Dear Readers,

I cant believe that the holiday time is upon us already. It seems like only yesterday I was writing my holiday Editors letter for 2014. With so much to do and so much fun to be had, this year flew by in Mesquite.

I hope that you enjoy our holiday issue and that you take the time to join in all of the festivities that Mesquite and the Moapa Valley have to offer. We are so blessed to have all the wonderful volunteers and organizers for the many holiday events and we hope you appreciate them like we do, by supporting them however you can.

In 2016, you will be seeing some great changes to View on Mesquite Magazine. My new Managing Editor and I have several ideas to enhance our publication for readers and advertisers alike, and were excited to implement them in the coming issues.

Please remember to stop by and thank our advertisers and the many businesses that have provided articles for this issue.

As always, please visit our website at www.ViewOnMesquite.com and like us on Facebook to see additional current events or any updated information that we could not include in this issue.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at View on Mesquite Magazine.

Sincerely,Kathy LeeEditor-in-Chief

Editor in ChiefKathy Lee

Managing EditorKristen Williams

Creative Director & Magazine DesignAloree Smith

WritersMekdelawit Aschenaki, MD

Aaron BakerMichelle Brooks

Paul BenedictMaggie CalhounJulia Daly-Vedd

Donna EadsLinda Faas

Brady FlygareGeorge Gault

Marisa HansenHelen Houston Creamer

Rob KriegerElspeth KutaDoug Lesko

Al LitmanDawn McLain

Paul NoeSue SantarcangeloCelece Seegmiller

Darren StanekPat Straley

Portia StuckeyMaritza TrujilloMindee West

Bunny WisemanNikk Zorbas

Web DesignTrevor Didriksen

Advertising SalesKathy Lee

Margo Deshler

Advertising Emailads@ViewOnMesquite.com

Support StaffBert Kubica

DistributionView on Mesquite Staff

Published byView On Mesquite Magazine, Inc.

742 W. Pioneer Blvd, Suite DMesquite, NV 89027

Office (702) 346-8439 Fax (702) 346-4955

General Inquiriesinfo@ViewOnMesquite.com

November 1 December 31, 2015Volume 8 Issue 6

2007-2015 View On Mesquite Magazine, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the express written permission from the publisher, including all ads designed by the View On Mesquite staff. All articles submitted by contributing writers are deemed correct at the time of publishing, View On Mesquite Magazine, Inc. and/or any of its affiliates accept no responsibility for articles submitted with incorrect information.

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EDITORS LETTER

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Features

In this issue

8 View on Strong Women Roberta Franco16 Holiday Charity in Mesquite

7 Vienna Boys Choir10 Holiday Golf Gift Guide12 Bleeding Blue Heroes Among Us18 The Ultimate Womens Plaza in Mesquite20 View on Pets Keeping Your Pets Safe22 The Best Christmas Boutique Ever24 View on Fitness Dont Worry, Be Happy28 View on Travel Holiday Travel Tips30 View on Gardening Christmas Trees32 Mesquite Night Out33 1000 Flags Over Mesquite37 Plan A Day Away in Moapa Valley38 Best of Fest41 View on Business Checks-N-Mail42 The Festive & Fabulous Cranberry44 Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas45 Golf Fore Kids46 View on Healthy Lifestyles

48 Holiday Shopping For Your Golfer49 Sweet & Savory50 Work Hard, Play Hard & Celebrate52 Book Sale For Mesquite Reads53 Veterans Day Parade in Mesquite54 View on Energy Mesquites Future56 Kids For Sports Foundation58 Exit 118 Interchange Project60 What Is The Ultimate Dutch Oven?61 Mesquite Chamber Plans Holiday Gala62 Mesquite Welcomes Keller Williams64 The Meaning Of Community66 Bright Future For Mesquite Golf67 Mesquite Madness68 Mesquite Vistas Country Club69 Highland Manor Recognized For Excellence70 View on Golf Be A Master Inside 50 Yards71 Bear Grylls Rock The Valley Of Fire

16 26 34

CONTENTS

26 Shop With a Cop

34 View on Design Holiday Tablescapes

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COVER DESIGN BY STUDIO SE7EN

In our September/October 2015 issue, on page 40, Bliss Salon was mistakenly referenced to be in the Bulldog Plaza. Elsewhere in the article the address is listed correctly as being in the Brickyard Plaza. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

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Donna Eads and her husband moved to Mesquite in 2010 from Palm Desert, CA and love the small town atmosphere. Her writing experience extends from high school and college newspapers to professional manuals as a critical care nurse. Her

passion for tennis is evident in her frequent articles for View on Mesquite Magazine.

Linda Faas, an 11-year resident of Mesquite, is an unabashed lover of the town, its people, and its beautiful surroundings. She has immersed herself in several of Mesquites arts and outdoors organizations. She is a frequent contributor to local and regional publications. Linda and her husband Al are enthusiastic hikers, travelers, and film fans.

Helen Houston Creamer is the owner and chief designer at Hues & Vues Inspired Walls & Windows.She has been a contributing writer for View on Mesquite for the past five years. Her creative writing features articles on home fashions

and entertaining. Helen is a published author in several national design trade magazines.

Elspeth Kuta is the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum Coordinator, where it is her privilege to share with the community and visitors the local history of Mesquite and the surrounding areas. She and the Museum strive to bring history to life, and

preserve and protect the local tales of yore. Were pleased to have her as a regular contributor.

Rob Krieger is the owner of the Red Rock Golf Center, a high tech golf training facility located at the beautiful Green Valley Resort & Spa 1871 W. Canyon View Dr., St. George, UT. Available for beginner clinics and private lessons. Lessons can be booked by calling (435) 986-5096, emailing rob@sgugolf.com or at stgeorgegolflessons.com.

Paul Dr. Q Noe has been in the nursery industry for over 50 years, with experience in retail, wholesale sales and landscaping, plant maintenance and growing. Paul has lived in Southern Nevada for 34 years. He became a California Certified Nurseryman in 1968 and a Certified Horticulture Advisor in 1993 by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Service.

CONTRIBUTORS

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Sue Santercangelo has been a contributing writer to View on Mesquite since 2012. Besides being a feature writer, she is our go-to person to fill-in-the-blanks when we need content that no other writer or guest has provided. She is

insatiably curious and believes that every person has a story and every event has a history worth telling.

MAYORS LETTERCONTRIBUTORS

Celece Seegmiller is the owner of The Travel Connection, located at 1373 East 170 South in St. George. Travel is her passion and shes spent the past 24 years planning dream vacations around the world. Her favorite vacation is the South Pacific with her toes in the sand. Reach her at (435) 628-3636 or celece@stgeorgetravel.com.

Nikk Zorbas is a renowned performance trainer in business and self-development. He is the best selling author of Discovering Your Personal Power and has recently released his second book Discover Your Business Power which is now available on

Amazon.com. To learn more visit www.DiscoverYourBusinessPower.com.

Our snowbirds are back, the weather is cooler, and the days are shorter. It must be fall the busiest time of the year in Mesquite. I love it!

As I start to look at whats going on in Mesquite this season, Im exhausted. Lets start with November.

Well have our annual Veterans Day Parade down Mesquite Blvd. That same evening, we will be honored by having the world renowned Vienna Boys Choir performing at the Virgin Valley High School. Once again, 1000 Flags Over Mesquite will open with a very moving program on our field next to the recreation center. You can also look forward to our USA Softball World Series, Senior Softball Winter Games, our annual Festival of Trees, Christmas tree lighting program, and probably much more by the time you read this. Lots of exciting events to keep you busy. Speaking of exciting events, our Southern Nevada Symphony opens its second season in November, with three concerts scheduled at the CasaBlanca showroom and an additional concert planned for Overton. I expect all the performances to be sold out well in advance, so dont hesitate to get your tickets early. Mesquite has first class entertainment take advantage of it.

We are currently preparing for our annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner at the Senior Center. Come on down, visit with friends and family, enjoy a great dinner, and be extra thankful you live in a wonderful community like Mesquite.

Please make sure to check the calendar at the end of this magazine for all the event dates.

Phyllis and I wish all of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a safe, Happy New Year.

Sincerely,Mayor Al Litman

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Why I Love MesquiteWe started looking for a place in Mesquite back in 2005. We both knew that we really loved coming to Mesquite on the weekends, so why not have a condo down in the desert. We bought our condo in 2006.

I am a native Nevadan, born and raised in Las Vegas. I missed the desert so much and my husband is a Utahan. Its a great compromise. We have a home in central Utah and the Mesquite condo. We are both retired and enjoy the time we have to care for our aging parents. We are about halfway between his mom and my parents. We spend a lot of time exploring the desert on our ATV and we enjoy playing bingo at the local casinos.

I am a member of the VVAA and volunteer at the pottery studio. I also teach introduction to clay hand building at the studio. I teach fitness classes 4 nights per week for the Mesquite Recreation Department. We enjoy staying active. We love living in Mesquite, Nevada.

