while I made silly drum beats with my mouth I had a lot of energy as a kid! I loved being alone and making things up in my imagination, but I also had some great friends that lived nearby. We used to play reeeally long games of hide and seek, where you could hide pretty much anywhere in the neighborhood It would take forever to find everyone!
SEEDANNYIN PERSON!
MarkYourCalendar!DannyGo!willbe liveonAugust9atLee’sFamilyForum, andyoucouldbethere!Cometothe July12KidpreneurMarketatFantastic IndoorSwapMeetforachancetowin freeticketsandjointhefuninperson RSVPheretoenter Mustbepresentat theJuly12eventat1pm towin
What's your favorite Danny Go! song that makes you smile? - Hunter, 6
That's a hard question! I think 2 of the happiest songs to me would be Millipede March and Candy Cane Crush. They both just make me smile when I hear them But if I had to pick one, I think Candy Cane Crush makes me smile the biggest! Something about those melodies brings me such joy.
How many videos do you have that you haven't released yet? - Kathleen M., 7
None! Haha We have tons and tons of song demos and video ideas that we ' ve never released, but we only ever work on one video at a time! It takes us several weeks to fully produce each song and video, so it would be pretty difficult for us to make multiple videos at once.
When you ' re feeling shy or nervous, what do you do to "get into your bigdance energy? - Emma, 5
I've been very nervous backstage when I'm about to run out and do our Danny Go Live Show on tour But something that's always helped me is thinking about my friends and the people around me that care about me and remembering that they'll still be there for me even if I mess up. Sometimes, I'll also just start smiling and wiggling my arms around and thinking about the good things in my life. It sounds simple, but that really helps me shake the nerves out and just have fun with whatever I'm doing
Nominatea LocalHero
DoyouknowapersonorsmallbusinessintheLas VegasValleythatgoesaboveandbeyondtomake ourcommunityabetterplace?
VegasKidsZoneisshiningaspotlightonthose whosekindness,generosity,andhardworkuplift others.Thisisyourchancetohelpuscelebratethe everydayheroeswhomakeadifference!
Individuals: Someonewhoconsistentlyspreads kindness,supportsothers,orinspirespositive change
SmallBusinesses: Alocalbusinessthatgivesback tothecommunitythroughoutreach,donations,or initiativesthatmakelifebrighterforLasVegas families
AwardCriteria:
ActsofKindness:Demonstratedexamplesof generosity,compassion,orcommunityimpact.or otheractofservice
DeadlineisJuly15
CommunityFocus:Positiveinfluenceonfamilies,kids,orneighborhoodsintheLasVegasValley Consistency:Aproventrackrecordofmakingadifferenceovertime.
RulesforWinning:
NominationsareopentoLasVegasValleyresidentsandsmallbusinesses.Nomineesmust exemplifykindnessthroughverifiableactions Nominationsshouldincludeabriefdescriptionof whytheindividualorbusinessdeservesrecognition(100-200words).
Let’scelebratethekindnessthatexistseverydayacrossourbeautifulvalley Together,wecan inspireotherstospreadjoyandgenerosity!Nominateadeservingherotodayandlettheirstory inspireothers!
ABCs of Pursuing Your Dreams & Doing Hard Things
This summer, we ’ re turning the spotlight on local kids who are doing more than just staying cool they’re chasing dreams, building skills, and proving that age is no limit to ambition.
We dipped into the local community and found young college students, writers, performers and future leaders for our Cool Kids of Summer series that celebrates the bold, curious, and fearless youth making the most of their sunny days, and inspiring us all in the process.
NOAH ALBUQUERQUE
Local teen performer speaks on what it’s like to perform in Las Vegas and push for your dreams
ByElizabethLayton
Of all the invites kids get, from birthday parties to play dates, this was on the next level At age 7, Noah Albuquerque was hand-picked to audition for Cirque du Soleil’s “Beatles Love” The local teen has turned that early opportunity into a professional dance career at just age 14!
Whenheisperforminginashow,heis trainingmostdaysoftheweek, includinghittingthegym Whennot training,helikestowatchTVandplay videogames.Heisspendinghissummer travelingtoCaliforniaforauditionsand performingincommercialsandads,as wellasmodeling
Localholidayparadesareoneofhisprime performinggigsbetweenhismany modelingshoots.
“Iwillprobablybedoingtheparadesafterthe summerforHalloween,Christmas,and LunarNewYearandwhateverjobsIgetfor commercialsandotherauditions.”
Homeschooling makes his job easier, especially if he has to be gone for a few weeks
“Some advice I would give kids that are trying to go into the dancing and performing industry is to work hard and try your best to be the best every time
You will lose sometimes, but it’s normal so it’s important to learn and strive to be better.”
