W.A.H.S. Message

Posted on February 18, 2012 by admin in Commentary

A message from The Board of Directors and the CEO of the Western Arizona Humane Society

One of the greatest aspects of animal welfare is the compassion we see from our volunteer, staff and donors. There have been a multitude of conversations, allegations and opinions regarding the operating functions of the Western Arizona Humane Society (WAHS). Unfortunately, along with these issues, there is misinformation that is being disseminated as facts. WAHS Board of Directors and dedicated staff continue to provide compassionate exceptional care for the animals in our community. Thank you to the many supporters and donors that have met with us to clarify the issues and continue, through their spirit of generosity, provide necessary resources for our shelter guests.

Why don’t you just have a fundraiser and put in Air Conditioning in the kennels?

Our adoption kennels are over 30 years old, and the stray building over 20 years old. Neither of these facilities were designed to accommodate an HVAC system. How we provide air flow for health concerns is different for dogs, cats and humans. All of our cat areas have specialized air systems that provide specific criteria and reduce the possibility of cross contamination. Our dog kennels are indoor/outdoor kennels that provide air flow that minimizes potential group housing diseases. We also provide swamp cooling in the summer months, and the interior of kennels is approximately 30 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. We have completed an extensive engineering evaluation from Design Learned, who are the experts in remediation of shelter facilities. The evaluation addresses many of the shortcomings of the existing facility compared to current design parameters for group housing. Based on these recommendations and evaluations we are actively in the design specification stage to determine actual costs and benefits to providing HVAC to both buildings.

What do you mean by “actual costs and benefits”?

For example, we are currently “maxed” on electric availability at our current 200 amp service. We would need to upgrade to a 600 amp/3 phase service to accommodate major renovations. Insulated kennel doors with flaps are $425 per unit and we would need 45 units. We also are working with Unisource to determine what the usage fees would be based on peak periods of demand. At the same time, we are analyzing what the return would be if we made such a major investment. How many degrees difference would we achieve by installing this system, and what extra precautions do we need to implement for overall animal health.

What do you do for the dogs in the winter when it is cold and windy?

Each kennel is designed with indoor/outdoor space. The outdoor space is protected with a 5 foot brick wall and wind screens on the chain link above that. Each dog gets fresh blankets daily (that’s why we appreciate all of the blanket donations), a raised platform bed, and sweaters and/or t-shirts for the short hair dogs more susceptible to winter temperatures. We do temperature reading 3 times a day, and our animal care technicians are with the animals from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm for observation. Although some dogs “shake” that is not always an indication of their being cold. Some small breeds, predominately Chi’s shake regardless of temperature.

These are just a few of issues that continue to come to light, although we have provided information, documentation and reports. (www. westernarizonahumane.org) We encourage you, as the public, if you have specific question, we will be happy to address your concerns. We are simply the caretakers and voice for those that can not speak for themselves.

Hair Care In The Winter

Posted on February 17, 2012 by admin in Health & Beauty

By Terri Lawrence of Hair Design

When the weather changes, so does your hair. When fall and winter wet in, your scalp and hair begins to get dry. The products you used in the summer and spring that were lighter on moisture should be changed out for products that moisturize your hair and scalp. This will help your hair to remain soft and manageable and, keep you from getting nasty flakes and dry scalp.

If you make an appointment with your stylist, ask them about a deep conditioning treatment that will jump-start your winter hair care. They will give you a treatment that will give your hair and scalp conditioners and moisturizers to help you keep your hair looking great. Also, ask your stylist for information on at-home care. Find out what products sold at your salon work best. You may able to keep your shampoo but add a leave-in conditioner for the fall and winter, Or a hair mask that you apply once every two weeks. While you are getting your treatment, have a conversation with your stylist about it. Once you get your at-home care and regular conditioning treatments as routine, your hair will be soft and fabulous for the winter months!

Other problematic conditions dry weather can create with our hair is static electricity. The sound of small electric particles coming from your hair as you pull your hat off can only mean one thing –Static Electricity! Hair static is at an all-time high during the winter months because of the cool outdoor weather combined with forced heat indoors. Prevent or contain static buildup in your hair during these months, and other months throughout the year, by using items around your home. Our greatest achievement in this business is a satisfied client! There simply isn’t any other profession we’d rather be involved in!

