Local Las Vegas High School Students Prepare for the Future

Career

Local Las Vegas High School Students Prepare for the Future

Oct 31, 2019 , , , by Jalyn T

Clark County students participate in the 3rd Annual Las Vegas College and Career Fair presented by the College Access Group.

This October, local Las Vegas High school students arrived at Valley High School to learn about some of the many college and career and possibilities for their futures. They spoke with professionals with experience in careers within the National Basketball League (NBA), medical field, U.S. Marines, U.S. Army, music industry, and more. These students left with the message that there are multiple avenues toward success.

The College Access Program’s mission in creating this program was to build an environment for any student to feel welcome whether they decide to attend college or not. It not only shows students about their college options, but career options as well. 

Jerome Williams and scholarship recipients.

The College Access Group also partnered with Jerome Williams, former NBA player, and the National Basketball Retired Players Association. Scholarships are also available to high school seniors specifically for HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Jerome attended the event and answered many of the students’ questions on what it takes to succeed within professional basketball and throughout life. 

The Las Vegas College and Career Fair allows colleges and professional organizations to come to the students. College counselors were also in attendance to help students find a pathway toward college.

This years’ employers attended the event looking for future interns, apprentices, and students searching for positions during or right after high school. Cane’s restaurant sponsored the event and even allowed students to fill out job applications on the spot.

“It is very important for all students to know that they may attend this event and learn of the many career opportunities that they can go to right out of high school or after their college careers.” Says Kirk Williams, the event organizer and founder. “This event is one of the most unique, energetic, innovative, information rich, post-secondary educational events in the country.” 

House of Blues – Music Forward Foundation

“Many students are told to go to college and finish to receive a degree to get a job. College is important, but it’s not for everyone.” Says Kirk Williams. “In our local community our goal is to open students’ awareness up to more opportunities that may best suit them on their journeys.”

There are two events per year. The next Las Vegas College and Career Fair event will be in April 2020. 

Share your thoughts about college and career readiness in Las Vegas in the comment section below.

Activity

Las Vegas Locals Learn to Make their Own Brand of Wine!

Oct 22, 2019 , , , by Jalyn T

During October, around 5,000 guests visit the Vegas Valley Winery to learn about and create a barrel of their very own homemade wine.

*FYI: No feet are used to crush grapes, there are machines for that!

Every October, wine enthusiasts gather in Henderson, NV at the Vegas Valley Winery, the first and only winery in the Las Vegas Valley. This year 300 guests participated daily in the crushing, fermentation and barreling process of their very own brand of wine. Over the course of 28 days starting from noon until midnight, visitors attend Grape Expectations Las Vegas, the only winemaking school of its kind in town. Here they learned the ins and outs and participated in making wine with professional sommeliers.

8-10 guests, brand new and experienced alike form a group to make a barrel; which consists of 240 bottles of wine. They split the cost and come to a consensus of what type of wine they’re going to make. Staff at the Vegas Valley Winery make it fun and fair to choose. Each group member brings a bottle of wine to taste for a goal of duplicating the winning bottle to begin the process.

It takes nine months to process going until the wine is at its finest. Not only do they make the wine, they design and print their own labels as well.

Fun Fact: every household in America is allowed two barrels of wine, per person per year for their own personal use, tax free.

At the Vegas Valley Winery, visitors create homemade wine in a professional area and the tools are handled by professional winemakers.

“It is homemade wine made professionally in a common environment.” Says KJ, The Professor. “That means you’re not doing it in a bathtub, it’s the real deal.”

KJ “The Professor” – The Science of Wine class

The founder of the Grape Expectations Wine School, is a very well known food and beverage connoisseur in Las Vegas, named Charlie Peters. He thought it would be a great idea to start a wine school in the area. It took a lot of work and time to come to fruition, but it has become a true gem and one of a kind experience within the city.

Vegas Valley Winery’s tasting room is the evolution of their sister business next door, Grape Expectations. The doors opened on December 8th, 2017. It was not only made possible due to the hard work of Grape Expectations & Vegas Valley Winery staff, but also due to the tremendous support of loyal winemakers. 

