Louie and William Tandiono-Cellona

Louie and William Tandiono-Cellona

Breaking Barriers: A Path to Inclusive Empowerment

BY CHANELLE HAYES / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CASHMAN PHOTO

One thing that defines Louie Tandiono-Cellona, CEO of TC Group, a Las Vegas-based business consulting firm he co-founded with his partner-turned-husband, William, in December 2023, is his unwavering passion for people.

“As successful as I am in business, I have one philosophy,” he says. “I don’t do what I do for money. I don’t pursue it for anything other than a simple meaning behind it all. I want people to know and feel they have a meaning and purpose in life. I think it’s important to be that way because everything else will follow if you do something from the heart.”

Louie’s journey from growing up in the Philippines to his family’s move to the United States has deeply influenced his commitment to giving back.

“I didn’t want to take my life and the opportunities I was given for granted,” he reflects.

This journey shaped his perspective and fueled his dedication to helping others. As his family’s breadwinner, Louie wanted to work much harder to repay his mom’s sacrifices and everything she did to get him where he is today.

Louie knew he didn’t want to continue as a nurse, even though that’s where he started his medical career.

He transitioned to business, earning a Bachelor of Science in business administration, management and operations in 2016. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Capella University in 2018.

William’s path to entrepreneurship began in Indonesia, where his parents instilled the values of leadership and success from an early age. Their vision for him to take over the family’s packaging business and become a successful businessman ignited his passion for business.

This passion, coupled with his academic learning, led him to pursue a business education. In 2012, he graduated from the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business with a Bachelor of Commerce degree with an emphasis on transportation and logistics.

Throughout his career, William has been self-taught on how to become a successful digital marketer. He worked at Cirque du Soleil for over five years, where he learned the art of digital marketing and social media management.

Louie and William got together in 2014 and have been inseparable ever since. Not only were they partners in their personal lives but also in business.

Together, they launched Tancell Care in 2018, an organization that offers resources, care and support to individuals in Southern and Northern Nevada with developmental disabilities and behavioral health issues.

“Before William and I met, I was in the behavioral health industry,” says Louie, who once served as a resident operations manager for New Beginnings Behavioral Treatment Agency and director of operations and marketing for Liaison Behavioral Health.

He also held several leadership roles within Seven Hills Behavioral Health Hospital.

Tancell Care was profoundly inspired by Louie’s younger sister, Ladyann, who has Down syndrome.

This personal connection, born out of love and a desire to make a difference, is at the heart of their work in the disability services sector. It fosters a sense of empathy and understanding, making them feel the emotional depth of their work.

Tancell Care takes a unique approach by offering various services designed to empower the individuals it serves and facilitate their integration into the community. The organization works with direct support professionals (DSPs) who provide daily support in residential and in-home settings. These professionals help individuals reach their personal goals while coaching, guiding, and supporting them through daily tasks.

Similarly, the Autism Pride Center (APC), a job and day training (JDT) provider that Louie and William launched in 2023 under the TC Group umbrella, provides a supportive environment for those with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.

“We know that the intellectually disabled population is the most underserved, so we wanted to be that 1 percent at least to provide a difference through pre-vocational training, job exploration and day habilitation services and programs,” Louie says.

Like Tancell Care, Louie’s sister, Ladyann, utilizes APC’s services and programs.

“I’ve been dealing with her all her life, and I say ‘I’m dealing with her purposefully’ because she’s also my sister, so she’s just as sassy as I am. I was surprised by many things when working with her through APC. Even though computer skills might have been difficult for her, she was very fond of the technology program.”

After four or five months in the program, Louie went in for a surprise visit and saw her working with one of the center’s DSPs.

“She was answering math problems on the computer utilizing the mouse and keyboard,” he recalled. “I was like, ‘Where did you learn the skill from? I didn’t even know you could do that.’ So, seeing that was very inspirational for me, as her brother.”

Ladyann’s story is just one of the many inspiring success stories of individuals helped by Tancell Care and APC. These programs not only provide resources and support but have empowered individuals to discover and pursue their passions, leading to transformative changes in their lives.

Another moving story is about a woman who first came to Louie and William through Tancell Care in 2019 with many restrictions, including being unable to be around sharp objects.

“After working with her for a few years, we saw her progress, and when she was ready to find employment, we began assisting her at APC,” William says.

Not knowing her passion, she came with an open mind and took a keen interest in the beauty and fashion department.

“In those industries, you’ll always be around sharp objects, like scissors and needles, so we were initially scared when she wanted to pursue it,” William says.

“However, her growth and determination to overcome her fear led her to aspire to become a cosmetologist. Knowing that she can thrive in that setting by giving her resources and the opportunity to be exposed to the industry moved me.”

APC also offers programs and activities to promote social development, including art classes and group outings, and frequently provides workshops on independent living skills, such as budgeting, to help participants gain independence.

Those interested in getting assistance through Tancell Care and APC must undergo a specific process, as all of their contracts are through the Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division and the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation.

If someone were interested in services, they would first have to have a primary diagnosis of some intellectual disability, such as Down syndrome, Asperger’s syndrome, mild intellectual disability or autism. Then, they would have to have a case open with the Desert Regional Center.

According to Louie, once a case is open, the individual would be put on a waiting list. “Right now, we have almost 4,000 people on a waiting list because there are approximately 22 providers available,” he says. “So, as you can imagine, our waiting list is also pretty high.”

However, sometimes, an individual’s circumstances can take priority over others depending on their level of need. “Some providers will accept individuals with higher behavioral acuity, while others might consider those with higher medical acuity,” he says.

After a case is opened with the Desert Regional Center, the case manager will send a referral to see if they would fit one of Tancell Care or APC’s services and programs.

According to Louie, each case is different, but once someone gets into one of their programs, they can serve them for as long as they feel they need to gain that level of independence, with some needing assistance throughout their lives.

“They were born with a little bit more needs and have never seen normalcy the way we who aren’t intellectually disabled would see it through our own lenses,” he says.

For them, everything is new. “When they learn something new, they’re so grateful for it,” he adds. “We need to teach them skills continuously. So, our longest participant has been with us since we opened Tancell Care in 2018.”

To reach more people in the community, the dynamic duo has actively formed partnerships with local businesses and brands that support individuals with disabilities.

In August 2024, they collaborated with Swim Week Las Vegas, presented by Art Hearts Fashion. The event was not only about bringing the hottest fashion and entertainment to the stage but also about making a difference by collaborating with APC to emphasize its dedication to representation and inclusion for everyone.

“The partnership allowed the individuals we serve to not only walk down the runway but also wear designer clothing and showcase the designs they made down the runway,” William says.

“They were so ecstatic about the opportunity. It melted our hearts to know we created a fashion show for them. It made us want to do so much more.”

Continuing along in the fashion realm, Louie and William’s TC Group will host Equilora, a fashion show and charity gala celebrating individuals with disabilities, at IPEC Las Vegas on March 13.

Its name encompasses many things. Equilora perfectly blends equity (inclusivity and fairness) with aura (distinguished and empowering presence) to unite and uplift the community.

Proceeds from Equilora will benefit FEAT of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit committed to enhancing the lives of those in need.

The idea of Equilora came from APC’s involvement in Swim Week Las Vegas.

“The individuals we work with through the center get a chance to showcase their skills throughout the entire production of the event, from everything from the music and artwork to the fashion,” Louie says.

In addition, APC is also a corporate sponsor for Vegas PBS and works with them on many endeavors. Their partnership was formed after meeting with Irene Pengson from Vegas PBS, who kindly gave William a tour of their production site and spoke about Vegas PBS and its vision and mission.

After the tour of their production site, William was informed that they wanted to partner with an organization to support a new program they were developing.

William immediately jumped in without hesitation and worked out a deal with Vegas PBS. The program became the PBS Kids series “Carl the Collector,” which educates the community about autism. “It was a great privilege for APC to support the series because it showcases the daily life of an autistic child,” he says.

Putting more perspective on it, many people in the community don’t know how to deal with a person who has a disability, let alone interact with them through a simple conversation.

“This show provides a positive picture of that,” William says, adding, “Individuals with disabilities need a space in the community to be acknowledged, understood, respected and appreciated, just like others want to be treated.”

Louie and William will also collaborate with online retailer Zappos and move into the Zappos building, which will house both the TC Group and Tancell Care.”

“Zappos will be one of their larger community partners for the year,” Louie says. “Not only does Zappos specialize in adaptive shoes for people with disabilities, but their company culture and vision align with ours, which makes it the perfect partnership.”

William added, “We’re working on some projects with Zappos that we can’t disclose now. But when the time comes, I am sure that Chic Compass will be one of the first to know.”

Other major moves for Louie and William coming in 2025 include opening up their services to youth as young as 14 with their first-ever summer camp and after-school programming.

They’re also creating a different type of JDT specializing in the restaurant industry. They’ll partner with Aloha Kitchen to teach individuals with disabilities how to do everything from dishwashing and prepping meals to customer service skills and taking orders. This will help them get hired by restaurants or through an enclave program, a paid training to work as a team alongside other employees.

Louie and William have worked with more than 350 individuals with disabilities in Southern and Northern Nevada and hope to double that number by the end of 2025.

Not only have they helped so many people, but they also employ more than 300 employees at their facilities and companies.

“To do that within seven years is amazing; the sky’s the limit for us,” Louie says graciously.