~ Monte and Kelly J Beeson

We both moved to Mesquite in 2010 within a few weeks of each other as it turned out even though we had never met.

Christine moved from Birmingham, Alabama,

to be near her children and grandchildren, who had migrated to Mesquite after her daughter, Dr. Leigh Roessner, established a chiropractic practice here in 2003.

I came from Albuquerque, New Mexico, having first arrived in town on a hot July evening in 2009 to work on a consulting project for Mesa View Hospital. I called home, and said I like this town. Nine months later I returned and bought a house in Sun City and a while later met Christine. Weve been together ever since. We love Mesquite because its close to Vegas and far enough away from Vegas.

Christine and I love the climate, the desert, the mountains, the people, and the small town atmosphere. Mesquite is the best kept secret in the Sunbelt and neither of us can ever imagine leaving. ~ Christine Picior and Randy Bauman

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On November 7, 2015 at 7pm the internationally famous Vienna Boys Choir will perform in Mesquite. It will not be the first time this quintessential boys choir has appeared here. They captivated a filled high school with great music which included the one act operetta Tales From the Vienna Woods on January 13, 1994. 21 years later, their program will lead the audience Around the World in 80 Minutes following in the footsteps of Jules Verne. With a tour starting in England and Europe, they then visit the Far East, stop in the US, and return via Ireland and England. The vocal selections range from sacred to folk, from opera story to a Mary Poppins medley. The Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation is proud to be presenting this event.

In 1498 Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I moved his court to Vienna and formally declared that there were to be six singing boys among his musicians. The boys, who had been part of the courts music since 1296, came from all over the empire. The Vienna Boys Choir sang exclusively for the imperial court, at mass, concerts and private functions, and state occasions until 1918. Following the breakdown of the Hapsburg empire, the boys choir became a private institution and in 1926 began to give concerts performing secular works, childrens

Vienna Boys Choirby Maggie Calhoun, GMAF Presidentphotos by Lukas Beck

operas, and on tour. Their popularity grew rapidly and their tours expanded to reach worldwide.

Today there are 100 choristers from 30 nations between the ages of 10 and 14. They are divided into four choirs who give around 300 concerts for almost half a million people, touring between 9 and 11 weeks. When in school, the work is intensive with small classes and personal instruction. Throughout the year the boys maintain their tradition of performing with the Vienna State Opera Chorus men, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and provide Sunday Mass music in Viennas Imperial Chapel.

We are delighted that Opus 3 Artists offered us this opportunity to share world class music with the Virgin Valley communities. The interest and excitement is growing every day. We are also very grateful for the monetary help we are receiving from our businesses, the arts groups and citizens. We welcome back the Vienna Boys Choir with open arms and hearts.

People wanting to help with the costs of this and future comparable presentations may contact Maggie at (360) 904-1090 or mail donations to GMAF, PO Box 3081, Mesquite, NV 89024.

Tickets are available online at gmaf.tix.com or at the Community Theater box office, located at 150 N. Yucca St., and at the satellites: Mesquite Art Gallery, Have Boutique Will Travel, Mesquite Chamber of Commerce, Danielles Chocolates and Popcorns, or by calling Maggie Calhoun at (360) 904-1090.

Background information courtesy of Opus 3 Artists.

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view on STRONG WOMEN

Roberta Franco grew up in a rural community in western Colorado. She was raised with a lot of family around on her grandparents chili farm, which is where she learned her work ethic, gained her thirst for knowledge, and built her determination. She received her formal education in Colorado as well, with a focus on minority studies. She put that to work with a program she designed, helping other minority students overcome roadblocks and obstacles to enroll in college themselves.

Her interest in helping others continued throughout her career, from her volunteer efforts with AmeriCorps to her many roles in human and social services, and that passion still drives her today. When she was looking for a place to plant her roots and call home, she found it in Mesquite after one visit here to see her mother and brothers. Roberta moved to Mesquite in July 2008, on pure faith that things would work for her and her children. She came here to be closer to family but with

no prospects for employment. That was one of the biggest risks she had ever taken and it proved to be a wise one.

She decided to work part time so she could spend time with her children, and by this time she had five: David, Erica, Tanei, Kiara and Emilio. She also has a granddaughter, Mariah, who brings her much joy. Fireball that she is, Roberta quickly looked for work in pursuit of her passion and stumbled across Heides cottage, which was the Family Resource Center in Mesquite. As soon as they had a job opening she jumped on it. Here, she was in her element and she knew she was home. She relocated Heides Cottage inside the Salvation Army, and continues her good work there. Not only did she find her niche in this hot little town, but she found her home. Robertas dreams came true in Mesquite.

Strong Women of Mesquite Roberta Franco

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She also recently met Henry, who has taken on the role of Dad for her two youngest children, and makes her take some much deserved time for herself.

While working for the Salvation Army, Roberta has helped over 1,250 children receive Back-to-School Backpacks. Her work there with the Angel Tree Program has helped over 1,500 families celebrate Christmas and provided gifts for 3,500 children. She carries on the tradition for the Salvation Army and runs the Christmas Kettle program using volunteers instead of paid workers, ensuring the money raised goes towards the actual programs.

Roberta also collaborates with the Mesquite Lions Club on the annual City Easter Egg hunt, and she has walked in the Mesquite Days parade for the last five years for the prevention of child abuse. Perhaps the biggest impact Roberta has made for the community is by becoming the SNAP outreach office through the department of Social Services.

Roberta has been recognized by her community by receiving the Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 2012. This year, she is

view on STRONG WOMEN

President of the Exchange Club Foundation, member of the Board for Mesquite Regional Business, and starting next year will serve on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce. She was also one of the founding members for troop 27 Girl Scouts in Mesquite. This year Roberta is volunteering at VVES and the Exchange club to run the Give Me Liberty program. As you can tell, this is one busy woman with a big heart. Shes also humble and decidedly family-focused when asked what else is in store for her future, she simply said that she loves the family atmosphere in Mesquite and plans to continue to raise her family here. She loves the rural hometown feel and knows this is where she belongs.

Were lucky to have you, Roberta. You truly are one of the Strong Women of Mesquite.

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by Michelle Brooks, Ready Golf & Gear

We have people come into Ready Golf & Gear all the time looking for just something little. Its hard to find the perfect gift for everyone and even harder sometimes to find that perfect small gift. You know, the stocking stuffers or the gift you take to the holiday party to pass around like an elephant or whatever that game is. Well I have some ideas for you to help with this not-so-little gift dilemma.

One of the all-time best selling products in our store is the GPS Quick Clip. This little gem is a universal mount that will allow you to attach any, and I mean any, GPS device or range finder to any golf cart. It allows you to keep your device handy without

having to leave it in a cup holder or in your pocket. Your GPS screen can be kept at eye level for a quick glance to check yardage without even having to pick it up.

The GPS Quick Clip is equipped with a neodymium magnet which is the strongest type of permanent magnet commercially available. If you want a good laugh, come in and watch us try to get one off the display. Fortunately, it is not as difficult to remove from the golf cart frame but you can rest assured that your GPS or rangefinder will not fall off the golf cart no matter how crazy the driver.

The GPS Quick Clip is available in a bunch of fun colors, fits neatly into a stocking or a small gift bag and is a great choice for that elephant gift exchange because anyone who ends up with this gift will be very happy. Unless, of course, they dont have a GPS or rangefinder in which case they can come and see us and well help them to rectify that problem.

The second little fun idea I have for you is a new addition to our store and that is Golf Dotz. Golf Dotz are little high resolution ink transfers that you stick on your golf ball. Using your thumb, or whichever finger youd like I suppose, you press the dotz onto your ball and it is actually like you had your golf balls personalized at the factory. You can choose from flags and animals, smiley faces, and even an alien. My favorite is the paw print. These little dotz are officially approved for professional competition, will not affect the roll or flight of the ball and conform to USGA rules. They come with two sheets with 18 to 32 dotz per package. This is just a fun little gift for anyone who enjoys customizing their golf balls.

Third on my list but could be first on yours is Lock Laces. Another new addition to Ready Golf & Gear this year, these handy little laces can replace existing laces in any pair of shoes. They are made from the same type of elastic used in bungee cords so they wont break and they will last. They also come in lots of colors. The laces lace through your shoes just like any other but the

Holiday Golf Gift GuideA Guide to Small Holiday Gifts and Stocking Stuffers

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The Voice and the VS4 both make excellent small gifts. If you dont happen to have a GPS device you should give one to someone you play with often so you can say, Hey, what do you have for yardage? as often as possible. Or, as I mentioned earlier, come into Ready Golf and let us help you solve this problem.

So, thats my list. When youre looking for small gifts this holiday season, I hope you find this list of items helpful for your small gift shopping dilemma. Happy Holidays to you from Ready Golf & Gear!

