News from around the valley, April 28-May 4, 2016

Partnership for youth: Lamar Advertising Co. has partnered with the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth to bring awareness about youth homelessness facing Southern Nevada, serve as a call to action for the community and how to help and to provide homeless youths with a message about protection from exploitation and direct them to NPHY or its Safe Place mobile crisis intervention program. There are more than 11,000 homeless youths in Clark County. The Lamar donation, valued at almost $150,000, will assist NPHY in its efforts by displaying digital ads that serve as advocacy tools on 29 rotating billboards in high-traffic areas during a four-week period.

New Goodwill: Goodwill of Southern Nevada’s first Goodwill Select Store with a Drive Thru Donation Center opened April 15 at 7036 S. Durango Drive. With a 2,000-square-foot sales floor, the Goodwill Select store is approximately six times smaller than the typical Goodwill retail store in Southern Nevada and has a full-size drive-thru for drop offs.

Mammoth Penny Push: The event, set to run through April 29 in Clark County School District schools, is an education initiative culminating in a penny and coin drive to raise funds and awareness for the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. A kickoff was held April 15 at Wolfe Elementary School, 4027 W. Washburn Road.

Women’s Club of Summerlin: Each year, the club awards Dare to Dream grants to women who are trying to better their lives and the lives of others in the community. Grants may be used for assistance with educational opportunities, business development, acquiring equipment, learning new skills, or movement toward a desired goal. Female applicants must be a minimum of 21 years old, reside in Clark County and complete a Dare to Dream application, explaining the dream and why it will improve her life and positively impact the community. Applicants may ask for up to $3,000. The deadline for submission of applications is April 29. Visit womensclubofsummerlin.org.

Pet adoption event: The Woof Gang Bakery annual adopt-a-thon event is set for April 30 at nationwide stores, including 7080 N. Durango Drive and 9500 S. Eastern Ave. Proceeds help support local rescues. As part of the adopt-a-thon, local animal welfare groups will have pets available for adoption, and the stores will offer giveaways throughout the day. Visit woofgangbakery.com.

Race for Hope and Fun Walk: Grant a Gift Autism Foundation’s seventh annual event is set to kick off at 7 a.m. April 30 at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The event ends April’s National Autism Awareness Month and supports children, youths and families affected by autism in Southern Nevada. The timed 5K is $35 for adults, $20 for teens and $15 for children. The costs for the nontimed runners or the walk are $30 for adults, $15 for teens and $10 for children. To support from afar, the Sleep In for Autism option is $20. Day-of race registration is $40. Visit GrantAGiftFoundation.org or call 702-564-2453 or email 5K@GrantAGiftAutismFoundation.org.

Greater Las Vegas Orchid Society: Art Chadwick is set to speak about large-flowered cattleyas at 1 p.m. May 1 at the Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive. Orchids for sale, a show and tell, food and refreshments are planned. The event is free and open to the public. Call 702-845-4872 or visit glvos.org.

Talk on dividends: A MountainView Lunch & Learn presentation, Gas Prices Are Down, But For How Long? is set from noon to 1:30 p.m. May 3 at the MountainView Hospital Medical Office Building H2U, Suite 114, 3150 N. Tenaya Way. The guest speaker is Rick LaSpaluto, certified financial planner. Registration is required. Call 702-233-5474 or visit mountainview-hospital.com.

Las Vegas Helldorado Parade: The free annual event is set for 10 a.m. May 14 on Fourth Street in downtown Las Vegas. The parade route heads north on Fourth Street from Gass to Stewart avenues. High school marching bands can receive $1,000 for participating, and high school groups that build and enter a float can receive $1,500 for participating. All community members are encouraged to submit entries at no charge. Download an application at tinyurl.com/gmqp32v. Visit elkshelldorado.com or call 702-229-6672.

Weatherization program: HELP of Southern Nevada is accepting applications for its Weatherization program, which assists low-income households occupied by seniors, those who are physically challenged and homes with children, to prepare for extreme summer and winter weather. This year, Southwest Gas is teaming up with the nonprofit through its Energy Share program, a bill assistance program to help those facing economic hardships. Through the program, customers in need can seek support on past-due natural gas energy bills. Qualified individuals may also receive assistance in replacing a natural gas appliance. Once an application is accepted, trained weatherization staff members will visit and examine homes and perform an energy audit. Repairs may include weather stripping, blowing insulation, broken windows, testing gas appliances, heating and air conditioning evaluations, refrigerator efficiency checks and installation of solar screens and other energy-saving devices. Visit helpsonv.org, call 702-795-0575 or visit the nonprofit at 1640 E. Flamingo Road between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Nominations for Community Associations Institute: The institute, an educational organization representing homeowners associations, community managers and industry partners statewide, has announced it is accepting nominations for individuals and charities statewide. Formerly known as the Annual Heroes’ Luncheon, it was redeveloped in 2012 to honor small charitable organizations that make a difference and are original to Nevada. Nominations are due May 31. Winners will be notified before an event to honor them, planned for Sept. 13 at the Gold Coast. For a form, visit tinyurl.com/OPEM2016form.

