Living In Vegas – VEGAS Unfiltered by Sam Novak

WAYNE SKIVINGTON OF ‘ZUMANITY’ TALKS FATHER-SON BONDING, VEGAS-STYLE

Cirque du Soleil performer and young son inspire others through fitness…

Click HERE to read this article via BestOfVegas.com…

Raising a child in any large city can be a challenge. You want to be a great role model, provide for your children yet still make their formative years memorable, fun and happy. Now imagine being a single father in “Sin City”…and you’re a performer working late nights in an adult-themed production. That’s the reality of ZUMANITY heartthrob Wayne Skivington.

Skivington was born in a British Military Hospital in Germany. He began formal gymnastics instruction at the age of four and his natural talents were quickly recognized. When his family returned to Great Britain in 1994, Wayne performed in many exhibitions. While representing the nation at an international competition in Palm Springs, his troupe stopped in Las Vegas, visited Treasure Island’s Mystere….and Wayne’s love affair with Cirque du Soleil began.

Mesmerized by the renowned Alexis Brothers’ balancing act, Wayne sent his show reel to Cirque du Soleil along with an employment application. In 2008, as he was about to turn twenty-one, the handsome athlete was invited to join the Montreal-based entertainment company.

To his surprise, Wayne was hired for their Las Vegas division and placed him in Mystere, the very show that had inspired him to apply. Accepting the position required leaving his sports coaching/conditioning studies at University of Leeds, but it’s a decision that Wayne has never regretted.

After his stint at MYSTERE, Skivington became the coach for Criss Angel BeLIEve and joined the cast onstage as a fellow performer. Now thirty-one, he’s a fitness coach at Rebound Vigour during the day and ZUMANITY’s sexy Scotsman at night. His sensual acrobatic routine raises temperatures ten times each week at New York NY Hotel Casino.

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Family fitness program! Encourage a healthy family lifestyle! #cirqueitfit CHECK OUT FULL TRAILER link in our bio

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Fatherhood has taken Skivington’s personal life to greater heights than a trapeze. Six-year-old son Rowan shares Wayne’s blonde hair and gift for gymnastics and acrobatics. The two have become a worldwide sensation thanks to a series of father/son workout videos that Wayne shared on social media platforms.

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Photos: Marco Poker via IP FIT Facebook page…

Being a single parent with two jobs, I don’t have a great deal of spare time. So, my son is always with me. It was by sheer fluke that one day whilst videoing, like most parents do, I realized my son was copying me working out. He loves attempting to do what daddy does!

Wayne stresses that his time with Rowan isn’t what he considers to be a formal exercise regime. He saves that for personal training sessions, garage and gym workouts…and of course, rehearsals at the theater with show partner Katerina. When Rowan and his dad do their amazing feats, it’s just father-and-son fun.

I think my videos have become popular because I am including my son in my active lifestyle, demonstrating the possibilities that lie with the greatest tool we own… our bodies! They can also see the trust my son has in me and the confidence I am building in him, all achieved through bonding during our playtime.

There’s no question that raising a little one in a city-wide adult playground poses its own challenges. Wayne has the unique added complexity of being in a production meant for mature eyes only. But this son of a military officer grew up quickly on a worldwide stage. He’s gained a lifetime of practical experience that most parents would never have exposure to.

Now Wayne is sharing his knowledge and perspectives by bringing fitness to families. He’s created a program called IP FIT FUN, which combines time-management principals with exercises that utilize your most valuable equipment – your own body.

IP FIT FUN helps parents teach basic fundamentals of movement (to their children) through interaction and bonding. (They learn) to work out at home using body-weight exercises. Kids just soak up everything they see and realize anything is possible with a little dedication.

I want to encourage people to be a good role model, live a healthier lifestyle whilst having fun with the family, enriching relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.

As for the possibility of a father-son acrobatics act? Only time will tell if Rowan follows his dad’s footsteps into acrobatics and performance. But for now, he’s off to an amazing start. And his father will be there every step of the way.

“You are my motivation, my inspiration and my drive! I do it all for you”…

– Wayne Skivington

Pics courtesy Wayne Skivington social media, individual photographers credited there…

Critical Care Comics: Superheroes for Ailing Children

Las Vegas volunteer organization delivers heartwarming escapism to young hospital patients….

