Mary Vail, MBA Publicist

Always nice to see your work (photos and article) recognized in a respected publication AQUA Magazine !
July 2024 issue: Aquatic Industry Influences Art by Mary Leon Vail
For more images go to the Aqua Magazine website. Many thanks to Abigail for her assistance.

Always nice to see your work (photos and article) recognized in a respected publication AQUA Magazine !

July 2024 issue: Aquatic Industry Influences Art by Mary Leon Vail
For more images go to the Aqua Magazine website. Many thanks to Abigail for her assistance.

Reviewing some of David Vail 's The Tailhook Association The Hook Magazine , Spring 2023 and came across this on the inside back cover... a retrospect of US Navy Composite Squadrons. During Dave's time as a Naval Aviator he had 2 duties at VC-1 NAS Barbers Point and 1 at VC-10 Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba both of which are now disestablished.

Float Like A Duck, Water Safety Initiative Receives 2024 Step Into Swim Grant

UNLV Student Recreation and Wellness Center- Aquatics and the City of Las Vegas- Aquatics Division Benefit from Grant Funds

(LAS VEGAS, NV) June 2024 - Float Like A Duck™, a water safety initiative presented by Paragon Pools in Las Vegas, NV received a fourth grant from Step Into Swim, the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) initiative focused on safe swimming. One hundred percent of the grant funds, $8,000 will be utilized in a collaboration with Float Like a Duck, UNLV Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC)- Aquatics, and The City of Las Vegas- Aquatics Division to provide free swimming lessons for at-risk youths in the community.

“The Step Into Swim grants have been a great benefit to our community,” states Joseph Vassallo, CBP president of Paragon Pools and founder of Float Like A Duck. “The funds provide additional financial support allowing more families to access valuable swimming programs to learn how to swim and be safe around water.”

“It is with kindness from our community members and donors, like Paragon Pools, who keep valuable programs, like water safety initiatives, the ability to expand and help more students and community members attain education at UNLV,” said Dr. Keith Rogers, vice president for student affairs at UNLV.

To date, funding from the 2021, 2022, and 2023 grants has enabled over 330 area youths to enroll in free swimming lessons and lifeguard train-to-work programs. The grant will be distributed in the following means $5,000 to the City of Las Vegas Aquatics and $3,000 to UNLV SRWC- Aquatics.

On May 6th, SRWC hosted a ceremonial check presentation with Joseph Vassallo and UNLV representatives to commemorate the grant donation. Aquatics Program Director Elisa Marcheschi Hickey spoke about the importance of the grant in facilitating learn to swim programs and water safety awareness for children of students and staff members.

Representing UNLV at the Grant Check presentation were:
• Erin Farrar, Executive Director, Student Recreation and Wellness Center
• Nicole Loo, Director of Development, Student Affairs
• Brandon Deroshia, Associate Director, Facilities
• Mike Conley, Associate Director, Aquatics & Outdoor Adventure
• Brigette Sohn, Assistant Director, Operations and Facilities
• Reginald Ungos, Business and Administration Coordinator
• Zach Wallace, Program Coordinator, Intramurals
• Zak Kucherka, Program Coordinator, Outdoor Adventures
• Elisa Marcheschi Hickey, Program Coordinator, Aquatics
• Sienna Sandoval, Program Coordinator, Sports Club and Youth Camps
• Matthew Reinecke, Graduate Assistant, Aquatics
• Leilani Patinio, Lifeguard and Swim Instructor
• Kainalu Nu'uhiwa, Lifeguard and Swim Instructor
• Amelia Seibert, Lifeguard and Swim Instructor
• Kris Shmit, Lifeguard
• Hugo Justiniani, Lifeguard

About Float Like A Duck™
Founded in 2003, Float Like A Duck™ is an award-winning public service water safety initiative created by Paragon Pools of Las Vegas with a mission of “Educating the public on the importance of safety while celebrating the joys of water sports.” The initiative focuses on ENFORCING the ABC&D’s of water safety, with a BIG emphasis on A-adult supervision. This program has been recognized by the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, Nevada Governor’s Points of Light Awards, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, and the National Water Safety Congress. Paragon Pools is a partner with Pool Safely, National Water Safety Month and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and is a member of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). FMI go to https://www.paragonpoolslv.com/float-like-a-duck

About Step Into Swim
Step Into Swim, with support from founding partner Every Child A Swimmer, is an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance committed to creating more swimmers. With Olympic medalist Rowdy Gaines at the helm, Step Into Swim has invested in the next generation of swimmers and supports learn-to-swim programs that provide children (and their families) of all ages and backgrounds with the lifesaving skill of learning to swim. Step Into Swim helps extend a safe and healthy pool experience to underserved communities through free access to swimming lessons.

