issue 1 - My PNK
Transcription
issue 1 - My PNK
issue 1 e m o c l eour magazine w to y e t t u o b a am ers b m e m am e t y b , s member p i n n a c l e e n t e r t a i n m e n t ® Opening Summer 2012 Pinnacle Entertainment’s Hotels & casinos L’Auberge Lake Charles Casino Resort Lake Charles, Louisiana Lumière Place Casino & Hotels SM River CitySM Casino St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis, Missouri Boomtown® Casino New Orleans, Louisiana Bossier City, Louisiana Reno, Nevada Belterra® Casino Resort Florence, Indiana River DownsSM Racetrack Cincinnati, Ohio Must be 21 or older. ©2012 Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. Pending licensure by the Louisiana Gaming Commission. Persons who are on the Louisiana Disassociated Persons List are not eligible for jobs on the casino floor. Dear Pinnacle Team Members, Welcome to mypnkmagazine. This publication is all about you, PNK’s team members. When I envisioned this, the one thing that kept coming to my mind is “about team members, by team members”. I wanted this magazine to celebrate the diversity every one of our colleagues brings to our great company. I hope that by getting to know our team members a little bit better through stories and photos, we will make more personal connections with the people we work with. I am really looking forward to learning more about the remarkable people we have on the Pinnacle Entertainment team. If you are inspired to write a story of your own, I encourage you to do so. I hope you enjoy reading our inaugural issue of mypnkmagazine. Anthony Sanfilippo President and CEO Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. [email protected] All the Best! “Big Tony” aka the CEO To submit your stories, suggestions, or provide feedback on featured articles, please email us at [email protected]. CONTENTS 02 a quarter century at pnk 04 adventures in paradise! | do you know jack? 05 Rolling With the Punches 06 an interview with noah besheer 08 it’s magic! 09 TABLE TENNIS | BATTLE OF THE BELTERRA BANDS 10 IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPER POWER 12 MAN OF ACTION! 14 HORSING AROUND | IN THE CARDS 15 THE BODY SLAM YOU NEVER EXPECTED 16 BETHANY SUPPLEE 17 ROLLING THROUGH THE LINES | PRIMA BALLERINA 18“END OF LEGEND” | FOOTBALL FRENZY 19 7 FUN FACTS ABOUT LBR GENERAL MANAGER 20 THE FAST AND THE NOT-SO-FURIOUS | MOTIVATED TO MENTOR Photo by: Zoltan Zoldi 21 SOCCER SENSEI (ALEJANDRO SIERRA) | HEART OF GOLD 22 THERE IS NO JOY IN MUDVILLE 05 POW! David Gonzalez, Guest Service Supervisor, boxes to relieve stress. 1 ///////////// belterra /// A Quarter Century at pnk By: Steve Newsome Advertising Specialist Belterra Casino Resort It was a year that began on a Wednesday, filled with major world events and pop culture sensations like Top Gun. Gas was only 89 cents and on October 13 a small town girl began working a new job. Phyllis Chase, Lead Cook at Belterra Casino Resort, is Pinnacle Entertainment’s longest employed Team Member after starting in 1986. 26 years later she’s still excited to come to work each day. Phyllis began her career at the Ogle Haus Inn, which was built by local hero Paul Ogle, and is rumored to be haunted. She was first a dishwasher, then worked her way into a cook position. 2 In 2000 when Belterra Casino Resort was under construction Phyllis recalls preparing meals for Team Members. “They were just box lunches at first but then we got to feed everyone in the dining room just before the property opened.” She also remembers being a bit of a prankster in her 26 years in the food biz. “We were joking in the kitchen one day with Chef John about baseball. They were saying I couldn’t throw but I knew I could swing a bat so I picked up a loaf of bread we used to make subs. Long story short I ended up hitting Chef in the head; I never laughed so hard in my life.” It would seem if this outgoing jokester were a salad she’d be Ambrosia; slightly nutty but still sweet. In her spare time Phyllis loves to travel and says Alaska is somewhere she would love to visit. “From the pictures I have seen it’s a beautiful place.” Asked why she loves to travel so much she smartly retorted, “Well I don’t sew so I have to do something with my spare time.” She also noted that she enjoys reading about the Frontier and Amish culture. “I just find their plain lifestyle to be interesting. I’m not fancy myself you know,” she said with a smirk. With 26 years in the business Phyllis was bound to have secrets to success and maybe some ideas for the future. “I think if you just show up to work every day and be positive you’ll enjoy it. I love the people I work with and am proud to be part of a great team. It feels like home at Belterra,” she said. A few laughs later the conversation came to thinking about what she would do if she were CEO for a day. “Well,” she said with a big breath, “On top of giving everyone a free meal I think I would give everyone an extra week’s pay. We can’t give them all a vacation at once though, somebody has to run the place,” she