Ready Golf & Gear is located at 550 W. Pioneer Blvd (702) 345-GOLF (4653) www.readygolfandgear.com

kicker is the lock. You pull the laces through the lock which holds the laces in place, keeps them secure and will not loosen. Now, this may not be a very good gift for a child just learning to tie their shoes but if you know anyone with arthritis or back problems that have trouble tying shoes, or just want their shoes to look cool, this is the gift for you er for them.

Okay, next up might not be a good gift to bring for that elephant game I mentioned earlier but if you are looking for something with a little more pizazz youre going to want to come in and take a look at the Golf Buddy Voice and the Golf Buddy VS4. By the way, if you see Mike while youre there please mention that I, too, would like one of these. I already have the Lock Laces and the Golf Dotz.

The Golf Buddy Voice is a small GPS unit that you can wear on your hat like a hat clip or on your belt or clipped to your golf bag. Its only about two inches by two inches but it will tell you yes actually tell you the distance you are from the front, back and middle of the green. It will measure your shot distance for you and even give you the time.

The Golf Buddy VS4 is essentially the same thing, however theyve jazzed it up a bit and made it so it can be used with accessories such as watch bands and special belt clips. Both units also show the distance to the green, the time and your shot distance on a screen. However, the VS4 shows you the front, back and middle distance on the screen all at once whereas the Voice only shows the middle.

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What does the color blue mean? According to Color Wheel Pro: Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. In heraldry, blue is used to symbolize piety and sincerity.

When it comes to Troy Nicol, he and the whole Las Vegas Metro Police Department bleed blue. They stand together as a loyal team exuding faith, truth, and a wisdom that brings the necessary confidence and piety to reverently protect the citizens of Clark County, Nevada. As a resident of Mesquite, Troys immediate blue family includes the Mesquite Police Department as well.

They all bleed blue.

On Sunday June 8, 2014 at 11:18am an ambush style shootout occurred at CiCis Pizza on Nellis Blvd.

Officers Alyn Beck, 41, and Igor Soldo, 31, were eating their lunch and enjoying their break. A man came in, briefly spoke to an employee, and then walked out. Two minutes later he came back into the restaurant with his wife and walked right past the officers. Then, with no warning, the couple opened fire on the officers, killing them both. They draped Becks body with a Gadsden flag (a yellow banner with a coiled snake above the words Dont Tread on Me), fastened a swastika to him, left a signed note over his body, grabbed the officers pistols and extra magazines, and headed across the street to Walmart.

The couple entered Walmart at 11:25. Upon entering, the man fired a shot upward and announced this is the beginning of a revolution.

As the patrons rushed out, one brave man walked in. Joseph Wilcox, 31, was armed with a concealed weapon and gave a warning shot, then proceeded to take aim at the male shooter. At the time, he was unaware that the woman was behind her husband pushing a cart. As quickly as Wilcox drew his weapon, the woman fired a single shot, killing Wilcox.

Within seconds, Officer Brett Brosnahan arrived at CiCis, where witnesses told him the killers had gone to Walmart. By 11:28am, Brosnaham had entered Walmart via the rear entrance and spotted the male by the Sporting Goods Department.

Brett was able to monitor the males movements only for a brief moment before Brett was spotted by the woman,

Bleeding Blue Heroes Among Usby Dawn McLain

View on Mesquite Magazine asked Dawn McLain to interview Mesquite resident, Troy Nicol, for a local look at this brave Las Vegas Metro Officer. This moving story is the result.

who quickly fired at the officer. Brosnahan returned fire and then retreated.

Just eight minutes later, Sgt. Kurt McKenzie and four other officers entered through the back of the store. Within that same eight minute window, officers Ryan Fryman and Troy Nicol had strategically entered the store and accessed the surveillance cameras. Their actions were key to ending the rampage as they were then able to communicate with colleagues exactly where the killers were and what they were doing. Their bravery in the face of crisis and tragedy would ultimately save the lives of many.

Back on the floor, the trained team approached the agitated and screaming male killer, and by 11:49am, Officer Zack Beal was in place for a clear shot to the chest. In a flash, the male killer was dead, at which point the female turned her weapon on herself.

The ill-fated revolution lasted just less than 30 minutes.

The ambush on Officers Beck and Soldo took just four seconds. Those four seconds changed the lives of the entire LVMPD Blue Family.

This is where our story begins.

For folks like Troy Nicol, a 13 year Las Vegas Metro Police officer and Mesquite resident, and the thousands of other officers who

If it wasnt for Troy, we would have lost more officers that day.

~ Officer Mike McGinnis

Troy Nicols LVMPD Blue Family

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communityits not just the LVMPD, its the Blue Family and our family extends everywhere.

Every call is different, every call is unique you never know what you are going to walk into. We have to be prepared at all times. Constant training is the best way, the only way, to create a positive result in the face of crisis. Our training is like muscle memory, it becomes your intuition and allows us to works together as a team and protect our communities. explained Troy. We dont get to have an off day. We all have to operate on 110 percent every day; there are people counting on us. That is a privilege.

Troy shared that incidents like this are hard. Life changing. Each person can only heal and deal in their own way. No matter what that process is, the Blue is a family. They gather around one another, pull together, and offer support and so much more. We entrust our lives to one another every single day. I count on them. My family counts on them, and their families count on me. Simply put, when an officer needs help, they know they can count on one another.

In an instance like this, the killers came with the goal of harming others. They came armed, were ready and willing to do it and never expected to return home that day. Our goal is to get everyone out, contain the area and deal with the threat. The surveillance system allowed us to prevent further tragedy, to

protect communities across the nation, their ties to their Blue Family (fellow officers) go as deep as those to blood relatives. It is that story, and the many stories of local heroes that we dont hear enough about. Too much time is spent sensationalizing non-events while were surrounded by loyal peacekeepers who have dedicated their lives in every sense of the word to protecting ours.

An incident such as this hits home, not just for the loved ones who must pick up the pieces of their lives as they deal with the loss of their spouse, father, mother, or siblings, but also for their extended families and the families of surviving officers. The loss of a blue family member is surrounded in tragedy, obviously, and even for the most brave of cops, there is still survivors guilt. There will be moments for the rest of their lives that they play out over and over again wondering if there was something else that could have been done.

On site June 8th, over the course of less than 30 minutes, there were multiple Las Vegas Metro Police Department teams and the SWAT team deployed, all supported by dispatch and call takers and so on. Every team member was exceptionally well trained, a point which is very important to note. Many first responders at that Walmart had never met before, but instantaneously teamed up and worked together seamlessly to end the rampage. In fact, the killers were in the store for just 24 minutes. In that span of time, multiple agencies were on site, Nicol and Fryman were able to strategically obtain access to the security room and video, communicate key information to all teams on site, shepherd the shoppers safely out of the store and defuse the situation. That takes a lot of bravery and heroism, tons of training, and a trust for your fellow officers that many of us will (thankfully) never know.

Typically, this is the kind of steadfast trust most reserve for family. In this case, Blue Family.

During the months that followed, officers from across the country reached out to the families left behind and the officers who were affected by this senseless act of violence. As Troy, his wife Reashell Shen, and I watched the Best of the Badge together during our interview, there were more than a couple of tears shed amongst us. He told me, This really affects us all. Me, my family, their families, kids, co-workers, friends, the

Knowing that the Blue Family is here (in Mesquite), I can feel good about leaving my family at home when I go

to work in the morning. I know they are safe. ~ Troy Nicol

Truth be told they will live in our hearts forever. I couldnt be more proud of the actions that my men and women took on that day. From training to the way they conducted themselves,

to just truly the things they did to support each other to get through those moments.

The bonds and friendships that were born on June 8 will never die. Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo will motivate us, help us strive to reach a new level of excellence and will keep our agency

remembering their legacies forever. ~ LVMPD Lt. Sasha Larkin

(excerpt from Best of the Badge)

The final goodbye to fallen brothers.

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personal level as well. There are several kids, some now adults, that I was able to help over the years. Some, Ive had to take out of physically abusive situations, which is one of the worst things about my job; I cant stomach child abuse, never have, never will. Others may have needed medical care, emotional or mental care, support to get themselves straightened back out. You name it, Ive seen it. There are several that all these years later, I still drop by and check in on. I want them to know that I continue to care about them, and that I want them to be happy. Seeing them get there is a really great thing.

Shen agreed, Thats why I love him. I would never take that away or want him to change. Besides, I bleed blue too.

And with that, Troy got a pat on the back and a peck on the cheek and I had the opportunity to expand my family of friends. Thank you for that Troy and Shen, and for your insatiable integrity that means my loved ones are safe. I appreciate it.

*Editors note: This Thanksgiving and Christmas, please remember to show appreciation to your own families and other loved ones. And, if you get the chance, thank a law enforcement officer.

protect the lives of people who, by no fault of their own, were in a situation they couldnt get out of on their own.

