St. Rose history outshines the stars

This first published February 26, 2009 in the Henderson Home News, a Community Newspapers of Nevada publication.

St. Rose Dominican Hospitals' 2009 Children's Miracle Mardi Gras Ball was an evening of elegance, glamour and entertainment. After 52 years, this is the longest-running fundraising event in Southern Nevada, and I am of the opinion that this year's ball should be up for an Academy Award as the "Best Gala of 2009," if there were such an award.

The performances by the celebrity cast — Donnie and Marie Osmond, Debbie Gibson, the Osmond 2nd Generation and others — were phenomenal. It was a wonderful night of entertainment.

Although, even those stars were outshone by the history in the room. There were three generations of St. Rose supporters, and they had a story to tell about the survival of Henderson's little hospital, which in my lifetime has become a respected player in Southern Nevada health care. I would like to share some of that story with you.

I had the honor of being the guest of my dear friends Troy and Selma Bartlett. Selma along with a handful of her colleagues have believed in and supported the vision of St. Rose Dominican Hospitals since 1956.

The history of this hospital began in the 1940s. The hospital was built as Basic Magnesium Hospital as the medical support for the Basic Magnesium Plant that provided critical goods during World War II.

After the war ended, there was no longer a need for magnesium to be produced for the war, and the plant's production slowed down. The plants were converted to peacetime uses, but attracting businesses was slow, and many of the people began to leave. Not all of them did, though. Some stayed, determined to scratch a living out of the Southern Nevada desert between Boulder City and Las Vegas.

Still, the hospital was put up for sale. It was purchased by the Adrian Dominican Sisters for one dollar a year, the assumption of the debt and a commitment to run the hospital for 25 years. That year, 1947, is where the story of Rose de Lima Hospital, now known as the St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, begins.

From 1955 through 1956, the hospital became accredited and it obtained a radioisotope (nuclear medicine) laboratory with the first accredited cancer treatment center. In 1957 was the first Mardi Gras Ball — the year I was born — and my mother sat on the Event Committee.

Selma was also involved in that early support of St. Rose. She had moved to Henderson in 1954 to work for Bank of Nevada, which she later managed, while her husband, Troy, was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base.

Selma got involved with St. Rose shortly after arriving in Henderson, when Sunrise Hospital made a move to buy St. Rose, which was failing financially. She recalled how community members met with the sisters and the mother general and pleaded with them not to sell the hospital to a private company. The conversation with the mother general went something like this, as Selma recalled:

"We said, 'Don't sell it, don't sell it.'

"But we're losing all this money," the mother general said.

"So a group of us came up with the money."

That group included City Councilman Lou LaPorta, Glen Taylor and James I. Gibson, who later became State Senate majority leader and was father of our current mayor, James B. Gibson.

And the Mardi Gras was born to ensure at least one major fundraiser for Henderson's hospital for the years to come.

Colleen O’Callaghan-Miele, co-publisher of the Home News, can be reached at 990-2653 or colleen@vegas.com. She writes a regular column for the Home News.

When times are tough, find balance

This first published February 19, 2009 in the Henderson Home News, a Community Newspapers of Nevada publication.

During our challenging economic times, it is apparent that all in our valley are being financially impacted. Even the valley's largest neighborhood gaming corporation is not shielded from a tremendous financial loss.

It is at this time that we must take action for our own well-being and search for inner-peace and contentment.

Many people are pulling together and sharing resources such as living quarters, food, transportation and child care.

Let's take these hard times and focus on what and who is important. The "what" is happiness — isn't that what we all desire to wake up in search of each morning? The "who" is you — you do have the responsibility and freedom to tend to your needs so that you are able to care for others.

Realistically, nobody is happy all the time, although there are people who are happy and fulfilled a majority of their life.

Personally, I wake up going 60 mph and usually with a smile on my face and a cheery "good morning" and kiss for my boys. And I don't start to put the brakes on until about 11 each night after my family is settled and the house is shutting down.