When I was seven years old, this writer was stricken with a condition that baffled doctors. After spending an entire summer indoors, I was transferred to a major hospital in Pittsburgh. There I was placed in isolation for a series of tests and eventually, surgery.

Being so far from home and away from my pets, friends and family was terrifying. I remember looking out my hospital window at that huge city as the sun went down, crying and wondering why my mom had left me here all alone. All I had to comfort me was a battery-operated radio and a stuffed animal that was incinerated as a precautionary measure.

That was a long time ago, but I still carry the scars of the experience…both on my body and inside my heart. Recollections of that trauma remain, and when I hear about efforts to ease the fears of sick and suffering children, it strikes a deep chord.

Marketing Director Danny Ballard and Dani Harter as “Captain Marvel”

While attending the film premiere of Immortal Wars: Resurgence recently at AMC Town Square, I learned about Critical Care Comics. The gentleman manning their lobby display was Richard Tango, a handsome and absurdly charismatic young man who told me about their mission.

“Immortal Wars” actor Ronnie Lloyd Nanos and Richard Tango at AMC…

Critical Care Comics is a local non-profit. We dress like superheroes and deliver comic books to sick kids all over Las Vegas. We visit every major children’s care facility in the city and also provide smiles to children at Cure 4 the Kids Foundation, a chemotherapy treatment center, and Care Meridian, a long-term children’s care facility.

Not only is Mr. Tango an excellent representative for Critical Care Comics, he portrays Marvel hero “Iron Man” during visits to hospitals. Hearing about this charity brought back plenty of emotions….so much so that I had to excuse myself for awhile to regain composure.

Richard Tango (left) and Dan Glitch as Captain America…

The reason Critical Care Comics was present that evening was to accept donations of comics books and funds…and also to spread awareness about their wonderful mission. Many of the volunteers have stories similar to my own…often much more severe. Mr. Tango told me that both he and founder Jason Golden are survivors of childhood cancer.

Mr. Golden describes the experience when the Critical Care volunteers visit children:

When we walk in, we are approaching kids who are leagues above us. Our strength, our speed, our will is nothing compared to what they’re bringing. These kids are anything but kids. There are times when they are sure they don’t have a favorite super hero. They are sure they don’t read comics. They are SURE that their situation won’t be better just because a group of people in costumes came in to say “Hi”.

And then we walk out of those rooms, and if you were to turn around just for an instant; blink and you’ll miss it. You will see those kids pick up a comic book. You would think it was a caveman inspecting the first wheel. But for them, it’s like discovering FIRE.

For a kid who was so SURE of things. We got them curious about what could be. We got them wondering about whats on the next page. We gave them an escape from what’s practical and probable and got them believing in the IMPOSSIBLE…if only for 28 pages.

Director of Marketing Danny Ballard has been passionate about comics his entire life. He created the Critical Care Comics blog to keep the public up to date on fundraisers and events. This past December he and the volunteers held a Heroes & Villains Ball downtown at The Nerd, a Cocktails-and-Cosplay nightspot at Neonopolis.

Described as a “winter cosplay formal event”, the Heroes and Villains Ball offered a raffle, silent auction and a costume contest with prizes provided by local businesses and supporters. Of course, there was a DJ and dancing, so you could swing with Superman, waltz with Wolverine and tango with Thor.

Starlord and Gamora at Let’s Be More Than Super Friends fundraiser…

Last month’s fundraiser was the Valentine’s Day-themed Let’s Be More Than Superfriends. Held at Millenium Fandom Bar in the Arts District, this fundraiser also had a raffle and costume contest, but upped the ante with a special twist:

To raise money for our charity, we auctioned off dates with superheroes like Spider-Man, Spider-Gwen, Mary Jane, Deadpool, Starfire, and Wonder Woman (just to name a few). We hoped it would be fun, but we never imagined that it would help us raise over $2000!

Despite all of that fun and frivolity at gatherings like these, the special people of Critical Care Comics know that their main reason for coming together is to help the children. And since they’re continuing to grow and expand their efforts, there’s always a need for more volunteers.