As we talked throughout the evening, I listened and learned as they trusted me to unburden some of their grief. Shen and Troy shared that the families of the fallen officers, and their families, were constantly supported by their Blue Family. Other officers called all the time, they stopped by, went out of their way to let us know they cared and they were there for us. They cook, clean, listen, mow the lawn, help with the kids, anything and everything. Shen said. We all did. We came together to cry, to hug, to eat, and cry some more. Whatever it was someone needed, one of us more often several were there. And we still are.

Every time an officer in trouble call goes out, fellow officers quickly respond while anxiety spikes for law enforcement spouses. You start thinking about where they are, whats going on, and how soon you can find out that everyone is OK, said Shen. As a police officers wife, thats part of our duty worry. From there your mind goes right to what officers you know that are on duty, which wives do you know that are waiting at home alone, going through the exact same thing at the exact same time. When something does happen, were ready to run over and be there for them, with them.

Fortunately, there are literally thousands in the Blues expanded family tree. Law enforcement wives, husbands, parents and friends make up a very private but precious support group at the ready at any time.

Even when they know their loved one is safe and coming home, the worry continues. The stress of any officer-involved shooting affects all of their families in different ways. Shen says, Its a reminder that every officer has a family of their own, everyone has someone waiting on them and were all sacrificing so that our spouses can protect and comfort those in need.

Nicol has always wanted to be an officer. He says it was a goal of his from when he was a child. Driven by a strong sense of community and the desire to help others was really a dream to him. To be a first responder, we really can save lives. Not just in the medical sense; we make an impact. Troy has been at the same station for 13 years. Over his decades plus service, he has gotten to know the neighborhood, watched kids grow up, shot a few hoops with them and he has come to care about them on a

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department was recognized in Washington, D.C. when 10 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police

Department officers were given the nations TOP COPS Awards on May 12, 2015. The award winning team played a key role in stopping the killers from continuing their violent rampage after killing two officers (Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo ) in June of 2014.

LVMPD Sergeants Kurt McKenzie and Christopher OBrien, along with Officers Zachery Beal, John J. Bethard, Brett Brosnahan,

David. A. Corbin, Ryan Fryman, Timothy T. Gross, Mesquite Resident Troy L. Nicol, and Gregory Stinnett were honored by the National

Association of Police Organizations (NAPO). Each year, NAPO choses 10 of the nations top cases to highlight extraordinary acts

of heroism or bravery.

The purpose of the TOP COPS Awards is to educate the public about our nations heroes and to pay tribute to law enforcement officers in federal, state, county, and local agencies from across the country for actions above and beyond the call of duty. Many

celebrities from NBCs hit programs Law and Order, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, CBSs Cold Case, NCIS and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation serve as award presenters. In past years, civic

leaders including the President and Vice President as well as the Attorney General of the United States have helped honor these

brave men and women by attending and speaking at the ceremony.

Other Awards presented to the 23 Metro officers for their heroic actions in ending the threat that day include the departments

Medal of Valor and Unit Meritorious Certificates.

Officer Troy Nicol was also a Community Service Award winner for his dedication in starting the

Southern Nevada Special Olympics in Mesquite.

Dawn McLain is the Owner/President of Write It Up!. Write It Up! is a small, full-service advertising agency based in St. George. To get in touch with Dawn, please email her at dawn@writeituponline.com.

The Nicol Family

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HOLIDAY CHARITY IN MESQUITE

by Sue Santercangelo

November 25, 2015Community Thanksgiving DinnerThanksgiving dinner will be served at the Mesquite Senior Center the day before Thanksgiving from 12pm 6pm. The dinner is open to everyone in the community regardless of income. This holiday dinner is made possible by the generous donations from local businesses, charity groups and residents. Volunteers are needed to cook, serve, clean-up, and help with deliveries to the homebound. This special event requires detailed planning so all volunteer positions need to be filled prior to the day of the dinner. No walk-in volunteer help please. If you would like to make a donation or volunteer, please contact Krissy at the center or by phone at (702) 346-5290. The center is located at 102 W. Old Mill Road behind the Mesquite Recreation Center and north of the Mesquite Library.

November 18-21, 2015Festival of Trees and Angel Tree Kick OffOpening ceremonies for the 19th Annual Festival of Trees, sponsored by the Mesquite Arts Council, Mesquite Gaming, CasaBlanca and Virgin River, will be held in the CasaBlanca Events Tent at 6pm, November 18, 2015. This years theme is Joy and crafters are invited to bring displays for one or all of the categories. The opening ceremonies will also be the kick-off for The Salvation Armys Angel Tree gift donation drive.

Set-up for the event will be from 3pm 8pm on November 16-17, and the display will be open to the public from 4pm 8pm Wednesday, November 18 with opening ceremonies at 6pm; Thursday 3pm 8pm; Friday 2pm 8pm; Saturday 10am 6pm. If you would like to enter a tree in this years festival please contact Aleta at (702) 461-1403.

November 23 December 11, 2015Angel Tree Gift DriveAngel Trees will be available throughout the community from

November 23 through December 11. This year each child will have two gift-wish tags on the tree, one for a piece of clothing and a second for a toy. You can adopt both angels or select one of the two items that fits your budget. This year we hope that no tags are left behind.

Angel trees will be located at the following locations: Colonial Property Management, Mesquite Veterans Center, Eureka Hotel/Casino, Mesa View Hospital, Mesquite Chamber of Commerce, Mesquite Lutheran Church, Mesquite Senior Center, Mountain America Credit Union, Nevada State Bank, Bealls department store, Walgreens drug store, and at the Sun City Club House. Gifts will be distributed to the families on the morning of December 18, 2015 at the Mesquite Historical Gym (formerly the Old Boxing Club), 51 E. First North, between 8:30 am and noon.

October 2 November 13, 2015 (Virgin Valley)October 2 - December 23, 2015 (Moapa Valley)Moapa and Virgin Valley Marine Corps Reserve Foundation Toys for Tots Toys for Tots provides toys and gifts for deserving children so no child goes without at Christmas. In the Virgin Valley, applications will be taken Monday - Thursday from 9am 3pm at The Salvation Army Family Resource Center offices in the Brickyard Plaza, 355 W. Mesquite Blvd., #B-50. Applications will be accepted until November 13, 2015 at this location. Toy donation boxes are located at the Mesquite Fire & Rescue, Walgreens, Salvation Army Family Resource Center, and Sun City Mesquite. Toys will be distributed on the afternoon of December 18 at the Mesquite Historical Gym (formerly the Old Boxing Club) at 51 E. First North, between 1pm and 3pm.

In Moapa Valley applications are available at the Overton Library and at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Home at 324 Whitmore Street, Overton. Collection boxes will be located at Lins Market and Ace Hardware and new unwrapped toys will be collected

Events

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with donations. They will collect the bags on November 21. The Scouts will also have a collection bin at Smiths Food and Drug. Donations will be distributed to The Salvation Army in Mesquite and the food bank in Beaver Dam. Donations can also be made directly to the Salvation Army and the Beaver Dam food bank on behalf of the Scouts.

November 24, 2015Virgin Valley Food Bank Turkey Tuesday The Virgin Valley Food Bank will provide the makings for Thanksgiving dinner to qualifying families on Turkey Tuesday the Tuesday before Thanksgiving from 3pm 5pm.

The VVFB will maintain the normal schedule of operations for the Emergency Food Program throughout the holidays. The food bank is located behind the Mesquite Plaza at 341 Mesquite Boulevard. Business hours are Monday Friday, 9am 4pm and Saturday 9am 1pm. For more information on how to qualify for the food program or to donate or volunteer call (702) 346-0900.

If your organization sponsors a charitable holiday event or food drive and is not included in this article, please let us know so we can include you in future issues. Send an email to info@viewonmesquite.com.

through mid-December. Toys will be distributed in December at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Home located at 324 N. Whitmore, Overton.

After the deadline, you can still get applications for both valleys on the website at http://moapa-nv.toysfortots.org. For more information contact Kathy Hollinger, Phone (702) 398-3901 or email: kathy.hollinger@comnett.net. Send financial donations to Toys for Tots in care of Kathy Hollinger, PO Box 637, Logandale, NV 89021.

November 23 December 24, 2015Salvation Army Kettle DriveThis year the Salvation Army Kettle Drive enters its 124th year. Keeping the tradition alive, the local Salvation Army will have Kettles available for locals to make donations in four locations this year. The Kettle Drive provides a major part of the funding for Mesquites Salvation Army Family Resource Center and its year-round schedule of family oriented programs, and all donations remain in Mesquite. Last year the goal was to reach $50,000 in kettle donations and they came close with $45,000 being generously given by the community. With your help, the $50,000 goal can be reached this year.

The Kettle drive is 100% manned by volunteers and everyone who is interested in helping this holiday season is invited to lend a hand. This year the kettles will be located in front of Smiths Food and Drug, Lees Liquors and Walgreens drug store starting November 24, 2015 and in front of Walmart starting

November 28, 2015. The hours will be from 10am 6pm and volunteers are needed. To volunteer, call (702) 346-5833 to see what stores and hours are available.