Noah,14,isoneoftheyoungestCirque performerstoplayLasVegas.
One of his favorite moves is to spin on his head or complete a breakdance move called a flare He has been working on a gainer, a type of backflip
“Iwassoyoung,soIdidn’tknow whatstagefrightwas…”
Noah speaks of his first time performing He’s performed in front of thousands of people at one time, including celebrities like Tom Holland, Zendaya, Celine Dion, JoJo Siwa, Orlando Bloom and many more.
“The most memorable event for me is when I was with Cirque was when Celine Dion came to see the show and we got to hang out with her kids It stood out the most because it was a moment I was very excited for for a very long time.”
While working on the Las Vegas Strip, his days started at 6 am and ended around 1 a.m. with many rest periods throughout the day.
Homeschooling has allowed more training time and a flexible schedule
“Being homeschooled [now] helps but I’ve always done well in school,” he said. “One of my favorite things about homeschooling is that I can wake up whenever I want”
ARIA GOODSON
At just 12 years old, Aria Goodson is spending her summer a little differently than most tweens. The actress, academic, and animal enthusiast is diving into college-level courses
“My greatest accomplishment so far this summer is being accepted into the College of Southern Nevada’s dual-credit program for high school students,” she shared.
She recently toured the CSN campus to explore future possibilities and even made friends with Ruby, a ball python from the Veterinary Nursing Program.
She shares what inspires her and her future goals.
Aria is proving that cool comes in all kinds of credentials. Follow worldtraveling Aria here.
AriaGoodson,12,isattendingCSNDual Enrollmentwithplanstobeaveterinarian,if slayingzombiesonTVdoesn’tgetintheway! What'sthecoolestthingyou'vedonethis summerorplantodo?
This summer, I left the day I finished school to fly to Europe. While in Europe, I visited London, Paris, Rome, Naples, Mykonos, Santorini, and Kusadasi. While I loved them all, my absolute favorite experience was the Warner Brothers Tour in London It was magical viewing the Harry Potter movie sets and seeing how my favorite movie series came to life. We spent six hours here going through the sets, interactive experiences, and watching the shows The food was yummy and perfectly packaged as well for HUGE Harry Potter fans like myself.
While in London, I also enjoyed watching “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” catching digital butterflies at The Outernet, and having a sciencethemed tea party at The Ampersand My parents are big advocates for education through globalization, and thanks to online learning, we travel often to learn abroad
What'syourdreamwaytospendadayin LasVegas?
My dream way to spend a day in Las Vegas is truly just sitting in my own backyard staring at the mountain range writing music.
I love to write my own songs to help with my mental health. It really helps me keep life balanced and thriving. Then I compose the melody on my acoustic guitar So far, the music is just for me Perhaps one day I will share my music with the world. i .
Who'ssomeoneyoulookuptoandwhy?
MyrolemodelisMcKennaGrace.Sheisa successfulactressandsongwriter.Youcan catchheron“YoungSheldon,”“TheBad Seed,”“Gifted,”“Ghostbusters,”andmuch more.Sheiscomingoutinthenewest HungerGamesmovieaswell,“Sunriseon theReaping”
Whatareyourfuturegoals/plans?
Inthenearfuture,Ihopetosuccessfully accomplishbeingastudentatbothThe DeltaAcademyANDtheCollegeof SouthernNevada.Posthighschool,itwould befantastictobookareoccurringroleona post-apocalypticTVseriesandpossiblyeven releasemyownsongs
XAVIER JIMENEZ
Xavier,9,turnedamajor setbackintoaremarkable success.
One summer turned everything around for 9-year-old Xavier Jimenez. After moving from California to Las Vegas to live with his mom, it became clear he was facing a steep academic hill especially with reading JoAnn Berg of Sylvan Southwest performed an assessment that revealed he was reading at a pre-K level, struggling to recognize letters and sounds The gap felt overwhelming. But that summer, with the right support and personalized instruction, Xavier didn’t just make progress he took off.
Everything changed from there.
Injustafewmonths,hejumpedahead morethantwogradelevels Nowreading beyonda2ndgradelevel,Xavier’s confidenceandloveoflearningcontinue tosoar
What’sachallengeyou’veovercome?
Going to a new school and not knowing how to read. I did it by working hard at Sylvan, school, and home It made me feel happy
What’sthecoolestthingyou’vedone thissummerorplantodo?
Mybrotheriscomingtovisitmeand we’regoingtothewaterpark.
What advice would you give kids who might be struggling?
Work hard do well in school and listen to one another
What are your future goals/plans?
Go to LSU and become an NFL player Help your child stay on task as they work to reach personal, school or financial goals!
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY
The following pages showcase VKZ Junior Journalists who didn’t just understand the assignment they leveled it up. Their independence and determination to chase down meaningful stories offer fresh perspectives and powerful inspiration for readers of all ages.