About SRWC Aquatics
UNLV's Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) is a prominent Las Vegas resource that advocates for a student-focused, Rebel community. Through the SRWC facilities and dynamic programming, we exist to ignite student potential, celebrate diversity, and champion lifelong wellness. With three indoor aquatic environments, a 25-yard 6 lane lap pool, a 3ft depth leisure pool with vortex, and a 13-person spa, SRWC Aquatics provides a number of services and benefits to the University family including fitness, therapy, family leisure, swim instruction, employment, and hands-on training opportunities for students. https://www.unlv.edu/campusrec/aquatics

About City of Las Vegas Aquatics
FMI on the City of Las Vegas Aquatics pools, hours, and programs go to https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Aquatics



UNLV Student Recreation & Wellness Center Step Into Swim Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Paragon Pools Las Vegas Joseph Michael Vassallo City of Las Vegas Government

It's always interesting to see what shows up on my Google Alerts.
This alert showed up today... not certain why since the article in the Las Vegas Review-Journal was published in March 2014 unless the RJ's video news 7@7 archives were updated.

How to Fit Your Child with a Personal Flotation Device!

How to Fit Your Child with a Proper Personal Flotation Device (PFD) How to Fit Your Child with a Proper Personal Flotation Device (PFD)Guide, Warnings, and Tips: A personal flotation device is often referred to as a PFD, a li...

Memorial Day: Honoring those who died while serving our country!

Memorial Day: Honoring those who died while serving our country!

The Exclusive Artist Meet and Greet at Desert Valley Gallery in Tivoli Village last night was an exciting event. The exhibit that benefits the Avery Burton Foundation (ABF) showcased vibrant artworks by two renowned African Artists, Keyan Maasai Artist Joseph Muchina Mwangi and Ghanaian Silk Thread Artist Prince Silk Creations Prince Duncan-Williams.

Ward 2 Councilwoman Victoria Seaman dropped by to present a Certificate of Appreciation from the Mayor and Las Vegas City Council to the artists, gallery owner Richard Holtsberg and ABF Founder Reggie Burton for their support of the community and Mental Health Month.

Proceeds (15%) from the sale of the art by Joseph and Price sold from May 16-18 will be donated to the ABF. Additionally, Joseph donated 3 pieces of art to ABF for their on-line fundraising efforts. To bid on the art go to the Avery Burton Website for more details.

Very pleased to update the Artist Meet and Greet at the Desert Valley Gallery on May 16th, 6-9pm, benefitting Avery Burton Foundation!

Desert Valley Gallery Hosts Exclusive Showing with Acclaimed African Artists
Meet & Greet May 16, 2024 | 6pm-9pm
Ghanaian Silk Thread art by Prince Silk Creations Prince Duncan-Williams and A Celebration of the Maasai Tribe by Joseph Muchina Mwangi

Exhibit Benefitting the Avery Burton Foundation

(May 3, 2024) Las Vegas, NV - Desert Valley Gallery in Tivoli Village-Summerlin will host an exclusive meet and greet with two acclaimed African artists Prince Duncan-Williams and Joseph Muchina Mwangi, Thursday May 16, 2024, from 6pm-9pm at the gallery, 410 S Rampart Blvd., Suite 145. The event will benefit the Avery Burton Foundation (ABF) and is open to the public. Art works by the artists are on display now through the entire month of May.

“The focus of our gallery is to feature international artists, providing art collectors with a diverse collection of works,” states Richard Holtsberg, Owner of Desert Valley Galley. “We are honored to showcase the talents of these two exceptional African artists. Both share unique cultural aspects of their homeland in very distinctive and powerful styles, Prince utilizing Ghanaian silk thread and Joseph’s depictions of the Maasai.”

“In harmony with celebrating artists, we also have an affinity for the non-profit organizations within our community, providing them with exposure and fundraising opportunities at our special events. We are proud to announce the partnership with the Avery Burton Foundation (ABF) for the showcase. The local non-profit tackles the stigma of mental health with advocacy, resources, and compassion.”