“Our leaders and staff members are equally as passionate about the service of the individuals and the population we serve, and for that, we’re truly grateful for them.”

To learn more about TC Group’s business consulting services, visit www.tcgroupmgmt.com.

For more information on Tancell Care or the Autism Pride Center, visit www.tancellcare.com or www.autismpridecenter.com.

Peter Whittingham, chair of the board of directors of the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, Linda Smith, and Wayne Newton at the Festival of Trees and Lights gala at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Nov. 12, 2024

Maximizing Potential

Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada Serves a Unique Population

BY DEBBIE HALL / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE DOWN SYNDROM ORGANIZATION OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

The Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada (DSOSN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals with unique abilities, particularly those diagnosed with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization provides a variety of impactful programs and recreational activities, all of which are offered free of charge to its members.

Peter Whittingham, chair of the board of directors and acting executive director, is the organization’s “volunteer in chief” and a staunch advocate for the Down syndrome community.

“The Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada was founded in 1987 by a group of families looking for target-specific services that addressed the needs of people with Down syndrome in Southern Nevada. There were just a few organizations that provided such services at the time, and these family members came together to create this group of supportive families that have evolved over the years to now become one of the most respected voices of advocacy for people diagnosed with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southern Nevada, and across the state for that matter,” Whittingham explained.

DSOSN aims to address the critical needs of its service population while promoting a positive perception of individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization focuses on maximizing potential by providing programs that enhance self-awareness, self-confidence, and communication skills.

Over the years, membership in the organization and its services have expanded beyond people with Down syndrome to include the entire intellectual and developmental disability community, including those with autism.

“If you look at our service population and our active membership, you will see that it is made up of a mixture of diagnosed disabilities in the intellectual and developmental space. While the majority of our members are diagnosed with Down syndrome, there is a growing number of members who are on the autism spectrum and even some with undiagnosed disabilities. The interest of our organization now is really to advocate for and provide services to address the complex, changing and compelling needs of the members in our community who are diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Whittingham said.

Their programs address what Whittingham calls the organization’s core pillars: education, employment, and independent living. All programs are designed to help members integrate into society in these three areas of their lives.

“The disability community needs to be active, and they need to have entertainment and social programs. All of those are important to us, and that’s why we offer recreational programs such as dance, performing arts, and athletic and sports programs. However, we believe that for our members to be fully integrated and functional in our society, they must also be exposed to what I call the impactful programs that will help them integrate and be a viable part of, as opposed to just being there in a nonfunctional way, on the margins of society,” Whittingham said.

For example, in terms of education and the school system, a number of members did not have a chance to complete high school, and their reading skills were low. To help in a small way to address this issue, DSOSN created a series of programs to supplement what the schools do not cover. Its reading clinic, for example, is designed to help members improve their reading skills and comprehension proficiency.

Verbal communication is important, and their class on self-advocacy public speaking creates an environment where members can learn to express themselves confidently in public.

“Many of our members have been locked out of the digital space for several reasons. Students were sent home to work on the computer when the pandemic occurred. Our members were left out because they had not been exposed to the use of computers. We help our members catch up a little bit with our computer lab class.”

The informal curriculum in the computer lab teaches participants basic computer skills that many people without disabilities take for granted. These include learning key functions, sending an email, attaching a document, writing a letter and sending it by email. Participants are also taught another essential task: accessing information on the internet to educate, inform and entertain themselves like everyone else.
Creative outlets are just as important.

Members are exposed to dance instruction that helps them perform in unison as team members and showcase their unique skills on a stage for their families and others. DSOSN has partnered with Culture Shock to train members in dance.

DSOSN also offers a robust performing arts program featuring two major productions annually. For the last two years, adaptations of “The Wizard of Oz” and, most recently, “The Lion King” have been presented. They are now in production rehearsal for the hit movie and Broadway musical “Grease.”

The organization also addresses early intervention needs with programs for families, especially first-time families with young children from infants to age 6. Music therapy and playgroup programs are offered in conjunction with Nevada Early Intervention Services and Dynamic Music Therapy.

Its art class is one of its most popular classes, attended weekly by at least 20 members, who have shown growth and improvement in their artistic skills.

Members also participate in recreational activities through collaborations with other partners. In some cases, DSOSN does not provide the activities directly but promotes programs offered by other organizations, such as the Miracle League and Special Olympics.

“We have a very active and vibrant recreational training bowling league. We look for different areas of interest and support our members to participate in activities that will enrich all aspects of their lives. All our programs are provided to our members free of charge, except for our dance program, and we subsidize our members’ fees for that particular program. To sustain our ability to provide these programs, we reach out to and encourage philanthropic organizations that support our community to come on board and see what we do, and together we can explore mutually beneficial ways that can help to support our members and our programs.”

DSOSN’s primary source of income is fundraising, especially through its two signature events: the Festival of Trees and Lights (FOTL) and the Las Vegas Buddy Walk.

“The FOTL was our first fundraising effort, started one year after the organization was created in 1987. For the last two years, we have had Gov. Lombardo attend and support our organization. With his support and blessing, we started a wonderful tradition: the annual Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to an individual who has a history of outstanding service to the disability community,” Whittingham said.
Its latest honoree was Linda Smith, one of DSOSN’s founding members, who has been a stalwart in this community, supporting and advocating for the disability community in general and the Down syndrome community in particular for more than 40 years.

“Coming up on March 21, we will be doing a building dedication where we’ll be renaming our building to commemorate the memory of her son, Christopher Smith.”

Buddy Walk is an annual event where people across the valley come together with one voice to unite behind the message of inclusion.

“For all members of the disability community, the message of inclusion carries one meaning. Although we may march behind our respective banners, we all come together, hand-in-hand, to support inclusion for all. We are very rooted in the concept of inclusion,” he added.

What does inclusion mean for the disability community? As Whittingham stated: “It means to acknowledge, accept, appreciate and engage members of our community in conversation so that they can feel included and a part of society. One of the best things you can do for our members is to reach out and engage and involve them in your conversations, and you’ll be surprised at the result of what you will hear when you engage our members in a conversation.

“We are taking a group of our members to the National Down Syndrome Society Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., in April. Members of our dance troupe will perform at the conference. If any of your readers can afford to and would like to make a financial donation toward our members attending the conference, please reach out.”

Whittingham brings his passion and dedication to the organization.

“I serve in the capacity of chair and acting executive director for the organization, all of which is done on a volunteer basis. In order to hold the organization accountable, I demanded that they pay me for my service, and they agreed to do that at a rate of $1 a year. However, they also added a condition to my annual salary: For them to pay me a salary, I must agree to donate my time and at least $1,500 a year to the organization.

“It was the best offer ever, and one that I could not refuse. I have been in law enforcement for more than 40 years, serving three different police departments, and retired from the Los Angeles Police Department as a police captain.

“I have never had a more self-satisfying job, occupation or opportunity to do more public good than I do as the volunteer in chief of the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada. I started volunteering in this community 26 years ago when my daughter, Sophia, was born. After seeing me crying for a month, she started to smile at me, and then I reached out to find a support group in California for the Down syndrome community. My life changed for the better ever since. When I retired from the LAPD and decided to move to Las Vegas, it was natural that I sought out an organization that supported the Down syndrome community. I found the DSOSN, and the rest, as they say, is what you are seeing here now.

“I have now reached my point of self-actualization by becoming a volunteer in a service organization like this. It is absolutely wonderful, and you can only understand the self-satisfaction I feel when you engage in the kind of work that we do here in the DSOSN. I invite anybody interested in serving and giving back to the community to reach out, and let’s discuss how you can be a part of the growth and development of this wonderful organization.”

To contact Peter Whittingham directly, call 626-780-5976 or email pwhittingham@dsosn.org.

For more information about volunteering, donating or upcoming events, visit www.dsosn.org.

Follow on social media:
Facebook: @downsyndromesnv
Instagram: @downsyndromesnv
X (formerly Twitter): @DSOSN
LinkedIn: Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada

Photo of Melba Moore by Sheryl Aronson (Sasaphotos)

Melba Moore

‘I’m Still Standing’

BY SHERYL ARONSON

The lights dim in 54 Below, the iconic, plush, red-walled, cushioned-seated showroom in New York City that showcases legendary cabaret performers. Silence hushes the theater, but an anticipatory mood envelops the crowd. Suddenly, lights ignite a gorgeous, regal figure from the back, donned in a sublime turquoise and golden cape that covers a shimmering, matching blue gown.

Melba Moore looks stunning: her hair towers in a colossal Afro; her face is serene as she gazes over the audience before belting out the lyrics to “Easy to Be Hard” from “Hair.” Strutting to the stage—still magnificent after 50-plus years in the entertainment business—Moore commands the moment and tells the world, “I’m still standing!”

Born into a musical family, Moore felt it was her destiny to carry the torch of an artist. Her mother, Bonnie Davis, was a professional singer; her natural father, Teddy Hill, was a big bandleader; and her stepfather, Clement Leroy Moorman, was a jazz pianist. As a child, Moore’s life was saturated by music—piano lessons, listening to all genres and being influenced by her musical parents. She set her sights on attending Newark Arts High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in music from Montclair State College.

Moore’s illustrious career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements as a Black American female performer. For her role in “Purlie,” she became the first Black actress to win a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She was also the first Black woman to replace a white actress (Diane Keaton) in the lead role of the Broadway musical “Hair” and the first African American woman to play the female lead in “Les Misérables” on Broadway.

