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Every week, the Action News This Morning team updates you on events going on in the community, stories they are working on and life behind-the-scenes at Channel 13. You can subscribe to their morning newsletter here. 

MIKE TSOLINAS

While my daughter Gabriella was jamming to Katrina and the Waves “I’m walking on sunshine” and walking with me at Desert Breeze Park the other day, I realized just how many fantastic parks we have here in the Valley!

I have long trained and worked out at parks in the west side of town as a way of staying in shape. But the fact is we are really lucky to have so many parks in town.

It seems no matter where you go there is a park with slides, jungle gyms, rock climbing and great hike and bike trails. Some of the parks also offer swimming and other features like softball diamonds and soccer fields like Desert Breeze Park, close to where I live.

Early in the mornings on the weekends it’s not uncommon to see people practicing Tai Chi in the grass near the trees at Desert Breeze. The sight of so many people in unison working out is quite a sight.

From Summerlin to Southern Highlands and from Henderson to Nellis, parks seem to pop up all over the place for the family to enjoy. Most of the lakes are stocked with fish and some even have Rainbow Trout. Picnics keep the parks alive into dusk with people enjoying time outdoors with friends and family.

Whether you go early to beat the heat or head out in the middle of the day, you can’t beat our park system in the Valley and now is the time to enjoy it.

Until next week… Mike

KIM SMITH 

"It could never happen to me or someone I know." So many people, including myself, think this -- that an accident could never happen to you or someone you know and love.

Recently, my very dear friend Henry Cadiz was involved in an accident and almost lost not only his life but the lives of his dogs. Henry owns a dog training business and loves his dogs so much he takes them to his day job with him and on breaks they train at the parks.

On this particular day, Henry became the victim of someone breaking one of the most recent laws to go into effect in Nevada. A person was using their cell phone while driving.

I asked Henry if he could describe the accident, how it affected him, and if his experience has changed his perspective about cell phone use while driving.

Here is his story in his words:

"I  was driving home on a 2-lane road when the other vehicle crossed the center line and hit us head on. The airbags deployed and I had my seatbelt on. My three dogs were in their crates and suffered bloody noses and scrapes and bruises. The insurance adjuster declared my van a total loss and unrepairable. With the advice of my attorney, I cannot comment on the extent of my injuries. The other driver admitted on the police report that he was on his phone when it fell to the floor and he reached down to get it when he caused the accident. I never thought much about cell phone use while driving but the penalty for should be more than just a monetary fine. I have to go to daily therapy sessions with a chiropractor until my body is healed.... If you have to use your phone while driving make sure you pull over In a safe place. My dogs and I our very fortunate to be alive right now."

Henry and his precious animals have suffered physical injuries and Henry has been pulled away from work and has to take the time to be rehabilitated. He is so blessed and lucky to alive as are his dogs and I am so blessed that my dear friend is alive.

I will admit it...I've had that momentary  urge to use the phone while driving and to call or text not using the voice command or simply pulling over. Henry's experience has changed this for me. Because one moment of not focusing on the task at hand can lead to something so tragic - to hurt, maim or even kill another human being.

The new law, as far as I'm concerned, does need to have stricter fines and not just monetary penalties but also for people who do this to understand the effect this could have on others. I give my kudos to law enforcement for cracking down on the folks who break the cell phone law.

I know my fellow Road Rockers rock and follow the law, but  if you are temped or know someone who is tempted to use the phone while driving just this one time...please remember that you could become the person who causes an accident and hurts another person. It could be someone you know and love.

Our vehicles are great -- they get us around and they are fun to drive -- but they can also become a dangerous weapon under the hands of irresponsible choices made by the driver.

Thanks Henry Cadiz for sharing your story.

Facebook me

if you also have an experience you want to share.

LISA REMILLARD 

You definitely know her last name but may not know that she's following in her father's footsteps.

Deana Martin -- daughter of Dean Martin -- stopped by Midday last week.

This was her second time with us. She was promoting her South Point hotel-casino show "Deana Sings Dino" dedicated to her late dad. That show includes never-before-seen photos and home videos of the little girl who knew Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis Jr as "Uncle Frank" And "Uncle Sammy."

Deana also talked about all her wonderful memories of coming to the Sands hotel in Vegas with her dad and his buddies when she was a kid. Just hanging out, watching them perform. What a childhood!

Deana also wrote a book "Memories are made of this: Dean Martin through his Daughters Eyes." That book is now being made into a MOVIE! How exciting. Jennifer Love Hewitt will play Deana; comedian & actress Bonnie Hunt wrote the screenplay; and actor Joe Mantegna will direct.

But who will play her famous father? We talked about it here! And you can also hear Deana sing!!!

 CASEY SMITH  

It's called SNACK and it's all about the kids.  

Sadly, a lot of school-aged children in Clark County spend their days with growling stomachs. They get nutritional food when they're in school, but when school is out for the summer, some of them go hungry.   

Communities in Schools of Nevada is working to make Las Vegas better place to live by offering free meals and snacks to students in need this summer.  

Danielle Dreitzer, executive director of Communities in Schools of Nevada, appeared on Action News at Midday to talk about the SNACK program.

CISN is offering breakfast and lunch to kids ages 2-18 at the Archie Grant Center for Academic Excellence and the Marble Manor Community Center from now through August 10.

For more information on SNACK or summer programming offered to students, please call 702-770-7611 or visit http://cisnevada.org/.