December 7, 2015Pets with Santa Photo ShootEveryone is invited to bring their cats and dogs to the Salvation Army Family Resource Center for Christmas photos of you and your pet. Bring two canned food or hygiene items like shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc. and get your photo with your best friends.

December 10, 2015Golf Fore Kids The 11th Annual Golf Fore Kids golf tournament will be held on December 10. Please see the article on page 45 for more information on this terrific event.

Tournament Date: Thursday December 10, 2015 9 am shotgun

Golf Locations: Falcon Ridge, Palms, Oasis Canyons & Conestoga Golf Course

Lunch Location: CasaBlanca Event TentEntry Fee: Unwrapped, new toy(s) - $50 minimumHole Sponsorship: $50 for one course or $150 for all 4 coursesSign up at www.golfforekidsnv.org or call Falcon Ridge Golf Course at (702) 345-7590.

November 2 December 4, 2015 Virgin Valley and Moapa Valley Schools Food Drive / Overton Power District #5Since 2010, Overton Power District #5 has held a food drive in the Virgin and Moapa valleys in conjunction with local schools. This year the district will provide schools with giveaway and raffle prizes which each school can use however they decide to encourage donations. All food collected will be donated to local food banks in Mesquite and Moapa. Donations in the Virgin Valley will go to the Virgin Valley Food Bank and donations in the Moapa Valley will go to Cappalappa Family Resource Center.

Donations can be made at participating schools. If you dont have students in school or find it easier to go to one of the local Overton Power District #5 offices, donations can be dropped off there. Offices are located in Mesquite at 731 Turtleback Road and in Overton at 615 N. Moapa Blvd. For more information contact Keith Buchhalter at (702) 346-5710 in Mesquite, or Randall Ozaki at (702) 397-2512 in Overton.

November 21, 2015 Boy Scouts Food DriveLocal area Scouts will hold a food drive on November 21, 2015. Prior to the drive, Cub Scouts will be going through neighborhoods dropping off yellow bags for residents to fill

Food Banks and Food Drives

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The Ultimate Womens Plaza

in Mesquite

What happens when four strong women open their businesses in the same location? Magic. Thats what happens. When three separate businesses, all owned by women, ended up in the same location, they discovered they all shared a common business concept: Put the client first. All of these businesses focus on helping their clients look, feel and be their ultimate best. They all believe they need to provide whatever it takes to help their clients breeze through the day, totally confident and comfortable with their look. You have to experience the

difference to appreciate it. Anyone can sell you products; we want to make sure you have exactly what you need to accomplish the look you desire, says Darlene Roquet, owner of Crazy for Hair at Bronze Beauty. She added, When you look in the mirror, your heart should soar.

Darlene isnt new to Mesquite, shes actually been here for quite a long time and wouldnt want to be anywhere else. I just love the feeling of a close, small, friendly town, she remarked. Everyone knows everyone.

Inside her store is a bundle of confidence and good feelings waiting for anyone who is looking to upgrade their look. Todays clients range from the I needs to the I wants, in substitute

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hair needs. Darlene is fond of saying I can enhance, modify, or define your look to make you smile every time you catch a glimpse of yourself. Her philosophy is If you werent born with the hair of your dreams... BUY IT!

Darlene knows that knowledge is power. She makes sure each client understands all the ins and outs of their new purchase or look and works with them to achieve the results they desire. There are so many options open to todays hair clients. Come in and let me show how you can wear better hair.

Another highlight inside Crazy for Hair is a full sized 24-hour tanning studio. It has full beds and Mesquites only leg tanner. You can get a customized package to suit your tanning needs.

Next, we have Patty Johnson, owner of Skinsational. Mesquite is very pleased to welcome Patty to town. She just opened Skinsational in the Arrowhead Plaza this fall. Patty is a retired surgical nurse and worked for the Chief of Staff, plastic surgery at Cedar-Sinai prior to moving Nevada. Skinsational is a specialty shop of skin care. They offer what Patty likes to refer to as Results Driven Facial Treatments, focusing on anti-aging, age prevention, and acne issues. She offers many available treatments including Botox, Juvederm, eyelash extensions, waxing, and so much more.

And of course, right in the middle of Arrowhead Plaza we find Have Boutique Will Travel. Dorothy McMurray and Coleyne Angel opened this charming store four years ago. These ladies have been out searching high and low for the best pieces to add to their boutique so you can build the perfect wardrobe. Whether you need just a few pieces to transition into cooler weather, or are starting from scratch, this is the place to start.

Both of the owners want to thank all the ladies and sometimes gents (gift certificates are a favorite) for their ongoing support. Our one and only goal is for you to have fun shopping with us. We strive for you to be well fitted, to buy and own clothes that can take you from cruise-vacation to everyday living. And, of course, we love when you receive compliments and get that great question where did you buy that?, explains Coleyne. We also believe in educating our clients to help them pick pieces to complement and enhance their look. We buy quality, well made fashions so you can keep our pieces forever. Once you go to all the trouble of finding this seasons perfect pieces, we must

Crazy for Hair at Bronze Beauty: (702) 346-6336; Have Boutique Will Travel: (702) 345-3301; Skinsational: (702) 468-1312

make sure they get to stick around. These are timeless styles that youll want to use for years, says Dorothy.

They are now into their Fall season and are receiving new inventory daily, so be sure to go in and check out this amazing boutique. While youre there, dont forget to stop into Crazy for Hair and Skinsational in what seems to be the ultimate womens plaza in town, in more ways than one.

Find them at Arrowhead Plaza, 41 North Arrowhead Lane, Mesquite.

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view on PETS

Keeping Your Pets Safe for the Holidays

by Maritza Trujillo, CDT, Loyalty Dog Training

During the holidays its fairly easy to get so carried away with preparations, family gatherings, and holiday parties, that sometimes we may forget our furry little friends. Although they cannot eat stuffing, break the wishbone, or open presents, it is important we keep their safety in mind. Keep your four legged family members safe this holiday season with these friendly tips.

After Halloween remember not to leave any candy around that your pet can access. Some candies contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is very harmful to dogs. It causes a sudden release of insulin in the body that leads to low blood sugar and liver damage. Candies such as gum, mint or hard candy may contain xylitol. If your dog does ingest some, he may vomit and be lethargic. One of the most popular holiday treats is chocolate, and as most of us know, chocolate is toxic to dogs especially dark chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is a chemical toxin dangerous to dogs. In large amounts, theobromine can produce muscle tremors, seizures, irregular heartbeat, internal bleeding, or even heart attacks. Be especially careful of dark chocolate since it contains the highest level of theobromine. For all our bakers out there, keep an eye out for macadamia nuts. Although the toxin in these nuts hasnt been identified, it can cause depression, weakness, vomiting, tremors, joint pain, and pale gums, usually within 12 hours of ingestion. Keep in mind that just because it is the holiday season it does not make it okay for our pets to eat most human food. They may have allergies to foods you didnt know they had, or they can get an upset stomach from mixing their food with ours.

They may fill our house with holiday spirit, but some plants are extremely poisonous, even deadly, for our pets. For those who prefer a natural Christmas tree, pine tree needles may cause gastrointestinal irritation, oral irritation, obstruction, and punctures, depending the contact form. Additionally, the water used to nourish Christmas trees can grow bacteria and molds that can cause your pet to become extremely sick. Poinsettias, while a holiday classic, are also, by popular belief, extremely dangerous to our pets and can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach. They can also cause vomiting but your pet would need to ingest a good amount of poinsettias for them to be lethal. Which leads us to our holiday plant mistletoe. It can cause significant vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, and death when ingested. So make sure the only ones kissing under the mistletoe are our two legged guests.

One thing we cant forget during the holidays are decorations. From the bright and colorful tree ornaments to ribbons and bows, they can all attract your pets curiosity. If your pet is interested enough they may knock ornaments and decorations down. Be extra aware of aluminum and glass ornaments as they can be easily shattered. Place any fragile dcor where your pets cant reach them to minimize the chance of them being shattered, and worse, eaten by your pet. Be mindful to douse candles, turn off Christmas lights, and pick up gift wrap before leaving the house. Make sure to keep in mind your pets safety as some are more curious than others.

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view on PETS

I think its safe to say as humans we can be forgetful at times, especially during the holidays when we have a million things on our lists. We all experience the holiday rush whether we are heading out the door to Black Friday, a holiday gathering, or trying to get in the stores before they close. Sometimes we forget to properly close the door or gate behind us. Millions of pets each year go wandering around the streets lost, and those numbers generally increase during the holidays.

If you see your dog acting a bit unusual this holiday season, you may want to look around your household to make sure they havent gotten into something they shouldnt have. Please be aware that for our smaller critters its more dangerous since they dont have a lot of body mass to fight some of these toxins. Be sure to know your veterinarians holiday hours as well as an emergency pet hospital in case your pet ingests any of these dangerous foods or objects.

