Mandy Walton

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Where the beautiful people live: Wednesday, July 29, 2009; Over the weekend, I went to a church dinner with my husband’s family. They live on the other side of the valley, in Las Vegas. At our table were a couple of people I did not know. My husband, who spent his teenage years in Las Vegas, seemed to know them. The woman asked where we live. “Out in Henderson,” my husband said. “Oh....Henderson,” the woman answered. “That’s where all the beautiful people live.”
Henderson lauded as a ‘playful’ city: Tuesday, July 21, 2009; While Forbes Magazine voted Henderson one of the “most boring” cities, back in January, KaBoom!, a national non-profit organization, has recognized the city as a Playful City USA for 2009. This is the second year Henderson has received this honor.
Hot day, lost lady: Monday, July 20, 2009; The story I’m about to relate makes my blood boil. Friday, it was 110 degrees. I was on Van Wagenen and saw a woman pull over to help an older lady who was in the street with a walker. I stopped my car to see if they needed help. The elderly lady was dressed in pink sweatpants, slippers, and had a sweatshirt and sweater on, as well as a knit cap. She moved very slowly, and it’s unclear how long she had been outside in the heat.
Summer nights at Mission Hills Park: Saturday, July 11, 2009; The days are scorchers! I don’t know how anyone ventures out into the hot sun in the middle of a day like any we’ve had this week. I’d rather head out when the sun is just starting to go down—it’s still at least 105 degrees, but the sun isn’t blaring in your face, reminding you of how warm it is.
Meet the author of book about Cold War plane crash on Mount Charleston: Friday, July 10, 2009; Author signing Kyril D. Plaskon will be signing copies of her book, “Silent Heroes of the Cold War Declassified,” from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at The District.
Fourth of July a reason to celebrate: Wednesday, July 8, 2009; Independence Day went off smoothly in Downtown Henderson. The festivities on Water Street and in the City Hall Events Plaza were attended by hundreds of local families aiming to have fun and save money by attending the free event.
Boardhouse Serious Sandwiches are seriously good: Friday, July 3, 2009; In late May, a new sandwich shop opened its doors in Henderson. Boardhouse Serious Sandwiches took up residence in the Albertsons shopping center at Lake Mead Parkway and Boulder Highway and, from what I can tell, has quickly gained popularity.
Unemployment hits hard at home: Monday, June 29, 2009; “Unemployment,” “recession,” and “economy” are three words my toddler-son will probably start rattling off soon. They are mentioned all too often in our home.
Local Web developer makes it big: Thursday, June 25, 2009; There are quite a few well-known people who either live, work or play in our community. Today, I’d like to introduce you to one who has put Henderson on the map internationally. Web developer Anthony Decena, principal and chief technology officer of Mindelusions, Inc., is also a life-long Henderson resident and graduate of Basic High School has done just that. His biggest client is the Estee Lauder Companies.
Libraries provide a host of activities for Henderson teens: Monday, June 22, 2009; I am dedicated to finding constructive things for kids in Henderson to do this summer. It’s hot, the days are long, and sometimes you just don’t feel like going outside. Well, the good news is that our newly re-opened Green Valley Library has some great programs planned for teens, ages 12-17.
Forrest Griffin to autograph books at Barnes & Noble: Thursday, June 11, 2009
Friday night series caters to the whole family: Friday, June 5, 2009; If you’re wondering what to do this Friday night, especially when we’re supposed to have one of the coolest days this summer, you might want to head over to the Henderson Events Plaza on Water Street. The City’s Cultural Arts and Tourism Department have planned something new that should please just about everyone.
No more teachers, no more books ... But plenty of summer camps!: Thursday, June 4, 2009; School is out and the kids are bored. Summer break can be especially boring for “tweens,” the kids approaching and just experiencing their teenage years. They aren’t old enough to get a job, yet are too young for playgroups at the park. Long days watching hours of television, playing computer games, and texting can lead to overweight, cranky, and even less-smart kids.
Hafen is mayor!: Tuesday, June 2, 2009; I attended Councilman Andy Hafen’s election party tonight to await the results in the mayoral race. My family tree goes way back with the Hafens, and I wanted this more than anything for Andy. He has worked so hard.
Prince or princess for a day: Monday, May 25, 2009; It was an evening of elegance for little boys and girls at the Prince and Princess Ball for All. The event was held Saturday night at the Black Mountain Recreation Center. The little royal guests were accompanied by their parents and entertained by a DJ. They made their own crowns or wands and had appetizers fit for a royal tea party.
Kudos to a helpful ER nurse at St. Rose: Friday, May 22, 2009; I would like to publicly thank and commend Amy, the triage nurse at St. Rose – De Lima’s emergency room, for her help earlier this week. My son burned his hand on the stove a few days prior and a blister had formed. My husband and I were convinced he was OK and without infection or pain because of the way he was acting (normal) and the colorless characteristics of the blister itself.