You can help behind the scenes by collecting and sorting comics, assisting in media and publicity…or by portraying one of their inspirational superheroes. There are currently openings for Gamora (Guardians of the Galaxy), Thor, Aquaman, and any other superhero character not already on their roster (Vegas performers, take note!!!). You can offer your assistance by clicking HERE. Of course they always accept child-friendly comics books, too.

People need heroes because heroes save or improve lives and because heroes are inspiring. … Heroes elevate us emotionally; they heal our psychological ills; they build connections between people; they encourage us to transform ourselves for the better; and they call us to become heroes and help others. Jason Golden

If you’d like to donate to Critical Care Comics or learn more, visit their website by clicking HERE.

Local “Pampered Chefs” Bring the Excitement of Italy to Your Home

Chef Piero Barbagallo and his colleagues help you to create a four-star Italian dining experience for your guests…

In today’s fast-paced world, the popularity of TV food channels and cooking classes continues to grow. Now you can experience the best of both in your own Vegas kitchen…with a world-renowned chef assisting you all the way.

Meet Chef Piero Barbagallo, a manic ball of energy who hails from Palermo, Italy. Chef Piero has cooked at some of the finest restaurants around the world. He’s also been Food and Beverage Manager for a little-known gentleman named Wolfgang Puck, done the same for Trump Tower Las Vegas and has an impressive history of hospitality and management at New York NY, Bellagio and Palazzo.

With credentials like those, it’s hard to grasp that a man of such revered status would be available to cook and entertain in your kitchen, but that’s exactly what Pampered Chef provides. Barbagallo and other members of the Pampered Chef team help you to host parties that spread the word on their products and services while giving you and your friends a true interactive experience.

While Chef Piero treasures his history with several popular Strip restaurants, the exhaustive hours were chipping away at precious time with his young daughter. “I wanted to try something different that would allow me to be home when my daughter returned from school. I’ve been with Pampered Chef only since December, but I already love it!”

It’s clear that Chef Piero’s outgoing personality and passion for his craft are ideal for this type of venture. “I love food. I love people. And I love to entertain. Let me cook for and with you” he exclaims.

Preparations were well underway when I arrived early for a 6 pm party. Chef Piero had already organized the ingredients, which are purchased by the party’s hosts. Special guest Chef Massimilliano Lanzafame of Sicily was hard at working creating a batch of dough. Bottles of wine and Pampered Chef catalogs/pamphlets were spread out on the reception table along with some snacks.

The host location for the party was the Summerlin home of Marina Johnson. Ms. Johnson is an Advanced Director/Trainer who leads her own team of Pampered Chefs. And she made one hell of an eggplant dish just for me when I revealed that my diet plan prohibited me from indulging in the evening’s featured dish….authentic homemade ravioli with bruschetta.

As the three Italians bantered throughout the kitchen in their native language, the flurry of activity felt like a warm, chaotic ballet. A growing number of arrivals filled the kitchen and were invited to have wine, ask questions and participate in the preparation. It all came together in an evening that was part show, part lesson…and all unforgettable fun.

Pampered Chef offers a lot more than in-home cooking parties. They’re a multi-level marketing company that produces kitchen tools, food products and recipe books for the home. Party guests can order items that they’ve tried, take a catalog home and even host a Pampered Chef party for themselves. That gets you free items and substantial discounts to turn your everyday kitchen into a culinary wizard’s workshop.

Although Ms. Johnson’s team consists of the finest Italian chefs, that’s far from the only cuisine that Pampered Chef can do. For instance, February is “Wine, Cheese and Chocolate” Month. Perhaps you’d prefer “Fajitas and Margaritas” or “Fast and Fresh Weeknight Meals”. Whatever your taste, there’s a Pampered Chef theme for you.

Not everyone is a natural-born entertainer (I’m certainly not). And how often do you say “I wish that I (or my spouse) could be a better cook”? With Pampered Chef, your wishes can easily become a reality. They can handle just about any special social event and help you to get it off the ground.

Let Pampered Chef organize your wedding/baby shower, birthday party or fundraiser. Or you can just arrange a traditional Tupperware-style catalog party to introduce your friends to the products they offer…and make a tidy profit for yourself at the same time.