teased. It’s true that our people are what make our business great and this plucky cook with an infectious smile is shining proof of this. In honor of being Pinnacle’s longest serving Team Member, it is hereby declared that all Ambrosia salads served at Belterra will be known as a “Phyllis Chase”. I think if you just show up to work every day and be positive you’ll enjoy it. I love the people I work with and am proud to be a part of a great team. Photo by: Steve Newsome Photo by: Steve Newsome Phyllis added, “We also spent a long while convincing one of our cooks that he had phone calls when the phone never even rang.” 3 ///////////// BOOMTOWN RENO /// Adventures in Paradise! By: Aaron Lafinier, Human Resources & Risk Manager, Boomtown Reno Below are some of the highlights of her trip that she enjoyed with her boyfriend Sean. There are no lows when you’re in Maui! Photo by: Caitlyn Lombard “Our trip to Hana was the best part of the vacation because we got to do some hiking in such a beautiful place. The black sand beach, waterfalls, and pools were all worth getting up at 4:00 a.m. to make the drive. We went snorkeling off the beach and swam into sea turtles, which was great, too!” While there are really never any bad experiences in paradise, Caitlyn did have a hiccup or two in her plans that she shared: “There are no lows when you’re in Maui! But if I had to name one, it would be having our activities cancelled due to wind/ rain. I was really looking forward to going snorkeling at the Molokini Crater! And the fuel pump problem on the plane that turned us around, that was a bummer.” 4 Photo by: Zoltan Zoldi Boomtown Reno’s “Team Member of The Year” winner, Caitlyn Lombard, Human Resources Coordinator, recently enjoyed an all-expense paid vacation. She chose the beautiful island of Maui. ///////////// las vegas /// Do you know jack?: Jack Godfrey By: Jessica Leslie, Digital Marketing Manager, Las Vegas Center Pinnacle’s Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, Jack Godfrey, embodies the company mission to be “The Best Casino Entertainment Company in the World.” He stated, “It is important to have a hobby and most importantly a sense of humor; it helps to keep things in perspective.” Jack certainly practices what he preaches. He spends time writing, recording and performing music both as a band member and as a solo performer. Jack is an avid golfer and spends even more time golfing than he spends on music. Although very talented with music, Jack always knew it was only a hobby. He and some friends started a band called Winslow Ridge while attending law school in the 1970’s. The band took their name from a line in the song, “Take It Easy” by their favorite band, The Eagles. Winslow Ridge’s original five band members reunited in 2009 to practice and begin performing again. They will be playing three shows during the first quarter of 2012. e h t h t i W g n i Roll ///////////// las vegas /// David : s e h c n Pu Gonzalez By: Iris PeterS, Senior Business Analyst, IT Las Vegas Service Center David Gonzalez, Guest Service Supervisor, has worked for Pinnacle for about a year. One of David’s hobbies outside of work is boxing. Photo by: Zoltan Zoldi He started boxing over a year ago, using the sport for physical conditioning and to relieve stress. He goes to the gym 3 or 4 times a week, often with his young daughter. One of David’s goals is to teach his daughter that anything is possible as long as you have the determination to work through any obstacles. He remembers the first time he was hit near his temple. He never knew what it was like to see stars from a blow to the head! This was quite an experience – getting hit on the head taught David to keep his gloves up. On another occasion while sparring, he noticed blood running from his partner’s nose. David was amazed that he was capable of causing damage to someone else. His goal is to continue to lose weight, increase physical fitness and some day move on to practice Jiu Jitsu. So far, David has lost nearly 40 lbs and hopes to lose even more. o David wants t ghter teach his dau that anything h is possible wit n. determinatio 5 Photo by: Noah Besheer ///////////// saint louis /// An Interview with By: Lisa Mariani, Internal Communications Manager, Las Vegas Service Center Noah Besheer Sherpie Award Winner and Social Media Expert Extraordinaire! As many of our team members in St. Louis know, Noah Besheer is a friendly, smart, and talented guy. He sings all day, every day, apparently preferring to sing teen pop songs over anything else. While some may be annoyed by listening to Selena Gomez, Maroon 5 or Justin Bieber songs all day long, Noah’s colleagues actually join in! But that’s just scratching the surface. It’s been said Noah has a completely zany, yet intuitive sense of humor. His comedic timing is “perfect” according to Candice Coleman, his supervisor. “During particularly stressful days, he never fails to make people laugh and smile.” He’s been known to blurt random things out of the blue, never