In her singing career, Moore rose to the top of the charts with hits like “Falling,” “You Stepped into My Life,” “Love’s Comin’ At Ya” and “A Little Bit More.” A four-time Grammy-nominated artist, Moore has released 28 albums, appeared in 12 theater productions, acted in seven films and starred in multiple television shows. Her versatility spans genres, including R&B, soul, classical, jazz, contemporary and gospel.

Moore received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Aug. 10, 2023, and released a deluxe edition of her “Imagine” album the same year.

Although her career has reached the highest highs and faced the lowest lows, Moore remains the embodiment of a pure entertainer—a master of her craft—and her brilliance shines in every glorious note.

Chic Compass: Melba, you’re a legend and have been in the entertainment business for 50-plus years. How have you thrived in this very challenging industry?

Melba Moore: I love what I do. I’ve had a lot of help from so many people over the years. Every time I think about doing another project, whether music or theater, I’ve always had a great team around me to figure out my next project and get it done one step at a time.

Chic Compass: You grew up in a musical family. How did these influences shape your decision to become an entertainer?

Melba Moore: I’m sure it’s in my blood since my natural father, Teddy Hill, was a big bandleader, and my mother was a singer. My mother and he never married. She raised me as a single mom, and she traveled a lot; therefore, I was raised by a nanny. My mother married my stepfather when I was nine years old. I think of myself as a late starter, studying voice and piano at that age. My stepdad made all my siblings and I take piano lessons. At that point, I fell in love with music and discovered I could also sing. By high school, I was determined to make music my profession. I went to Arts High School, where I seriously began to focus on music.

Chic Compass: How did you develop your five-octave range? Was it natural, or did you have to work hard on it?

Melba Moore: I worked hard to develop my five-octave range. I was a soprano and trained as a classical vocalist. When I came out of college, I taught school for a while but was determined to become an artist who could sing R&B music. I listened to vocalists like Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin and began imitating their styles. If I wanted to sing R&B, I had to learn to holler and scream! I had a soft voice, so I started practicing belting out vocals. To strengthen my voice and stamina, I took dancing and swimming lessons. Over time, I built up my middle and lower ranges, which increased my power and range.

Chic Compass: You were very determined to work hard and had already learned a good work ethic. You grew up in an exciting time when rock’n’roll, R&B and disco came together in the 60s, 70s and 80s. How did you find your voice during this time? How did you develop the Melba Moore unique sound?

Melba Moore: That’s a very good question. It was quite difficult at first, and I must credit my former husband, Charles Huggins, a music producer. I had already won a Tony Award and performed on Broadway when I met him. Because of this recognition, I was invited to perform everywhere and signed my first recording contract with Mercury Records. Charles, who became my manager, helped me navigate the industry. At Buddah Records, he found songwriters who could highlight my voice, such as Van McCoy, who wrote “This Is It” for me. Later, I worked with Philadelphia International Records producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and the songwriting duo McFadden & Whitehead, who produced “A Portrait of Melba.”

I started with an awkward soprano high voice and was finally building my vocal strength. Because I practiced continuously, I had incredible breath control. One day, I was working on a song, and one of these high notes popped out and carried across the room. I said, “Oh, my goodness, where did that come from?” I kept holding the note and realized it was me making the sound. Then, I kept doing it to see if I could repeat it, and I was able to add this unique skill to my repertoire.

When Gene McFadden wrote the song “Falling,” we incorporated this vocalization. Not only did the song become noteworthy for my vocal dynamics—including a high note that I held for nearly 20 seconds, ranking among the longest sustained notes in recorded pop music—but “Falling” also peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart for one week.

Chic Compass: Let’s talk about your Broadway career. You were in the cast of “Hair.” How did you land that role?

Melba Moore: Back in the 1960s, I met Valerie Simpson, and we started chatting and exchanging numbers. Valerie told me she was a backup singer for jingles and other recording sessions. She later invited me to become a backup singer as well.

Along the way, I was invited to participate in Galt MacDermot’s recording sessions, the composer and band director of “Hair.” He recorded his version of all the music, assisted by Gerome Ragni and James Rado, who wrote the book and lyrics. The sessions lasted about two weeks.

When the sessions ended, Gerry and Jim invited everyone from the recordings to sing for the director and producers of “Hair.” They had promised to find parts for us. After hearing the recordings, the director and producers were very impressed with everyone, but I was the only one who went on to join the show. Thankfully, the director and producer liked me, and I got the part despite having no acting experience. They were looking for interesting personalities, and the director thought I had one! We were told we’d be trained for the roles.

Chic Compass: Then you played the Tony Award-winning role of Lutiebelle in “Purlie.”

Melba Moore: (Melba laughs and admits) Everybody thought I was a great actress, but I based the character of Lutiebelle on my nanny who raised me. She had been an orphan and an illiterate domestic worker. I copied her accent and mannerisms. When I tried out for “Purlie,” I didn’t have an agent. After “Hair” was over, I started looking around for something else to do. I didn’t know how to audition for theater roles, but my friend advised me not to worry and to audition anyway. After this experience, I was on the map—it threw me into television, film and the music industry.

Chic Compass: You’ve been nominated four times for a Grammy Award and have created 28 albums. What has this meant to your career?

Melba Moore: The nominations have established me as a successful recording artist, yet I’ve had to overcome many challenges in my career. I felt very honored when my cover of Aretha Franklin’s song “Lean on Me” was nominated for a Grammy. I’ve always worked very hard to develop my style. Over time, the music business has changed many times, and I’ve had to evolve with it. Now, the business is primarily small, independent artists who figure out how to grow on their own.

Chic Compass: You’re primarily a New Yorker and love performing in the city. Talk about what New York has meant to you over the years.

Melba Moore: I’m a New Yorker at heart. I was very smart to stay in New York for cultural and spiritual reasons. I love the way that New York City is so multidimensional and multicultural. I have such a great team on my side promoting my career.

My latest album, “Imagine,” was produced by my daughter’s record label and is connecting me with the next generation. It came out in 2023 and has 12 songs. I first released two songs: “So in Love,” which spent three weeks atop the UK Soul Top 30 chart, and then we released “Take Me Away.” I feel that now I have full control over how I market myself. In the past, record companies sometimes took advantage of artists. There’s interest in creative projects for me because of the release of “Imagine” with incredible people like Richard Russell wanting to send me songs and working with Brenda Russell. She’s a New Yorker, too.

Chic Compass: Speaking of New York, I enjoyed seeing you perform last October at a sold-out house at 54 Below. What did it mean to you to perform at that illustrious venue?

Melba Moore: It’s extremely exciting to experience a solo cabaret show at this point in my career. I came up with the concept myself and wrote the script for the show. Honestly, I would have preferred having a skilled writer do it, but there wasn’t time. I didn’t know if it would work, but the show must go on!

Chic Compass: You did a great job! The audience loved your performance. Now, I also want to congratulate you on receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Of course, you wore a David Josef designer outfit. First, talk about getting that star.

Melba Moore: Fortunately, my manager, Ron Richardson, focused on different areas of my career that were very substantive. He had been working on this project for a couple of years, but I had so much on my plate that I wasn’t thinking about the true meaning of getting the star. Once it became a reality and he explained the meaning to me, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. It was a culmination and recognition of the many years of hard work. I thought to myself, ‘I’m now permanent here.’

Chic Compass: You’ve had such a vibrant, successful and versatile career. This honor was well deserved. Now, talk about David and the special outfits he creates for your shows and awards ceremonies.

Melba Moore: Everything that David has made is a one-of-a-kind outfit. He’s developed a way of styling me so that when people see me, they say, ‘OMG, look how great she looks.’ That’s the art of being a great designer. The design doesn’t overshadow me. He’s an artist and extremely creative. I love the incredible fabrics, and his capes are ridiculously stunning. He knows what the fabric will do to the natural eye on the stage and at a distance when the colored lights hit them. They take on a whole life of their own.

Chic Compass: You wear all the outfits like a queen.

Melba Moore: David helps me bring my train off the cape so I can turn around and flop it onstage or on the red carpet—wherever I wear one of his special designs.

Chic Compass: In January, you performed with the fabulous Kenny Lattimore in the gospel show “Heavenbound” in Los Angeles. What was that like?

Melba Moore: I didn’t do an acting role. Don B. Welch, the show’s producer, invited me to sing two songs. I was excited, however, to be working with Kenny Lattimore. Here’s what’s interesting, though … one of the things that saved me when my career crashed was that I went on my first gospel musical tour.

I had lost everything and was homeless. Michael Matthews, the godfather of gospel music theater, cast me in his production. I left just in time to avoid being evicted from my apartment. I became a born-again Christian. I didn’t have an address or a bank account. I got paid in cash and saved $7,000 at the end of the first week. After two years of being on tour with the show, I could afford a high-rise apartment just off the Hudson River on the Jersey side. From that experience, I do my business differently now.

Chic Compass: I love that story because many people don’t understand how much an artist can struggle. You reinvented yourself from your struggles.

Melba Moore: Michael calling me and putting me in his show was God’s blessing. I didn’t know anything about gospel plays. They were starting to become a form of theater around the country. That’s why I can still look forward to having a future in this industry, even though I’ve already been in it for 50 years.