Check out Paseo Vista Park: Wednesday, May 20, 2009; Paseo Vista Park is the hot spot for tots! I try to meet up with a friend every so often so that we can talk while our kids play. This time she suggested Paseo Vista Park.
Henderson adds another park: Friday, May 15, 2009; Henderson has a new park that will be opening this Saturday. The public is invited to the grand opening of Madeira Canyon Park tomorrow, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2390 Democracy Drive.

The grand opening events are free.
Show some respect for your mother: Thursday, May 14, 2009; Springtime is a wonderful time of year to celebrate our mothers. With new flowers blooming, we are reminded of new life. Life would be absent without mothers. Henderson has roughly 375,000 residents and I would guess that a third of those residents are mothers -- maybe more -- when you factor in the amount of retirees living in our master-planned retirement communities.
ArtFest draws crowds, signals summer: Tuesday, May 12, 2009; I love ArtFest. It’s become a holiday to me, almost like Christmas, because I look forward to it every year. The weather doesn’t seem to hit “hot” until ArtFest comes. For me, the event is sort of an unofficial first day of summer in Henderson.
What’s with the stones on Water Street?: Friday, May 8, 2009; Early last week, though, some stones caught my eye. They were laid out on the ground, and I wondered if someone was constructing a sun dial. A few days later the stones were stacked into statues, looking like people. The last time I drove by a sign was also present that said "May you enjoy this tribute to mothers who have weathered the storm."
Pamper yourself for a good cause: Wednesday, May 6, 2009; Ladies, if you’re looking for a great night out to benefit a good cause, head on over to Destination Spa Salon. This Thursday, May 7, from 5 to 9 p.m., Destination salons in Henderson and Summerlin will be hosting a “Girls Night Out.” Proceeds from the event benefit SAFE House, the Purple Ribbon Council, and Cut It Out — Salons Against Domestic Violence.
Remembering the PEPCON explosion: Monday, May 4, 2009; Ask just anyone where they were on May 4, 1988 and you’ll probably get a blank stare. Ask anyone from Henderson and you’ll get vivid recollections of “the blast”-- one of the biggest explosions in U.S. history.
Green Valley Library celebrates grand opening: Friday, May 1, 2009; Henderson residents have a new full-service library in the Green Valley area. You may be thinking, “I never saw anything under construction.” This is true, because the Green Valley Library, located at the corner of Green Valley Parkway and Sunset Road, has been there for quite some time but did not belong to the Henderson District Public Libraries until recently.
A little patience could prevent a wreck: Thursday, April 23, 2009; Recently, I was stuck in traffic at Fiesta Henderson Boulevard and Lake Mead Parkway right about 4 p.m. Afternoon traffic was heavy as usual.
Henderson Heritage Days: The way we were: Wednesday, April 22, 2009; As Heritage Days, or what is now called the Henderson Heritage Parade and Festival came and went, I thought it appropriate to share with the citizens of Henderson some history on the celebration.
Henderson loses a great educator: Wednesday, April 15, 2009; I wrote a blog back around Christmas time about the Hinman Elementary School kindergartners making handmade holiday cards and selling them as a fundraiser. To get my information, I was able to spend the afternoon at the school with the assistant principal, Mr. Cliff Kehoe. I was familiar with Mr. Kehoe because he had taught at my own elementary school, Gordon McCaw, years before, and had also been my cousins’ teacher. I had remembered him as someone everyone liked so I knew the afternoon would be enjoyable.
Dig into genealogy at the Paseo Verde Library: Monday, April 13, 2009; If you've ever wondered where your family originated from and who you're related to, there are tons of resources available to help you accomplish this right here in Henderson.
What to do with old books? Donate!: Friday, April 10, 2009; My son took an interest in books from the time he was a newborn. I'm learning first-hand the importance of reading to a child. My son is only 18 months old but he is picking up words from the stories I read to him.
It's Election Day -- Vote!: Tuesday, April 7, 2009; OK, Henderson! If you haven’t already cast a vote for our upcoming election, today is the day. The primary for the Henderson municipal election is today, but if any candidate running for office wins more than 50 percent of the vote, it’s a done deal. If not, we will still have a general election on June 2.
‘All-American country boy’ Rodney Atkins to perform in Henderson: Thursday, April 2, 2009; A country music star is coming to Henderson. Friday night, Rodney Atkins will perform at the Henderson Pavilion at Liberty Pointe.
'Every 15 Minutes' a valuable learning experience: Wednesday, April 1, 2009; The Every 15 Minutes program will take place at Foothill High School Thursday morning. While it may seem like old news to some who have been around Henderson awhile, this program never loses its importance.
Sit in the shade and think for a minute before cutting down that tree: Friday, March 27, 2009; I have a pet peeve lately, and it involves the cutting down of mature, healthy, shade-providing trees.
Help keep trash in its place on windy days: Thursday, March 26, 2009; Fierce winds are ripping through Henderson today and are not expected to die down until sometime tomorrow. Because it's garbage day for many area neighborhoods, cans have been put out on the side of the road.