taking himself too seriously, which actually adds to Noah’s charm. Those who have the pleasure of working with him absolutely adore him. 6 Noah eats at least six meals a day, including brunch and “linner” (the meal between lunch and dinner). With all the time he spends eating, one has to wonder how he is able to accomplish all the work that goes into being a Social Media guru, but he seems to manage it just fine. So well, in fact, that Noah recently had the honor of representing Pinnacle Entertainment to discuss the organization’s social media efforts at G2E, the Global Gaming Expo. While there, Noah and his team were recognized for their innovative social media work. I spoke with Noah about his Sherpie Award; an award won in the category “Best Online-Meets-Offline Promotion”. Presented during G2E: Q. Where did the idea for the coin hunt “Hide and Go Eat” promotion come from? A. It was a group effort. We wanted to promote the rebranding of 1904 Steakhouse, but do it in a way that was interactive; that would give our guests a chance to win something in a fun, new way. QA A. About two and a half years total – a year and a half with Pinnacle Entertainment. Q. What is your favorite thing about social media? A. Favorite is being able to provide instant, high-quality customer service on-line. I’m allowed and encouraged to be as creative as I want. Q. When did you find out you won the Sherpie? A. Masterminds had asked me to speak on a panel presenting case studies of successful social media campaigns, so I knew a few days before – we had to get the presentations ready! Q. What was the first thing that crossed your mind when you found out you won the Sherpie Award? A. “Cool.” It was great because we also won last year for “Best Use of Twitter in the Casino Industry”. Q. How long have you been doing strategic social media? Photo by: Noah Besheer Q. Any “acceptance speech” thoughts/comments you want to share? A. I’d like to thank my team – it really was a team effort. I’m lucky to work with a team of really smart people. I’m happy to work for Pinnacle Entertainment, and I hope we can bring home more awards in the future. Indeed, Pinnacle Entertainment is fortunate to have Noah on our team. 7 IT’S ///////////// lumiÉre place /// By: Mark Hughes, MAGIC! Security Shift Manager, Lumiére Place The lights and sounds in a casino are magical, offering amazing feats of guest service and memorable experiences. The same excitement attracts all walks of life to join our team. Small wonder we conjured up a real magician at Lumiére Place Casino and Hotels in St Louis! In case you hadn’t heard, “Demitri the Mage”, A.K.A. Matthew Olson, is appearing daily in our Security department. Photo by: Matthew Olson Olson joined Lumiére Place in August 2011 as a Security Officer. I asked him what attracted him to the profession, and Olson replied, “I like the psychology of magic because of the visual and verbal influence you have over people. When you understand their behaviors, you can anticipate their actions. That’s how security officers interact with most of the guests.” Born in Minnesota, Olson moved to St Louis five years ago. He found his passion as a magician at the age of eight. He has been performing professionally since age 10 and, of course, he is a member of the “International Brotherhood of Magicians” as well as the “Society for American Magicians”. In his spare time, he razzle-dazzles crowds with his unique “hocus pocus” at private parties. 8 You can also catch Olson on the graveyard shift at Lumiére Place Casino and Hotels in St Louis. And as a surprise for your eyes, he just might pull a rabbit out of his hat or perhaps make one disappear. And that’s no smoke and mirrors! ///////////// boomtown reno /// Table Tennis Tournament By: Rosalinda Rodriguez, HR Generalist, Boomtown Reno Photos by: Rosalinda Rodriguez Congrats to everyone who participated! Boomtown Reno had its first Table Tennis Tournament, which had 25 participants. Every match was exciting and kept everyone on their toes. Team Members came in on their days off to show support and root for their coworkers. There was a great display of sportsmanship after every match. Everyone had lots of fun, from the spectators who were entertained at every moment (even during the warm ups!), to the judges who had balls flying at them (they were hit a couple times), to the participants who were making amazing dives and spins. Our winners, with their amazing cat-like and lightning-fast reflexes, were 1st place Stasys Pranskevicius, 2nd place John Downs, 3rd place Sigitas Jakaitis, and 4th place Tom Montesano. ///////////// belterra /// Battle of the By: Melissa Johnson, Belterra Bands Security Officer, Belterra Photo by: Jamie Royce It seems a combination of some dry humor, a combined 49 years of playing music and Indiana pride makes these local lyrical lords a cover-band success story. Southern Indiana is about to turn up the volume with two local bands, both lead by Belterra Team Members. Jamie Royce and his band, Nowhere Band, spend