If you’d like to view one of Chef Piero’s cooking classes remotely, tune to his frequent virtual demonstrations via Facebook Live. Or you can cheer him on in person this February 13th when he competes at CHEF BATTLE LAS VEGAS. The event begins 6 pm at Hofbrauhaus, 4510 Paradise Road.

To schedule a cooking party with Chef Piero Barbagallo, call or text him at 702-544-3173 and say that Sam from Vegas Unfiltered sent you. To learn more about Pampered Chef products and services, contact Marina Johnson via this link.

Photos: Sam Novak, Chef Piero Barbagallo

Hot Guys of Vegas: Gentlemen of Influence

Continuing my series on good-looking men who make Sin City a better place to live. In this chapter I visit stylish, classy guys who carry a lot of cultural weight. They’re a whole different kind of “Gentleman’s Club”.

Ricci Lopez-Hammargren – stylist/journalist/voice actor/entrepreneur

Ricci Lopez-Hammargren

Where you’ve seen him – FOX Sports/STITCHED menswear/magazines

It’s often said that when you look good, you feel good. And when you’re wearing a great outfit, your behavior and manners tend to become elevated. That’s how Ricci Lopez-Hammargren has made a significant cultural impact on the male of our species. He’s taken the very definition of “gentleman” and turned it into a living, breathing thing.

Ricci is the handsome face and a guiding force behind STITCHED, the men’s haberdashery at Cosmopolitan that I told you about a few months ago. Much more than a clothing boutique, STITCHED promotes a lifestyle of manners, class, dignity…and quite a lot of fun.

Ricci enjoys bringing his unique talents to the masses. He does so by outfitting many of the most cutting-edge celebrities and athletes in the world today. They turn to Ricci to make themselves better, thereby influencing their followers to do the same.

I’ve had the pleasure of watching Mr. Lopez-Hammargren in action a few times, most notably when he hosted a “Bad Santa” party at TAO Nightclub last month. He’s clearly revered by colleagues, friends and others around him. They’re energized by Ricci’s positivity and overwhelming charm. In our current society, where decorum and manners have seemingly taken flight to parts unknown, it’s wonderful to have men like Ricci Lopez-Hammargren to balance things out.

Notable traits – brooding gaze, warm heart

Mark Shunock – philanthropist/entertainer/emcee

Mark Shunock

Where you’ve seen him – Mondays Dark/Rock of Ages/LV Golden Knights

It’s truly impossible to discuss Las Vegas humanitarian efforts and NOT mention Mark Shunock. This multi-talented hunk personifies community charity on a scale few have ever envisioned, let alone achieve.

As the creator of Mondays Dark and The Space, Mark and his team have raised close to a million dollars for local charities. You can read all about Mondays Dark in my recently-published article on its Five Year Anniversary.

Mark’s a high-energy guy that never sits still. Whether he’s hosting a performance, singing, dancing or emceeing a Golden Knights game, Mark’s attention-grabbing voice and handsome face will hold your attention throughout the final moments. He and wife Cheryl Daro are especially fond of benefits for local animal shelters and have even hosted an adoption drive at The Space.

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Of course, the fact that Mark’s one ridiculously handsome fella ensured that he would eventually make this column. That hair! Those teeth! The matinee-idol looks! No wonder audiences swooned when he entered the stage in the long-running ROCK OF AGES. Even with the mullet wig and 80’s threads, it was impossible to disguise Shunock’s hunk status. Nothing but a good time, Mark!

Notable traits – rosy cheeks, bedroom eyes

Gordon Prouty – public relations/media magnate/fashion icon

Gordon Prouty

Where you’ve seen him – media events/Westgate Las Vegas/charity functions

Any article on Las Vegas’ influential culture is destined to feature Gordon Prouty prominently. This fine gentleman is class personified. The fact that Gordon is such a beloved member of the professional community nicely compliments his status as the city’s best dressed man.

Gordon Prouty is the go-to emcee for any type of media event. He’s a perfect blend of wit, knowledge, charisma, humor and eye candy. “Everyone loves Gordy” is a phrase you’ll often hear when Mr. Prouty is at the podium. From awards programs that honor tech wizards to gatherings that recognize accomplished female professionals, Gordon is the voice and face pf many community functions.

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One of the great things about Gordon is that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. He’s always approachable, lighting up the room with his radiant smile and impressive tan. And even though his collection of suits is to be envied, this fitness fanatic looks just as stunning in workout wear.