This doesn't mean that I am happier than you are; it just means that I wake up going full-force and looking forward to my day.

Like everyone, I have challenges to face, which is why I looked for ways to maintain the healthy perspective necessary to come out at the other end of these times smiling and loving life. I like what I found. As with everything in life, it is about the KISS factor — keep it simple, silly.

• Relax — Rent a movie, visit a funny Web site, take a bubble bath or be resourceful. What I do is beg, bribe and sometimes pay one of the boys to rub my feet.
• Let's laugh — Having a good laugh is scientifically proven to heal the sick, and it's free. Well, not always; many times in our household a good chuckle is often at the expense of someone within the family circle.
• Let's take the good with the bad — It often isn't what we go through that determines an outcome, but how we choose to go through it that makes or breaks our spirit.
• Let's be grateful — For our family, friends and neighbors. We all have something or someone who we can be thankful for or to take care of.
• Love and be yourself — Be honest and open with yourself. Be true to your feelings even when doing so hurts a little. Personally, I believe that God is my maker and that he doesn't make mistakes, so, although I am far from perfect, I am a precious soul worthy of all the good and kindness the world has to offer.
• Let's surround ourselves with healthy attitudes — People who enjoy doing the things that we do, people who live life as we do. We all need someone who cares about us and treats us well, someone who supports us during good and difficult times.
• Let's stay active — Studies show that when we have a diversified lifestyle we are happier. Incorporate activities that balance and meet our educational, spiritual, social, nutritional, occupational and physical needs.
• Let's make someone happy — We carry with us the ability to make others happy just by raising the corners of our mouth, opening a door or giving a hug. The beautiful thing about a simple smile is that by doing so we find our own ray of sunshine.
• Let's dance and make snow angels — It was the little things in our lives that filled our days with joy and memories when we were young. Did we forget how to dance and whirl and twirl or plop down in the fresh snow and wave our arms to make snow angels as we'd giggle? Not so long ago, I climbed out of a window onto the rooftop of a 15-story New Jersey hotel and laughed as I danced underneath the falling snowflakes.
• Let's promise to be forgiving — Forgiving those who have hurt us knowingly or not knowingly is like a rainbow at the end of a storm. When we are forgiving we release the weight of the world from our shoulders and set free out hearts.

This list just scratches the surface of things that we can do to brighten and lighten our lives and those of others. Life is simply too short.

Colleen O’Callaghan-Miele, co-publisher of the Home News, can be reached at 990-2653 or colleen@vegas.com. She writes a regular column for the Home News .

Standing with Israel and in unison

This first published February 5, 2009 in the Henderson Home News, a Community Newspapers of Nevada publication.

Throughout history, religious teachings around the world shaped by ignorance and fear have been misguiding people and have often led to tragedy.

Religion, even in its purest form, can be prejudiced, discriminating and violent against any minority, not only in America but around the world. Authentic religion inspires compassion and respect for everyone. Religion as defined by several sources is:

• People’s beliefs and opinions concerning the existence, nature and worship of a deity or deities, and divine involvement in the universe and human life.

• A particular institutionalized or personal system of beliefs and practices relating to the divine.

• A set of strongly held beliefs, values and attitudes that somebody lives by.

• An object, practice, cause or activity that somebody is completely devoted to or obsessed by.

We, as a country, are in existence today because our forefathers were persecuted for their religious beliefs. They were forced to flee their homeland in search of a place to be free to practice their faith and to feed and raise their families in peace and without fear.

No different is the state of Israel. Israel and her people are entitled, as are all of God’s children, to live in peace and prosperity in a land of their own with borders free of missile attacks.

At the close of 2008, Israel launched a defensive military action against Hamas targets in Gaza. Following years of unprovoked rocket attacks, the Israeli government has taken this action to protect her citizens.

Israel’s leadership determined that it could no longer allow Hamas’ declaration to destroy Israel to stand. The terrorists have amassed huge stockpiles of sophisticated weapons that are now being used to target Israeli population centers in the south, including Ashdod and Ashkelon.