We are grateful to work with them and be a place where their curiosity, courage, and sharp eye for storytelling can shine
KINGSTYNMAJORS
This 11-year-old VKZ columnist blends his love of food and sports by interviewing local chefs and football stars, one story and one snack at a time. Catch his inspiring stories here.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done this summer or plan to do?
We are going on a staycation I'm pretty excited about that
How are you spending your summer days working on a project, helping out, relaxing, a little bit of everything?
A little bit of everything I've been swimming a lot, working on my articles for the magazine, going to the park in my neighborhood, and I got to go to a few football camps
What have you gained from talking to local professionals for the magazine? Any anecdotes?
Talking to local professionals has encouraged me to work on my speaking skills and vocabulary so that I can present my best self during interviews
What are your future goals/plans?
I want to play one of my Little League games in the Raiders' stadium
KingstynonarecentinterviewwithMinnesota VikingsWideReceiverJalenNailor
What has been your favorite story?
My favorite story so far has been "From Gorman to Greatness," when I got to interview Jalen Nailor. Even though I have known him for some years, it was really cool to sit down with him and hear his story.
What advice would you give to other kids who want to do something big (or even small but meaningful) this summer?
Make sure you have a plan so that you can prepare well
Who’s someone you look up to and why?
My parents because they have shown me how I can do anything whether it's sports or business.
ELIZABETHLAYTON
From hotel pool days to pointe shoes, this young writer and dancer is making the most of summer. Read Elizabeth’s articles here.
What'sthecoolestthingyou'vedonethis summerorplantodo?
SomethingI'mexcitedaboutdoingthis summerisDanceSummerCamp AfunthingI didthissummerwashangoutatahotelpool cabanaattheSilvertonHotel,andthatwas amazingbecauseIgottohangoutwithfriends andcooloffinthepool.
Howareyouspendingyoursummerdays?
Trainingfordancecompetitionseason, stretchinginmysplits,swimminginmy neighborhoodpool,andhangingoutwithmy friends.
Whathaveyougainedfromtalkingtolocal professionalsforthemagazine?
Mytypingandcreativewritingskillshave exponentiallyincreased.AndonestorythatI havefromwritingiswhenIinterviewed ballerinaYoomiLee Igottotouchrealpointe shoesandthatwasveryfun
ElizabethLaytonwithofficersshe interviewedfromtheHendersonK9Unit.
Whathasbeenyourfavoritestory?
MyfavoritestorywaswhenIinterviewedSD Smith,theauthorof“TheGreenEmber” anadventurefantasybookseries.Itwasvery funtointerviewoneofmyfavoriteauthors becauseIlovereadinghisbooksasa summerpastime
Whatadvicewouldyougivetootherkids whowanttodosomethingbig(oreven smallbutmeaningful)thissummer?
Neverstopbelievinginyourself,evenwhen youhavedoubt
Who'ssomeoneyoulookuptoandwhy?
TheUS OlympianandgymnastSuniLee becauseofherdedicationandstrength
Whatareyourfuturegoals/plans?
Iwouldlovetopursuecompetitiondance andbringhomeatrophysomeday
Elizabethhasstronginstinctsasareporter! Sheresearchedandfoundthecontactinfo forherfavoriteauthor,S.D.Smith,who acceptedherrequestforaninterview.
LEWISLAYTON
From fighter jets to LEGO cities, this young creative is building big dreams, one brick and bold interview at a time. Read more of his articles here.
What'sthecoolestthingyou'vedonethis summerorplantodo?
I'mworkingonaLEGOUrbanWarfare project.It'saworkinprogress,butIcan't waittoshareitwithmyfriendsandfamily I alsoplantovisitCaliforniaandUtahinthe upcomingmonths.
Howareyouspendingyoursummerdays?
I'dsayalittlebitofeverything. AsahomeschoolerandakidlivinginLas Vegas,I'malwaysgoingaroundthecity, participatinginactivities,seeingnewpeople, andmakingnewfriends
Whathaveyougainedfromtalkingto localprofessionalsforthemagazine?
BeforemyfirstinterviewIwasVERYscared AfterIstartedaskingtheinterviewee questions,however, (andafewicebreakers) allthatfearwentaway.Ihavedefinitely gainedalotofconfidence,andexperience, evenfromjustthatfirstinterview.
AftercallinguphisfavoriteDJ,StephMackenzie of97.1FM,Lewisscoredaninterviewanda behind-the-scenestourofthestation.
Whathasbeenyourfavoritestory?
MyfavoritearticleismyfirstIwasnervous untilIwastoldthatmyinterviewee,Airforce ColEricWinterbottom,wasnervoustooThis mademefeelaLOTbetter,anditwasjust funlookingatalltheFighterJetsatthe interview,whichwasonNellisAirforcebase.