Chic Compass: This brings us to the conclusion of the interview. What has it meant to you to be in the business all these years, and what can your fans expect as you move forward?

Melba Moore: I still have glamour, wisdom, health and a calendar of shows. Maybe I can show others what they, too, could look forward to in life. I will write a book and do some documentaries so I can document from my own perspective what my life and career have been. I don’t want to work as hard and want to be more selective. But in the end, keep it moving.

Flecha Cantina

Flecha Cantina

Mark Wahlberg Expands His Las Vegas Empire

BY STACEY GUALANDI AND JJ SNYDER / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FLECHA CANTINA

“Right now, everything is about longevity.”

Mark Wahlberg is focused on the long game. Not just on the golf course, but in his extensive entertainment career, ever-expanding entrepreneurial empire, and endless exercise routines.

“I got up today at 2:30 this morning,” boasts the 53-year-old former rapper-turned-actor-turned-investor.

The notorious early riser has workouts to complete, films to shoot, businesses to buy, and restaurants to open—like the over 10,000-square-foot Flecha Cantina by Mark Wahlberg.

This is his second “Mexican redefined” restaurant and the latest venture in his newly adopted home of Las Vegas.

“When I came, I wanted to make sure that I was bringing something to the table,” says Wahlberg. “I’ve made two films here already and put a lot of money into the economy. Everything we do is based on quality, whether it be the gym experience, the studio experience, film, television, or restaurants. We want to bring something to the community and create jobs and opportunities.”

Wahlberg is referring to his recent announcements that he plans to build a Sony Entertainment movie studio and a luxury fitness space called Municipal Gym, inspired by his Municipal athletic clothing line—two projects that will surely secure his foothold in Sin City.

“I’ve had many, many failures, but those are the most valuable experiences,” says Wahlberg. “If you’re always winning, you don’t pay attention. You get super comfortable, and it’s through the hardships and the mistakes that I’ve made that are invaluable as far as learning and then making sure, most importantly, that I’m in business with the right people.”

Chic Compass contributors Stacey Gualandi and JJ Snyder got a prime table with the Flecha Cantina team: Mark Wahlberg, managing partner and co-founder Randy Sharpe, and chef Cristhian Salazar at the recent grand opening and talked tequila, salsa temperature, and why everything is good on ice.

Stacey Gualandi: After premiering Flecha Cantina in Huntington Beach, it didn’t take long to launch a sequel here in Las Vegas!

Mark Wahlberg: Of course, because it’s my home. It’s my backyard. I live 15 minutes away from here. We’re here as often as possible, and it’s nice because my family comes, we hang out, and we come to brunch. It’s nice because it’s Vegas, but it’s geared toward the community and the locals versus on the Strip, where it’s much more of a tourist attraction, which I like.

JJ Snyder: Flecha is between Summerlin and Henderson, but it’s not far from the Strip.

Mark Wahlberg: No, it’s not! So, we’re hoping that people will come and see us, and then eventually, we’ll probably put something further down the Strip. But for us, the first time being part of the community and catering to the locals was very exciting for us.

Stacey Gualandi: Why did it make sense for you, Randy, to partner up with Mark and to be a part of this particular project?

Randy Sharpe: Well, obviously, having a partner like Mark is pretty special…

Mark Wahlberg: …There are pros and cons as we go. Ha!

Randy Sharpe: No, there haven’t been any cons yet, except when you almost have a fire in the restaurant. But as long as we put it out, we were okay. I’ve probably had a hundred fires in my life in restaurants; that’s the only one that kept me on the phone all day long!

Stacey Gualandi: Well, isn’t that good publicity?

Mark Wahlberg: I mean, look, it’s brought a lot of awareness to the restaurant. No pun intended, but we’re the hottest restaurant in the world right now. Ha!

Randy Sharp: The most important thing for us is that we’re trying to build a business focused on quality, family, and everything Mark and we believe in. To be a great business partner, you have to be available. Mark is always available for us when we need advice. It works better than I ever thought, and I’ve been doing this for 30 years.

Mark Wahlberg: I also want people to understand that this is not just a celebrity restaurant. I was smart enough and savvy enough to partner with great chefs and great operators, the people who are serious adults in this space—which is why we’re successful. It’s really about what they’re creating and what we’re creating together as a partnership. I want to make sure that we give them the opportunity to talk about the food, the experience, and the things that they’re providing. I obviously wouldn’t be successful and wouldn’t be in business if it wasn’t for them.

JJ Snyder: I like that you’re catering to families with the Sunday brunch, but then it’s not just Taco Tuesday—it’s tacos and tequila! Everyone universally—whether you drink or not—loves happy hour. You gotta have a good one.

Chef Cristhian Salazar: We have a $5 happy hour for lunch and a regular happy hour with our famous street tacos, queso fundido, and ceviche. It’s really good. Our Micheladas and our famous margaritas are there.

Stacey Gualandi: Do those margaritas include your Flecha Azul tequila?

Mark Wahlberg: It’s an important part, but we’re serving many other tequila brands. We even carry my friend Kevin Hart’s tequila. He also had a cocktail on the menu, which I wasn’t sure about at first because we were in competition. But we’re very supportive. We want to make sure that we have whatever the customer wants. If they’re interested in what additive-free premium tequila’s supposed to taste like, we encourage them to try Flecha.

JJ Snyder: Personal question on the food angle. Salsa: mild, medium, or hot, and why?

Mark Wahlberg: Medium, personally, especially because I’ve been eating so strictly that once you open that box up, it’s hard to stop. I just ate a giant bowl of chips, so I’m trying to save room for some of my favorite items on the menu.

Stacey Gualandi: Is that why you announced your new luxury gym, to work off all the chips?

Mark Wahlberg: It’s going to be called Municipal Gym. There’s fitness and recovery, but a big emphasis on recovery and rejuvenation therapy. We’re going to have treatments that you have never seen in Vegas.

It’s much easier to stay in shape than get in shape, and some people have been training the wrong way. I want to teach people and share my experience. I’ve had to learn the hard way with all the aches, pains, and injuries I’ve had while making movies. Sharing that with others can help them avoid those mistakes and, more importantly, start earlier. You know, a lot of people have a lot of excuses. There are a million reasons why they might not want to go to the gym or why they prioritize other things.

It’s about finding one good reason to prioritize your health, wellness, mental, physical, and spiritual health. It’s also about finding balance while still being able to enjoy life. The healthier the lifestyle and the balance, the better you feel. Eat right, exercise, celebrate victories, go out and have fun, enjoy cheat meals—but then get back on your training again.

JJ Snyder: We’re very excited about Municipal Gym. I love that it focuses on luxury fitness and recovery, which isn’t emphasized much. Stacey and I work out together, and we’re about to do a liver cleanse, which involves something trendy: intermittent fasting.

Mark Wahlberg: Which I do often.

JJ Snyder: For those of our readers who have never tried cryotherapy—submersing themselves in ice—what’s that about? Why is it valuable? It sounds crazy.

Mark Wahlberg: I start every day by getting in the cold tub for four to six minutes. That reduces all the inflammation and gets my endorphins going. I have this dopamine rush for, I don’t know, three or four hours. I feel no pain or aches in the gym working out.

People in my life have been pushing me to try it for quite some time. I was always old school: I’d eat too much protein, lift too much weight, and never take time off. I always thought if you’re taking a day off, you’re missing out. But recovery is just as important—if not more so—right now.

Eighty-five percent of fitness is nutrition, 15 percent is exercise, and recovery is a huge part of it. I’m training to be around for a while, be able to move and function, and do the things I’ve wanted to do with my kids for as long as possible.

JJ Snyder: Speaking of kids, your youngest daughter, Grace, is an equestrian. I grew up with horses as well. Are you enjoying the Old West aspect of the Las Vegas Valley? There’s a lot of history here.

Mark Wahlberg: Absolutely. It’s been very cool. We’ve got a lot of stuff happening, and my whole life now revolves around being an equestrian dad. She’s 14 years old!

To have the discipline—it took me until my 40s to become that disciplined, and she’s doing it at 14 and doing it full time. It’s incredible.

And the best thing about it is when we go to a competition, people will say, “She’s a great jumper, she’s a great rider, but she’s an even nicer person.” That’s the most important thing. [Grace] does all the little stuff herself. She’s not too important to go and shovel horse poop, clean, and groom the horses. She’s doing everything, but she’s also kind and respectful to everybody she encounters. That’s the thing I’m most proud of.

Stacey Gualandi: Everything you do is a family affair. So, last question: Will you attend the new Las Vegas residency this summer called “New Kids on the Block: The Right Stuff?”

Mark Wahlberg: Ha! I’m gonna take [my friend Mikey] over there to see the concert… [But] every time I go, they’ll start playing “Good Vibrations.” Somebody will hand me a microphone and keep trying to get me up [on stage].

JJ and Stacey: Yesssssss!

Mark Wahlberg: I haven’t done it yet. We’ll figure out when the right time is. I’m excited that my brother is going to be here in Vegas. It’s always good to catch up with him and connect.

JJ and Stacey: And it’s always terrific to catch up and connect with you! Thanks, Team Flecha!

The Las Vegas Sinfonietta in concert with the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society

The Las Vegas Sinfonietta

A New Classical Baton in Town

BY KENDALL HARDIN / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LAS VEGAS SINFONIETTA

The new kid on the local musical block is the Las Vegas Sinfonietta (LVS), a professional chamber orchestra founded by a passionate group of local musicians who perform extraordinary classical repertoire ranging from Baroque to contemporary works.