During the year, many events take place within the Vegas Valley Winery, from wine and yoga, to wine and painting, to live music, and much more! Click here to find out about upcoming events.

You may book a tour of the winery or enjoy a taste of Nevada made wine at the wine bar. It is an intimate atmosphere for a unique and special date night, social meeting and even a book club or card club meeting. Stop by and explore today!

Please share your thoughts about the Vegas Valley Winery and the winemaking process in the comment section below.

Culture

Las Vegas Locals Celebrate Oktoberfest!

Oct 16, 2019 , , by Jalyn T

Las Vegas Locals come for family fun and experience the one and only replica of the Great Hofbrauhaus located in Munich, Germany.

Cheering and standing on benches with a liter of beer in hand is only part of the great experience and atmosphere of being at the Las Vegas Hofbrauhaus. 

The Hofbrauhaus is an authentic German/Bavarian restaurant experience and is ideal for Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest lasts for the month of October where celebrity keg tappings are held every Friday and Saturday with drinking contests, Steinholding contests, live music and spankings. 

Oktoberfest was born from the most successful wedding in Bavarian history. In October of 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig was set to marry Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. In true royal fashion, this was not your average wedding. No expense was spared by the father of the groom, King Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria. Ludwig and Therese’s wedding was a massive celebration with a 40,000-person guest count, free-flowing beer and a 36,000-foot horse race in a large meadow just outside of town.

The celebration was deemed the reception of the century. In fact, everything was so successful that Ludwig decided that a horse race should be held the following year in conjunction with the state agricultural show. Taverns and “eating houses” were also allowed to provide tempting fare; among them was the original Hofbräuhaus. 

Voila! Oktoberfest was born! 

Two years after the wedding, the royal brewers created a beer especially for the festival. With a deep golden color and higher alcohol content, the world-famous Oktoberfestbier from Hofbrau Mϋnchen made its mark on history. 

Today, Ludwig’s and Therese’ anniversary is still celebrated all over the world by thousands of guests and, of course, beer! The horse races ended in 1960 but, as they say, the show must go on.

As the first and only replica of the original Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Germany, there is no better place to celebrate Oktoberfest than the Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas.

“This is a great, authentic event.” Says attendee, Andrew B. “I spent 12 years in Germany and it’s spot on.”

Tony Sinzger and his partners Stefan Gastager, Klaus Gastager, and Franz Krondorfer came to Las Vegas in 2002. They started the building construction in 2003 and finished in January 2004. Their goal was to replicate the famous House in Munich in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas. To make this happen, they had to negotiate with the Bavarian government for the license to create the replica. The main dining room is the exact same as the first room in Munich. It sits 850 visitors. 

“We are very proud. Our goal was to make the Las Vegas Hofbrauhaus as authentic as possible and I think we achieved that, “Hofbrauhaus owner, Tony Sinzger. “People come and have so much fun. Seeing the smiles on their faces gives me so much satisfaction.”

Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas imports its Hofbrau beer directly from Munich, Germany. This beer is brewed according to the Purity Law of 1516, there are no chemicals or additives. There are only 4 ingredients allowed: Water, hops, yeast and barley. The beer that millions of people enjoy at Oktoberfest in Munich can also be enjoyed at Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas which is the only establishment in Las Vegas where it is offered. 

This is a communal dining experience where people can sit with 10 or more people that they may not know and enjoy the festivities. 

“People come in, they don’t know each other but after 2-3 liters of beer they make friends.” Says Hofbrauhaus owner, Tony. “There is no restaurant in Las Vegas where you can stand on the benches while cheering loudly with the band, it is very unique.”

The beer, the food and the atmosphere are what make celebrating Oktoberfest at Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas so special!

Share your comments about Oktoberfest in the comment section below.

Viral

A Meme Turned Movement for Local Alien Fun!

Oct 8, 2019 , , , , by Jalyn T

Las Vegas locals dress up and fill the Las Vegas Event Center and Planet 13 Dispensary to share alien enthusiasm.