Think F.A.S.T:

Posted on February 16, 2012 by admin in Health & Beauty

Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke
By: Alissa M. Macias, RN, MSN, FNP-BC

Jamie was visiting her grandmother, Anne. The two of them were enjoying lunch together when Jamie noticed something a little bit off about her grandmother. Anne started speaking gibberish but seemed frustrated when Jamie could not understand her. Additionally, Anne’s face appeared uneven, the left side was drooping. Jamie called an ambulance and Anne was rushed to the hospital where she was diagnosed with and treated for a stroke. She received medication right away and was able to reach an almost full recovery after some rehabilitation. Anne was lucky that Jamie recognized the symptoms and acted quickly. Would you have recognized the symptoms and gotten help?

Stroke is a disease affecting arteries within and leading to the brain. It can be either related to a blockage of the flow of blood (such as related to a clot) or else a bleed into the brain which compresses the brain tissue. There is also a subtype of stroke called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) in which symptoms resolve quickly and last a short time. It should also be taken seriously, however, because it could also be a warning sign of another stroke.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and is a leading cause of disability. Statistically, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds. Risk factors for a stroke include increasing age (stroke risk doubles each decade of life after 55 years), family history, race (African-Americans have a higher risk than Caucasians), gender (males have a higher risk than females), history of stroke or heart attack, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, cardiac disease, poor diet, and physical inactivity and obesity.

Treatment of a stroke is time-sensitive so it is imperative to know the signs and act fast! Additional symptoms include a change in vision in one or both eyes, difficulty walking, dizziness, lack of coordination or balance, and a sudden and severe headache with no known cause. Jamie’s grandmother had a good outcome because she got treatment within three hours of the onset of symptoms. There is a clot-busting medication called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) which may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. tPA is the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of stroke but it must be given within three hours of symptom onset (four hours in rare cases). Think FAST and remember that time is brain! Additional information can be found at http://www.strokeassociation.org

F – Face: Does the face look even? Ask the person to smile.
A – Arms: Does one arm drift? Is there numbness or weakness especially on one side
S – Speech: Does their speech sound strange? Ask the person to repeat a phrase.
T – Time: Every second brain cells die, call 911 immediately

Under Constructon

Posted on February 15, 2012 by admin in Uncategorized

La Vita Dolce

Posted on February 15, 2012 by admin in A Taste Of Havasu

Just get near the open door and the wonderful smells of an Italian kitchen draw you inside where you are greated by a friendly smile and delightful atmosphere. It only takes one visit to become a part of the La Vita Dolce family! Family owned and operated, chances are you’ll run into father daughter co-owners Robbie and Monique Day greeting, serving, and plating food, providing a friendly, fun place to dine on authentic Italian recipes.

Opened in February of 2010, La Vita Dolce delivers a robust menu of one-of-a-kind Italian dishes that they have become famous for: white wine chicken marsella, lobster raviolis, shrimp scampi, veal parmesan, manicotti and a full selection of Italian wines as well as some great Northern California wines. Salads, soups, pizzas and hot or cold sandwiches also appear on the menu. Like many people trying to raise a family in a healthy environment, Robbie moved his family to Lake Havasu City from the hustle and bustle of Orange County, California in 1993, after selling his chain of pizzerias. Being the boom days, many people were rolling in the dough of the Havasu real estate and building market. Robbie was no different, jumping in as a general contractor building homes in Mohave County.

But Robbie had another type of dough on his mind, and with marinara sauce running through his veins, the idea of opening an authentic Italian Bistro was never far from his thoughts. After studying the authentic New York style pizzas of the Big Apple, Robbie perfected the dough, the right combination of cheeses, and of course, the signature marinara sauce. A La Vita Dolce New York style “pie” is as close as you can get to New York style without hopping a flight to La Guardia! Half off happy-hour appetizer specials in the bar from 3-6 include calamari, crab stuffed mushrooms mushrooms, roasted red pepper hummus and a spectacular artichoke-spinach dip. Then stick around for a great dinner. In the mood for a steak? Try the Filet with Lobster Ravioli. Tender and very flavorful. Pair it with the Erath Pinot Noir, talk about setting the hook. You will become a regular.