Maritza Trujillo can be contacted at Loyalty Dog TrainingPhone: (702) 712-2125http://www.Loyaltydogtraining.com

From your friends at Loyalty Dog Training and Loyalty Service Dogs Happy Holidays!

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members who provide the volunteer staffing that keeps the doors open at this wonderful jewel box of local handiwork. The gallery provides a venue for member artists who wish to sell their wares, and gives the community a wonderful gathering place where all can enjoy and shop for visual arts, and hear live performances and lectures. For more information about the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, VVAA, its mission and membership, please see www.mesquitefineartscenter.com or Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery on Facebook. The Gallery is located at 15 W. Mesquite Blvd. or call (702) 346-1338.

Virgin Valley Artists Association sends greetings of peace and joy to all.

Merry Christmas!

The Best Christmas Boutique Everby Linda Faas

We may not have snow or sleigh bells here in the desert, but Christmas is the special time of year to remember family and friends with greetings and gifts. Selecting the right gift is an art, and Mesquite has an extraordinary local source for holiday shopping The Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery Christmas Boutique.

Located in the heart of downtown Mesquite, the Gallery could be called the anytime store because it is stocked year-round with hundreds of beautiful pieces of original giftware and artwork. Yet it takes on a particular sparkle for the holidays as its Christmas Boutique offers an additional abundance of handmade gift items perfect for all ages. From wood crafts to soft knitted caps, the boutique showcases local arts and crafts made with love by your friends and neighbors.

The annual Christmas Boutique is open this holiday season from Monday, November 23 to Saturday, January 2. Standard gallery hours are 10am - 4pm, Monday through Saturday. On Friday, December 4, shoppers are welcomed to a special extended evening of shopping until 7pm. Shoppers can expect to find an array of finely crafted jewelry, lovely greeting cards, hand painted wood ware, small furniture, functional and fine art ceramics, and more, offered by over 50 artists. Smart shoppers always shop the Boutique early for best selection of the one-of-a-kind gifts.

The Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery is operated by the Virgin Valley Artists Association, an artful and energetic group of over 200

Music takes her away in this acrylic painting by Kathy Ludwig

Baubles, Beads and BlingBugs

Secret Recipes Revealed Here

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TENNIS TNT by Donna Eads

Whose ball is it? That is a question asked frequently on the tennis courts. In doubles, the short ball should be covered by the closest player. If your team plays doubles most of the time one up and one back, the net player will need to take that short ball. The same rule is true for the lob. The player closest to the baseline will need to play that lob. Another rule of thumb is the net player should retreat to the baseline if three lobs go over him/her. A doubles teams goal is to take the net if possible but the team must adjust to each situation in a match.

How important is the toss during your serve? Since the toss starts the service motion, it is the most important part of the serve. Practice your toss by being sure that the toss will fall back into your hand each time or that it will hit a racquet on the ground next to your feet. You know your toss is solid when you can do this drill successfully at least 5 to 10 times. Never hit a bad toss. You are allowed 25 seconds to serve so take your time and pick the right toss to use.

Whose call is it? Which balls are your partners and which are yours? When calling a serve to you, your partner calls the service line only. You are responsible for the side lines. Frequently, players will make a call from across the court. Those calls are most likely incorrect. The closest player must make the decision because the proper perspective is important and parallax must be taken into consideration. What appeared out from across the court is usually on the line. Any questionable call is always played as good. If you and your partner disagree on a call, the point must go in your opponents favor.

When do you get to play a let? Easy answer is when serving and the ball touches the net and lands in the service box. Also, when a ball rolls on your court while playing, the point must be played over, which is a let. This rule does not apply if your team has hit the ball out before the ball enters your court.

See you on the courts! Also be aware new next year the Mesquite Senior Games have been moved to March.

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Dont Worry, Be Happy For Your Healths SakeChronic Holiday Stress Can Lead To A Variety Of Health Problems

by Mekdelawit Aschenaki, MD, FACC, Cardiologist

The holidays are here, but you may not be feeling very jolly. Wheres that Yuletide cheer? Holiday stress can hamper your enjoyment of the festivities of the season and more importantly, take a long-term toll on your health.

Stress is an unfortunate reality of day-to-day life, due to over-committed schedules, work and family pressures, lack of sleep, and an overly ambitious to-do list. During the holidays, our already frantic schedule is turned up a notch with more social events, more errands, and less downtime and the conviction that we must manage it all to have that perfect holiday season. The unfortunate outcome is stress. Stress is a reaction to

physical, emotional or environmental influences. Each person experiences stress in different degrees and for different reasons. And a growing body of health research suggests that stress is not just bad for your mood, but also for your heart.

When we feel stress, our bodies respond as though were in danger. Hormones speed up our heartbeat and breathing, and we sometimes feel a quick surge of energy the well-known fight or flight reaction. In brief instances involving a threat to our safety, a work deadline, or in an athletic competition, this tension can help us act quickly or perform under pressure. But long-term stress or anxiety can be damaging.

Managing stress is key to maintaining good health. While no direct link has been proven

between heart health and stress, there is ample evidence that there is a relationship between chronic stress or anxiety and cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. Stress experienced over a long period of time can affect other risk factors and behaviors that contribute to increased risk for heart problems, says the AHA, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, inactivity, and overeating.

Stress makes us nervous, tense and moody. It may also contribute to headaches, upset stomach, back pain and sleeping problems. It can weaken the immune system, which increases

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About the Author: Dr. Aschenaki is a full-time Cardiologist in Mesquite and is now seeing new patients at Mesa View Medical Group, 1301 Bertha Howe Avenue, Suite 1, Mesquite, Nevada. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (702) 346-0800 or visit www.MesaViewMedical.com today.

the likelihood of getting sick and, if you already suffer from a chronic condition, stress may make it worse.

The American lifestyle is not letting up. The annual survey, Stress in America, administered by the American Psychological Association, provides a grim outlook on the mental and physical health of the average American. In 2008, nearly half (47 percent) of adults reported that their stress has increased in the past year. More people reported fatigue (53 percent compared to 51 percent in 2007), feelings of irritability or anger (60 percent compared to 50 percent in 2007) and lying awake at night (52 percent compared to 48 percent in 2007) as a result of stress. And were not turning to healthy coping methods. Nearly half of the adults surveyed reported overeating or eating unhealthy

view on FITNESS

Holidays stressing you out? Try these tips.

Stress relief comes in many forms. Here are a few tried and true methods for keeping your head and protecting

your health. Keep a stress journal. Try to figure out whats making

you feel anxious. Putting it down on paper helps with brainstorming ideas about how to change these situations.

Get it off your chest. Talking with a family member, friend, or health care professional can help.

Get plenty of rest. Health experts advise that adults get a minimum of 7-9 hours of sleep nightly though 39 percent of us sleep less than the minimum 7 hours recommended. Sufficient sleep restores the body and supports the immune system, and helps us to stay mentally alert and be able to manage stress better.

Exercise at least five times a week for 30 minutes for good health, according to the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Sports Medicine. In addition to obvious health benefits, a good workout takes your mind off worries and releases feel-good endorphins that improve your mood.

Ask for help. People with a strong support system of family and friends tend to manage stress better.

Keep your calendar realistic. Assess your schedule and the time you have to devote to certain activities. Dont be afraid to say no, even if its not because of a scheduling conflict. Sometimes the best medicine is some solitude and quiet time.

Talk with your doctor. Your care provider can help with a plan of action and recommended lifestyle changes and, if necessary, prescribe medications to lower blood

pressure or relieve anxiety.

foods to manage stress. Almost one-fifth drank alcohol to manage their stress (18 percent), and 16 percent smoke.

This holiday season and year-round remember your heart is affected by the stress in your life. Begin now to incorporate coping strategies that you can use for a lifetime!

You can also learn more about stress management by visiting www.MesaViewHospital.com and following the Health Library link.

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This heartwarming event is made possible through generous donations made by local residents, businesses, and even visitors of Mesquite. Donations to Shop With A Cop can be dropped off at the Mesquite Police Department, located at 695 Mayan Circle. Checks should be made payable to the Mesquite Police Department. For questions please call (702) 346-5262 or visit the Mesquite Police Department Website: www.mesquitenv.gov/city-government/departments/police.

Shop with a Copsubmitted by the Mesquite Police Department

As a child, could you imagine hopping in a police car, talking on the police radio and turning on the lights and sirens all while heading off on your very own personal shopping spree? Imagine you are a police officer who faces sad incidents every day but for a part of one work day a year it is about the fun, the joy, and the spirit of giving. As the weather cools and the holiday season approaches, members of the Mesquite Police Department begin looking forward to the annual December Shop With A Cop event that pairs police officers and local youngsters together for a fun filled morning of shopping. The youngsters are carefully pre-selected based upon their needs and circumstances and cross matched with other local giving organizations to prevent duplication of effort.