Volunteer coaches: Elite Las Vegas Wildcats, comprising tackle football and cheerleading for youths 7 to 14, is a nonprofit within the National Youth Sports League, affiliated with USA Football, a partner of the NFL. The Wildcats are looking for volunteer coaches for over 135 student athletes. No experience is required. Coaching clinics and course opportunities will be provided. Each volunteer will be required to submit a background check (a $10 fee). Football coaches will be required to obtain USA Football Certification for coaching (a $25 fee for online membership). Email elitelvwildcats@yahoo.com or call Katie Grossardt at 702-426-9039.

Free law classes planned: The Clark County Law Library and Nevada Legal Services are offering free classes on Bankruptcy and Consumer Rights in Nevada every other month through June. The class is being offered as a community service by Nevada Legal Services. Classes are planned from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays every other month at the Clark County Law Library, 309 S. Third St., Suite 400. The next class is set for June 21. Topics include whether to file for bankruptcy, the difference between Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy, debt collector harassment and how to receive free help. Qualified participants may apply for a pro bono attorney after attending class. Seating is limited. Call 702-455-4696 to reserve a seat.

Election workers needed: The Clark County Election Department is looking for workers during early voting and election days, June 14 and Nov. 8, respectively. The pay is $10 an hour for early voting and $120 for the day on Election Day. Applicants must be registered voters in Clark County, not a candidate or relative of a candidate, endure long hours or have flexibility for a variable schedule. Visit clarkcountynv.gov/vote or call 702-455-2815.

Recreation center employees sought: Clark County Parks and Recreation is seeking part-time employees for year-round day camps and summer camps at local community and recreation centers. Desert Breeze Recreation Center, 8275 Spring Mountain Road, is seeking an art instructor to plan and execute all age-appropriate arts and crafts activities for summer camp participants. The applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent and have previous experience teaching art to school-ages children in a school or recreation setting. A college degree in art, recreation, education or a related field is preferred. Salary is hourly at $10 to $12. The center also is accepting applications for a program assistant for year-round day camp programming at the center. The employee would be responsible for the supervision of children ages 6 to 12 in an active recreation program as well as facilitating activities such as group games, sports, arts and crafts and mentoring. Salary is hourly at $8.45 to $9. Call 702-455-8334. Applications can be picked up at any Clark County Parks and Recreation facility or at accessclarkcounty.com.

Business license kiosks: City of Las Vegas Business Licensing has deployed two kiosks providing both English- and Spanish-speaking customers with alternate methods of conducting business with the city of Las Vegas. The first one is in the first-floor lobby at the Development Services Center, 333 N. Rancho Drive. The second kiosk is at the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, 575 Symphony Park Ave., Suite 100. Some of the tasks that can be completed on the new kiosks include: apply for a business license; manage business license; pay business license renewals; visit required state websites; print forms; take customer surveys; and report problems. Call the Business Licensing department at 702-229-6281.

Landscape awards: Southern Nevada homeowners, professional landscapers and community garden devotees are encouraged to enter the 18th annual Southern Nevada Landscape Awards hosted by the Southern Nevada Water Authority and Springs Preserve in partnership with the Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and Star Nursery. Categories include landscape designs by homeowners and professionals, as well as maintenance by professionals and the Linn Mills Community Garden Award. For a list of categories, as well as information and photos of previous award winners, visit springspreserve.org. Entries are to be accepted through May 2 and may include front or backyard landscaping, new landscapes or upgraded landscape.

Sunset Stewards volunteers: Volunteers are sought for Clark County Parks and Recreation’s Sunset Stewards program, which involves patrolling Sunset Park for at least four hours each month. Stewards report problems and interact with park patrons in a positive way in order to educate them about what behavior is appropriate at the Sunset Lake and elsewhere on the grounds of the 323-acre regional facility. Volunteers are to be trained about how to interact with park patrons in a nonconfrontational manner. Volunteers are required to undergo a police background check and asked to have a cellphone with camera capabilities in order to document graffiti, vandalism or other concerns that they may encounter on their rounds. They will be provided a volunteer vest and have the option of being provided a trash grabber to pick up small pieces of garbage. Call 702-455-8200 or email sunsetstewards@ClarkCountyNV.gov.

Nominate veterans for veteran of the month: Nevada’s Veteran of the Month award recognizes veterans statewide who contribute their time and energy in support of veterans and the military, and/or who take pride in caring and nurturing their local communities. The program is managed by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, which continuously seeks out potential honorees. Anyone can nominate potential candidates. Submissions must be on an official form and will be reviewed by members of the Veterans Service Commission at its quarterly meetings. The members then make final decisions on who is chosen. Submissions are accepted throughout the year, and nomination deadlines are three weeks prior to each VSC quarterly meeting. To nominate:

— Read the attached VOM guidelines at veterans.nv.gov.

— Download and complete VOM nomination packet under “Services.” Nomination packets must include a copy of the nominee’s DD-214 Form and a photo of the nominee. For assistance in obtaining a copy of a DD-214 form, call the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, VAST Section, at 775-321-4880.

— Nomination packets can be filled out online, saved, printed, signed and mailed to: Nevada Department of Veterans Services, Attn: Pamela Roberts, 6880 S. McCarran Blvd., Bldg. A, Suite 2, Reno, NV 89509

— Completed packets can also be scanned and emailed to Roberts at robertsp@veterans.nv.gov or faxed to 775-688-1656.