Recently
I traveled to Phoenix to interview several NBA players and “legends” at the NBA
All-Star Weekend. Many of the parties and social activities took place nearby in
Scottsdale, Ariz., where there were and lots.
The trip was interesting and
full of sports celebrities,
singers,
actors and notables from other fields. The trip I took was about the NBA, but on
my return trip, I met a remarkable woman, Marlene James, who I consider my MVP
because of the compassion and professionalism she showed
when I really needed it due to some circumstances I was undergoing. I also got
to re-visit the Bluewater Resort and Casino, one of the most picturesque places
to stay in Parker, Ariz.
While in the Phoenix area, I
learned from Charles Smith,
executive director of the
National Basketball Association’s NBA Legends, that their organization is far
more than just about the game. The organization does more than just promote
basketball and help honor outstanding former players.
The NBA is a family of
close-knit people who support and get
involved
with efforts to help women, children and families that are financially
challenged. The organization works directly with parents and helps them to
educate and support their children. The legendary players also support efforts
that aid women and children in crises.
One
former NBA player, Jerome Williams, retired and relocated to Las Vegas, where I
reside. In addition to his work with NBA Legends, he runs his own nonprofit
charitable organization. Williams, known as “Junkyard Dog,” also participates in
the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program to help youth in Africa, Asia and
other countries.
Williams is only one of the
fine examples of NBA players who do more than expertly dribble, bounce and dunk
for their money. They give back, using those dollars to make other people’s
lives better.
The NBA held its awards
banquet on the final day of the weekend, just before the All-Star game. I spoke
with NBA greats, Including Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Spencer Haywood, along
with other sports notables, such as Seth Joyner, a former NFL football pro.
“The NBA is like no other
organization in sports. It’s a family and a brotherhood,” said Johnson.
This
year’s weekend celebration was fun for everyone. Fortunately, there were no
embarrassing moments (as has happened in the past when they convened in Las
Vegas and outside trouble-makers caused fights).
In Scottsdale, rapper Jay-Z
held his gala function at the Phoenician Hotel, considered the tops in
Scottsdale. His wife, Beyoncé, attended briefly. Other parties were hosted by
Snoop Dogg in downtown Scottsdale, and a huge party at the W Hotel drew about
5,000 people. As far as I could tell, all the parties took place without any
negative incidents.
On The Road Back
During my long drive back to
Las Vegas, I suddenly got sleepy and nearly lost control of my car. When I was
about 45 miles from Needles, Calif., and 17 miles from Parker, Ariz., I decided
to head there to check into the BlueWater Resort, a hotel-casino I had visited
before. I wrote about the place in my column nearly a decade ago, during their
grand opening.
Upon checking in, that’s
where I met my “MVP,” Marlene James. She greeted me at the front desk, and she
helped me with excellent accommodations, even though I had not made a
reservation. She offered me one of the best riverfront rooms with premium
accommodations.
The BlueWater is located by
the Colorado River, and it offers a beautiful, majestic view of the mountains. I
was able to walk right out of my room, onto the balcony and overlook the river
and the marina. Parker, Ariz., is small town of about 5,000 located just south
of Lake Havasu and only about three hours from the Grand Canyon. Parker is a
very popular destination for boating enthusiasts in the summer months. The
BlueWater is the only hotel-casino located there.
My recommendation is that you
look them up online at www.bluewaterfun.com, call them at 1-888-243-3360 and
visit. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by its tranquil setting.
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My book of poetry
entitled "Messages" was inspired by my dear friends C.J. Cansler along
with Victoria Boone and Beryl Warren.
The group of poems
along with some beautiful photographs are to inspire the reader.
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