This recipe sponsored by Cork N’ Beans Coffee and Wine Bistro in Bullhead City, AZ

The judging committee has spent countless hours sorting through hundreds of nomination forms covering thirteen categories and then narrowing it all down to their picks for the finalists and top achievers. It’s not just a check-off list. Upon receiving their 3-inch binder full of nomination forms and questionnaires, the homework assignment begins for the judges who study the nominees, make their notes and then participate in a series of closed door meetings to sort out their choices.

Then its interview time spread over the course of two days filled with questions and responses from the finalists that will determine the top achievers in the 13 categories. Some judges would even say ‘it’s a life changing experience.’ Pastor Doug Westly of Living Water Christian Church explained, “This exercise returned me back to the original vision I had when I came to this area.” Others also expressed their amazement over the number of silent hero’s in our local communities that go about making a difference in the lives of so many families and individuals in the Colorado River Region and only seek the gratitude found in giving their time, energy and money to help others.

An equal number of judges are selected by each Chamber of Commerce and this year, the elite group includes:

Debbie Marcusson

Debbie Marcusson is an Extension Educator for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension located in Laughlin, Nevada.  Debbie received her Master’s of Education, Curriculum and Development degree from University of Phoenix and Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from California State University, Los Angeles. She has been a resident of the tri-state area for 12 years working in the fields of juvenile justice, public education and social service.

Rosemary Munger

Rosemary Munger, a graduate of the University of Houston and Saint Mary’s Law School in San Antonio, moved to Laughlin in 2007. Prior to her move, she practiced real estate litigation, family law and probate law for almost twenty years. She was an Adjunct Professor in Research and Writing at St. Mary’s Law School and served on the State Bar Real Estate Forms Committee and was President of the Family Law Section for the San Antonio Bar Association, as well as serving on numerous other local and State Bar committees. Rosemary obtained a Nevada teacher certificate in Mathematics and taught Algebra for the Clark County School District for three years.  In 2011, Rosemary was appointed to the Laughlin Town Advisory Board for a two-year term.

Doug Westly

Doug Westly is Pastor of Living Water Christian Church in Laughlin Nevada.  His church meets at the Spirit Mountain Activity Center on Sunday Evenings and at the Laughlin Library on Wednesday evenings. He is a “working pastor” in that he also has a secular job. Doug is the IT Technician for TV2, and also works for other businesses and individuals when they have computer and web site needs. Doug came from Huntington Beach, California and located here in 2003 to do missionary/church work.  He has actually been acquainted with the area since 1967 when his grandparents purchased two lots and a trailer in Bullhead City

Laura Grasse

Originally from New York, Laura moved to the Phoenix area in 1984 and later to Bullhead City where she began her career in banking 17 years ago. She was a commercial loan officer at Laughlin National Bank /1st National Bank of Nevada for 10 years and in 2009 moved her banking skills to the Ramar/Hwy 95 branch of Chase Bank where she serves as a Business Banker. Laura is Past-President of the Bullhead City Rotary Club, has served on the Board of Directors of the Mohave Valley Contractors Association and participates as a volunteer Ambassador for the Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce.

Brian Mirchoff

Originally from Hacienda Heights, California, Brian and his parents spent many years traveling to the Bullhead City area enjoying weekends on the Colorado River. During that time, he found sports to be his favorite passion and specialized in soccer. He was scouted for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles out of Mt. San Antonio Community College as a Goalkeeper. Working his way through High School and College, he landed at Vons Markets and then into food manufacturing as an Inventory Control Manager. Revisiting his passion for sports, Brian turned to physical fitness as a career after losing almost 100 lbs and for the next ten years managed 24-hour fitness clubs before making his move to Bullhead City. Now, Mad Dog Fitness and the fitness needs of the tri-state areas residents are what he enjoys most.

Kelly Burgess

Kelly Burgess arrived in Bullhead City with his family in 1979 when his father founded Superior Tire Corporation.  Kelly graduated from Mohave High School in 1986 and a year later married his high school sweetheart and today they have four children. He and his wife attended Brigham Young University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and soon after, returned to Bullhead City and joined the family business. Kelly is actively involved in his church where he currently works with the young men ages 14-15.  He is also involved in scouting, he himself having earned the Eagle Scout level.  Kelly is a member of the Rotary Club of Bullhead City, served on the board of directors of the Bullhead Regional Economic Development Authority and coaches youth soccer in Bullhead City. He is Referee Administrator for the American Youth Soccer Organization and is the head coach of the Mohave High School Girls Soccer Team.