their off days rocking out at bars and venues in Madison, IN. Not to be outdone, however, Terry Jacobs and his troupe, Dryfork Band, chime in all over Switzerland County. When asked a series of questions, we are able to gain a bit of insight into what makes a local band rock. Perhaps the first key to victory is sharing a love of Classic Rock. Dryfork mentioned they would like most to open for Lynyrd Skynyrd whereas Nowhere Band dreams of opening for guitar legend Eric Clapton. While the boys in Switzerland County spend their time in the “House of the Rising Sun”, Madison’s finest work on their “Night Moves” for inspiration. It’s seems a combination of some dry humor, a combined 49 years of playing music and Indiana pride makes these local lyrical lords a cover-band success story. 9 if you could have any super Clairvoyance or precognition I’d want to be a shape-shifter Sherdell Hord, Data Management Specialist Scott Brewer, Manager - Construction Project Accounting Ability to fly! Fred David, Director of Casino Performance Teleportation Invisibility Probably Flight Ben Rothmel, Labor Counselor Rachel Bieck, Slot Floor Person Steve Kizer, Facilities Supervisor The Midas Touch Amazing Strength Ben Chalmers, EVS Attendant Ralph Haar, Warehouse Specialist Shane Colletta, Spa Attendant Kelly Bistok, Jack Daniels Bartender Rhiya Alexander, Security Officer The ability to regenerate quickly Read minds! I would love to be able to fly The ability to stop traffic Stephen Casanave, Server, Ember grille & wine bar to manipulate time The ability to stop time I would want to breathe underwater Sierra Molina, Talent Specialist Haley Weeks, Talent Specialist Caroline Ellard, Talent Specialist To fly Lawanda Thompson, Cage Shift Manager The ability to heal! Sharon Grigsby, Payroll To be in many places at one time To own a lasso of truth like Wonder Woman Elsa Hernandez, Pier 4 server Vandolyn Reese, Slot Floor Person To fly To be invisible Cory Brayboy, Security Officer Ametria Washington, Table Games Dealer power, what would it be? the ability to teleport I would have to go with teleportation Jillian Ream, Senior Analyst, Business Development Jennifer Bauer, Learning Operations Specialist Time travel Bill Anthony, Network Engineer Super sensitive hearing The ability for multiple things to happen at once The ability to fly Richard Skidmore, Security Officer Charneice Carter, mychoice Representative Charlotte Kawa, Lead Retail Clerk Mind reading Super Speed Ericka Parker, Assistant Slot Shift Manager Veta Crosswhite, Labor Counselor The power to populate myself Jason Johnston, Advertising Manager I would want to be invisible! The power of slow motion I’d love to have an inner remote control Amber Sonnier, Concierge Vikki Shearman, Events Specialist Kristin Broussard, Social Media Specialist The ability to be at any place, any time I would like to have mind control Emily McNeil, Benefits Administrator Yolanda Robertson, HR Coordinator To be able to change the world in some way Shawanda Hooper, Bayou Market Buffet Cashier Regeneration Roko Tvrdeic, Banquet Supervisor/ Coordinator To see exactly two minutes into the future Breath underwater Chad Gomez, Security Officer Amber Richards, HR Representative To fly Read minds Gary Kimmell, Valet Attendant Rusty Dickson, Engineer III I would love to be a mind reader Brenda Dunn, Sales Coordinator Man of ///////////// lumiÉre place /// By: Gerad Hardy, Director Hotel and Development, Lumiére Place Photo by: hicham jaddoud Action! I am passionate about helping guests and creating great experiences. 12 Team Pinnacle St. Louis, please meet our very own ‘International Man of Action’, Hotel Lumiére Front Desk Supervisor, Hicham Jaddoud. Jaddoud was born in Lyons, France and is of Moroccan and French descent. While he grew up and went to school in France, Jaddoud also spent 18 months working in Koln, Germany at Sheraton Hotels and Resorts before moving to St. Louis, Missouri in 2008 via an opportunity with his employer at the time. Jaddoud’s background continues to be a large influence in his professional and personal life. He speaks five different languages (French, German, Arabic, Spanish, and English) and is actively involved in two international organizations. Jaddoud also serves as the Social and Fund Raising Director for the St. Louis Chapter of the United Nations and is also the newly elected Secretary General for the Junior Chamber International! He obviously loves to give back. “I am passionate about helping guests and creating great experiences. I love this industry and want to continue to grow and advance. One day I will be a General Manager,” said Jaddoud with glee. In the meantime, when he’s not working or engaged with civic activities, Jaddoud enjoys judo… that’s right, judo!! Jaddoud has been taking judo since he was nine-years-old and he proudly holds a black belt. He has competed in tournaments locally, and in Chicago… this is why we say ‘Watch out for this man of action’! 