A true inspiration, Gordon’s tireless efforts to educate, motivate and accelerate the cultural growth of Las Vegas makes him the ultimate role model. I’m proud to call him a friend.

Jamal Parker – publisher/restaurateur/advertising

Jamal Parker

Where you’ve seen him – media gatherings/community events

Our final example of refined class and influence comes courtesy of Jamal Parker. This handsome man about town is a publisher at Greenspun Media Group, the Vegas-based company behind such popular mags as Las Vegas Weekly and Vegas2Go. He’s also worked for labor relations at Bally’s and Paris casinos, owned and operated his own upscale jazz/blues restaurant in Philadelphia (Le Cochon Noir) and served as General Sales Manager for Clear Channel Radio.

Chances are you’ll see Jamal and pal Gordon Prouty at the same events, as both are quite involved in the community efforts of Greenspun Media. Mr. Parker tends to gather crowds at any social function, drawing people in with his powerful voice, sly grin and epic storytelling skills. There’s no subject that Jamal can’t produce a great tale about.

Despite his refined presentation, Jamal is often just as comfortable hunkering down with his favorite team jersey. Whether sipping a fine wine at Edge Steakhouse or cheering on the Golden Knights at Lucky’s Lounge, Jamal knows how to savor every bit of fun and excitement that life in Las Vegas has to offer.

A true family man, Jamal is rarely without the companionship of gorgeous wife Mackenzie. Together with their twin son and daughter, this foursome is a close-knit unit of happiness, love and togetherness. While Sin City can be a rather….er, “complex” place to raise a family, these fine folks make it look easy…and beautiful.

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Noteworthy traits – basso profundo voice, fleet-footed dancing skills

All of the gentlemen you’ve met above exemplify a new standard for being a “Hot Guy in Vegas”. I’m sure their friends, families and partners will agree.

Do you know someone who would make a great “Hot Guys of Vegas” candidate? Send me an email at sam@vegasunfiltered.blog and you may see them here in a future chapter.

Hot Guys of Vegas – Humanitarians and the Humane

The latest of my series on the good-looking men who make Las Vegas a better place to live…

Hard to believe so much time has passed, but it’s been five whole months since my last entry in the “Hot Guys of Vegas” series! Since we’ve just come out of the “Season of Giving”, it only seems fitting to salute this current crop of hunks. One way or another, they’re all doing their part to make Las Vegas more live-able, either by promoting businesses, supporting worthy causes…or sharing their love for the animal kingdom.

Ricardo Laguna – Pro BMX rider/ TV personality

Ricardo Laguna

Where you’ve seen him – sporting events, magazines, community functions

There are very few people in Las Vegas who haven’t encountered Ricardo Laguna. This stunning man has been a resident since the age of thirteen. When he’s not emceeing an event, helping with a charity or enjoying time with his family, he’s flying through the air on his BMX bikes. Sometimes he’s doing all of them at once.

Raising funds for the NSPCA at Vegas Indoor Skydiving Tunnel Jam…

Ricardo’s known for his charisma, community efforts and undying love for the city he calls home. He also owns an eye-catching wardrobe, thanks in part to friend Ricci Lopez-Hammargren at STITCHED Men’s Haberdashery (more on Ricci soon). But underneath those gorgeous clothes is an equally stunning body. In or out of a shirt, Ricardo Laguna is always dressed to impress.

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Several children’s charities are close to Ricardo’s chest…er, “heart” . You may find him doling out ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s “Free Cone Day” to benefit CASA Foundation or fighting childhood obesity via Jump 4 Joy Foundation. But whatever he’s doing or how high he soars. Ricardo Laguna eventually ends up with his feet…and his wheels…firmly on the ground.

Noteworthy traits – defiance of gravity, ability to great cheese on his abs

Mike Foland – entrepreneur/reality TV star/entertainer

Mike Foland

Where you’ve seen him – E!’s Men of the Strip/FLO Advertising/Chippendales

Mike Foland might not be a household name…unless you’ve seen him as the smooth-talking “Money Mike” in E! Television’s Men of the Strip movie event. Nevertheless, Mike’s presence is felt in just about every corner of Sin City. He’s a man on the move, just like his awesome FLO Advertising mobile digital billboards that you may have seen this blog displayed on.