During their spree the officers and children enjoy one on one time together picking out gifts for the child and the childs family. After the shopping carts are full, the gifts are purchased, and when the shopping excitement is over, they are off to the Elks Lodge to eat lunch, meet Santa, and get a special photograph with their new cop buddy.

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SHOP MESQUITE

City Shoppes EmbroideryAll new online and mobile

www.cseamerica.com(702) 862-9536

email dolshoppe@gmail.comEmbroidery - Trophies - Plaques - Gifts

Charlie and Tatiana Sellner

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The holidays are steeped in family traditions opening presents at first light on Christmas Day, napping during the football game on Thanksgiving, inching the car through a traffic jam on the interstate, and standing in an airport line that just doesnt move.

To maximize holiday travel happiness and minimize coal-in-the-stocking grief, follow these helpful holiday travel tips compiled by ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). Some of the most travel-wise people in the world, ASTA members know the secrets that will help you and your family arrive at Grandmas house full of holiday cheer.

Packing light saves time and energy when it comes to filling the trunk with fragile bags packed with gifts or racing to fill the last empty space in the overhead bin. Some airlines place special restrictions during the holidays and allow only one carry-on, so less luggage is vital. One holiday travel tip for packing lighter is to ship your gifts to your destination ahead of time. Allow at least two to three weeks for your package to arrive, for the holidays are hectic times for courier services like UPS and Federal Express.Before leaving, be sure to secure your house. Lock all doors and windows, and dont forget to set the alarm. Also, give your home

that lived-in look to repel potential burglars by having a friend collect your mail, setting lights on timers, and not leaving details of your trip on the answering machine or social media.

Without a sleigh and eight reindeer, your holiday travel plans will most likely bring you, and millions of others, to the airport. But fear not with a few precautions, your pre-flight schedule will be absent of anxiety.

First, avoid peak travel days. As your travel agent will tell you, the busiest days to fly are those immediately before and after the actual holidays. Book your flights a few days before and after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

Take the worry of getting to the airport completely out of the equation by staying at an airport hotel the night before an early flight. The additional sleep is well worth it. In some cases, hotels will allow guests to leave their car in the hotel lot for the duration of their trip, so make a few calls to discover which hotels offer this valuable service.

As flights are sometimes overbooked during the holidays, its critical to check in early. Spending an idle hour in the gift shop is much more fun than missing your flight by 10 minutes.

If you do not send your gifts ahead, then do not wrap them before the flight. With safety a priority for all airlines, security personnel will need access to all items. Pack collapsible gift bags to be used as wrapping upon arrival.

Many travelers do not stray too far from their familys roots, making long drives on the interstate an integral part of the holiday ritual.

The first step to ensure a smooth car trip is to keep your car in good working order. As temperatures drop during November and December, being stuck on the side of the road while waiting for an overworked tow-truck driver is not the place to be. Before you leave, have a qualified mechanic check all the cars vitals: brakes, battery, fluid levels, tire pressure, light bulbs and any parts that need regular maintenance.

view on TRAVEL

submitted by Celece Seegmiller

Holiday Travel Tips

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view on TRAVEL

As with all long-distance winter road trips, its wise to bring emergency equipment, such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, blankets, drinking water and snacks, along with flares and jumper cables. An ice scraper and chains for the tires will also come in handy. While a white Christmas is great for the memories, its not ideal for winter driving conditions.

Pad your schedule to allow plenty of time for the drive. Like shopping malls, the roads are busiest on the days right before and after the major holidays. If possible, take an extra day off to reduce the chances of being lodged in a traffic jam.

Dont leave valuables in your car. Pack all items, especially brightly wrapped packages, in the trunk. If afraid of squashed bows, wait until you arrive to wrap the gifts.

Overall, try to make driving fun, and view it as part of the holiday, not as a chore. If traveling with children, get everyone involved by singing or reminiscing about favorite past holidays. The ride will be over before you know it, and youll actually look forward to the drive back home.

If Santa can travel safely year in and year out, so can you and your family. With the proper preparation, everyone will be home for the holidays with warm memories to share.

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Christmas TreesThe Star Way

by Paul Noe, Staff Horticulturist, Star Nursery

Some people may still think that purchasing a cut tree for the holidays is a bad idea because

it is destroying a living, natural resource. However, this is not really true. Trees that are cut down for Christmas nowadays are grown on tree farms. These tree farms are in business with the sole function of planting, cultivating, and then harvesting evergreen trees for Christmas.

All of the holiday trees that Star Nursery purchases are farm grown. This means that each tree is specifically planted and grown for this purpose and when one tree is cut, another is planted in its place.The process is very similar to any other farm. There is continual maintenance and care of the plants, from seedlings to ready-for-the-season trees. This process can take seven to ten years, and during this time these trees are doing their part to reduce carbon dioxide and produce oxygen for our environment. It is solely due to Christmas tree sales that these tree farms and the trees they grow even exist.

The trees start their life cycle as seeds that are germinated in a greenhouse. They are nurtured and protected in the greenhouse until they have developed a healthy root system and a height of 4-5 inches. At this time, they are planted in long rows in a field where they can harden-off and get acclimated to the outdoor environment. Here, they are regularly irrigated and taken care of

until they are ready to be shipped to a tree farm where they are planted in permanent growing rows 8-10 feet apart to give them plenty of room to develop.

Throughout the year, these trees have to be fertilized, treated for insects, diseases, and weeds, like any other farm. They also have to be pruned and shaped as they grow so they can develop into well-shaped Christmas trees. When a field of trees is ready to be harvested, not all the trees will be the same size or quality because they all grow differently. Graders will walk through all the rows of trees and mark the ones that are good enough to

harvest the first year. The remaining trees will be left in the field until they meet the quality standards.

Normally, fields are harvested for three or four seasons, then the stumps are pulled out, the field is plowed, and a nutrient-rich grass is planted to revitalize the soil for a year. Then the process starts all over again with the planting of new trees.

When the trees are harvested for the holiday season, they are graded and tagged for size, run through a shaker to shake out any dead needles, and then through a baler that wraps them tightly for shipping. They are then loaded on trucks to be shipped all over the country to retail outlets like Star Nursery.

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After you have decorated and enjoyed your tree throughout the holiday season, dont just throw it away. Take it to a local Christmas tree recycling location so that it can complete its cycle of life. There, it will be chipped into mulch that can be returned to the earth to help other plants to grow. What could be better for our environment? After all its been through to get to be your beautiful holiday tree, help it to complete its journey recycle it.

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Star Nursery Mesquite549 Commerce Circle, (702) 613-4770, www.starnursery.com

Once we get the trees, we have to sort and stack them in our stores for processing. Our processing consists of putting some of the trees in racks for customers to choose from, and putting some of the trees on display stands that hold water to keep them fresher. Either way, we try to keep all the trees shaded and watered at least twice a day to keep them from drying out.

When a customer purchases one of our trees, we will make a fresh cut on the base of the tree so it will take up water easier, and we will put the tree in a large plastic bag so there is less mess when putting it in your vehicle or in your house.

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Mesquite Night Outsubmitted by the Mesquite Police Departmentphotos by Kris Zurbas and Kathy Lee

The Mesquite Police Department would like to thank community members, public service agencies, and the non-profit agencies that came together during Mesquite Night Out in support of local crime prevention and drug awareness efforts.

Over 40 organizations were represented at the event which filled the Rec Centers athletic field. Many activities were available including pedal cars, fingerprinting, the Fire House Rock program, police tactical demonstrations, and a roll car demonstrator. Parents and children spent time meeting and asking questions of police officers, firefighters, and animal control officers.

This event is all about getting to know the community members whom we serve. We want them to know we care for them and that we are here for them, said Police Lieutenant Maquade Chesley. During the event the crowd expressed appreciation for the officers by attaching messages to a police vehicle.

Mesquite Night Out is the first of three fall events hosted by the Mesquite Police Department. Trunk or Treat was held at the Rec Center on Saturday, October 31 and Shop with a Cop will take place in late December. Donations to support police programs can be made in person at 695 Mayan Circle, Monday through Friday from 8 am 4 pm.

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three hour shifts for the entire week. The labor of love displayed by these volunteering citizens is truly awe inspiring.

If you have not seen this event or if you have seen it and never stopped by, we encourage everyone to take some time to come down to the field and walk through the flags. If you have been a visitor in the past, you are sure to want to relive the experience. Read the Remembrance Ribbons on those flags so dedicated for this occasion. Upon walking through these silent reminders of service and sacrifice, one is inclined to speak with a quieter voice, walk with a slower pace and whisper a prayer for each soul the flag denotes. Whether the wind is blowing gently and the flags wave proudly or the air lends them a statue like repose as they stand in quiet humility, we guarantee you will find it an emotional experience.