13 Photos by: hicham jaddoud ///////////// St. Louis /// Photo by: renee dahlmann HORSING AROUND! She’s very serious about her job, but she adores horsing around. Go figure. Renee Dahlmann loves her palominos… and stallions… and thoroughbreds… the list goes on. The adorable Guest Experience Manager at both Lumiére and River City was just a little girl when she discovered her passion, but it took some time to discover her true life’s calling. By: Candice Coleman PR Manager, St. Louis America Horse Rescue in Southern Illinois. This unbelievable organization rescues retired thoroughbred racehorses. She singlehandedly saves them from slaughter. She also cleans their stalls, feeds them, checks them for injuries, walks and rides them, loves on them, and retrains them so they will be adoptable. And with a little help from above, she hopes to find a few that will make great therapy horses. In 2009, Dahlmann finally found her PATH – that’s Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship. Every Saturday, she dedicates her life to teaching special needs children how to ride horses. The motion of horses helps children develop their motor skills. “I have loved horses since I was 8 years old and still have the passion for horsemanship. Mid America Horse Rescue and Equine-Assisted Therapy are genuinely fulfilling in their own ways. Rehabilitating and retraining Thoroughbreds for a second chance in life closely mirrors equine therapy, whereby putting special needs kids on therapy horses, their quality of life improves as well. I am truly blessed to be a key part of these two non-profit organizations, moving them forward in the years to come,” said Dahlmann. But that didn’t satiate Dahlmann’s joy of being around these gentle giants. Which is why she became involved with Mid Helping children and horses. HAY – she certainly found the best of both worlds. In the Cards After a standout high school baseball career at McLeur High School in St. Louis, Tony went on to star at Meramec Community College, where he holds the record for most strikeouts in a game at 19. After transferring to UNLV, Tony finished off his college career at Mizzou where we was an All Big 8 pitcher. 14 Tony signed with the Single ‘A’ Cardinals in Eerie, Pennsylvania in 1987. After being released in 1990, Tony went back to Meramec Community College to coach. While throwing batting practice before a game, he caught the attention of some scouts. “Who is this guy throwing the heat?” he recalls. That same night, the Royals called him for a tryout. He reluctantly went to try out and they liked what they saw. On his first night with the Baseball City Royals, he recorded a save. The Royals brought in new management the following year and they offered Tony a bench coach position with the Big League team. He held that postion Interactive Media Specialist, St. Louis for two months before officially retiring from baseball. His hurling days taught Tony that it’s all about the team – a mindset he uses everyday on the floor. It’s also brought out a competitive spirit that has served him very well at River City. Next time you see Tony on the floor, ask to see his baseball card. He might just surprise you. Photo by: tony russo Tony Russo, Table Games Shift Supervisor at River City Casino, is right at home in the casino floor pits. He loves being in the center of the action; this we know. But did you know before his days of managing dice, chips, and cards Tony was a member of the Cards? That’s right – the St. Louis Cardinals! By: Noah Besheer ///////////// lumiÉre place /// The Body Slam you Never Expected By: Noah Besheer Interactive Media Specialist, St. Louis His Lumiére Place colleagues might describe Cecil Lowe as nice, calm, fun to be around. But ask his Mid Missouri Wrestling Alliance opponents and you’ll get a completely different story. Every weekend, Lowe travels all over the country as ‘Ronnie Paxton, THE ULTIMATE BAD GUY’. Lowe grew up watching his grandfather wrestle on Sundays at the Chase Hotel in St. Louis. After each knock down, drag out wrestling brawl, the whole family would go to church. Lowe knew this was his calling. The self-proclaimed ‘Teddy Bear’ wouldn’t hurt a fly during his day job as Lead Steward at Lumiére Place. But when he’s in character it’s all an act that fans evidently eat up. “I try to keep my work and my wrestling completely separate,” says Lowe. “One time I threw someone through a glass door – he survived,” Lowe laughs, recalling that moment. He continues, “I called immigration on an opponent and got him deported. Another time, a fan came up to me at the movies, and I threw popcorn in his face; he loved it,” During Lowe’s 30-year wrestling career, he’s been MMWA World Heavyweight Champion four times, and he routinely performs in front of crowds of 20,000 plus. Wrestling has taken him all over the globe to the places such as Japan, Guam, Korea and Vietnam. Maybe he’ll get to visit the new Pinnacle Vietnam property in a few years. Lowe was on tour with WWE for three days, training with superstars like Edge, Christian and Rhino. His