Since its founding six years ago in 2019, the chamber orchestra has delivered nearly 50 performances throughout the Las Vegas Valley. The Sinfonietta has grown to 30 members, all accomplished musicians in their own right, who pursue parallel careers as principals or section leaders of nationally recognized orchestras, as eminent chamber musicians or as master teachers of music.

The chamber orchestra strives to attain the highest standards in performing an array of classical repertoire for diverse audiences while regularly featuring outstanding soloists and guest conductors. As part of its active performance and touring schedule, the Sinfonietta has partnered with many other musical organizations, such as the Vegas City Opera, the Las Vegas Master Singers, the UNLV Chamber Chorale, the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society and the Las Vegas Academy.

At the center of this musical hubbub is the founding artistic director and conductor, Taras Krysa. The Ukrainian-born, American-based conductor has established a reputation for innovative and inspiring music-making throughout the United States and Europe. Krysa was appointed in 2016 as the music director and conductor of the Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra, the oldest professional orchestra in Ukraine, and serves as UNLV’s director of orchestras since moving to Las Vegas in 2006.

Born in Kyiv into a dynasty of professional musicians, Krysa was destined to become a distinguished violinist and conductor. His father, Oleh Krysa, is a prominent concert violinist, while his mother, Tatiana Tchekina, was a concert pianist. His grandfather, Pavel Tchekin, was a tenor at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.

Krysa attended the Gnesin School of Music in Moscow before emigrating with his family to the United States in 1989. There, he continued his studies in conducting and violin at Indiana University and Northwestern University. He also received a prestigious fellowship to the American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival.

His conducting and performance credits are far too long to list. Still, music lovers will note his work with esteemed groups, such as the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, the New World Symphony, the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, the Spoleto Festival USA Chamber Orchestra, the St. Louis Orchestra, the Lublin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Las Vegas Philharmonic. In addition, he led the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, the Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra and the Slovak Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra on several European and Asian tours.

Locally, Krysa played a critical role in developing the Henderson Symphony Orchestra in Nevada as its music director for nearly a decade. Under his leadership, the ensemble’s audience expanded tenfold, and its concerts became a treasured part of the cultural life of Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Sinfonietta now marks an important new chapter in his career—one that aims to further expand and enhance the musical landscape throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

Chic Compass: Now that the Las Vegas Sinfonietta has been established, how do you see it developing over the next decade?

Taras Krysa: We wanted to play chamber music, so we “morphed out of madness.” We began to perform informally. As we grew, we pieced together the organizational structure of the board, administration and funding support. We’ve kept our core values and high-quality programming over the last five years and created a unique musical energy that attracts audiences who respect our work.

We’re intent on filling a void in the city with a relatively unknown classical chamber repertoire in our town. We want to continue in that direction by challenging our musicians and audiences. I can see us expanding our educational reach into the schools, working collaboratively with other musical organizations and perhaps creating “edgier” cross-over programming with elements of jazz and rock, and even touring in the long run. All this will take additional logistics, funding and boots on the ground.

Chic Compass: What’s it like to be a Ukrainian-born, American-based conductor with one foot in Europe and another in the States, especially here in Las Vegas?

Taras Krysa: The logistics of working on two continents are brutal and exhausting these days, given tough travel logistics and the full-time demands of artistic direction. Of course, the opportunities and challenges afforded me have enriched my career. I’m now focusing more of my time in Las Vegas, as the Sinfonietta is a major venture for me.

Chic Compass: How do you approach conducting and artistic direction with the Sinfonietta, especially as an accomplished violinist?

Taras Krysa: We have several constituencies. First, our duty is to honor the will of the composer, so the conductor has to do due diligence and work on interpretation. The second group involves the musicians who bring the music to life with each other in trust with the conductor. The third constituency, of course, is the audience. We have to make critical choices in choosing composers, repertoire and performance venues that engage our audiences.

Mind you, highly skilled musicians have their own strong opinions as well. It’s a little like a democracy. The musicians entrust the conductor to lead, not as a dictator, but as a trusted ally and collaborator. Everything we do has to serve these three constituencies. The challenge here in America is how arts organizations are funded primarily through philanthropy rather than government funding, as is the embedded tradition in Europe. Ticket prices alone can’t sustain the Sinfonietta.

As we grow the Sinfonietta by developing new funding sources and hands-on support, we can’t give in to a lack of artistic vision or political will.

Chic Compass: What do you share with students who want to be conductors?

Taras Krysa: I tell them I don’t do it (laughter). Conducting is a very peculiar profession. It requires a lot of time, perseverance and inner strength. You don’t have an instrument at your disposal; you have to summon a live orchestra to practice your skills. You have to take a lot of criticism and rarely get feedback.

Most of what you learn is from accumulated experience acquired after you leave school with basic skills. Basically, you have to learn how to manage people, with all the differences in ages, cultures, egos and experiences. It helps to have a gifted, seasoned conductor as a mentor. Plus, you have to develop an ear for orchestration and love music. The good news is that we all want to play music, so we work at getting along to produce the best artistic outcome we can create together!

Chic Compass: What are your thoughts about what’s happening today in Ukraine with the country’s musicians and treasured orchestras?

Taras Krysa: Ukraine is a country where young democracy has taken place just over the last 25 years. I have observed a split between the younger generation, which embraces Western ideals, and the older generation, conditioned under Soviet rule, who doesn’t trust losing power. To see all of this while working in Ukraine is fascinating, and then come back to the States and witness the current polarization in our own country. It’s a great learning experience. Russia’s horrific aggression must be stopped, not only for Ukraine but for all of Europe and the West.
____

Las Vegas Sinfonietta
Taras Krysa, Artistic Director
Alex Dzyubinsky, Concert Master
Gabriella Benavidez, Media

For more information on the Las Vegas Sinfonietta and upcoming events, visit www.lasvegassinfonietta.com.

Barbara and Larry Domsky “Our sole intention is to put good thoughts and positive energy into the world. We hope that our artwork will uplift and inspire those who experience it.”

One Glassy Act

Artistry, Love Forged in Glass

BY BRIAN G. THORNTON / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DOMSKY GLASS

Like molten glass and hammered metal, this story mirrors the resilience and artistry of Barbara and Larry Domsky’s relationship. It’s a true privilege to share their journey and work—one that’s deeply personal to me, having collaborated with the studio firsthand. Their artistry has continually enriched my design projects, and this piece aims to spotlight what makes them both so extraordinary.

The Spark of Creation

Meet Barbara and Larry Domsky, local artists who have been married for more than 30 years and are now collaborators and business owners. A tour of their gallery and studio, Domsky Glass, on Highland Drive in Las Vegas, immediately begins with the story of two artists in love and sharing their love of their craft.

Larry begins: “Growing up in a creative environment, I was inspired by my father, a restaurateur in Philadelphia, who took me to work and museums, sparking my love for art. My first experience with glass came in high school through a stained-glass project, followed by a visit to Wheaton Village, where I saw blown glass for the first time and was captivated by the molten energy.

“At 19, I moved to Las Vegas, worked as a stagehand and trained in metalworking at the MGM scenery shop. There, I learned that if I could dream it, I could build it. Later, I met Barbara, a designer at a glass studio. We discovered our shared passion for creating and began teaching ourselves to work with fused and hot glass, collaborating on projects that combined glass and metal.”

Barbara adds, “I was exposed at an early age to other countries, and now, as an adult, I still remember the textures, patterns and colors of each region I experienced. South Africa entirely influenced my early panels and bowls in glass. I had such a love for the textiles and weavings of that country. They inspired my ‘Basket Bowl’ and ‘African Blankets’ series, mimicking the vibrant colors, patterns and textiles of South Africa. My early years of glass making became a learning experience, allowing me to master the challenging techniques of large paneled, fused glass work and develop my style as a glass artist. I think of that series as my roots and my current contemporary work as my wings.”

The Fusion of Materials and Souls

“Larry and I met in our late 20s through a large circle of mutual friends, and over time, we became close. We shared a love of nature and often spent weekends hiking the trails of Mount Charleston or Red Rock. We exchanged creative ideas for hours on those hikes and dreamed about the art we wanted to create.

“Our first collaboration opportunity came around 1990 when a community church commissioned us to build a 14-foot butterfly sculpture in glass and metal. We loved the experience of working together and the satisfaction of creating large-scale art. Inspired by that project, we began investing in equipment and teaching ourselves the art of glassmaking.

“In 1994, we got married. With Larry’s encouragement, I left the studio where I had been working to pursue my own artistic path. Within a year, we had secured enough commissions for Larry to leave his job as well. We took the leap and opened our first studio together, beginning to build our business.

“We shared so many similar interests and first became the best of friends. Our relationship evolved naturally, though Larry will tell you that on our first date, he shared his vision of us getting married and becoming full-time artists, working together in our own studio. I remember when he told me this—despite it being our first date, after months of friendship—I could also see that future for us. It felt like destiny that we found each other.”

The Beauty of Collaboration

Barbara says: “Collaboration is at the heart of our process, and rule number one is simple: no egos. Success begins with listening closely to the client’s needs and understanding the space. Larry and I brainstorm by exchanging ideas—first through conversation, then through sketches. Once we find the right concept, we refine it into a scaled design for the client’s review, ensuring the final piece reflects our creative synergy and their vision.