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month (May), Joseph has donated 3 pieces of art for ABF’s fundraising efforts, and the gallery will also donate 15% of the proceeds from exhibit sales by both artists purchased on May 16th , 17th and 18th .

"By sharing stories of emotional resilience, the Avery Burton Foundation helps reduce the stigma around mental health," said ABF board member Christina Aldan of Arana Software. "Art is visual storytelling. And the stories these artists are telling are awe-inspiring! I am so excited to see these unique pieces up-close. The colors are vibrant and the movement throughout the imagery is exquisite."

Tivoli Village Las Vegas

Excited to announce an exclusive meet and greet with 2 international artists. Open to the public.
Desert Valley Gallery Hosts Exclusive Showing with Acclaimed African Artists
Meet & Greet May 16, 2024 | 6pm-9pm
Ghanaian Silk Thread art by Prince Duncan-Williams and
A Celebration of the Maasai Tribe by Joseph Muchina Mwangi

(April 21, 2024) Las Vegas, NV - Desert Valley Gallery in Tivoli Village-Summerlin will host an exclusive meet and greet of two acclaimed African artists Prince Duncan-Williams and Joseph Muchina Mwangi, Thursday May 16, 2024, from 6pm-9pm at the gallery, 410 S Rampart Blvd., Suite 145. The event is open to the public. Art works by the artists are on display now through the entire month of May.

Prince Duncan-Williams, Ghanaian Silk Thread Artist
Prince was born in Ghana in West Africa into a family tradition of working with silk thread art that was nearly four generations in the making. These silk threads are the same threads that are used to make Royal Kente, the cloth famously used for royal clothing for the Akan people. Few musical styles are as colorful as jazz, and artist Prince Duncan-Williams knows this. Composed of silk as smooth as the music of John Coltrane and with an explosive vivacity of colorful silk threads that bring to mind the frenzied syncopation of New Orleans-style jazz, Prince’s silk mosaics succeed in creating something of a miracle: jazz without sound. Viewing his art, it becomes clear that Prince is a first-rate soloist. Despite often stirring complexity of his hand-made compositions, never once does he use a stitch, and depending on the size, a single mosaic can require between 30 and 320 hours of meticulous labor. Today, the art of Prince Duncan-Williams has been exhibited throughout the United States, most notably in the Smithsonian Craft Show at the opulent National Building Museum.

Joseph Muchina Mwangi, African Acrylic Artist
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Joseph’s artistic talent was evident at a young age. A self-taught artisan, Joseph gained some insight on basic oil color mixing from the late Muika Mage, a talented African artist known for his scenery artworks. Joseph comes from the Kikuyu tribe from Bantu ethnic. Known for their farming they share boundaries with the Maasai tribe. His respect and admiration of the Maasai people led him to focus his artistry on this unique tribe. His works celebrate the exquisiteness of the Maasai’s tall lean stature and their dedication to the Maasai customs and nomadic lifestyle, including the jumping dance, the colorful wardrobes, and beaded jewelry. Since 2015, Joseph has been a featured resident artist at the famed Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi. The museum is the historical home of famed Danish author Karen Blixen who wrote a narrative about her life in Kenya, the popular book- Out of Africa (1937). The Maasai culture and tribes’ people are an integral element of the book. The movie of the same name starred Robert Redford and Meryl Streep (1985). Among the many artifacts at the museum including old movie props, visitors have the opportunity to watch Joseph create his colorful original works of art in the open-air gallery on the patio. Mesmerized by the creativity and the beauty of his work, many select a piece or two for their personal art collection.

Desert Valley Gallery
Desert Valley Gallery is a unique collaboration of wonderful things to spark the imagination, and the admiration of the artistic genius and inventive mind of the creator. From vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, our curated collection showcases the diversity of contemporary artistry. Explore the depths of emotion, the play of light and shadow, and the interplay of form and concept as you immerse yourself in the captivating world of our featured artists.
Prince Silk Creations Joseph Muchina Mwangi

I love photographing their pools!
Paragon Pools Las VegasJoseph Michael VassalloJoe Vassallo Jr

Thank you AQUA Magazine for the mention in your e-newsletter!

Las Vegas Publicist, Mary Vail, MBA Wins 3 Gold VIDDY Awards NewsCommunity NewsAwardsLas Vegas Publicist, Mary Vail, MBA Wins 3 Gold VIDDY AwardsFeb 27, 2024Las Vegas Publicist, Mary Vail, MBA was recognized with three Gold VIDDY Awards in the latest International VIDDY Awards competition. Vail produced the winning videos for her client Paragon Pools, a custo...