Friday and Saturday evenings feature live music, with live jazz accentuating patrons experiences on Sundays from 4-7 pm. Stop by for the fine Italian dining in an Italian Bistro setting and chances are you’ll end up with Robbie or Monique at your table, helping you share the good life! The Good Life: That’s La Vita Dolce—Italian food with a modern ambiance. Open 7-days a week, 3 pm to 10 pm Sun to Thur and 3 pm to 11 pm Fri and Sat. Located along Restaurant Row at 231 Swanson Avenue in Lake Havasu City. Call ahead for food orders: 928-680-5885

Look Who’s Coming

Posted on February 14, 2012 by admin in Jibber Jabber

LOOK WHO’ S COMING TO HAVASU

Almost anyone who frequents Mammoth Mountain has enjoyed a country style breakfast at the local icon The Stove. We are happy to share that The Stove is coming to Havasu in the space previously occupied by Chronic Taco. Glenn Taylor, owner of The Stove and Perry’s Italian Café of Mammoth Lakes, CA spent some time in the offices of itswhatsnow.com to fill us in on the details. Stay tuned for further updates.

Have You Been Wondering?
What is being built next to In-N-Out?

The grading of the lot next to In-N-Out would get any local excited and wondering. Could it be, are we are finally getting that Olive Garden? Did someone come to there senses and decide to build a Red Lobster? Of course not! This is Havasu, what is getting built is exactly what should of been expected, another strip mall. Hooray

Nancy’s Ice House
Now a pizzeria?

Full Throttle Pizzeria and bar is hoping to open in February. Be on the lookout and check out the remodel pictures on Facebook.

Panarelli’s Italian Subs

Posted on February 13, 2012 by admin in A Taste Of Havasu

Driving south on Hwy. 95 you’re sure to notice the Southside Laundromat–a great place to do laundry– and slurp down the best sub sandwiches in town! At the laundromat? Okay, not the laundromat, but right next door. They say good things come in small packages—and that describes Panarel- li’s—fresh made authentic subs, quiches, breakfast bagels, and salads–all contained in the small building adjacent to the Southside Laundromat. The only thing small about this place is the building: Panarelli’s food is big on taste with portions large enough to satisfy the biggest appetite! Choose from Pepper Steak, Pastrami, Meatball, or Veggie subs and a variety of salads. One bite and you’ll be back for your favorite sub sandwich. A variety of fruit-flavored smoothies and soft drinks provides the perfect beverage to compliment your meal. Subs so stuffed with good ingredients that you’re sure to spill it on your shirt (that’s why there’s a laundry next door). Hey, doing laundry never tasted so good! Ready to Eat?: Located at 2837 Maricopa Avenue, Panarelli’s is serving up fine food 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (3 p.m. on Sunday). While there, ask for Jenna, the best sub sandwich maker in town! Hey, they deliver—928-505-SUBS

TOP 5 Best Meals In HAVASU

Posted on February 12, 2012 by admin in A Taste Of Havasu No Comments

Editors Pick.

Send in your favorite
Havasu meals via Facebook
or email editor@itswhatsnow.com

#1 Chili Charlies
Chili Verde Chimi

Order one of the chimis for only $7.95, ask for it Chili Verde Style and you wont be dissapointed. this burrito is deep fried, loaded and covered in enchilada sauce and cheese. Served with sour cream, guacamole and rice.

#2 McKees’
Corn Beef & Cabbage Soup

Walking into and Irsh pub and grill you know they have to have some good corn beef and cabbage and Mckees does not dissapoint. The soup will litterally warm you to the bone. Have a half soup and sandwich for only $3.95!