agent is currently talking with TNA, one of the largest wrestling organizations on the planet. When he’s not slamming opponents in the ring, Lowe loves spending time with his wife, who ironically, he met at a wrestling show. He also adores playing X-Box with his children. Yep, he’s a Teddy Bear. Photo by: cecil lowe “I never take a day off,” Lowe explains. “When I get back after midnight on Sundays, I drive straight to Lumiére, sleep in my car for a few hours, and start my shift at 6:00 a.m.” Ronnie ‘Paxton, THE ULTIMATE BAD GUY’ 15 ///////////// belterra /// Bethany Supplee Bethany, a part-time beverage server at Belterra, is a team member with a passion for dance. She’s been dancing since the first grade. Her passion likely stems from her mom who was a cheerleading coach. Photo by: Bethany Supplee Bethany was born and raised (and still lives in) Carrollton, Kentucky. While in college, she was a member of the Western Kentucky University 16 dance team. She attended the 360 Dance Studio in Louisville where she broadened her dance skills. Currently, she attends the All That Dance Studio in LaGrange. Bethany has been active on the dance competition circuit (and she has pictures to prove it!). She’s participated in all of the following competitions over the last couple of years: Ohio Star Ball, Atlanta Open, Indiana Challenge, Savannah Dance Classic, Volunteer State Dance Challenge, Atlanta Open, and the St. Louis Star Ball. Her ultimate goal is to become a professional dancer. She’s set a short term goal of trying out for the Cincinnati BenGals dance team in 2012. Furthermore, she’d like to become the first female ballroom dancer to win on So You Think You Can Dance (which happens to be one of By: Brian Zekl, Career Development Manager, Belterra her favorite TV shows along with Dancing with the Stars, Modern Family, Ringer, and Revenge). Bethany spends up to three hours per week perfecting her dancing technique. She’s adept at both Ballroom and Latin dance styles. She’s got talent and isn’t afraid to show it. Best of luck to her next month at the Indiana Challenge! Her ultimate goal is to become a professional dancer. ///////////// l’auberge lake charles /// Photo by: Jerry Forester Ballerina “having skates on my feet is just an exhilarating feeling.” By: Kerry Andersen, Director, Regional Communications and PR, Louisiana the Lines After a shift serving coffee and sweets at L’Auberge, Natalie Fararro changes out of her uniform and into roller skates, fishnet stockings and booty shorts; and transforms into Frisky Fiasco #337. Natalie joined the Lafitte’s Ladies roller derby team in 2010 as a jammer. On a 5-woman team, she tries to break through the pack while the other team’s members try just about everything but tripping and hitting to keep her from passing. Although there are rules in flat track roller derby, most crowds still go to watch the bumping and mychoice Center, L’Auberge Lake Charles grinding of the girl pack and the (often orchestrated) fights. From the day she met her ‘sisters’, Natalie fell in love with the action and says “having skates on my feet is just an exhilarating feeling.” Practice is demanding but a great workout where the ladies learn proper falling techniques, how to run on skates and legal ways to stop on wheels. Sprained and twisted ankles and knees are not uncommon; one team mate even broke a shoulder at a game! Despite the risk, Frisky Fiasco enjoys stepping away from her daily routine and creating a new persona out on the court. Vice President of Marketing Julie Ragusa and her team are known for working behind the scenes to create memorable moments for our guests. But she’s just as comfortable taking center stage with her dancing shoes on… toe shoes that is. Julie studied ballet for 15 years, was a principal dancer and soloist for the Lake Charles Civic Ballet and later taught and choreographed ballet, jazz and lyrical dance… winning awards and inspiring a new generation of ballerinas. Some of her former students now even work at L’Auberge. This stunning photo was taken when Julie was just 16 and rehearsing Hoedown at a regional ballet festival. Few dancers can soar to such heights and she makes it look easy. Julie has her toe shoes planted firmly on the ground these days but enjoys watching her daughter Gabriella dance. She also lends her time and talent as a board member for the Lake Charles Civic Ballet, currently working on a performance of Sleeping Beauty. Photo by: Julie Ragusa Rolling Through By: Derryon D’juan Esprit Prima 17 Photos by: Jerry Forester ///////////// l’auberge lake charles /// “End of By: Kelly Castille, Hospitality Host, L’ Auberge Lake Charles Legend” A Bartender with a Story to Tell When L’Auberge bartender Damon Willis dreams… he dreams in color. When he’s not behind the bar handcrafting cocktails for our guests, he is creating stories filled with fantasy and illustrated with genius. Damon is an inspired artist and author who started drawing when he was just nine years old and was always encouraged by his