All paths lead to excellence Written by Debbie Hall Photos by Amy O’Brien At age 16, McKenna Gatski not only participates in but excels in all areas of her life including her education, volunteer work, athletics and theater. Currently attending The Meadows School, Gatski is excelling in academics and is a varsity athlete. She participates in the varsity tennis and track teams and was a junior varsity freshman and varsity sophomore cheerleader. At the beginning of her sophomore year, Gatski’s close friend and classmate was diagnosed with cancer. His passing three months after his diagnosis was a life-changing moment for Gatski. [...]

Stories by Debbie Hall Photos by Connie Palen As part of our Green and Pets issue, three extraordinary women truly make Las Vegas a greener place for both the people and their pets. One of our Fearless Females profiled is thriving in a male-dominated profession while incorporating recycling and sustainability. Another Fearless Female is part of a resort on the Strip with a department that finds ways to reduce and repurpose waste, and combines giving with a better work environment. The third Fearless Female helps people at their most vulnerable as well as volunteers to rescue pugs. With these three [...]

If you’ve already abandoned your New Year’s resolutions, don’t despair. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off … and start fresh today By Hillary Torchin I have the remnant of a bad habit left over from my nail-biting days … I pick the cuticle of my right thumb when I’m nervous or feeling anxious. It sticks out of my French-manicured hands like what it is: a sore thumb. My daughter regularly points out that it’s a terrible and gross habit, but it’s a difficult one for me to break. I know I should quit, yet it has become a comfort in [...]