Lisa Maas

Lisa is a true native of Bullhead City, calling the tri-state area her home for 33 years. Her family came to the area in the early 50′s to drive cattle through town and her grandparents loved the area so much, they simply never left. Lisa is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Laughlin and serves as Laughlin Key Club Advisor for Laughlin High School. She is the recipient of many awards through Kiwanis but is known best for organizing the first bone marrow drive for the tri-state area in 2009 and has since continued the drive annually with the help of her Kiwanis Club and Key Club students. She also participates as an Ambassador for the Bullhead Area Chamber and is a member of the Colorado River Women’s Council. Lisa is the Administrative Assistant at Maas Construction Company in Mohave Valley.

Tony Inglese

Tony Inglese and wife Donna were visitors to the Colorado River Valley for over 15 years prior to making Laughlin their home in 2009. Tony is a Financial Advisor and has been helping business owners and individuals set and achieve their financial goals since 1992. Before entering the Financial Service Industry, Tony owned a construction business in Southern California. Tony has been an active Rotarian since 1998 and has spent several years working with various chambers of commerce; between various organizations Tony is proud to have been part of their community improvements. His personal philosophy involves a healthy balance between family, community service and his profession.

Lin Clark

Lin grew up on a farm just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a very large family base.  To say she is a diehard Steeler Fan would be an understatement. Lin and her husband, Bruce have owned and operated tv2KLBC which is a community based television station providing local news, weather, sports and more for the last 22 years. What people don’t know about Lin is the dedication she has to the Laughlin community. In 2003, she spearheaded business leaders wanting to do something for the people who lived in Laughlin – an event full of fun and excitement for families.  This is the eighth year of the “Laughlin Town Fest,” and Lin continues to plan and organize the carnival and parade making Town Fest possible. Lin works throughout each year on numerous community-based projects to help families and individuals with hardships and to improve the quality of life along the Colorado River. This past year, Lin was selected as the CAA Citizen of the Year and serves as Chairwoman of the CAA Judging Committee.

The 2011 Community Achievement Awards event is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2011 in the beautiful Pavilion Ballroom at the Tropicana Express Resort and Casino. Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased at either the Laughlin Chamber, 1585 S. Casino Drive, or the Bullhead Area Chamber, 1251 Highway 95. For more information, please contact either office by calling (928) 754-4121 or (702) 298-2214.

Bullhead City will be hosting a blood drive at the City Complex Police Dept Training room on Thursday, June 16 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm and Friday, June 17 from 8:00am to 1:00pm.  Donors are eligible for great rewards from the United Blood Services’ Reward store. Donors can sign up on line at www.unitedbloodservices.org.  or by calling 702-638-7400

FT. MOHAVE – Valley View Medical Center has named Diandra Andrews, RN, of Ft. Mohave as the hospital’s 2011 nurse of the year.  The announcement follows Valley View’s activities during National Nurses’ Week and National Hospital Week.

Andrews works in the medical-surgical department, the unit in which most patients stay because of illness or surgery.  She was one of seven nominees recognized and was cited as “a critical thinker and creative problem solver” by one of her nominators.

“Diandra is committed to continuous improvement of patient care and focuses on helping others improve performance,” said Phyllis Newbern, RN, the director of Valley View’s medical-surgical department.  “She has developed a culture that fosters teamwork and effectively draws on the strengths of all team members.”

Andrews was born and raised in Needles and graduated from Needles High School.  She then received her bachelors of science degree in nursing from Nevada State College in Henderson and worked at a Las Vegas hospital.  She returned to the Tri-State area three years ago and joined Valley View’s nursing staff.  Originally hired as a nurse in the hospital’s main acute care unit known as “med/surg,” Andrews is now a charge nurse, supervising nurses in her department on her shift.

“We’re so proud of our nursing staff,” said Valley View CEO Allen Peters.  “But Diandra exemplifies something special: an extraordinary nurse who was born and raised in this area, received a degree, and returned to the Tri-State as a medical professional with a true commitment to both the hospital, its patients, her colleagues and the community.”

The other finalists for nurse of the year as nurse of their departments were Joanie Gillespie, labor and delivery; Cheryl Hering, intensive care unit; Susan King, house supervisor and Valley View’s 2011 Mercy Award winner; Juanita Johnson, inpatient acute rehabilitation; Regina Mingus, emergency department; and, Luis Romo, surgery.