Whatadvicewouldyougivetootherkids whowanttodosomethingbig(oreven smallbutmeaningful)thissummer?
Ithinkanythingyousetyourmindon,you canaccomplishWe,ashumans,needa target,andnomatterhowbigorsmallthat targetis,withambitionanddetermination, canbefulfilled.MuhammadAlioncesaid,"If mymindcanconceiveit,ifmyheartcan believeit,thenIcanachieveit."
Who'ssomeoneyoulookuptoandwhy?
Mydad.He'smyinspiration,agoodperson, andjustfuntobearound.
Whatareyourfuturegoals/plans?
Iwanttocreatemyownsci-fistoryCreating yourownworldfromscratchisjustsofun.I alsowanttolookintophotographybutfor LEGO.AplacelikeLasVegasistoobeautiful tonotdophotography
LewisLaytonhamsitupwiththeHulkatMadame Tussaud’safterhisinterview
ByJohannahBack
the evolution of continued retail success at our location The exhibit is named “1717: The History of Fantastic Retail” to celebrate our address at 1717 S. Decatur Blvd
1717: The History of Fantastic Retail chronicles the many facets of our location building since it was built in the 1960’s. The Vegas Chamber, and other invited guests joined us for the unveiling and a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 13, 2024.
Our extensive gallery features the grand plans of Mr. Ralph Harman, a local entrepreneur here in the southwest United States The end of WWII uprooted Mr. Harman, which brought him to Las Vegas and subsequently, the Vegas Village Franchise to life
The wall also details the ownership of 1717 by Continental Connectors and Margaret Elardi, both well-known entities in Las Vegas History The building changed hands again in 1982 and became Fantastik Furniture.
In1991,itwasleasedbyfourbusinessmen,HalPresent,ArtLamensdorf,Donald WeeksandDouglasKays,andsubsequentlypurchasedbythemin1995.Itthen becamethefamousFantasticIndoorSwapMeet Itisstillownedandoperatedby theKays,Lamensdorfs,andPresentfamilies
HistoricphotographsandactualitemsusedbyVegasVillage,includingavintage shoppingcart,anoriginalgrocerybag,andothermemorabiliaareondisplay We alsofeatureacustom-madeneonsign,whichnotonlyhonorsthesignificanceofour buildinginLasVegas'richhistory,butalsoservesasareminderoftheFantastic IndoorSwapMeet'songoingsupportfortheresidentsofourcommunity,bothnow andinthefuture.
Shouldyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecontactJohannahBack,PRandSpecialEventsManager, FantasticIndoorSwapMeet Ourwebsiteiswwwfantasticindoorswapmeetcomorcontactusvia telephoneat702-877-0087.AboutFantasticIndoorSwapMeet:TheFantasticIndoorSwapMeet hasbeenastapleintheLasVegasCommunityforover35years,andcurrentlysupportsover200 smallbusinessesonthepremises Wehavefosteredthegrowthofover8000smallbusiness start-upsandwelcomedover17,500,000shoppers
Bloodsuckers in the Burbs
By Kimberley McGee
With the city’s increasing green spaces, backyard water features, and fluctuating temperatures, mosquito populations are thriving in ways they haven’t before The most common are the Culex quinquefasciatus, or Southern House Mosquito, and the Aedes aegypti, known as the Egyptian Mosquito
The aggressive daytime biter Aedes aegypti has made matters worse.
“They migrated with summer storms from the Pacific Coast including Hurricane Hillary in 2023,” said Eric Clapper, owner of Tri-X Pest Management.
He has seen a lot in his 22 years in pest control in Southern Nevada
“They can breed in a teaspoon of water,” Clapper said “Always be on the lookout for the water sources and breeding areas”
It’s more than a nuisance; it can be a health issue. The Southern Nevada Health District states both species carry several diseases including Malaria, West Nile, Yellow Fever and Zika
To keep those tiny pests at bay, Clapper recommends monthly mosquito control with a pro, maintaining water features and irrigation, and being vigilant about wiping out pooling water
Pro tip: “Porch lights attract many insects, so careful consideration on light type and opening doors/windows during darker hours can help minimize the mosquitoes indoors,” Clapper said. “Also make sure screens, weather stripping and door sweeps are in good condition to minimize entry points.”
Off the Field, Still in the Game
Real Careers Behind the Raiders and UNLV Sports
By Kingstyn Majors
When you think about careers in sports, it’s usually the players, the coaches, and maybe the GMs that come to mind But what if I told you there’s a whole crew behind the scenes who help keep the game moving and they’re doing big things?
Meet Myles Hayes from the Las Vegas Raiders and Dr Cordero Roche from UNLV They may not be making plays on the field, but they’re 100% in the game.