Foland is one of those guys that everyone seems to know and love…and rightly so. He has his hands in so many operations and activities that it’s hard to describe exactly WHAT Mike does…or just how wide his interests are. Along with the advertising business, Foland works behind the scenes to create new Vegas entertainment, is a member of the National Addiction Center Treatment Alliance and owner of Sunshine Sober Home in Florida.

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Mike’s remarkable background is just as varied. The West Palm Beach FL native began as a wrestler which segued into an MMA fighting career. Somehow along the way he managed to become a member of the world-famous Chippendales. No shortage of testosterone in this guy, that’s for sure.

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Mike says his dancing days are far behind him now, but love for animals will always be a part of him. Very much a cowboy at heart, Mike enjoys farmer life and outdoor activities. Fishing, boating, hiking and diving are all part of what makes this rugged hunk a real “man’s man”. But deep down inside and underneath that ever-present cowboy hat, Mike Foland is a true softie.

Noteworthy traits – gentle demeanor, major masculinity

Jeffrey Frischmann – showroom manager/animal rescuer

Jeffrey Frischmann

Where you’ve seen him – Mike Hammer Comedy Magic/Spirit of the King

If you’ve had the good fortune to attend one of the two sterling shows at Four Queens Hotel Casino, chances are you’ve met young Jeffrey Frischmann. This handsome, soft-spoken boyish gentleman presents himself with a demeanor and elegance reminiscent of the showroom maitre d’s of yesteryear Vegas.

Jeffrey joins Steve Connolly onstage at Spirit of the King…

Jeffrey usually wears a wacky logo t-shirt under his dark blazer. which adequately represents the dual personality of this outstanding guy. Jeffrey’s quite formal on the outside but life-loving and adventure-filled within.

You’d be hard pressed to find a photo of Mr. Frischmann by himself. He’s always with…or holding…someone or something he loves. Married to lovely Ayin with two-year-old daughter Farrah, this family shares their home with some other very special members.

Jeffrey and Ayin are actively involved in providing homes for French bulldogs. As part of Nevada Frenchie Rescue, the couple has been instrumental in relocating pets from other areas into better situations…and have adopted several of them as well. Of course, they’ve experienced many tearful farewells along the way, but Jeffrey knows that the pain is worth the rewards.

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This aficionado of all things retro-cool loves to hit up antique shops with his pal Carrot Top, listen to rock music on his vintage record changer and play pinball with pals. During the scorching Vegas summers, Jeffrey heads out to Lake Mead for swimming, boating and diving. In the winters, there’s snowboarding to keep him fit.

Being Mike Hammer’s right hand man means that Jeffrey is ever-present at fundraisers and charity functions that Hammer hosts and attends. Most notable is a series of annual Mike Hammer Celebrity Go-Kart Races that have benefited a long list of charities.

However Jeffrey spends his days, you can always find this great guy charming his guests at the Four Queens Showroom five nights a week. Making people smile comes naturally for Jeffrey. He represents his generation VERY well.

Notable traits – tough-guy tattoos, boyish grin

Straight to the Heart: Hospice, Therapy Dogs and a Pet Drive

“Man’s best friend will be there until the end”…

Having just lost my dear cat Sunny to cancer a few weeks ago, I’ve had plenty of hours to reflect on love, loss and courage. It’s been a rough time for this writer, so I can appreciate the enormous grief that families and friends face when losing a loved one. For patients who know that they won’t be recovering, there’s an absolute right to move on with dignity and compassion.

Not all of us are equipped to handle end-of-life situations. Thank goodness there are community resources to ease the journey and provide comfort along the way. Nathan Adelson Hospice of Las Vegas is one such organization. This non-profit has been around for four decades, providing top quality in-home and in-patient palliative treatment and hospice care.

Nathan Adelson was a visionary administrator for Sunrise Hospital, the largest medical facility in Nevada at the time of its construction. Mr. Adelson was deeply respected as a humanitarian, overflowing with kindness and compassion. When cancer took his life, friends and family established the hospice to continue his enormous legacy.