It is clear that Israel’s leaders have said enough is enough. Southern Nevada’s Jewish community is committed to do whatever is necessary to provide aid and support for their brothers and sisters in Israel.

We, as Americans, understand the terror of Sept. 11 and treasure our homeland and life without war. Therefore, our United States has always demonstrated its solidarity with Israel in the past and should continue to do so. As an American, and as my father did before me, I will stand with Israel and her people.

For Israel, these are challenging times that demand action and support from all those who denounce anti-Semitism.

Judaism and Christianity teach that the gifts we have been given are not ours to keep but to steward responsibly and pass on in ways that help make a difference in the world. Events of the past few months have caused many to suffer and lose their homes and lives.

Let’s not forget the innocent killed in the crossfire. This alone should cause us all to reassess our needs and priorities and to be thankful for all we have been given, to count our blessings, as well as our resources, to recommit ourselves to embrace our ability to care for those in need in our community and around the world.

President Obama, I also stand behind you. You have shown the world that regardless of one’s race, color, creed or gender, as Americans we are united.

Colleen O’Callaghan-Miele, co-publisher of the Home News, can be reached at 990-2653 or colleen@vegas.com. She writes a regular column for the Home News.

Go Red for women’s hearts on Feb. 12

This first published January 22, 2009 in the Henderson Home News, a Community Newspapers of Nevada publication.
On Feb. 12, I intend to dress in red and support the American Heart Association’s fourth annual Go Red for Women Luncheon. My intentions are two-fold: first, to join in the AHA effort in educating women about heart disease while learning to live as a champion of health in our community and, secondly, one of my parents died as a result of a heart attack and the other a broken heart (aortic aneurysm).

Heart disease is a dietary and genetic dominating health issue throughout our family tree. My maternal grandfather died from a massive aortic aneurysm when my mother was 5. My paternal grandparents both suffered and died from heart disease.

To this day, heart disease impacts me five out of seven days a week.

In August 2004, at approximately 6:45, while I was curling my hair, I dropped a hot-roller. As it bounced then rolled across the floor, the house phone rang.
It was a call telling me mom (affectionately know as “Big Red” to Nevadans) was on her way to the hospital in an ambulance. Mom was woken up by an explosion of pain that brought her out of bed — to her knees — then to the floor. Apparently she crawled, dragging her body, paralyzed with pain, down the hall into the family room to get a phone.

I arrived at the hospital just in time to find my mother on a gurney, my brothers, sister and aunt Harriet around her bed, when the surgeon blurted, “We must get you into surgery. ... Frankly, I am amazed that you’re alive. ... You could die any minute ... and I’m not sure that I can repair the aneurysm ... or that you will live through surgery."

The weekly sitcom character House displays better bedside manners.

We kissed mom and told her that we loved her, and off she went. With eyes wide, mouths dropped open and hearts racing, we were all at a loss and had little hope that we would see her again. The damage tore and zig-zagged down her aorta, which I believe was from a broken heart at the loss of her college sweetheart and soul mate, my dad.

The following five days in the intensive care unit were filled with experiences that I believe only those who have an awareness of their higher self would appreciate.

So, my story wouldn’t feel complete without sharing my mother’s loss of her lifelong love to heart disease just five months before her story began.

On March 5, 2004 — five months and five days before, it was shortly before 7 a.m. and I was curling my hair, getting ready for work — exactly like the morning I got the call about mom, while curling my hair I dropped my curler, it bounced and rolled across the floor as the phone rang. It was my brother Brian calling.

“Colleen?”

“Yes,” I answered.

“Dad went down at church.” (He attended ritually every morning.) “They are working on him and the ambulance is on its way. They will probably take him to Desert Springs.”

“Oh no! Please, dear God! Brian, is he breathing?”

“I don’t know, Colleen. All I know is that they are working on him”.

“Who’s working on him?”

This was the first day that changed my life forever.