Creating for my client Paragon Pools Las Vegas ... Joseph Michael Vassallo Joe Vassallo Jr Ovia entertainment Ludivine Perrin-Stsepaniuk Nevada Desert Mermaids Float Like A Duck - water safety program

Las Vegas Publicist, Mary Vail, MBA Wins 3 Gold VIDDY Awards (LAS VEGAS, NV) February 20, 2024 – Las Vegas Publicist, Mary Vail, MBA was recognized with three Gold VIDDY Awards in the latest International VIDDY Awards competition. Vail produced the winning videos for her client Paragon Pools Las Vegas, a custom pool builder in Las Vegas.

TOP 5 Pool Trends for 2024 TOP 5 Pool Trends for 2024!Joseph A Vassallo, CBP, VP & Chief Design Executive for Paragon Pools in Las Vegas NV, and PHTA Builder of the Year (2021) shares ...

Excited to present Paragon Pools, Joe and Joey with a hard copy book Celebrating 20 years of Float Like A Duck. The 109-page, full color, coffee table edition features over 580 images collected over the two decades. Joseph Michael Vassallo Joe Vassallo Jr Paragon Pools Las Vegas Nevada Desert Mermaids Float Like A Duck - water safety program Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Step Into Swim

Presentation of Book: Celebrating 20 Years of Float Like A Duck to Paragon Pools (Las Vegas, NV) Excited to present Paragon Pools Las Vegas executives Joseph M. Vassallo, CBP, PHTA Fellow and Joe Vassallo Jr with the hard copy book Celebrating 20 years of Float Like A Duck.

Happy Holidays!

Veterans Day
Honoring all who served! Thank you for your service!

20 Fabulous Pool Designs Under 600 sq feet of Water Surface Area 20 Fabulous Pool Designs Under 600 sq feet of Water Surface Area Custom pools are a much-desired amenity in Southern Nevada, however in accordance with the 2...

Paragon Pools Wins 2023 World’s Greatest Pools Awards 4 Custom Pools From Paragon Pools’ Portfolio Presented with TOP Accolade (Las Vegas, NV) August 2023- Las Vegas based Paragon Pools Las Vegas Pools named a multiple winner in the 2023 Pebble Technology International World’s Greatest Pools (WGP) for 4 projects located throughout the Las Vegas val...

It's very rewarding knowing that your helps clients win awards!
Congratulations Paragon Pools Las Vegas!

Paragon Pools Wins 2023 World’s Greatest Pools Awards 4 Custom Pools From Paragon Pools’ Portfolio Presented with TOP Accolade (Las Vegas, NV) August 2023- Las Vegas based Paragon Pools Las Vegas Pools named a multiple winner in the 2023 Pebble Technology International World’s Greatest Pools (WGP) for 4 projects located throughout the Las Vegas val...

Beautiful project by Paragon Pools Las Vegas!

POOLFLICKS - Season 3 - Episode 10 : Floating Island POOLFLICKS - AQUATEKTURE S3:E10 – Floating Island Project Highlights: Perimeter overflow pool, floating island and step pads, and PebbleTec interiorFeature...

Float Like A Duck’s 6 Steps to Floating Water Safety Video wins Gold VIDDY Award Float Like A Duck water safety video 6 Steps to Floating wins GOLD in the 2023 International VIDDY Awards. The “How to” video was produced to assist individuals in learning the lifesaving skill of floating.

Water is Ludi’s Life, Pools are her Stage!

Excited to see the story in print! Thank you Pool Magazine Joe Trusty Marianne Trusty for allowing Joseph Michael Vassallo to highlight the very talented Ludivine Perrin-Stsepaniuk Ovia entertainment !

Float Like A Duck - water safety program Joe Vassallo Jr Nevada Desert Mermaids USA Artistic Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
Photo contributions by Mary Vail, MBA Publicist Russ Tomek Pleskaczynski

Important video for families taking their children to the pool , beach, or lake! Great job Ashley and Austin!

How to Fit Your Child with a Proper Personal Flotation Device (PFD) How to Fit Your Child with a Proper Personal Flotation Device (PFD)Guide, Warnings, and Tips: A personal flotation device is often referred to as a PFD, a li...