father and twin brother. He studied art, animation and media arts and often uses computers to bring his vision to life. Damon recently published his first book, “End of Legend”: In Search of the Warrior Queen, a tale inspired by his interactions at work and complete with comedy, love and fantasy. You can check out his work at www.damonwillis.com or purchase his novel at www. authorhouse.com. Damon is fascinated by the visual uniqueness and development of characters. He dreams one day of working with creative powerhouses Pixar, Dreamworks and Dreambot Studios. Until then, he entertains guests and readers alike with his vivid imagination, storytelling and creative illustrations. ///////////// l’auberge baton rouge /// Football Frenzy By: Kerry Andersen, Director, Regional Communications and PR, Louisiana As a payroll specialist for L’Auberge Baton Rouge and other Pinnacle properties through the years, Shawn Piper is always popular because he’s cutting paychecks! But this quiet, unassuming team member takes on a whole new persona when he gears up and hits the field as 18 a superstar with the Louisiana Indoor Football League. The former wide receiver for Louisiana Tech transitioned to the IFL as a receiver and defensive back playing for the Louisiana Swashbucklers, River City Rage, Dallas Desperados and Omaha Beef. A fan favorite, Piper shines on the field and gives the ‘love’ back to his vocal fan base as quickly as he snaps a football. He loves nothing more than the Photos by: Shawn Piper camaraderie that comes from being part of a team… except winning, of course! He also demonstrates his love for the game by coaching inner city youth. You can check out Shawn’s moves in person when the Louisiana Swashbucklers open their season against the Alabama Hammers on March 17th in Lake Charles. You can be sure his fellow Pinnacle team members will be there rooting him on! Fun Facts about LBR General Manager Mickey Parenton By: Kim Ginn L’Auberge Baton Rouge VP of Marketing 1 2 3 First Job: Working at his family’s Po’boy Shop in New Orleans 6 7 Fave Music: Michael Jackson, U2 and Better Than Ezra Entrepreneur: Mickey Most Indulgent owns several Jamba Juice Purchase Ever: franchises; he’s passionate A shiny, new 2005 about living a healthy lifestyle. Chevrolet Corvette. It was washed away by Hurricane Greatest Obstacle Katrina two weeks after he Overcome: Hurricane bought it. Ouch! Katrina wiped out Mickey’s New Orleans home and workplace. He and his wife had to relocate to Memphis to rebuild their lives. They feel blessed to be safe, together and back in Louisiana. 4 5 Favorite Way to Unwind: lunch, ice-cream and laughter with his daughter. Photos by: Baton Rouge Business Report ///////////// l’auberge baton rouge /// Dream Job (other than his own): Managing or owning an NFL team – Mickey avidly supports LSU and the New Orleans Saints and loves to tailgate. 19 ///////////// boomtown bossier city /// The Fast and the Not-So-Furious By: Matthew Brontoli, Photo by: Matthew Brontoli Employment Coordinator, Boomtown Bossier City Leroy doesn’t just race cars he builds them too. Boomtown Bossier City’s Leroy Scroggins has a need for speed. At Boomtown he is Chief Engineer, but when he’s not at work you can find him on the race track racing cars and motorcycles. His main race car is a 1987 Ford Mustang with a 355 small-block engine. The Mustang has a nitrous oxide set-up that reaches up to 1,200 horse power. Leroy races his Mustang on a quarter mile track in Gilliam, LA at Thunder Road Raceway. He races every weekend either in Texas, Louisiana, or Mississippi. Leroy says he has always had a passion for racing, since growing up around it as a child. His first race was when he was 17 years old. However, Leroy doesn’t just race cars he builds them, too. He owns a garage in Shreveport that he runs on the side. Leroy brings the thrill of the track to Boomtown! ///////////// boomtown new orleans /// Motivated to Mentor Human Resources Coordinator, Boomtown New Orleans George Powell, a deckhand here at Boomtown New Orleans, was recently awarded the Community Service Award at our 3rd quarter Employee Recognition Awards Ceremony. He was nominated by one of his peers who noticed his outstanding commitment to mentoring young men. I recently sat down with Mr. Powell in a one-on-one interview to learn a little more about what he does and why. We spoke about what interested him about 20 mentoring and what was his motivation to be so persistent in doing so. He mentioned that he was the eldest of eight children and grew up around a large family, specifically lots of uncles, who always mentored him and made sure he was setting great examples for his younger siblings and instilled in him that being average was not acceptable. In 1998 he started his contributions to the community by periodically serving food at homeless shelters with one of his uncles. He also worked with different schools offering to spend time mentoring at-risk kids after school at charter schools in the Algiers, Louisiana