Sharing my story I realize my feelings of sorrow have turned to empathy and the tears I cried in the future will be for the family and friends of the nearly half a million women who will lose their life (according to AHA) to the No. 1 killer of women: heart disease.

The mission of the Go Red for Women movement is to educate and create awareness regarding women and heart disease, enabling women to live stronger, longer lives.

So, I encourage you to throw on a red dress and join us at the Four Seasons Hotel here in Las Vegas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, for the Go Red for Women luncheon. The day promises you an opportunity to learn, share, shop, win and be entertained. This event is designed to create an inspirational and informative atmosphere that will encourage women in our community and across America to become champions of their health.

Colleen O’Callaghan-Miele, co-publisher of the Home News, can be reached at 990-2653 or colleen@vegas.com. She writes a regular column at the Home News.

Turn hard times into opportunities

This first published January 8, 2009 in the Henderson Home News, a Community Newspapers of Nevada publication.

Welcoming the New Year was bittersweet.

With the aftermath of last year’s financial downturn of the real estate, construction and banking industry came a distinct sullenness for those in our valley who found themselves financially inverted, unemployed or homeless. The sweetness is it’s a time of awareness, a newness and rejuvenation to look at each day of this year as the “Last Day of Forever.”

Each year, I embrace the new year with a vigorous, dynamic and effective mind set to be all that I can be to my God, self, family, close friends, partners and those in need because they are who keep me strong when facing life’s challenges.

This year, with so many in our community being without jobs or homes, I am optimistic and encourage you to trust that life is good and we all can have a fruitful new year. There is one catch, and that is this new year will require some minor changes to our mind set.

This year for some may require embracing and incorporating past years’ philosophical lifestyles.

Recently I had lunch with a partner and reflected on the 60s, where less was more. It was a time when we all lived in the moment. Peace, love and happiness wasn’t purchased or a tangible item but a state of mind. Spending time with your family (especially the grandchildren) and friends was the ultimate source of happiness. It was a time when volunteering was not only valued but a part of life, and volunteers were acknowledged for their talents and contribution to the betterment of oneself and his or her commitment to their community as a whole.

For those who have their job and home, I encourage you to volunteer your time just a couple of hours here and there to those who are in need of your time and energy. Trust me, you will reap great rewards.

For those who are in need, what appears to be a misfortune finding themselves out of work or struggling this year could very well be a wondrous opportunity.

Think about this: Not everyone will be given the opportunity to make new decisions, change direction or launch a new venture. Use this time to take stock and inventory and use it to your advantage.

At a time when one could feel at a loss or disadvantage, research recommends that you maintain a regular schedule and daily routine.

Keeping “office hours” will help maintain a feeling of control and can be personally empowering. Get up at a time as you would if you worked. Check e-mail, job sites and read the paper. Dress and leave your house as you would if you were working.

Distribute your resumes at places or agencies you would like to be employed. Look at temporary jobs until you get the job you want. Return home at the same time each day. In order to find a job, you must treat the day as if you had one.

Be opened-minded to all options. You might find that you like a job that you might have never otherwise considered.

A perfect example is our beloved Ronald Reagan. Being turned down for a job at Montgomery Ward was one of many setbacks that moved him onto a path that eventually led to his becoming president of the United States. In the book “American Life: The Autobiography,” he wrote, “I’ve often wondered at how lives are shaped by what seem like small and inconsequential events, how an apparently random turn in the road can lead you a long way from where you intended to go — and a long way from wherever you expected to go.”

Decide how and what you want to do at this point and perhaps for the rest of your life. When you reach this juncture in your life, work will no longer be just a job or a way to earn a paycheck. It is at this point that work becomes an exciting part of your daily living that will overflow into every aspect of your world.

Colleen O’Callaghan-Miele, co-publisher of the Home News, can be reached at 990-2653 or colleen@vegas.com. She writes a regular column at the Home News.

Snow day a chance to slow down

This first published December 25, 2008 in the Henderson Home News, a Community Newspapers of Nevada publication.