Proficiency tests: Help available for students who struggle: Friday, March 20, 2009; High school students across the valley took the junior proficiency exams Tuesday. Not all that long ago, most students were unaware of what the exam was and why they had to take it. Its effects can jeopardize an 11th-grader who was on-track to graduate. I speak from experience.
Henderson goes green for St. Patty's Day: Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Home construction = better economy?: Tuesday, March 17, 2009; My grandfather often remarks about the first time he passed through the valley. It was the early 1940’s and he could “see a CAT way out in the middle of nowhere, digging a hole.” He said this would later be the BMI industrial plants. Little did he know then that he would move to what would someday become Henderson, and that it would continue to grow into a very large city.
BJ's Restaurant comes to Henderson: Monday, March 16, 2009; Silverado Center welcomed a new restaurant earlier this month, and I recently had the pleasure of trying it out. BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is located at 9520 S. Eastern Ave., inside the Silverado Center. The first thing I noticed about BJ’s that was different than other bars and pubs was the sunlight. Windows illuminated the restaurant for natural light while dining. I happened to like this because I don’t like eating my meals in what feels like a dark cave.
Fashion Show a fun affair: Thursday, March 12, 2009; The Green Valley Chapter of the National Charity League held a spring fashion show on Saturday at the Galleria Mall. The show featured clothing, shoes and accessories from JC Penney, New York & Co, Wet Seal, Windsor, Macy's, and Payless. Makeup on the models was done by The Body Shop and Bobbi Brown, and hair was done by The Salon at JC Penney.
Clark County Museum is worth a visit (and the $1.50 admission!): Monday, March 9, 2009; The Clark County Heritage Museum is in your backyard…literally! Located at 1830 S. Boulder Highway, this tribute to our community’s history is just a hop, skip, and a car ride away.
Finding an old friend on Facebook: Friday, March 6, 2009; While Henderson has a “small town feel”, it is definitely a large city, and large enough to get lost in or to lose someone in.
Library talent show winners announced: Friday, March 6, 2009; The Henderson District Public Libraries hosted its fourth annual Teen Talent Show at the Galleria Mall last week. After a total of 44 acts and 400 spectators, the winners were announced and awarded.
Quiet reflection at a fireman’s funeral: Thursday, March 5, 2009; There’s something to be said about public servants -- they take care of their own. Just as in the military, in the world of police and fire, strong bonds form between those who work together. Mostly, this is because of the long hours worked, the traumatic scenes witnessed, and the feeling of camaraderie that develops when working as a team, shift, or squad.
Missed the M: Monday, March 2, 2009; The M Resort, Henderson's newest resort/hotel/casino opened tonight and I had every intention of being there at 10 p.m. for the big party. I should have realized, however, when I saw the sea of red brake lights, that I wouldn't make it inside on opening night.
What ever happened to customer service?: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009; If you read my blog, you'll remember that I just previously spoke of an outstanding display of customer service at our new Hallmark. But as I continued with my life over the weekend, one very specific incident brought up this question in my mind: What has happened to customer service?
On the lookout for things that go 'bump' in the night: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009; A haunted house is something most would think of as existing at amusement parks like Disneyland or tourist attractions like Whaley House in San Diego. No one in any “normal” town would really have spirits haunting their home…or would they? While I am scared to death (pardon the pun) of horror films and spooky stories, I still watch documentaries on television about people who claim to have spirits interrupting their everyday lives. Usually some sort of investigator or psychic is called in to investigate and tries to communicate with the spirit. The homeowner is usually left with a confirmation of what they already believed: a spirit is present. However, there is another option that may leave you sleeping better at night, if you fear you’re not alone.
Valentine’s Day is more than just a Hallmark holiday: Friday, Feb. 13, 2009; I made a quick stop over at the new Hallmark Gold Crown Store earlier this week at Lake Mead Crossing. While I love to make my own greeting cards, I wanted to see if there was anything clever or funny to give to my husband. And while I did buy a card, I actually spent more time and energy observing the other people in the store, as well as the clerks.
My father is a hero: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009; “Your father is a hero,” my mom said as I opened the door for her yesterday morning. I’m working a different schedule at work this week, and since she is my babysitter, she too has to be up at the crack of dawn with me. Telling me that my father is a hero was not what I was expecting to hear from her at 6:50 a.m.
Dads and daughters celebrate Valentine's Day: Monday, Feb. 9, 2009; The old saying that 'dad is a girl's first love' couldn't have been more correct. Little girls got to dance the night away with their dads Saturday night at the "Daddy-Daughter Dance" held at the Black Mountain Recreation Center. The dance was packed with girls decked out in beautiful dresses and some dads donning suits and corsages.
Church offers series on relationships: Friday, Feb. 6, 2009; With Valentine’s Day approaching, many people are thinking about love. However, the fact is, at any given time, just as many lovebirds out there are also struggling with their relationships or are in the middle of a divorce. Statistics now show that more than half of all marriages end in divorce.