There will be a Veteran's Day Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11 at 6 pm and a closing ceremony on Sunday, November 15 at 2 pm. The field will then be retired for another year. Plan on experiencing this inspiring event; you won't regret it.

1000 Flags Over MesquiteOn Sunday morning, November 8, the west field of Mesquite's Recreation Center will be a flurry of activity. The Exchange Club of Mesquite will begin hosting its 10th annual One Thousand Flags Over Mesquite. In a surprisingly short amount of time, thanks to the continuing dedication and enthusiasm of this fine community, 1000 flags will be unfurled and positioned in almost perfect symmetry and fly in their solemn majesty until Sunday, November 15.

This event is one of the major fundraisers for the Exchange Club in its constant effort to offer comfort, assistance and never ending gratitude to our veterans. In the past, the Exchange Club has been honored to be able to pay the postage on the Any Soldier Project sponsored by the Mesquite Veteran's Center. You can help in this worthwhile endeavor by sponsoring a flag for the week at a cost of $35, dedicating it to a member of our military alive, deceased, active or retired and help us in publicly acknowledging their service to our country.

These flags represent the men and women who have served or are serving our country both here and on foreign soil. The field is the Exchange Club's way of saying THANK YOU to them. Because of what these flags represent, they are never left alone. Caring members of our community stand respectful watch 24/7 in

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HOLIDAY TABLESCAPES Laying It All Out on the Table

by Helen Houston Creamer

Much of the enjoyment of inviting friends and family to join you for a holiday meal is the pleasure of preparing it and making the table look as luscious as the food that goes on it. A beautifully laid table provides an inviting ambiance that both welcomes the guests and sets off the meal.

There was a time in my life when I possessed at least six themed dinnerware services for entertaining guests all throughout the year. However, todays consumers are considerably less interested than their predecessors in buying large china, crystal and silver services for special-occasion use. Their tabletop purchases are more likely to be used for everyday dining, with the serveware and other accessories pressed into service as home dcor when not in use at the table.

The basic ingredients of table coverings dinnerware, glassware and flatware, are always there. But with some creativity they can be set off in very different ways depending on how you treat them and the decorations you use. The fold of the napkin, the choice of serving dishes, flowers, candles, and the presentation of the food all make a fundamental difference to the overall look of the table.

You dont have to buy expensive tableware or replace what you already have to achieve the look and feel you want for your special event. By incorporating a few simple and inexpensive ideas along with the all-important personal touch, you can create a wardrobe for the table that your guests will long remember. Consider the following:

Charger PlatesA charger plate is a large, decorative base setting on which other dinnerware is placed during more formal dining events. Charger plates are merely decorative, and are not meant to come in direct contact with food. They are available in a variety of materials, shapes and colors. Not only do they anchor the dining table, create ambiance, and are aesthetically pleasing to guests, chargers also protect the table and tablecloth from becoming dirty during service as well as help retain heat in dinnerware.

Chargers can be used for other purposes at your dinner party such as a tray or platter for small appetizers or desserts. Group pillar candles together on the charger to create an elegant centerpiece or use as a base for a floral centerpiece.

Table Coverings Linens and table coverings provide the perfect backdrop for dinnerware, glassware, and flatware to make the perfect table setting for your guests. Not only do they protect tabletop surfaces from scratches and water damage, but they enhance the visual appearance of your dining room. Tablecloths, table runners, table toppers, and placemats are all purposeful options for your dining table. They can be used separately or combined together for a mix and match design technique.

When choosing table linens for a special event, there are several factors to take into account:

The location of your event. Choose colors to complement the existing dcor of your dining room. For outdoor events, generally bright colors look better in sunny locations, while pastels are wonderful in garden settings.

The season of the year. Spring and summer colors tend to be lighter, while bolder colors are more appropriate during the colder fall and winter months.

The theme of your event. Colorful linens are one of the most effective ways to set the mood you want to create. Vibrant colors add drama, while soft colors evoke a more refined atmosphere.

When determining the appropriate size for a tablecloth, a general rule-of-thumb suggests a 6-inch to 8-inch drop for

Setting a table can be like creating a still-life - the more beautiful the components, the more attractive the finished results.

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casual events, 10-inch to 12-inch for formal settings and more elaborate occasions may call for a drop of anywhere from 15-inches to 30-inches (all the way to the floor).

Dinner NapkinsAdd pizazz to any table setting with a napkin display. Find the perfect fold for your elegant or whimsical tablescape. Crisply starched napkins or weighty paper dinner napkins that are folded in interesting shapes bring art to the table and can accentuate a decorated holiday table with style. Fancy napkin folding is not as difficult as it looks, and the creative table dressing is an additional way to impress your dinner party guests. Napkin rings are a fun decorative addition, too, and way easier than making folded napkin swans.

If you entertain often, keep an eye out for striking sets of napkins, from hand-embroidered treasures found at collectibles shops to stylish finds from your favorite tabletop catalog. Pair your colorful collection with festive folding ideas, and you'll always have an easy and inexpensive way to bring just the right touch to your table, whatever the occasion.

CandlesCandles are still the most pleasing form of table lighting, casting a natural flattering glow over table and diners alike. The flames have a quality that no light bulb could begin to imitate, and the aroma creates an intimate atmosphere. Scented candles will enhance the mood further. Choose from the many scented candles available to suit the spirit of the occasion.

Candles come in many shapes and forms, but even with ordinary dinner candles you can create many different looks to suit the table setting. Color coordinate them with the tablecloth or china and put them in holders that keep with the overall style. Whether you choose a classic candelabra or modern holders, be sure to position the candles where they will not distract the diners.

For anyone who loves to entertain, with the proper tools and inspiration you can elevate the ordinary holiday dining experience to the unforgettable.

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36 Moapa Valley, Southern Nevadas Outdoor Playground

SHOP, EAT & PLAY

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Come play at one of the numerous holiday events throughout the Moapa valley or visit the Lost City Museum in Overton. The museum, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, is located just south of Overton. It is situated on the archaeological site of an Ancient Puebloans pit house and maintains displays of thousand year-old artifacts

found on the site. The museum also has exhibits chronicling the pioneer history of the area.

If you are really adventurous, Law Powersport can sign you up for an Awesome Adventures ATV Tour or rent or sell you an ATV while youre in town. Then you can explore our tiny town and enjoy our communitys other friendly businesses.

Feeling hungry? Overton offers a variety of casual eating options. Carleys makes the best pizza in town. They also have a salad bar, buffalo wings and more The Inside Scoop, a local favorite for almost 25 years, is a full service ice cream shop. They also serve breakfast, sandwiches, soup, salads, and burgers, and the grill is open four nights a week.

Sugars Home Plate sports themed caf and bar has been in business for over 25 years. They serve great home-style meals and greet everyone like locals. Sugars is easy to find because the sports theme runs inside and out. Just look for the life-size murals of sports greats Sandy Koufax, Maury Wills and Kurt Warner on the front of the building painted by local mural artist Joan Raney Day.

After a bite to eat, pick up holiday gifts at the Wild Horse Gallery. The gallery has an eclectic assortment of art, jewelry and decorator pieces created by premier local western artists including Joan Raney Day. Joan has established herself as a highly collected southwest artist in a wide range of mediums: paintings, jewelry, books, and wood works. A much in demand muralist, her work can be viewed on walls and buildings in Hawaii and California. Closer to home her murals can be seen in Mesquite at the Golden West, in Moapa at Roos-N-More zoo, and in Overton on the faades of the Wild Horse Gallery and at Sugars Home Plate. Want your own mural? Joan will be happy to create a custom work of art for your walls.

Need something special for your fashionista? Jasmines Boutique located next door to the Wild Horse has recently expanded its

Plan a Day Away in Nearby Moapa Valley

by Sue Santercangelospace and inventory in time for the fall and Christmas season. Come see their wide selection of deeply discounted designer clothing, shoes, purses, and costume jewelry.

There are a number of events coming up associated with the Moapa Valley Revitalization Project.* Here are some other events in the Moapa Valley this season:

Nov. 6-7 Pomegranate Art Festival Nov. 6-7 Hump N Bump Off-Road EventNov. 7-8 23rd Annual Southern Paiute Veterans Association Pow WowNov. 11 Veterans Day Parade and PicnicDec. Moapa Valley Festival of Trees

*Please note previous page with further information on some of the places and events mentioned here. Be sure to check the calendar at the end of this magazine for a more complete list of events.

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by Linda Faasphotos by Kris Zurbas

Here in our corner of the Silver State, the silver screen is, indeed, just what the doc ordered. Mesquite residents have suffered from protracted high temps this summer, but they found a sure-fire cure as they ducked into cool movie theatres October 5-9 to watch 25 documentary films featured in Mesquites annual Best of Best Film Festival. This event has become a staple of Mesquites fall activities, and its high quality films attract a larger, more enthusiastic crowd each year. This year every viewer found stories to fit their own personal bill entertainment, information, and something to touch the