“People often ask how we balance work, creativity and our personal lives. For us, it’s natural. We spend every day together and wouldn’t have it any other way. We do bring work home—sketching and discussing projects—but we also carve out time to step away and let our brains breathe.

“When our visions don’t align, we reflect, reviewing the project thoughtfully considering the space, lighting, and how the art will be experienced. With time and careful conversation, we always arrive at a solution that best serves the client and the space.”

Illuminating Las Vegas and Beyond

Over 30 years, their work, craftsmanship, innovation, and storytelling through art have expanded across mediums, scales, and genres.

When asked if their approach to art and design had evolved since they first started, they responded: “Absolutely, yes. We have grown immensely as artists. We have challenged ourselves to evolve and so has our work. Over the years, we’ve maintained a balance of creating large-scale projects for hospitality, residential and public art. With each commission, we push ourselves to create something new and different. This constant evolution has been key to our growth as artists, helping us develop our creativity and skill.”

Barbara and Larry reflect on two pivotal turning points in their career. “The first was our work with Mandalay Bay and the opening of Reflections Gallery, which marked the beginning of our international sales,” Barbara shares. “The second came when we received commissions from the Department of Aviation to create two massive 90-foot glass and metal sculptures for Harry Reid International Airport. That project, the largest we had ever undertaken, was a five-year journey and a career milestone. It opened doors to more large-scale opportunities.”

Both are driven by a desire to create art that inspires. “We’re motivated to make the world more beautiful and to uplift others, especially through public art,” Larry explains. “Residential projects are particularly meaningful for us, as they offer a personal connection with the client. It’s rewarding to create something that resonates deeply with someone’s taste and lifestyle.”

“We’ve always tailored our art to each project—whether it’s a gallery piece, a public installation or residential art,” Barbara adds. “While gallery work reflects personal expression, commissioned work—especially in public spaces—must engage a broader audience, staying neutral yet uplifting. On the other hand, residential commissions allow us to reflect the client’s unique style, making each piece feel personal and meaningful.”

Legacy in Light and Metal

“Since our first year in business in 1994, Larry and I have connected with our community, particularly through supporting art programs for children with cancer. This involvement grew organically. With each opportunity, we became more committed to being part of the solution by raising funds for pediatric cancer care. Along the way, we’ve found our tribe of compassionate, like-minded individuals who genuinely care about the well-being of others. We are continually inspired by how our small efforts contribute to making a positive change in our community.

“Over the years, we’ve learned to switch gears quickly. Each opportunity brings new challenges and solutions. We both find it thrilling to work on so many unique projects. However, we remain focused on one project at a time, ensuring that each receives the attention it deserves. Effective scheduling and clear timelines are essential to maintaining high quality while managing multiple projects with varied demands. That and strong coffee!”

When asked about their favorite installations, Barbara responded: “Our pieces ‘Sunset Mirage’ and ‘Cloud9’ at Harry Reid International Airport hold a special place for us. We’re always thrilled to receive photos from people who have taken pictures in front of them, it never fails to make us smile. Those commissions truly proved to us that we could successfully create large-scale projects. And here’s a little secret I’ll share with you: on the backside of the glass sun center, we engrave the names of everyone we love, friends and family, along with a blessing for them all. We then fire it into the glass to remain a part of the sculpture forever.

Barbara continues: “Glass is the most incredible medium. Its ability to transition from solid to liquid and back to solid, constantly transforming in shape and color, is truly remarkable. It’s the most challenging medium to master, yet the most rewarding when it takes the desired form. The visual depth it offers in art and the brilliance of its color is unparalleled. Glass requires light to reveal its beauty fully. The ever-changing reflections of color make it feel as though it has a life of its own. Larry has a unique ability to work with metal, not just to support the glass but to enhance the art piece, adding beauty and character. His metalwork seamlessly complements the glass. His craftmanship is amazing!

“We are both deeply grateful to this community for every opportunity we’ve been given and for the support of our studio and gallery from locals and tourists. To have created artwork that will endure for years to come, enjoyed by millions of visitors and locals, is an incredible honor for us as artists. On a personal level, we truly feel connected to this community. Our contributions come with no personal intent other than to help and see our community thrive. That said, Larry and I have found immense joy in witnessing the difference we can make—seeing children beat cancer and grow up to thrive. Our involvement and contributions have been a blessing in our lives.”

Their community commitment is transparent. “Our sole intention is to put good thoughts and positive energy into the world. We hope that our artwork will uplift and inspire those who experience it. First and foremost, we hope that those who know us will recognize our genuine intent to be kind and compassionate people. Through our art and involvement in this community, we have strived to make a difference for the children and families of Las Vegas. As for our legacy as artists, Larry and I have had lifelong careers in Las Vegas built on the incredible opportunities this city has given us. We’ve created art for many of the Strip’s hotels, buildings, and public spaces. We hope our journey inspires and encourages other artists to navigate this challenging path. Ultimately, we wish for our legacy and art to uplift others and spread positive thoughts and good energy for many years.

“Throughout our 30-year career, we have mentored, shared, and given back. As we move into the final years of our careers, we believe our best art is yet to come. To achieve this, we know it will require a deep focus on the work itself.”

Looking ahead, Domsky Glass has a bright outlook. “We have an exciting year ahead, with a large hospitality project and several residential commissions lined up for 2025. Dallas-based developer Jackson-Shaw has commissioned Domsky Glass to create a signature sculpture at their new AC Hotel by Marriott/Element by Westin in Symphony Park. The Las Vegas hotel will receive a 16-foot sculptural element currently in design. With the many beautiful contemporary homes being built in Las Vegas, we’re eager to meet with these families to create unique art pieces that reflect their personal style and taste. We hope they will be inspired to contact us, visit our facility, and tour our studio to explore our art firsthand. Larry and I wake up inspired and eager to create every day, driven by our deep love for making art. The excitement of each new opportunity fuels our passion and creativity. Every commission brings fresh inspiration, and we hope we’ve also inspired others along the way.”

In the world of glass and metal, the Domskys are truly “one glassy act”—a seamless blend of artistry, passion, and precision. Their creative partnership is more than just a collaboration; it’s a shared vision that turns molten materials into lasting masterpieces. With every piece, they continue to elevate art and inspire those who experience it, proving that together they’re unstoppable.

Gallery and studio tours of Domsky Glass are available by appointment. For more information, visit www.domskyglass.com.

Photo of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Britney Spears Campus by Sonia Miller of Sure Wave Media

The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation

An Ark of Love and Healing in the Desert

BY ELAINE HARRIS

Hearing the dreaded words from their health care provider that their child has cancer is one of the most devastating moments a family can face. It often catapults them into a tumultuous new world filled with extensive medical testing, emotional turmoil, and financial challenges. How does a family or individual navigate such life-altering circumstances?”

I recently met with one individual who provided answers to my questions. He, too, had cancer many years ago but has since transformed his life into a testament to healing by supporting families in Nevada who are facing the greatest challenges of their lives.

This extraordinary individual is Jeffrey Gordon, president and CEO of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NVCCF). The nonprofit organization recently celebrated 31 years since its inception. Through supportive, multifaceted programs, NVCCF provides a bright ray of hope.

NVCCF was founded in 1993 by Dr. Ronald Oseas, the first pediatric oncologist/hematologist in Las Vegas. It was established in response to the needs of suffering families and their critically ill children. Dr. Oseas realized that families needed far more than medical help. With the aid of other concerned caregivers, he spearheaded NVCCF by creating emotional, financial, social, educational, and psychological support services and programs.

Gordon joined several years later and has remained dedicated to providing support, love, and comfort to families and their children.

When I met Gordon, I was struck by his gleaming smile and effervescent energy—qualities that reflect the compassion of someone who has endured life’s challenges. Gordon exudes a sense of purpose and integrity, which have helped transform NVCCF into an organization known for excellence and heartfelt care.

Chic Compass: How did you meet Dr. Ronald Oseas, NVCCF’s founder? How did your role evolve within the foundation?

Jeffrey Gordon: I met Dr. Oseas late in 1996 through a pharmacist friend, Scot Silber, who worked with him. They started the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. Dr. Oseas moved to Las Vegas, quickly realizing that his patients needed more than just medical care. He brought together a couple of families to support one another, eventually forming a board and developing plans for the foundation.

I was invited to attend a board meeting, thinking they would ask me to join. At the time, I had just sold an outdoor advertising agency I’d been running here in Las Vegas. They asked me about my plans, and I said, ‘I didn’t know.’ Then I suggested, ‘Let’s ask these families what they need.’ That was the beginning of my involvement.

I was given a small room to contact families at Dr. Oseas’ office. I asked them, ‘If there were one thing an agency or organization could do for you, what would that be?’ I received so many different answers that I knew we had to get busy.

They were already hosting Camp Cartwheel for children and their families. It was held at Mount Potosi for a weekend at a Boy Scouts camp. They had also been hosting a fundraising dinner, which I thought could be improved in certain areas, so I began building from there. We started with one program at a time—whether it was for education or psychological counseling. The most significant concern, however, was financial.

I quickly discovered that although many families had insurance, it only covered the tip of the iceberg.

I had the unique experience of going through cancer. I eventually became the executive director, as we needed someone full-time to oversee these programs. I had come to love these children and families, and when the board asked me to be the director, I gladly accepted. We started a financial emergency fund, which is what we called it in the beginning. It has grown into more than 40 programs and services that we offer to these families, not just to a child diagnosed with cancer.

