Human potential. It’s infinite.

Bobbie

Opening Doors Through Education

Bobbie is inspired by a lifelong love of learning. “You say the word 'education,' and I immediately become passionate about the possibilities for everyone,” Bobbie, who has two master’s degrees and a Ph.D., says.

Education has always been at the center of Bobbie's life. Whether working as an elementary school principal, teaching as a university professor or developing programs to help people with learning disabilities, she believes in the power of education to open doors.

Bobbie channels her passion and her experience into chairing the resident-run Regents Point Education Fund to help team members — many in entry-level positions — advance their professional goals. Since its inception in 2013, when it was created through a bequest from two former residents, the fund has given out more than 120 education awards totaling more than $67,000. The funds are raised through voluntary donations from the residents.

“I feel so strongly that even though it’s not a huge amount of money — up to $750 per award — it helps people to achieve the dreams that they have,” Bobbie says. “It’s a relationship we build with the team members that shows them we care about them.”

Awards have been used to pursue a wide range of disciplines, from business administration to physical therapy. With the help of the education fund, several team members graduated from four-year universities. In some cases, they were the first in their families to attend college. Bobbie is involved in a number of other Regents Point activities. She teaches a weekly Bible class, chairs the vespers committee and participates in book groups. She also has worked with the library committee and the trip committee.

For many of the team members, the encouragement of Bobbie and her committee members has had a lasting, life-changing impact.

Sandra Garcia was a new licensed vocational nurse at Regents Point when she received her first award. Since then, she has received 12 awards through the program, which helped with her tuition to get her certification to become a registered nurse. She hopes to become a nurse practitioner.

Victor

Finding a New Passion for Center Stage

When Victor was invited to attend one of the first meetings of the “Rosemont Players,” he was somewhat apprehensive because he had no real interest or experience in drama. However, at the time, he was caring for his now-late wife, Janet, and knew he needed a creative social outlet, so he accepted.

Six productions — including “A Christmas Carol,” “Moonstruck” and “Hamlet” — later, and Victor is smitten with the stage and the camaraderie it has created in his life.

“As a former high school principal and musician, I was used to being in front of large audiences, but I had to step out of my comfort zone to start acting in front of people," he says. "The good news is that all my fellow Rosemont Players and residents who attend our plays are encouraging and laugh with us, not at us!”

Getting involved was paramount for Victor as he navigated the “new normal” when Janet passed away. “It was a difficult time for me, but I was fortunate to have the support of nearby family and good friends I have met here. After dinner, there are a few of us that gather and watch television together in one of the common areas. It seems like a simple thing, but the act of gathering, talking and hanging out together makes a world of difference to me. I like to call our group ‘the gang!’”

These days, Victor doesn’t have a lot of downtime because he also serves as the president of the resident association. He leads the association meetings and ensures that all the residents have a safe and fair place to voice their opinions and make suggestions.

“It’s important for me to continue trying new things so I keep my brain active and my spirit alive," Victor says. "I am grateful for the opportunities and the encouragement I receive from my friends and team members, so I can live a productive and fulfilled life.”

Jerry and Kay

Helping Others Equals Personal Happiness

For as long as they can remember, volunteering has been a way of life for longtime Las Ventanas residents Jerry and Kay. Jerry, a retired colonel in the Air Force, served our country for 27 years, and his wife, Kay, volunteered her time with the Red Cross and Military Family Services before they moved to Las Ventanas. Fortunately for us, they have continued to have that can-do attitude here and in the greater Las Vegas community.

“When we first moved from Florida, we didn’t know anyone, so we leaned into our passion for volunteering and our need for socialization,” Kay says. “Giving of our time and talents has provided us a sense of belonging and the opportunity to give back to our community.”

Kay recalled how some special women in the community encouraged her to get involved with Assistance League, a national nonprofit organization with a mission to provide clothing and personal care items for children and adults in need.

“Our Las Vegas chapter has received numerous recognition awards, and we have helped to clothe thousands of children,” she says. “I am so proud of the good work my friends and I are doing to assist underserved families.”

Kay is also the chairperson of the Las Ventanas activities committee, which she says gives her a chance to interact with many of her neighbors. “I know firsthand how important it is to feel connected with others, so if I can inspire just one person to get involved, then I’ve done my job.”

Jerry also stays very active by volunteering his time on the exterior committee and the safety and security committee at Las Ventanas. He is the liaison for the Military Officers Association of America with the ROTCs at the University of Las Vegas and for Junior ROTCs at 27 area high schools. One of his favorite ways to volunteer, however, is bartending for community happy hours. He is well known around campus for making the best martinis!

Kay adds, “As much as we’ve given back, Las Ventanas has given us so much more in return: true friendships, a sense of purpose and a delicious martini from time to time, thanks to Jerry!”

Let’s toast to that!

Arminee

Discovering Artistic Passion