community. His focus and goal when mentoring is to pass on some of the knowledge he acquired throughout his years. “A lot of times, these kids today just need someone they can talk to that will listen and understand their struggle.” Mr. Powell says he finds that when he shares some of his own stories that helps to break the ice. I asked George what was the most challenging thing about mentoring on his own. Photo by: Boomtown New Orleans By: Lenier O’Neal, His answer was “negative people”, followed by the statement, “Those individuals only motivate me to try harder.” George Powell’s story is just an example of how simple mentoring and community service can be. ///////////// boomtown new orleans /// ///////////// boomtown bossier city /// Photo by: Alejandro Sierra Heart of G ld By: Matthew Brontoli, Employment Coordinator, Boomtown Bossier City (Alejandro Sierra) By: Lenier O’Neal, Human Resources Coordinator, Boomtown New Orleans When Alejandro Sierra, a security officer at Boomtown Casino New Orleans, was first asked by an old friend to help coach a local high school soccer team, his first thought was no. But then he had a change of heart and decided to attend a practice. When he arrived, the rain was pouring down and the team was standing on the sidelines waiting for it to slack. Once the rain slowed the team proceeded to practice in the drizzle. After observing the practice, Alejandro saw that the team was dedicated and decided to help coach. It has been four years since that rainy day and Alejandro has committed his free time to coaching both the boys and girls soccer team at Helen Cox High School in Harvey, LA. In addition to teaching the kids the history and fundamentals of soccer, he has also charged himself with the task of being a mentor and a counselor by stressing the importance of education first. Alejandro’s commitment to the soccer program has paid off in a big way. Under his leadership the team grew from 8 players to almost 2 dozen, and last season – for the first time – the boys’ soccer team was able to attend the state playoffs. Alejandro has also had the opportunity to see all of the seniors he has coached graduate each year. Of that group, several of the students have gone on to college and have received athletic scholarships. Being a positive mentor and role model is not an easy job but Alejandro seems to have mastered the art of doing so. Her objective is making sure no one feels lonely during the holidays. Photo by: Boomtown Bossier City Soccer Sensei It doesn’t take long after meeting Patricia Rushing to understand that she has nothing but love in her heart. Patti works as a PBX Operator at Boomtown Bossier and volunteers at the Airport Park Senior Citizens Center. She first started volunteering there in 2007 upon her mother’s arrival. Out of the goodness of heart Patti, does something special for the 60 plus residents on all major holidays. On holidays like Labor Day and Halloween, she bakes cakes and delivers them to the center. For Christmas, she dedicates a substantial amount of time acquiring donations to assist her in purchasing gifts for all of the residents and their visiting family and friends. Patti focuses most of her efforts on the residents who do not have visitors. Her objective is making sure no one feels lonely during the holidays. Patti has a very humble demeanor in all her community contributions, and is a shining example of Pinnacle team members giving back to the community. 21 Photo by: Boomtown New Orleans ///////////// las vegas /// By: scott breweR, Project Accounting Manager, Las Vegas Service Center In keeping with the obligation I have to deliver unbiased, objective news, I sat with two of the team’s top players, the dynamic duo of pitcher Greg Jensen and catcher Jessica Leslie, to remind them that while there is more to the game than winning, winning is all that really counts for this reporter. “Now Greg, as pitcher you’ve recorded four strikeouts this season, correct?” “…yes,” Greg said hesitatingly. “Each was against a girl? “...yes...” There is no Joy in Mudville When asked if she thought it was a coincidence that the Rounders’ single victory came during the only game she missed, Jessica offered no response but did return a scathing scowl. For the Rounders, there’s always next season. Currently boasting a record of one win and nine losses and standing poised to not win the season’s championship, the outlook isn’t brilliant for the Pinnacle Rounders as they quietly wind down a less than stellar season. The five-star service Pinnacle Entertainment is known for can be found within each and every one of our team members. But the five stars that represent that service can also be found throughout this magazine. Think you can find all five before anyone else? Prove it, and win a great prize! Submit your answers via twitter to @Pinn_Pipeline #PNKStarSearch or via email to [email protected] – the first three people to find all five stars will win. Good luck! Visit us online at www.mypnkmagazine.com. Published may 2012