Dr. Oseas also addressed sickle cell, autoimmune disorders, and blood-related diseases, which we were happy to support, as we were among the first organizations to help those with sickle cell and all blood- and immune-related diseases.

As we built the organization, we developed Project A.R.K. (Aids & Resources for Kids), an extensive network of licensed and caring professionals who provide services to families of children diagnosed with life-threatening and chronic illnesses who live in or receive treatment in Southern Nevada.

Our care team meets with the families and conducts an assessment. We evaluate where they are financially, emotionally, psychologically and educationally—all the areas where we can help. At that moment, they become part of our family. We embrace and love each other and support each other. That is simply our purpose here.

Chic Compass: Can you tell me about NVCCF’s adult services program, The Caring Place, and how it evolved?

Jeffrey Gordon: That’s a rather personal story. When I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the prognosis was not good. Dr. Mary Ann Allison is someone I will love forever, as she helped save my life. She was wonderful and cared for so many people in this community. Dr. Allison has since retired.

As I was finishing my treatment, she mentioned to me that she had always dreamed of creating a place for adults affected by cancer. She even had a name for it: The Caring Place. I explained that she needed 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and insurance. I helped her with that, and she found a location. We started sending some of our parents and some patients to The Caring Place for healing arts. It became an oasis of healing in the desert, offering counseling, massage, reiki, yoga, and art therapy services.

One day in 2009, during the economic downturn, Dr. Allison called and said they were experiencing financial struggles. She asked if there was any way we could save The Caring Place and if I could speak with our board. I worked to secure financing and lock it in for a few years. Our friend and developer Brett Torino helped us, along with some funding from the wonderful Engelstad Foundation.

Years later, we met Britney Spears through her manager. She was in the process of moving to Las Vegas and beginning her residency at Planet Hollywood. She wanted to support a children’s charity. Her advisors planned to interview 10 charities; we were one of the organizations mentioned through the mayor’s office. Britney was not involved in the initial process.

It was a Friday when our wonderful vice president and director of marketing, Stephanie Parker, had 30 minutes to present to Britney’s representatives. However, the meeting lasted two hours because of the many questions they had. The following Monday, Britney selected us as her charity. She raised more than $1 million for our organization.

In 2017, we opened the Britney Spears Campus, which was made possible through her generous donation. The campus, located at 3711 E. Sunset Road, allows all of NVCCF’s services for children, families and adults, including The Caring Place, to operate in one location, supporting them as they deal with the psychological, medical and social ramifications of cancer.

Chic Compass: How do you engage community awareness of NVCCF and The Caring Place? Is it through social media, public service announcements, and fundraising?

Jeffrey Gordon: We host many events. We have our Saddle Up for Kids event in the spring, and in the fall, we have the Profiles of Courage Gala. The gala is one of our biggest fundraisers each year, honoring special children of courage, volunteers, and community angels. We also honor those who help us as we help others, along with the courage of several brave children and adults.

Stephanie does an incredible job with grant writing. It is important to note that we are not affiliated with any national organization or receive government aid. We are a local charity, which is reassuring for those who donate to us, as they know all the money goes to local programs. Ninety cents of every dollar goes directly to the programs, and we have been very transparent about that throughout the years.

Chic Compass: It sounds like you have a group of extraordinary individuals who have supported your mission. Is there a particular individual or group of individuals who have walked alongside you that you would like to mention?

Jeffrey Gordon: There are so many, but there are some special ones, with Brett Torino probably being one who has done as much or more than anyone for NVCCF. I had not been doing this for more than a month when FOX5 Vegas contacted me for an interview as a new startup, and Brett, a developer in town, was being interviewed right after me. Right before his interview, he introduced himself and asked me to wait for him because he wanted to discuss possibly doing some projects together. That began a friendship and brotherhood combining two hearts that have never ceased.
Whenever I needed anything, Brett was there, especially for the education program. Since our kids were missing so much school and needed assistance to maintain their education, I explained the program, and he funded it and continues to fund it. It is now known as the Brett Torino Foundation Education Services. Whenever I asked him for something, he was always there.

For example, Camp Cartwheel needed a larger facility. Brett had a beautiful ranch and opened it to NVCCF, developing it over the years to accommodate our kids and many others in our community. Various construction companies have also helped us tremendously—what a giving industry. The PENTA Building Group, SW Specialty Contractors, and McCarthy Building Companies are like family to us.

Al Marquis and our tremendous board of directors have been there for us. Rich and Claire MacDonald at MacDonald Ranch opened their clubhouse for our Saddle Up for Kids event. Garry Goett at Southern Highlands has also funded many children’s trips to camp over the years.

This community is full of wonderful people with giving hearts. Many outstanding individuals want to work here or sit on our board, but this is the real deal. We have always said to check egos at the door. These children know within two minutes if you are a caring individual. We are careful about who is involved in benefiting these special adults, children, and their families.

For more information, visit www.nvccf.org.

The cast and crew of “Wicked” backstage with the press. The movie received the Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award at the Golden Globes.

A Golden Night to Remember

BY JANET SUSAN R. NEPALES / PHOTOGRAPHY BY GERRY VILLAROMAN

It was a memorable night at the Golden Globes as Hollywood’s A-listers gathered at The Beverly Hilton for the 82nd annual ceremony, often touted as Hollywood’s “Party of the Year.”

Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Viola Davis, Zendaya, Ariana Grande, Timothée Chalamet, Selena Gomez, Dwayne Johnson and sisters Elle and Dakota Fanning were just a few of the stars who strutted on the red carpet, sipped mini Moët champagne bottles and blew kisses to their fans.

Glen Powell and Timothée Chalamet were particularly excited to meet their look-alike winners—fans who attended the Globes after winning contests because of their uncanny resemblance to these celebrities. The look-alikes proudly held signs that read, “I won a look-alike contest and now I am at the Golden Globes.”

The “Wicked” ladies — Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Michelle Yeoh — stunned in their outfits for the night. Grande wore a vintage haute couture nude off-shoulder gown by Givenchy. Erivo dazzled in a custom black Louis Vuitton halter gown adorned with silver sequin floral embellishments and a voluminous waist. Yeoh, meanwhile, was elegant in a black high-neck gown by Balenciaga.

One of the evening’s most emotional moments came from Zoe Saldana, who won her first Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for “Emilia Pérez.” Saldana delivered a heartfelt tribute to her collaborators, celebrating the power of diverse storytelling. Through tears, she said, “My heart is full of gratitude. Thank you so much to the Golden Globes for celebrating our film and honoring the women of ‘Emilia Pérez.’ I’m so blessed to share this moment with Selena Gomez, Karla Sofía Gascón, director Jacques Audiard, and all of my fellow nominees.”

“Emilia Pérez” also won awards for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, Best Motion Picture (Non-English Language), and Best Original Song for “El Mal,” which Saldana performed in the film.

Gascón, who delivered a powerful speech to close the night, made history as the first transgender woman nominated for Best Actress in a film at the Golden Globes.

Dressed in a yellow and orange Saint Laurent gown, Gascón said, “I chose these colors—the Buddhist colors—tonight because I have a message for you: The light always wins over darkness. You can maybe put us in jail. You can beat us up, but you can never take away our soul, our existence, our identity. And I want to say to you, raise your voice and say, ‘I am who I am, not who you want.’”

At the viewing party, where the winners had their trophies engraved, the victors walked in ecstatically with their Golden Globe awards. Ali Wong, wearing a red dress, won Best Performance in a Stand-up Comedy on Television for “Ali Wong: Single Lady.”

Colin Farrell, in a white suit, excitedly shook hands with guests who congratulated him on winning Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series for “The Penguin.”

It was also a big night for “Shogun,” as its entire nominated cast took home trophies: Hiroyuki Sanada (Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series, Drama), Anna Sawai (Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series, Drama), and Tadanobu Asano (Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role on Television). The show also won Best Television Series, Drama.

While Sawai and Asano showed excitement backstage and in the media room by raising their trophies, Sanada remained calm and collected—just like his character in the show. All three actors were first-time Golden Globe winners.

Another first-time winner was Fernanda Torres, the first Brazilian to win Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama, for “I’m Still Here.” Torres exclaimed that Brazil was celebrating with her that night and dedicated her award to her actress mother, Fernanda Montenegro, the last Brazilian nominee in that category 25 years ago.

Sebastian Stan, who won Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for “A Different Man,” used his speech to advocate for empathy and inclusion. He also highlighted his other important film, “The Apprentice.”

“Our ignorance and discomfort around disability and disfigurement has to end now,” Stan said. “We have to normalize it and continue to expose ourselves and our children to it, encouraging acceptance. One way we can do that is by championing inclusive stories.”

Richard Gadd, the “Baby Reindeer” actor-writer-producer, accepted the Golden Globe for Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for his show. He stated, “We need stories that speak to the complicated and difficult nature of our times. Any story, when done right, is universal. All the weird, idiosyncratic struggles we go through daily are just as worthy of being committed to the screen.”

Jean Smart, 73, won her second Golden Globe for her role in “Hacks,” teasing, “I never thought I’d be so happy to be called a hack!” The show also won Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy.

Jodie Foster, 62, claimed her fifth Golden Globe, winning Best Actor in a Limited Series for “True Detective: Night Country.” After being teased by actress Sofía Vergara, who was also nominated in the same category for “Griselda,” Foster replied, “I know. I know.”