“They can’t stop all of us” is their mantra. Before the storming madness on September 20th, hundreds gathered at the Las Vegas Event Center and Planet 13 Dispensary (briefly named, Area 15) to party and prepare with a night of celestial celebration.

You would think that it was a national holiday the way many dressed for the occasion. From foil cone hats to full alien suits, everyone showed up in an alien related costume.

What started as a joke by former community college student, Matty Roberts quickly turned into a petition signed by millions, pledging to storm Area 51, a highly classified Air Force base located in Hiko, Nevada.

Raiders planned to find out what’s really going on and uncover the rumored extraterrestrial secrets that are hidden behind the legendary Area 51 gate. Although the storming of Area 51 did not occur, the hoopla made for a pretty decent party.

The Alien Stock Fest took place at the Las Vegas Event Center. Hundreds came to rave with a long line up of DJ’s and other alien enthusiasts. 

“This event is so our generation.” Says Alien Stock Fest Attendee, Jesse E. “What began as a meme turned into a movement.”

At Area 15, an invitation only event where music, alien themed cocktails, and a surprise visit from “aliens” occured. 

Whether these attendees believed in the actual existence of aliens or just came for the green alien jello shots, they all agreed that it was a good time to come together and be there for the shenanigans. 

Please share your comments about storming Area 51 in the comment section below.

Fashion

Las Vegas Locals Attend the Fashion Event of the Fall!

Oct 1, 2019 , , , , by Jalyn T

Las Vegas local fashion enthusiasts share their passion at the 3rd Annual Las Vegas Style & Fashion Event.

What truly brings light, life and color to a city? Why, fashion of course!

This Fall, Blazzian Collection produced the 3rd Annual Style & Fashion event. This event featured nine, new and seasoned, fashion designers from Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City with their latest designs worn by gorgeous out of town and local Las Vegas runway models.

The very first Style & Fashion was held at the Hard Rock Cafe, downtown Detroit which showcased local designers and models. The first show’s proceeds benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Michigan. In 2017, Debra Storey introduced the Style & Fashion LV event creating a hub of Las Vegas sass,  dance, fashion and music. 

Organized and produced by owner and designer, Debra Storey, this event  brings creatives together to showcase their skills and talents while serving a great cause within the community.

Debra Storey – Event Organizer (Right) JoJo Andrews – Assistant (Left)

This year’s event proceeds were allocated to Safe Nest. Safe Nest is an organization within Las Vegas that confidentially protects the interests of victims and survivors of relationship abuse, by creating programs and building awareness, and providing victims and survivors with the tools to create a new future.

Designers at this year’s Style & Fashion LV event: 

–Debra Storey- Blazzian Collection Las Vegas
– Rosemarie Macklin- Si Mee Collections Las Vegas
– Angelina Lane- ZDDL Las Vegas
– Latoya Hooks- Haute Life Plus Las Vegas
– Keykeanna Jeter- Key Kouture Las Vegas
– Tasheila Byrd- Saucey Tee Las Vegas
– Gustavo- Daniel Gram Fashions – Salt Lake City
– Stephanie Van Burk- Los Angeles
– Olivia Armstread- OSW Swimwear San Francisco

Kekoa Javellana – Model

“This was my first show and it was a bit of an adrenaline rush.” Says model, Kekoa Javellana. “It’s always amazing to see natural beauty caught on camera and to do it myself was an amazing experience to tell my future kids one day.”

Cassandra Lucas – Changing Faces

In addition, Celebrity Singer, Songwriter Cassandra Lucas from the Multi-Platinum duo Changing Faces performed her new dance single; Higher. Cassandra Lucas sang and entertained the crowd while models in Blazzian Collection pieces were on stage!

This fun filled performance was followed up with a good old fashioned Soul Train Line where all the models, performers, designers and attendees formed a tunnel and showed off their favorite dance moves.

Any Las Vegas locals with the passion for fashion should attend this event next year or team up with Debra Storey by contacting StyleAndFashionLV@gmail.com.

Share your comments about the Las Vegas Style & Fashion event in the comment section below.

Business

What Happens When Las Vegas Local Business Owners Mix?