Nathan Adelson was taken by cancer in 1978…

The volunteers at Nathan Adelson Hospice dedicate time and their hearts to hundreds of dying patients each day. Naturally these special people come from all walks of life and a myriad of different social environments. Some volunteers even come from local animal shelters.

You see, therapy dogs are a big part of Nathan Adelson’s many programs. Their organization recognizes and promotes the comfort that animals bring to those undergoing emotional challenges. To make that happen, hospice patients get visits from specially trained support animals.

Paws for Paul Pet Therapy Program was created for in conjunction with celebrity Brad Garrett, a longtime advocate for NAH. Brad’s brother Paul Ames was the widely-respected manager of Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at MGM Grand. Sadly Paul, who was an ardent supporter of animals, passed away from pancreatic cancer last year. To honor his legacy, Garrett and NAH President Carol Fisher launched the Paws For Paul pet therapy team.

This dashingly handsome fellow is named Panzer. He and his mom Becky Gang are part of the Paws for Paul team. Becky is Panzer’s trainer and the two of them volunteer for Nathan Adelson Hospice. Becky has been training service and support animals for many years. Panzer is her ninth NAH co-volunteer and her current star pupil.

Here’s an excerpt from the NAH blog that tells a fascinating story about Panzer’s gifts:

When Panzer was leaving the Swenson facility one day, he insisted on stopping at the door of a patient. Becky asked the family if it would be okay if Panzer visited the patient and they gladly approved. Panzer went right up to the person’s bed and stayed nearby on the floor, providing quiet, calming support. It appears Panzer also has an awareness of when a patient is nearing the very end of his or her journey of life, as that patient was in the stages of actively dying.

When Panzer puts on his work vest, he knows he’s on the job and his temperament suits the task at hand – providing that gentle comfort to patients in need of a furry friend. He’s more playful and energetic at home. Becky says, “When he gets home from visiting hospice patients, it’s almost like he’s bragging to the other pets that he got to go out and provide help that day.”

Panzer and trainer/co-volunteer Becky Gang….

Panzer and Becky are also doing their part for the 8th Annual Dog Bed and Blanket Drive. They’re asking the public to donate unopened food, blankets and bedding at designated collection sites to be distributed to local shelters. The winter months pose special challenges for local animal shelters. Contrary to popular belief, it does get cold in Las Vegas…and those concrete shelter floors can be unforgivable.

Shelter cats are also included in the drive. Kitty care requires food, toys, beds, bowls and litter. Please consider dropping off cleaning supplies, towels, wash cloths, paper towels and other basic necessities too. These items are desperately needed to help keep animals comfortable, safe and healthy while they wait for someone to adopt them…or recruit them as service and support animals.

The marvelous mission and multitude of community-driven programs that the folks at Nathan Adelson carry out require a great deal of funding. Fortunately they’ve been selected as a 2019 recipient of the MONDAYS DARK program.

You may recall my recent piece on MONDAYS DARK, an entertainment series which donates the proceeds from every performance to a different cause. Their March 18th production at The Space (3460 Cavaretta Court) will benefit Nathan Adelson Hospice…and by extension, the Paws for Paul pet therapy program. Click here to learn more and get tickets to the show.

The cycle of compassion, kindness and caring on display in this community is absolutely massive in scale. It demonstrates once more what a closely-knit group the citizens of Las Vegas truly are. As a new resident, I couldn’t be more excited and proud to call this place my home.

The Paws for Paul Pet Drive runs through February 1st. If you’d like to donate, please bring new or gently-used items and unopened food to any of the four Nathan Adelson Hospice locations:

* 4141 Swenson St., Las Vegas

* 3150 N. Tenaya Way (near Cheyenne), Suite 350, in the Mountain View Medical Office Building, Las Vegas

* 2270 E. Commercial Rd., Suite A/B in Pahrump

* 1201 Nevada State Drive in Henderson

You can also deliver donations to any Ovation Property Management location listed here.

Dedicated to Sunny Novak

(unknown- 1/2/19)

Special thanks to Emma Williams and Allison Duck for their assistance with this article.