Myles is the Director of Football Development for the Raiders. He’s all about helping kids connect to football in a real way through camps, school programs, and hands-on events.
He broke it down into what he calls the “Four Quarters of Development,” which is basically: 1) introduce kids to the game, 2) support them as they start playing, 3) help high schoolers level up, and 4) show older teens how to turn their football passion into careers even if they’re not suiting up
“Ifkidscanseesomeonelike themdoingthejob,itinstantly feelsmorepossible,”Myles added.“Sometimesthat’sallit takestosparkthedream”
Myles shared that there are programs within the Raiders organization that help high schoolers and college interns learn about the many jobs that keep the team running like roles in finance, marketing, community outreach, photography, and even sports medicine From taping ankles to helping with social media, these behind-the-scenes roles give young people a way to be part of the game even if they’re not on the field.
Myles knows firsthand how powerful access and visibility can be When he was 10 years old, his dad who worked for the Boys and Girls Club took him to the MLB All-Star Game While the stars like Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr were on the field, Myles was drawn to someone else: a woman with a headset under the tunnel, directing traffic and calling the shots.
“I didn’t know what she was doing exactly,” he said, “but she was running everything And that stuck with me”
MylesHayesDirectorofFootball DevelopmentfortheLasVegas RaidersandVKZJr.Journalist KingstynMajors.
Dr Cordero, over at UNLV, is doing his thing in the SPEED Lab SPEED stands for Sports Performance, Education, and Economic Development He teaches students how to use science to help athletes perform and recover whether they go into physical therapy, training, or research
He’s seen a lot of students come in thinking they want to be strength coaches, trainers, or GMs but end up finding new paths they never knew existed
“You’re allowed to change your mind,” Dr. Cordero said. “That doesn’t make what you learned a waste it makes you more prepared”
One thing he made super clear? You don’t need to be part of a pro team to work in sports. High schools, club teams, individual sports like tennis or MMA, even NASCAR pit crews need skilled people who understand performance and movement
And while the SPEED Lab uses some of the most advanced tech around, Dr Cordero reminded us that it’s not magic it’s just a tool
“Thisisn’t whyLeBronisLeBron,” hesaid,pointingtotheequipment.“Itjust helps us understandhismovement”
He also dropped a gem about how titles don’t matter as much as relationships.
“An intern might be the only one a tough athlete will actually listen to,” he said “And that makes them key to the team.”
Both Myles and Dr Cordero showed that sports careers are way bigger than what you see on TV
There are trainers, researchers, community leaders, event planners, social media teams, equipment managers, and so many others who make it all happen
So yeah, you might not be catching touchdowns but that doesn't mean you're not part of the win
Home
Worth the $?
Does a portable or secondary air conditioner cool your spaces and save you money?
Living in the desert comes with its perks like those stunning sunsets but summer temps can feel like you're living on the sun’s front porch
Adding a secondary air conditioner like a window unit or portable AC can absolutely help, but it depends on how you use it.
The Upside
Focused Cooling - If you're mostly hanging out in one or two rooms, why cool the entire house? A secondary unit lets you stay comfortable where it matters most Energy Savings Potential - Use it to supplement your central AC and set your main thermostat a bit higher you’ll use less energy and possibly save money on your electric bill
Quick and Easy Setup - Most portable or window units don’t need professional installation. It’s a plug-and-go situation
Great for Hot Spots - Have a room that your central air never quite reaches? A secondary unit can fill in the gaps beautifully.
The Downside
Extra Noise - Portable and window units can hum and whir more than central air Not a deal-breaker, but something to consider for light sleepers
Takes Up Space - A portable unit might require a little floor space and a nearby window, which could be inconvenient in tighter rooms
Limited Reach - It’ll cool one space well but don’t expect it to work miracles in larger or open-concept areas.
Not Always Pretty - Let’s be honest, some of these units are more functional than fashionable You may have to choose comfort over aesthetics
If you're strategic about how and when you use it, a secondary AC can absolutely help keep your living space cool and comfortable It may even save you some money over the long, hot summer. It's not a whole-home solution, but for the desert? It’s a pretty smart sidekick.
Care for Your A/C
A little regular TLC can add years to your AC and keep your home feeling like a desert oasis instead of a convection oven.
1. Change the Air Filter Regularly
This is the easiest and most important thing you can do. A dirty filter makes your AC work harder, drives up your energy bill, and shortens the life of the unit Check it monthly and swap it out every 1–3 months, especially during peak summer
2. Clean the Outdoor Unit
Your condenser (that big box outside) needs breathing room Clear away leaves, dust, and debris, and gently rinse off the coils with a garden hose just don’t blast it like you’re washing your car Think gentle rain, not power washer
3. Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance
Once a year, have a licensed HVAC pro give your system a full checkup They’ll clean coils, check refrigerant levels, tighten loose parts, and catch issues early before your unit gives you the silent treatment in July.