Sep 24, 2019 , , , , by Jalyn T

Las Vegas Local business owners  polish up their elevator pitches and business cards to meet at the Texas Station Hotel & Casino and connect with their next new clients.

The purpose of a mixer is to connect, create and foster relationships for growth and development.

The Las Vegas’ Largest Mixer has been the premiere business networking and marketing event in Southern Nevada for fifteen years and counting. The intent of this event is to combat the new ways of driving traffic with more traditional ways for growth. The Largest Mixer event allows business owners from around the Las Vegas area to come together, shake hands, and make connections to build their businesses. Annually since 2004 the Las Vegas’ Largest Mixer has attracted more than 120 exhibiting companies and 1800 attendees for an evening of making new business connections, generating leads, and renewing past business relationships that grow businesses.

Pablo Dibello – BEMER Therapy

Andre Haynes is a happy business founder of the Las Vegas Armed Forces Chamber of Commerce. He has been in Las Vegas since 1993. 

“This our second year exhibiting at this event, we were thrilled when they asked us to come back this year.” Says Andre Haynes. “This is a great event with wonderful people and lots of positive energy. The Las Vegas Largest Mixer does a wonderful job at marketing and organizing this event. It’s become Cheers, a place where we come to see our friends, fellow members and get a chance to meet new people.”

Andre Haynes – Las Vegas Armed Forces Chamber of Commerce

Over one dozen area chambers of commerce and professional business organizations are on hand to help other business owners learn how they can benefit and grow their company, no matter the size. 

“The Largest Mixer event is a pure Networking event.” Says Event Director, Steve Bernhardt. “I’m a believer that every city in the United States should have a largest mixer event. People do business with people they know and trust. Nothing beats a handshake and that’s where we fit in.” 

A new feature to this particular event was a partnership with Infinity Business Magazine, a local publication within Las Vegas, to create a large networking lounge with a bar, tables and couches for business owners and visitors to continue their conversation somewhere a bit more private. The event also provided sample food from local restaurants and cash bars for attendees to enjoy a cocktail or soft drink. 

Networking Lounge

There are many ways to market a business in the local Las Vegas area. This is a way to personally meet face to face with other local businesses that may be the ones to take your business to new heights. The Las Vegas Largest Mixer surely superseded its intentions to connect, create and foster relationships for growth and development.

Share your thoughts and comments about Las Vegas’ Largest Mixer in the comment section below.

Politics

Find Out How Las Vegas Local Activists #Fight4Her!

Sep 17, 2019 , , , , by Jalyn T

Las Vegas locals come together to learn and advocate for the Global HER Act.

This September, local Las Vegas activists joined forces to support #Fight4HER, a grassroots campaign of the Population Connection Action Fund focused on taking action against the Global Gag Rule. 

The Global Gag Rule was first introduced by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 targeting international organizations funded by U.S. Global Health Assistance. The Global Gag Rule denies funding to health care organizations around the world if they promote or provide abortion services to their patients. These locations include Africa, the Middle East, and South America. 

On January 23, 2017, President Donald Trump reinstated and expanded the Global Gag Rule as one of his first acts as President.

The Global Gag Rule impacts:

  • Maternal and child mortality 
  • Increased HIV in countries because of lost funding for their prevention and treatment programs 
  • Increase in malaria and zika outbreaks 
  • Increase in unsafe abortions.

#Fight4HER is advocating for the Global HER Act, designed to overturn the Global Gag Rule. The purpose of this movement is to expand awareness and demand increased access to international family planning programs to ensure that every woman, girl, and person seeking care can make their own healthcare decisions without exceptions. It was important for attendees to get a glimpse of what it looks like on both sides of the door in the Legislature.  Being in the community, educating them and generating support for the bill is ultimately what it takes to get the bill through.

Las Vegas local, Emily Brzozowski, state organizer for #Fight4HER in Southern Nevada organized the Nevada Health, Empowerment, and Rights Summit. With ten years of experience advocating for reproductive rights, Emily began by volunteering with Planned Parenthood at age sixteen. Her agenda is to advocate for different pieces of legislation designed to improve the lives of people that they impact. 