NSPCA and FLO Advertising Team Up to Save Animals In Need

High-tech mobile digital billboard brings much-needed attention to Nevada’s no-kill shelter…

You’ve seen them on the Strip, grabbing the attention of thousands of tourists with its stunning clarity and brightness. You’ve read my articles touting their collaborations with PALMS Casino and SAW ESCAPE EXPERIENCE. You might have witnessed seen my own visage frightening visitors a few months ago.

There’s no question that FLO Advertising‘s mobile digital billboard service makes things happen. Now they’re using their technology to make a difference for homeless cats and dogs at the Nevada Society for the Protection Against Cruelty to Animals aka NSPCA.

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Located at 4800 W. Dewey Drive, just a chew bone’s toss away from Mandalay Bay, the NSPCA operates as both a charitable organization and a no-kill shelter. The Las Vegas chapter, which is also the state headquarters, is home to over a thousand found and surrendered animals at any given time. This staggering number means that they operate at full capacity and rely on adoptions to make room for other needy animals.

Every soul is precious. Dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals offer perfect love — unconditional devotion — and depend on people for care and survival. Each one deserves kindness and a happy home.

Nevada SPCA rescues “unwanted” animals, those with advanced challenges (abuse, birth defects, illness, injury, neglect, starvation), and those in peril at other shelters. Volunteers and staff help mend broken hearts and broken bones. They heal without deadlines and learn that people can be compassionate and nurturing. We then strive to match each rescued animal with people by personality and lifestyle in order to find them lifelong, stable homes.

Besides annually adopting and rescuing thousands of cats and dogs, and hundreds of birds and rabbits, Nevada SPCA also rescues and adopts more than a dozen other domesticated species in urgent need, including guinea pigs, ferrets, fish, goats, pigs, gerbils, hamsters, mice, rats, degus, sugar gliders, and turtles.

NSPCA

It’s vital to recognize that any shelter worth its mission statement is very careful to match pets with the proper families. This vetting process ensures that each cat, dog or other pet will have the greatest success in integrating with someone’s household. It’s a painful truth, but not every person is meant to be a pet parent, and not every pet is right for every home.

So along with protecting and providing for these animals, the NSPCA provides education to the public. A vast amount of their resources and time are devoted to rehabilitating pets that come from bad situations and/or health issues and injuries. All of these challenges require money, of course, so fundraising and community outreach make up a big part of the NSPCA‘s operations.

Celebrities and other organizations often come to the aid of NSPCA. In October of this past year, Vegas Indoor Skydiving hosted the Third Annual Tunnel Flight Jam Competition and Celebrity Challenge. Familiar faces like Carrot Top, Golden Knights announcer Mark Shunock and BMX Pro Ricardo Laguna gathered to raise money for the shelter. Along with food, blankets and toys, the event collected over $3,000.00

Mark Shunock of MONDAYS DARK (with “Rugby”) is a big supporter of NSPCA…

As I’ve mentioned many times in the past, Las Vegas is a tight-knit community. The residents here are always eager to lend a hand and help one another. As luck would have it, popular thrill-maker Jason Egan of SAW Escape Experience is on the NSPCA’s Board of Directors.

After his successful FLO Advertising campaign for the thrilling SAW attraction, Egan invited FLO’s Mike Foland to volunteer his mobile digital billboard services to the NSPCA. In no time, FLO was touting the glories of gorgeous Mamma Cass and her pups, along with Chevy (banner photo above), a badly-injured cat that was saved from a car engine and brought back to health.

It’s easy to recognize a FLO Advertising truck. They’re the biggest and brightest on the Strip, so naturally they leave a lasting impression. I can speak from experience, for when I advertised on FLO my readership absolutely soared. My billboard also expanded Vegas Unfiltered‘s demographics and coverage far beyond Las Vegas. In fact, I was recognized in the small town of Tonopah NV, over two hundred miles away, simply because of the advertisement you see below…and my enormous cranium, of course.

All of the animals you see below and hundreds more are waiting for loving parents. If that person is you. make plans to visit the NSPCA and discover your new family member. Not only will you change their life, but they will change yours, too.

For information on NSPCA, including adopting, donating or volunteering, click here. Hours for visiting are 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday (no public hours on Sundays).

To learn more about FLO Advertising or to request a quote, visit their webpage at floadvertising.com or call Mike Foland at 702.203.0471.

Photos: NSPCA, Jason Egan, FLO Advertising, Sam Novak