#3 Javalina Cantina
Blackened Sea Scallop Salad

Try this salad tossed with field greens, caramelized onions, papaya, tomatoes, pecans and bleu cheese with cilantro lime vinaigrette dressing. $13.99 #4 Gallaghers Roasted Turkey Grinder Roasted smoked turkey breast sautéed with our original jalapeno slaw in a grilled wheat hoagie with melted provolone. $8.95

#5 Sho Gun
Fatty Loh

Avocado stuffed with Spicy Crab and Spicy Tuna, Tempura Fried. A fried Sushi lovers dream Sushi.

Red Onion Bar

Posted on February 11, 2012 by admin in Bar Buzz

If you’re looking for a new favorite bar in town, you’ll want to check out the R.O. Bar @ The Red Onion, downtown at Arnold Plaza. David Rome, bar manager, was quick to point out that this bar is unique: it’s not your typical loud bar, “We really wanted to go for a sophisticated, upscale bar: think your wine and cheese sort of thing. Owner Steve Van Ella is looking to emulate that classy downtown Scottsdale look and feel.” With upscale food from The Red Onion, combined with quality beers and liquors, the R.O. Bar has managed to add a touch of sophistication to the local bar scene.

Every last detail of the bar interior was designed and built by owner Van Ella—from the bar right down to the light fixtures—adding the owner’s touch and vision for revamping Arnold Plaza. The R.O. Bar provides at-the-bar and table seating. There’s also room for casual outside dining and drinking, taking advantage of the typically perfect Havasu weather. Add in planned art shows and events and it’s clear to see that Van Ella’s vision for the R.O. Bar is rapidly becoming a reality.

Already gaining a reputation for their famous Bloody Mary’s, the bar offers a variety of tap and bottle beers including local Mudshark brews, notably Full Moon and Scorpion. “A full line of Three Olive Vodka including Cake, Cherry, and OR-G, complimented by high-end Tequilas like Silver Cruz and Don Julio are sure to satisfy the most discriminating pallet”, noted Rome.

Happy Hour menus feature a variety of flavorful appetizers as well as ½ off drink specials. Meal specials include all-you-can-eat fish as well as mouth-watering prime rib. Fine dining and excellent drink selections all wrapped up in the upscale elegance that you won’t find anywhere else in town makes for a memorable night out at the R.O. Bar @ The Red Onion.

Great Food and Drinks, I’m There! The R.O. Bar @ The Red Onion features an upscale bar scene with excellent drink selections and fine dining at reasonable prices. Located at 2013 McCulloch Blvd. at Arnold Plaza, downtown Havasu. The R.O. Bar is open 4 p.m. to close Wed-Sat. The restaurant is open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. T o 2 p.m. And 4-8 p.m.

Red Army Captains

Posted on February 10, 2012 by admin in Bar Buzz

Lake Havasu City Indie Rock

We Sat down with Rob Hennings 3 and Ian Goold of local up and coming band Red Army Captains to ask them a few questions. If you were on main street for New Years, you had the opportunity to see these guys rock the night out and bring in the new year.

How do you handle the 7 – 10 split?
ROB: I usually just curse god for cursing me with such terribly low bowling averages.

So I heard you guys rocked Main Street on New Years. Care to comment?
IAN: We had fun and all thirty people that came to the stage we played seemed to enjoy it.

If you could play a show with any musician dead or alive who wold it be?
ROB: That is a really tough one, I am going to have to get back to you. After the interview rob came back in and said he would play with
John Taylor from Duran Duran. The next day he called in to say he would rather play with Paul Simonon from The Clash. (Someone has commitment issues I think)

IAN: Any artist would be iconic but if given the choice I would say Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation, John Lennon or Paul McCartney.

How long have you been playing together?
We have been playing together for around 3 or 4 years.

What can we look forward to in the future from you guys?
Right now we are just in writing mode. Then we will be working on some out of town shows.

Nipple clamps, good or bad?
ROB:probably bad, never tried them though
IAN: Bad news!

Who inspires you the most as far as influencing your writing?
ROB: People, places and things

IAN: I write my own stuff and don’t really listen to other music.

Where does the name come from?
IAN: The pre-occupation of the cold war, and what a farce it was.