National Nurses’ Week is now an annual event that grew out of recognition of Florence Nightingale’s birthday.  Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing.

In a separate ceremony, Valley View recognized ten other employees nominated by the nursing staff for providing support services.  Emergency room technician Raymond Miranda was selected as the clinical non-nurse of the year, and Maricela Esquer de Loya of Valley View’s housekeeping and environmental services department was named the non-clinical non-nurse of the year.

Valley View is licensed as a 90-bed acute care hospital with two adjacent medical office buildings and an on-campus outpatient rehabilitation complex.  It serves the Tri-State area along the Colorado River including Bullhead City, Arizona, Laughlin, Nevada and Needles, California and has the area’s only inpatient pediatrics unit.  It is part of LifePoint Hospitals, Inc., a leading hospital company dedicated to providing quality healthcare in non-urban communities.

This fun-filled 1920′s Gangster spoof, will take place in an interactive dinner show, complete with gangsters ,   thugs,  molls, and flappers.   Local “Hotsie-totsie” (very good) entertainers will perform during intermission.  Including Dancing Flappers, “Hoofers” (Tap dancers)  Molls, Crooners, Divas, and even local Professional Accordion Player, “Carol Kugler”!  This 1920′s Prohibition Experience promises to be “The Cat’s Meow”.  (outstanding)  Come “Breeze in” (drop in) for some “Friendly conversation and social dancing.” It’s guaranteed to be a “Swell (fine) evening.  The password is… uhhh I guess you’ll just have to find out!  So see Ya’s there, and watch out for The Feds!

Big Al.

The opening night is July 15th and a 2nd show has been added on July 16th.!  Showtime’s  will be at 7:00 P.M.  Both performances will be held in “Big Al’s Place”, our very own local “Juice-joint” (Speak-easy). aka “Colianno’s Restaurant.” 1884 Hwy 95 in Bullhead City! Pre-sold Tickets will be $20.00 each, and will include a pre-fix  menu of appetizers, spaghetti dinner with choice of marinara or meat sauce.  Italian salad, garlic bread,  soft drink, and a surprise 1920′s theme dessert. ”Giggle -water”" (alcohol) will be sold separately) That’s  ”The Cat’s Pajama’s” (good) for a dinner and a show.  Come formally dressed, and be creative…It’s the roaring 20′s after all.  Our entertainment is “The Bees Knees” ! (great)  Tickets will be available soon at The Colorado Place Event Center Suite 214 every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m.  Come on over and enjoy an evening of dancing, interactive singing and a “Grand” evening!

This will be The River Cities Community Theatre Player 1st public performance/fundraiser. All proceeds  will go toward  future scholarships for our younger  actors, who want to take our newly forming Summertime Performing Arts classes, but might not be able to afford the $6.00 per class fee.   Registration for these classes is held every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m.   at The Colorado Place, Event Center.  2580 Hwy 95, Suite 214 in Bullhead City.   These summertime  classes will be for our local  children and teens, ages 5-7 years, 8-12 years,  teens and young adults.  Each class will include lessons and instruction  in singing, drama/improv,  dancing and performing on stage.   Classes are forming now.  For more info, please call Artistic Director ads and or sponsorships are available for sale.  Kathie Waldman at (828)  763-4179

Many local talented people and volunteers, have stepped up to help out with this  Newly formed Community Theatre  Group.  WE couldn’t do it with out their support.  We also want to thank our small but growing list of Sponsors,/Donors/Patrons. (listed below)  If you are interested in being a sponsor or Patron, or would like to include your business  ad in our programs.  Please call Artistic Director, Kathie Waldman (928) 763-4179

Intermission entertainment

1. Accordian Player…Carol Kugler

2. Crooner… Andy Hogan

3. Comedy act… Linda Roberts

4. Charleston Flappers… (tba)

5. Diva …Maria Johnson

6. Soloist… Steve (Kane”) Kanelos

with Hoofer… Nancy Siemsen

7. Diva…  Lola Dee

8. Duet… Mike Stone & David Morgan

9. Diva…Linda Comstock

10.  Diva…  Noelle Regan

11.    Dancing/singing molls and flappers (tba)

with Wanna/be Star…Linda Roberts

12. Finale … all

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Transportation planners will provide a brief presentation at 6:15 p.m. on the study’s progress and respond to questions. Maps of the study area and informational exhibits will be available for viewing.