4. Keep Vents and Registers Clear
Make sure furniture, rugs, or kid-built blanket forts aren’t blocking your air vents. Good airflow keeps your home cooler and your system more efficient
5. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Give your AC a break when you’re not home Set a schedule with a smart or programmable thermostat to cut energy use and reduce wear and tear on your system
SummerDeclutter
One month plan to organize your spaces
byKimberleyMcGee
Is your house feeling more “storage unit” than sanctuary lately? Vegas Kids Zone group members have completed declutter challenges that clear our spaces Get the 4-week plan free here
Week One: Living Spaces
We’re starting where everyone gathers your living and family rooms The only rule this week: clear surfaces! Don’t try to conquer it all. Just pick one room, especially the one that’s been driving you the most bananas, and start removing the extras. If it doesn’t spark joy or serve a clear purpose, it’s time to say goodbye
Week Two: Bedrooms
Now we head into sleep territory The goal? A calm, organized bedroom where everything has a “home” Grab two boxes (or even a trash bag) one for things to keep, one for items to toss or donate Begin in a corner, and slowly work your way around Small steps lead to big progress.
Week 3: Closets
Closets are tricky, but not impossible Set your intention: Are you creating space, organizing, or refreshing your wardrobe? Then, empty everything out (yes, everything) and start sorting. Only what fits, feels good, or gets worn goes back in. The rest? Donate, sell, or finally admit it’s just not you
Week 4: Bathrooms
Start with the countertops and work your way into drawers and cabinets If you’ve got help, delegate! One person can clean as another sorts. Use small bins to contain clutter and consider labeling them The less you keep on the counter, the faster your morning cleanup becomes
By Sara Matteo
Evenwithallyourbesteffortstokeepthemsafe andsecure,yourbelovedpetcanwanderaway. lostpetcansendyouintoapanic.Followthese stepstobringthemhomesafeandsound.
LostaPet
Petcosponsorspetcoloveorg/lostadatabaseof lostandfoundpetsthatusesfacialrecognitionto helpreunitepetfamilies
HeadtoPawboostandenteryourinformation, whichisthenpushedtothelocalLasVegas PawboostFacebookGroup.FromthePawboost site,youcanalsoprintflyersandalertmembers oftheirRescueSquadinyourareabyemail
YoucanalsopostthisinfoonLostandFound DogsofLasVegasandHendersonFacebook GroupandonNextdoor.com.
LostpetspickedupinthecitiesofLasVegasand NorthLasVegasorinClarkCountyarebrought toTheAnimalFoundation Clickheretoseethe requirements Ifyouhavelostananimalinthe CityofHenderson,pleasecontactHenderson AnimalControlat702-267-4970orvisittheir website
FoundaPet
Thefirstandbestoptionwithafounddogorpetistoheadtoyourclosestvetofficeorpetsupply storetohaveascanforamicrochip Eveniftheownerisnotfound,themicrochipcangiveyou furtherinformationforthesearch.AsofAugust1,2024,alldogsandcatsovertheageof4months residingintheCityofLasVegasmusthaveamicrochip.
PostthefounddogorpetonPawboost,PetcoLoveLost,24PetConnect,LostandFoundDogsof LasVegasandHendersonFacebookGroupandonNextdoorcom
Ifyoucan’tkeepthedog,reachouttolocalrescuestoseeiftheycanhelp Considerhelpingthe rescuehelpyouandthedogorpetbybecomingafoster Asalastresort,youcanreachouttothe shelterThelargestsheltersinLasVegasareNOTno-kill,soonlyconsidersurrenderingananimal thereafterexhaustingalloptions.Formoreinfo,gohere.
KeepYourPetsSafeWhileYouAreAway
Oneofthebestwaystoensureyourpetsarewellcaredforinyourabsenceandwon’trun awayistohireatrustedpetsitter Lookforsomeonewhoisexperiencedwithdesert conditionsandunderstandstheneedsofpetsinhotclimates
Ifyou’reunabletofindasuitablepetsitter,considerboardingyourpetsatareputablefacility Lookforafacilitythatoffersair-conditionedaccommodationsandplentyofoutdoorspacefor exercise Visitthefacilityinadvancetoensureitmeetsyourstandardsandthatyourpetswill bewellcaredfor.
