News from around the valley, May 19-25, 2016

Henderson named playful city: The city of Henderson has been named a Playful City USA community for the ninth consecutive year by KaBoom!, a national nonprofit that honors cities and towns championing efforts to make play a priority for children.

Goodwill to break ground: Goodwill of Southern Nevada plans to open its second Henderson Goodwill Retail Store and Drive Thru Donation Center in the fall. A groundbreaking was held May 17 at Horizon Road and Boulder Highway. The 17,000-square-foot, build-to-suit location will include an 11,000-square-foot sales floor and a covered two-lane drive-thru donation center.

Yes! partnership for prom: Yes! Air Conditioning & Plumbing recently partnered with the Tim Tebow Foundation, which holds an annual Night to Shine prom event for those 16 or older with special needs. Through May, Yes! is asking the community to donate prom dresses, bridesmaids dresses and cocktail dresses. Between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., residents may drop off dress donations at 6275 S. Pioneer Way. Visit yesairconditioningandheating.com or call 702-545-6260.

Elks membership: The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, founded 150 years ago, is an organization of adults seeking to engage in charitable work at the local and national levels. Membership is open to men and women. Examples of efforts include providing scholarships to high school graduates in an amount annually second only to the federal government, providing school supplies to at-risk schools in the local community, food baskets to families in need during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, participating in drug awareness programs in local schools and being active in veterans and veteran organizations. Contact the Henderson/Green Valley Lodge 2802, 631 E. Lake Mead Parkway, at 702-565-9959 or visit tinyurl.com/elksgv.

Social Service grant: The Clark County Commission recently approved a $100,000 grant awarded to the department of Social Service by the Corporation for Supportive Housing to study the feasibility of using Pay for Success to improve housing, healthcare and other services for the community’s most vulnerable residents. Pay for Success is a contracting and financing model implemented by government and private sector entities to fund evidence-based solutions. It leverages philanthropic and private dollars to fund services up front, with the government or other entity paying after initiatives generate results. Social Service will work with CSH on developing a feasibility assessment toward creating supportive housing for a small population of residents who are largely responsible for escalating costs for health, correctional and other emergency services in Clark County. These “super utilizers” of services face complex challenges and continuously move between incarceration, hospitalization, detoxification services, and homelessness. The cost of their crisis care is significantly higher than supportive housing, which is proven to end homelessness by linking individuals to an affordable apartment and the services they need to stay housed. The department has up to 18 months to develop and determine the feasibility of a Pay for Success model to create the supportive housing they envision. Two collaborating partners of the CSH will provide technical assistance throughout the feasibility assessment project in Clark County. The Center for Health Care Strategies will provide expertise in the area of Medicaid and other public financing sources as it relates to services for vulnerable populations and the cost of such services. Third Sector Capital Partners will offer guidance on building financial modeling capacity, and designing and structuring procurement processes.

National City Council Meeting: On May 3, the city of Henderson held the first National City Council Meeting, developed by Mayor Andy Hafen, in an effort to begin a conversation about issues that matter to communities in Nevada and the nation. The meeting is modeled after National Night Out, and each participating City Council that takes part is invited to customize its agenda to best fit the interests of its own community. Henderson’s National City Council Meeting included resolutions on three topics: Closing the online sales tax loophole, protecting the federal tax exemption for municipal bonds and thanking the Nevada Congressional Delegation for its leadership in supporting the five-year Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. To view the meeting text, visit tinyurl.com/ha4xp4y. Visit nvleague.com.

Clothing drive: Mattress Firm plans its Kids Clothing Drive through June 26. All stores in Las Vegas will accept new clothing items and monetary donations to help provide foster youths with the items they need to adjust to a new home and succeed in a new environment. The donations will be distributed to Fostering Futures of Las Vegas at the end of the eight-week drive. Through May 22, parents and friends can submit a picture of a kid hero in participating in the clothing drive. Visit stores.mattressfirm.com/nv/lasvegas or mattressfirm.com/foster-kid-heroes.html.

Summer league auditions: Auditions are open to sing the national anthem at a Samsung NBA summer league basketball game. Prior performance experience and an a cappella version of “The Star Spangled Banner” are required. League dates are July 8-18, and 45 audition spots are available. Preregistration is required. Email showbizkidz@centurylink.net or visit showbizkidz.net.

U.S. Open National Playoffs USTA Intermountain Sectional Qualifying Tournament: The event is set for May 27 through June 2 at the Darling Tennis Center, 7901 W. Washington Ave. Competitors include top-ranked juniors, college players, senior players (60 or older), tennis club teaching pros, former touring pros, and weekend warriors and recreational players, including USTA League players. Visit USOpen.org/NationalPlayoffs.

Month of Honor: Station Casinos has launched a monthlong fundraising effort to raise awareness and funds for homeless veterans and their families who reside at Veterans Village in downtown Las Vegas. Through May 31, Station Casinos properties and venues, including the cafes, casino bars, bingo rooms, bowling alleys and gaming areas, including designated blackjack and poker tables, will be themed patriotic to signify where the company will donate a portion of its proceeds and gaming winnings. Visit veteransvillagelasvegas.org.

Summer Adult Softball Leagues Registration: Registration for Divisions Coed REC, Coed D and Men’s D is May 23-30 for play that begins June 6. Games are set from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $475 per team, plus regular-season umpire fees of $168. Games are planned at Veterans Memorial Fields, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive, and Lorenzi Park, 3333 W. Washington Ave. Call 702-229-4616.

Charity Golf Tournament: The event’s shotgun start is planned at 7:30 a.m. May 30 at the Revere Golf Club, 2600 Hampton Road. Hosted by the Foundation Assisting Seniors, money raised will fund the foundation’s programs. It includes a four-person scramble. Players may sign up as an individual or in a team, and the cost is $100 per player. Contests and an award luncheon with over 100 raffle prizes are planned. Contact Kelsey Hand at 702-965-1617, ext., 129 or kelsey@trospercommunications.com.

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, 4000 W. Flamingo Road. For a form, visit tinyurl.com/OPEM2016form.

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.

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.

Monorail for residents: Nevada residents with valid identification can purchase $1 fares for the Las Vegas Monorail every day of the year. For a list of ticket offices, visit LVMonorail.com or call 866-466-6672.

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.

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.

Henderson Strong survey: Residents can participate in a survey to set the long-term goals and objectives of Henderson Strong, a plan that will guide the growth and development of the city for the next 20 years. The city is looking to craft strategies to address key community concerns and gather site-specific feedback in the areas of interest identified by residents: schools and education; healthy and safe communities; and parks and open spaces; improvements along Lake Mead Parkway, to the Boulder Highway Corridor and in the Downtown Henderson area. The survey is open until May 31. Visit HendersonStrong.org.

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-age children in a school or recreation setting. A college degree in art, recreation, education or a related field is preferred. Hourly salary is $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. Hourly salary is $8.45 to $9. Call 702-455-8334. Applications can be picked up at any Clark County Parks and Recreation facility or can be downloaded at accessclarkcounty.com/depts/parks/Documents/Application.pdf.

Business license kiosks: City of Las Vegas Business Licensing has deployed two kiosks providing 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 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.

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 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.