Foster began her speech by saying, “The greatest thing about being this age and being in this time is having a community of all these people, especially you, Sofía.” She also thanked “the Indigenous people who share their stories with us. They have changed my life. Hopefully, they will change yours.”

Adrien Brody, another first-time Golden Globe winner, won Best Actor, Drama for “The Brutalist,” which also claimed Best Motion Picture, Drama. His director, Brady Corbet, won the Best Director award, marking his first Golden Globe win.

Brody, 51, became emotional during his speech, thanking his partner, Georgina Chapman, the former wife of Harvey Weinstein. “For your generosity of spirit, your own resilience, your immense creativity as a daily reminder of how to be,” he said.

Finally, one of the evening’s highlights was Demi Moore’s powerful and moving speech. The 62-year-old actress, elegantly dressed in a champagne gold Giorgio Armani Privé gown, revealed, “I’ve been doing this a long time—over 45 years—and this is the first time I have ever won anything as an actor. I am just so humbled and so grateful.

“Thirty years ago, I had a producer tell me that I was a ‘popcorn actress.’ At that time, I made that mean I wasn’t someone who could be acknowledged. I bought in, and I believed that.”

This Golden Globe night proved that producer wrong, Demi.

Moneda at the HAV Horse Rescue

For the Love of Horses

Horse Rescue CEO Alice Whitfield on a Love Story 53 Years in the Making

BY STACEY GUALANDI / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HAV HORSE RESCUE

It’s feeding time at the HAV Horse Rescue barn in Las Vegas, but that doesn’t keep CEO Alice Whitfield from singing to her stable.

She bursts out her rendition of “Side by Side” as Casper, a 17-year-old Quarter Horse and retired barrel racer, continues inhaling a handful of hay.

“I have my repertoire, and I sing to all of them,” says Whitfield. “But when it comes to food, I take second place.”

Always quick with a quip, this feisty five-foot (15 hands in horse lingo) force of nature—with her signature lime-colored hair—never puts her cart before the horse.

But don’t let her small size fool you. This former Broadway singer and actress is a thoroughbred in saving and rehoming surrendered horses.

“Lilac was bones when she came here and wouldn’t go near anybody,” says Whitfield as she introduces her hungry herd one by one. “She’s now up to weight and somebody is sponsoring to adopt her.”

“Joe was a racehorse who had kissing spine disease that had to be operated on,” adds Whitfield. “Instead of being put down, we took him in. Now he’s absolutely perfect and being ridden.”

Then, there’s little orphan Annie, the horse who inspired this 15-acre 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Kyle Canyon.

“She was just 333 pounds,” says Whitfield. “Now she’s up to 1,000 pounds and a spoiled brat! Ha!”

With support from volunteers, generous donors and an expert team in place, HAV Horse Rescue has built a horse’s dream house in just two short years.

“This is the Ritz Carlton of horse rescues,” says part-time volunteer Ellen LaPenna, who heard about HAV Horse Rescue on the local news. “I bonded with Willy. He’s my love. Now I’m his financial sponsor.”

“I just pray that people do get the word and that it’ll become self-supporting,” says Whitfield of her charity. “We have turned horses and people’s lives around for the better.”

The “we” is she and her partner-in-equine, husband David Hammer. He was instrumental in making his horse-worshipping wife’s bucket list wish a reality.

“We want to take in horses that need to be surrendered due to a family crisis, financial difficulties, an inability to care for a horse and the need for medical intervention,” says Hammer.

“For horses that aren’t adoptable, they get to live out their time in our sanctuary with all the love, attention and medical care they could ever want.”

“[Horses] will come right up and sniff you and they’ll find out if you’re naughty or nice,” adds Whitfield. “You don’t pick them. They pick you.”

Decades ago, this devoted duo picked each other as teens growing up in Brooklyn, New York.

“We were sweethearts in ninth grade until our senior year in high school,” gushes Whitfield. “I was in love and that was it. There was nobody else for me.”

But Whitfield says Hammer’s “Daddy dearest” put pressure on his son to go to college, not to go steady, so her beloved boyfriend broke it off.

“He was a dutiful son and left me with a bag of Chinese food on Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn. Not that I remember it. It was a Sunday,” jokes Whitfield. “I never got over it. It killed me. I never stopped crying.”

Hammer says they did meet up in Brooklyn once more a short time later.

“I was going into the train station to go to school and she informed me that she was getting married,” says Hammer. “That put a kind of a finality to the whole thing, so we just went off to what became our own incredible lives.”

Whitfield earned two doctorates—one in English and the other in primate animal behavior—both of which went unused in favor of the Great White Way.

In a twist of fate, she was asked to be one of the original cast members of the acclaimed 1968 Off-Broadway show “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.”

Her “perfect pitch” and versatile vocals earned her fame in both New York and Chicago, and an invitation to perform her one-woman show at Carnegie Hall.

But Whitfield says she soured on show business.

“When I decided to leave the business, my father was ready to kill me,” says Whitfield. “He said, ‘How could you do this to me?’ He liked having a daughter who was famous. I was pretty famous and successful, but gosh, did I hate show business!”

Her streak of success continued as a New York City ad agency director/writer/producer, which led to coaching and casting voice actors. She worked with and befriended such legends as Dick Van Dyke, Tony Randall, William H. Macy, Nathan Lane and Mary Tyler Moore, to name but a few.

Whitfield opened her own company, Real-To-Reel Recording, Inc., which became one of Manhattan’s top creative production houses, and was recognized as one of the top voiceover coaches in the country, all while raising her son Mitchell.

(Fun fact: Mitchell Whitfield followed in his mom’s famous footsteps with memorable roles like Stan in “My Cousin Vinny” and Rachel’s ex-fiance Barry the orthodontist in “Friends!”)

Meanwhile, Hammer, a widower with two children, had moved to Taiwan and became a hugely successful international businessman.

“He spent 38 years building an empire, never being able to speak a word of Taiwanese; a word of Chinese; a word of anything other than English and a couple of Jewish phrases here and there,” jokes Whitfield. “But he turned nothing into a 1.2 million-square-foot furniture factory.”

Throughout the years, Whitfield admits she never stopped thinking of—and trying to locate—her long-lost love. Promising leads, even one from a private detective, always led to dead ends.

The story of her decades-long search is a complicated one, but in 2013, Alice Whitfield (née Berman) finally got an email address for Hammer through the help of old high school friends. She contacted him immediately.

“I looked at this email and said to myself, ‘Do I remember Alice Berman?’” recalls Hammer. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

From then on, they emailed each other every day, which Hammer says, “mushroomed into over a hundred email trails, back and forth and back and forth.”

“Then came that one special email,” adds Whitfield, who was by now living in Las Vegas and teaching voiceover classes at UNLV.

Hammer invited her to meet him in Hawaii for a Midwood High School reunion…for two.

“So, there I was on the way to Oahu, sitting in the aisle seat near the bathroom because all I could do was run and pee,” laughs Whitfield. “A woman next to me asked, ‘Are you all right?’ No, I’m not. I’m meeting the love of my life, who I haven’t seen in 53 years!”

That first face-to-face is a moment they will never forget.

“He didn’t do anything; he just stood there,” says Whitfield. “Then he said, ‘Alice Berman?’ I said, ‘Yes, David Hammer.’ Then, all of a sudden, he grabbed me and kissed me, and that was that.”
Since then, they haven’t stopped making up for lost time, which includes a family of three goats, two horses, two dogs and 38 rescued horses, at last count.

“The number keeps on changing,” jokes Hammer.

Many adoptable horses at HAV Horse Rescue have healed and found forever homes, and dozens of families have written letters raving about how perfectly matched they are to their new horses.

The bottom line is that Whitfield credits its success so far to a talented team led by ranch managers and COO Sharon and Tommy McGarry, trainer Erica Manke and a large group of volunteers.

Once the veterinarians properly care for a surrendered horse’s medical issues, Sharon determines which ones are ready for rehoming. But before any horse is released, she visits the potential new owners’ home and facility to make sure it is suitable.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me,” says McGarry while holding back tears. “HAV Horse Rescue has a serious purpose and has really been put together to last and to get it right. It’s all a gift; it’s good for the horses, and once people come, they want to be part of us.”

That includes one veteran named Orlando. Whitfield says he would lock himself in his house and never talk to anyone until he started coming to the HAV Horse Rescue.

“He comes up and just takes care of the horses, plays with them and he’s a new person. He leaves his house!” says Whitfield. “That’s the power that these animals have. Grace, to me, is the connection between a human being and, let’s face it, an animal.”

Right now, everyone is chomping at the bit for Phase Two to be completed. Whitfield says—for the first time in Las Vegas—there will be a state-of-the-art equine rehabilitation center at HAV Horse Rescue!

“No more hauling your horses to another state,” says Whitfield. “We’re building already. We don’t waste time.”

After five decades apart, not wasting time makes perfect sense. That is, horse sense.

“I’m not a religious person, but there’s no doubt in my mind that there’s some fate involved here, some extraterrestrial thing out there that put us back together again,” says Hammer. “Of course, it would not have happened had Alice not pursued it.”

“And he’s been making it up to me ever since,” adds Whitfield. “We have Chinese food once a week. Ha!”

To learn more about how to help and get involved, visit www.havhorserescue.org.