“Under the Global Gag Rule care providers can’t perform abortions or refer people to where they can receive a safe and legal abortion.” Says Emily Brzozowski, #Fight4HER State Organizer. “The policy essentially holds the funds hostage unless the organizations agree to the policy, forcing health care providers to make an impossible choice- either continue to provide care without providing comprehensive reproductive healthcare or continue to provide abortion services and lose critically needed funding for other programs.” 

(Left to Right) Emily Brzozowski, Yvanna Cancela (SD-10), Karina Provost, Alex Camberos

The workshops were lead by Tasia Macaraeg from NextGen and Alyssa Cortes from Human Rights Campaign. This event also featured a panel of experts including Sen. Yvanna Cancela (SD-10), Karina Provist from NARAL Pro-Choice America, and Alex Camberos a Raiz organizer with Planned Parenthood.

Allied activists within the community showed support and representation at the summit as well including CHISPA Nevada, Nevada Conservation League, Nevada Now, and others to help bring awareness to this cause. 

The keynote speaker at the summit was Melvine Ouyo former reproductive health care nurse from a clinic in Kenya. She came to share her story about accessing reproductive healthcare in countries that the Global Gag Rule impacts. Melvine received her Masters at Harvard in Public Administration along with fourteen years of experience in advocacy for reproductive health and rights and speaks globally about reproductive health. She spent her past decade working with the most vulnerable and marginalized communities at Family Health Options Kenya. Melvine has partnered with Population Connection as a reproductive health expert on the #Fight4HER campaign. 

It is simply impossible to have a serious discussion about women’s health and maternal mortality in the developing world without discussing the importance of safe abortion access.

Activists, organizers, and community leaders around the country are working together to take direct action putting pressure on members of Congress to support the HER Act. As a community, no matter who we voted for or who we’re planning on voting for, we can realize the effects of the Global Gag Rule and how it affects the world around us. 

Want to join the #Fight4HER movement? Text ‘Fight NV’ to 52886 to receive updates on the campaign.

Share your comments about the Global Gag Rule and the Global Her Act in the comment section below.

Dating

Is Speed Dating a Better Way to Find Love in Local Las Vegas?

Sep 10, 2019 , , , , , by Jalyn T

Las Vegas Locals gather at the Vegas Valley Winery with hopes of speed date success.

Dating in Las Vegas has its ups and downs. Las Vegas is a 24 hour city with unlimited options that accommodate all, from the early morning risers to the late night graveyard shifters. Though Las Vegas seems to be a city with a slew of people, locals claim that they are not interested in a farce fairytale of finding love with one of the millions of  tourists that visit the city each year. This article showcases a fun way to fish for love as a local in the Las Vegas area.

Most of us are familiar with the concept of speed dating. On Sept. 5th, a dozen local Las Vegas residents in their 20s and 30s came face to face with other single professionals through a series of six minute “Pre-Dates” at the Vegas Valley Winery.

Amie Leadingham, a Certified Master Relationship Coach within the Las Vegas area devotes her time to helping others find and create successful relationships. Amie is also an organizer for  Pre-dating: The Largest Speed Dating Company Nationwide Since 2001. She facilitated the entire event to remove awkwardness, pressure, and create an atmosphere of great fun! 

Amie Leadingham – Event Organizer

This company hosts age range specific speed dating events starting at ages 21 to 60+. Pre-dating focuses on connecting single professionals and provides a fun and efficient way to meet new people. The Pre-Dating company then emails each guest a list of participants who would like to hear from them again.

“This speed dating event is so much fun, really laid back and very well organized.” Says Marnica Lindsay, an event attendee. “It’s not a grubby club scene, everyone here is super easy to talk to and here for the same reason.”

Throughout the event, you could see the mixed emotions on the faces of the attendees where sparks would either fly, or fizzle out. That’s the fun of it, you can go to meet new friends or focus on romance, it’s all up to you!


Visit the Pre-dating site to find a speed dating event near you!

Comment below to share your thoughts about Las Vegas speed dating.

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