Beforeyouleave,adjustyourpet’sfeedingandwateringscheduletoensuretheyhaveaccess tofreshwateratalltimes.Considerusinganautomaticfeederandwaterertohelpmaintaina consistentschedule
Leaveyourpetswithcomfortitemssuchastheirfavoritetoys,blankets,orbeddingtohelp themfeelsecurewhileyou’reaway.Considerleavinganitemofclothingwithyourscentonit tohelpcomforttheminyourabsence
Haveaplaninplaceforreunitingwithyourpetswhenyoureturnfromvacation.Makesure youhaveareliablemodeoftransportationandthatyourpets’belongingsarereadytogo
DOYOU HAVEYOUR PogoPass?
The Pogo Pass is one of the best deals in town to get into a host of places (that don’t usually offer discounts) for a steal!
You save more than $800 in ticket and admission fees for $49.99! Scan and get 50% off! Use code VKZ! Click here!
Once activated, the passes can be used for a whole year!
Explore the city, save and share your Pogo Pass finds!
food
VegasBites
Talking to Al Mancini, co-host of the “Food and Loathing” podcast and creator of the Neon Feast dining app, was a treat. He is a leading voice in the Las Vegas food scene
Mancini made it clear he’s not hating on influencers.
“They do cool stuff with video and photos. But they’re not the same as critics. And [everyday diners] don’t always know the difference.”
That difference is important. Critics are supposed to be honest even if that means saying something isn’t great.
“Some people only eat out once a month. They’ve saved up, maybe got a babysitter. You don’t want to steer them wrong.”
Mancini doesn’t write reviews to be mean he writes them to help people. “You can’t trash a place just for laughs,” he said.
“You have to remember there are people working in those kitchens. At the same time, you can’t lie to your readers either ”
So how do you do both?
“You write with fairness. You say what went wrong, but you don’t make it personal,” he said. “And if a dish comes out looking off, I ask ‘Is this how the chef meant it?’ You’d be surprised how often it’s not. And how much a kitchen will appreciate the chance to fix it.”
He emphasizes that more important than the mistake itself, is how the place handles it.
The biggest challenge now? Trust.
“So many reviews are paid for, people don’t know who to believe anymore,” Mancini said “We’re losing those local voices the ones who’ll be real with you,evenifit'sunpopular.”
That’s why he started Neon Feast, an app where he shares real restaurant picks with no paid ads.
“It’s all based on experience, not who paid the most.”
Food connects to what’s going on in the world, like how more restaurants now offer cracker-thin pizzas, which hold up better for delivery.
“Before COVID, top chefs didn’t even do takeout Now they have to”
Kingstyn Majors is an 11year-old food critic, sports fan and young entrepreneur.
Food writing as more than just describing what’s on a plate.
“It shows you how people live,” he said “Menus tell you what’s trending, what people care about, and how chefs are trying to connect with their customers.”
And even though so much has changed, one thing hasn’t people still love a good story.
“You can tell someone the ingredients,” he said, “but if you give them a cool fact or behindthe-scenes detail, they’ll remember it. That’s what makes food writing fun.”
And yeah pizza is definitely still his favorite. But this lunch wasn’t just about slices and sauce It was about being real, telling the truth, and giving people something they can actually use.
As an up-and-coming food writer, this is one of those interviews I’ll never forget It felt like a food writing masterclass. I walked away knowing there are levels to this and I’ve still got a lot more to learn.
“Food critics aren’t supposed to be the stars,” Mancini said “We’re here to help people find great meals and maybe see things in a new way.”
I’m not trying to be the star but if there’s a seat at the table, I’m sliding in with a notebook and a napkin.
CareintheCrust CreatesChampions
Pizza Rock Knocks it
Out of the Park
ByKingstynMajors-VKZFoodReviewer
Let me tell you about this pizza spot I hit recently called Pizza Rock (multiple locations). This place takes pizza to a whole new level I’ve never seen so many different styles on one menu!
They’ve got Napoletana, Detroit, New York/New Haven, Grandma, Romana, Classic American, Classic Italian, Gluten-Free, Sicilian, California, Chicago Cracker Thin, Sausage and Stout, and even Vegetarian pies. Yeah, it’s wild.
Plus, they serve pastas and antipasti too. Oh and there’s a DJ booth made out of a semi-truck. Not even kidding
The owner, Tony Gemignani, is basically the G O A T of pizza He’s a 13-time World Pizza Champion and the first-ever Triple Crown winner for baking at the International Pizza Championships. He even has his own brand of flour
And if that’s not enough, the restaurant has four different types of pizza ovens to make sure every style gets baked just right.
Shoutout to Chef Tony and Bill for giving me a behind-the-scenes look at each of the different types of ovens and how they prepare the dough! It was awesome to see the process up close and you can tell these guys know their stuff.
I ordered the Margherita pizza, which they only make 73 of per day, and the Calamari Fritti That pizza? Straight-up perfection. And the calamari? Crispy, fresh, and not rubbery at all. If you like pizza, you have to check out Pizza Rock. No excuses!