It was the night our community came to a screeching, sliding, bumper-to-bumper halt. As beautiful and refreshing as a heavy winter snowstorm in Northern Nevada or Southern Utah can be, last week’s storm here generated a surreal introduction and closing for the last week before Christmas and the new year.

The massive and beautiful snowfall brought our community to a standstill. There were many people who were concerned for the safety of family, friends and their employees. For others, this day brought a sense of calm, appreciation of family, friends and neighbors, and created a time to be still, a time for reflection.

It is ironic that in this time of financial duress and instability, the frantic holiday pace to get everything wrapped and tied with a bow, Mother Nature, with her glory of her winter wisdom, bestowed upon us the greatest gift of all.

It was the gift of being still, of reaching out to help others, businesses helping their employees and customers, the gift of prayer for those hungry and without shelter from cold and winter snow. She gave us the ultimate gift of love and appreciation for all who live in and represent our community.

Mother Nature gave Southern Nevadans the opportunity to experience the “reason for the season.”

This holiday season, our spirit of community has been renewed. The air is filled with hope and the health and well-being of all, and it’s packaged so that we can carry Mother Nature’s gifts forward into the new year.

So, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Colleen O’Callaghan-Miele, co-publisher of the Home News, can be reached at 990-2653 or colleen@vegas.com. She writes a regular column for the Home News.

Tragic Night a reminder of life lessons

Olivia “Lynn” Brandise Hyten, another gift from above, has been returned home.

Yes, another tragic night, another fatal crash.

Our kids are continually being educated on the importance of driving responsibly and the deadly consequences of doing otherwise.

The fact is, this same message will need to be delivered to our kids throughout their adulthood. Why? Because adults are “big kids?” No, it’s because they are human.

This is where the old saying “to err is human, to forgive is divine” rings true. As humans, we have an internal need to continually explore everything around us in addition to the freedom to make choices.

The beauty of this freedom is that as infants we learn by exploring our environment in the safety and under the close watch of our family. As adults, we continue to make decisions that are irresponsible and potentially detrimental to the well-being of ourselves and others.

One would think that after years of education about the danger of driving while under the influence and irresponsibly, there would be no need for laws and punishment for those who do so.

The driver of the truck Brandise Hyten was in has been charged with two counts of reckless driving and involuntary manslaughter; the other was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.

I attended Lynn’s final goodbye and farewell service to share the suffering of my son Timothy “T.J.” at the loss of his friend and teammate.

T.J. and Lynn had someone very special in common — Michelle, the owner of Grindz Boards and More at the corner of Sunridge Heights Parkway and Eastern Avenue.

Michelle opened Grindz in memory of her mother and, in turn, created a safe haven for her children and others who love to skateboard at our local skate park.

Our kids are respected and loved by Michelle, her customers, fellow teammates and parents.

Parents such as myself are thankful for business owners like Michelle who dedicate their lives to our youths, share in their ups and downs, and have their best interest at heart.

The kids who hang, skate and work at Grindz are held to high standards of completing homework, maintaining their grades and obeying and respecting their parents and one another.

The bond that Lynn and T.J. shared was one of mutual respect and trust — I’ve got your back.

This is at the core of my son’s anguish over the unnecessary loss of his friend. In his young mind, whoever was responsible for his loss must be held accountable.

Each day, those involved in the accident that took his friend’s life will live with the memory and life-altering impact of this one fatal night.

As with all of life’s lessons, there are consequences for exercising one’s freedom of choice. As I explained to my son, the lesson learned is that the consequences of a young person’s actions should result in a judgment based on their level of experience and not as an adult.

Let the memories of Olivia “Lynn” Brandise Hyten be those of her smile, love for her family and friends, taking pictures, skateboarding, dancing and her abundant love for life.

Rest in peace, Lynn. Your laughter continues to ring at Grindz.

Colleen O’Callaghan-Miele, co-publisher of the Home News, can be reached at 990-2653 or colleen@vegas.com. She writes a regular column for the Home News.