The draft plan will recommend multimodal transportation improvements for planning periods of 5, 10, and 20 years. Multimodal transportation is an important component of the city’s transportation system as the population continues to increase. The plan combines alternative modes of transportation including personal vehicles, public transportation, bicycles, and pedestrians into one system. The plan will include tools that the city can use to accommodate future growth and development.

To provide written comments, and view current study materials, go to the project’s website: http://mpd.azdot.gov/MPD/Systems_Planning/bullhead_city.asp
For more information regarding this project, contact Michele Beggs, Senior Community Relations Officer, at 928.681.6054 or mbeggs@azdot.gov.

(Laughlin, Nev.) – Lauren Terry, along with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research, has issued a lofty challenge to everyone who wants to help raise money to fight childhood cancer: Be a hero for kids with cancer by shaving your head in return for pledges of financial support from friends and family.

Lauren, an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia sufferer, understands the trials and tribulations of fighting cancer. Diagnosed in 2005, Lauren underwent 26 months of treatment before being ruled in remission. After 16 months of dance lessons, attending school and being a rambunctious, healthy kid, Lauren was devastated to learn her cancer had returned.

Often the recipient of local fundraisers, Lauren wants to help other kids in her position. As the number one supporter of childhood cancer research, St. Baldrick’s Foundation was a perfect fit for Lauren’s cause.

“Finding a cure means kids won’t have to do chemo anymore,” Lauren said. “It’s really important to help St. Baldrick’s Foundation. We need to find a cure for cancer so kids can do more stuff like dance, go out of town, go to rodeos, lots of stuff. We need people to either shave their heads or donate money. Don’t disappoint me.”

The 9-year-old little girl wants to know if the bull riders, spectators and organizers of Laughlin Xtreme Bulls are tough enough to pull off a shaved ‘do.

“Do you think you’re tough enough,” she asked. “Do you think you’re pretty enough? I think I am.”

Laughlin Xtreme Bulls will host the second annual “Shave Your Head Day”, April 17, and those who think they’re tough enough are invited to attend.

“Laughlin Xtreme Bulls contestants and fans proved last year that they are tough enough for anything, including shaving their heads,” Laughlin Tourism Commission spokesperson MJ Smith said. “Eight women, eight, were brave enough to shave their heads. Women, children, cowboys, it didn’t matter. They lined up and shaved their heads and were happy about it. Shaving your head in solidarity with the 160,000 children who are diagnosed with cancer each year is a small sacrifice in comparison to what these children endure.”

Christie Dennis, 34, shaved 30 inches of healthy dark hair.

“It was an easy way to raise money for St. Baldrick’s and I got to donate my ponytail to Locks of Love,” the Laughlin Storage manager said. “It’s only hair. A lot of people asked about it after, ‘was it hard?’ ‘How could you do that?’ It really was one of the easiest things I’ve ever done.”

Roy Honeycutt, promoter and stock contractor for Laughlin Xtreme Bulls, was the first to go bald in 2010 and said it was a small price to pay for the smile on Lauren’s face.

“Lauren is a very special person,” Honeycutt said. “I was really proud of the little bit of hair that I had but I was willing to shave it off for her.”

Bullhead City Police Chief Rodney Head quickly picked up the challenge and the Bullhead City Police Department raised more than $1,000 to see their chief sans hair.

“The fight against cancer is one that I am proud to sign up for,” Head said. “Participating in a St. Baldrick’s event to help find a cure for this terrible disease is an honor.”

Head will be one of the first under the clippers Sunday and LTC hopes the community will step forward and pledge their support for him and those who are willing to shave their heads.

“Part of St. Baldrick’s fundraising is to show kids in treatment that we understand a little piece of what they are going through,” Smith said. “The other part is to help raise money to find a cure. If shaving your head isn’t an option, we hope you’ll support those who do by making pledges in their names.”

Bull riders, clowns, local fire fighters and police officers are already signed up to shave their locks in Lauren’s name. The Bullhead City Fire Department raised $2,800 at an April 3 fundraiser and will be on hand to pledge their support.

Cruz-n-Cuts of Laughlin will wield the clippers and they look forward to participating for the second year, owner Cheryl Crow said.

To join the fun, visit www.stbaldricks.org and register to shave your head or make a pledge to one of those brave enough to go bald.

Registration will continue through April 17. Donations and shavees will be accepted up to the day of the event. Interested parties can register online or at the Laughlin Events Park during Xtreme Bulls. Head shaving will commence at 11 a.m. on April 17 and continue throughout the bull riding. For more information contact MJ Smith at 702-298-0459 or via email at mj@laughlintourism.net.

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