Click here to RSVP and secure your free backpack! Backpack giveaway begins at 11 a.m. sharp!
DAIRY-FREE TAHINI CARAMEL SAUCE
This Dairy-Free Tahini Caramel Sauce is a fun and delicious twist on the classic. You will get all the rich caramel flavors you crave without the dairy
Put it on ice cream, drizzle it over brownies, and add it to your favorite coffee drink for a treat you’ll want again and again!
Recipe by Heather Wikle Gonzales at fearlessfaithfulmom com
Ingredients
½cup(125g)brownsugar
½cup(100g)superfine(baker’s)sugar
¾ cup plus 2 tbsp (185 ml) dairy free heavy cream alternative or full fat coconutmilk
3tbsptahini
2 tbsp dairy free butter (from a stick, notatub)
1pinchsalt
1tspvanillaextract
Directions
1 Combine the first 6 ingredients in a saucepanovermedium-highheat,stirring constantlyuntilitcomestoaboil
2. Once it comes to a boil, turn the heat downtomedium-lowandkeepittojusta simmer. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes. Watch it closely to make sure it doesn’t boilover.
3 Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Put it in an airtight containerandcoolitinthefridge
Heather is a wife and mom to 5 beautiful children. For more recipes head to fearlessfaithfulmom.com
excursions
Whispers of the Deep
ByKimberleyMcGee
One of the Coolest Indoor Attractions in Las Vegas
As you move through the room, the whispers mount. Footsteps and the occasional gasps carry over the tidy displays of pottery shards, twisted metal and torn clothing. Walking through the immersive Titanic Exhibition at Luxor Hotel & Casino is an experience, a trip through time of humanity and tragedy
The layered exhibition gives you a personal journey back in time, where you can learn about the ship, its passengers, and its tragic story and a few surprises that can transport you to that fateful night
A Glimpse Into History
As you enter the exhibit, you’re given a boarding pass with the name of a real Titanic passenger At the end, you can find out if the person on your boarding pass survived or perished It’s a touching way to connect with history and remember the real people behind the story The exhibit features more than 250 artifacts recovered from the ocean floor, including personal items like jewelry, clothing, and letters.
Life on the Titanic
The wood-railed deck under a sparkling starry night facade transports you to the gilded age Walk through a luxurious first-class cabin and compare it to a third-class cabin, which, while simpler, was still a dream for many immigrants hoping to start a new life in America. A masterpiece recreated for the exhibit of the ship’s grand staircase is one of the most famous parts of the Titanic,
That Fateful Night
One of the most dramatic parts of the exhibit is the iceberg simulation You’ll learn about the fateful night when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink
The exhibit explains how the ship’s design, the cold weather, and other factors contributed to the disaster You’ll also hear stories of bravery and survival as well as the heartbreak of those who didn’t make it
Hands-On Learning
The Titanic Exhibition is an interactive experience where you can touch a simulated iceberg to feel how cold the water was that night. There are also touchscreens where you can learn more about the ship’s construction, the science of icebergs, and the rescue efforts
For those who love puzzles, there are activities that challenge you to think like a ship designer or a detective solving the mystery of what happened that night
VegasMomTipsforSaving MoneyonLocalAttractions
ByKimberleyMcGee
Stuck inside or visiting and need indoor ideas and ways to save on summer fun? We have a sizzle‐free indoor lineup and our top deals for enjoying all our unique city has to offer
Dinosaur Outpost
This is a Vegas-only gem that locals love. You can spend the entire day there and still want to come back for more! This indoor playground transports you to the Jurassic era with sights, sounds and even prehistoric smells! I highly recommend the Dino-mite Dozen Pass, which gives you 12 tickets for only $220. Go with a group or with the kids over and over
Best Deal in Town
Vegas mom tip - Pogo Pass is a total game-changer! Instead of paying full price at each spot (hello, sticker shock!), one pass gets you into a bunch of awesome attractions around town. It pays for itself after just one visit to Cowabunga Bay or a few trips to our favorites, Battle Blast Laser Tag, Ninja Lair and Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix, and free bowling every month! It’s perfect for keeping the kids busy all year long without blowing the budget! .It’s 50% off with code VKZ so $50 gets you more than $800 in savings !
Strip? Please!
There’s plenty to do on the Strip, including the free Bellagio Conservatory and a few deals Electric Playhouse has a $10 Neon Night Market July 19 ($5 for kids), that’s $20 off to experience this top local attraction!
Circus Circus is offering a new “Family Circus Pass” for Adventure Dome through Aug 10, Purchase one regular, 48 inches or taller wristband at Adventuredome get four, under 48 inches wristbands for free
Everything you need Everything you need to keep it together to keep it together here and there! here and there!
