Valleywide recreation briefs for Dec. 4-10, 2014

SMARTPHONE APP HELPS RESIDENTS VIEW WALKING TRAILS

The Southern Nevada Health District recently launched a new smart phone app that can help residents connect to the valley’s 600-plus miles of walking paths and trails. The app can be downloaded through the Apple Store for iOS devices at appsto.re/us/sTYf3.i or from Google Play for Android at bit.ly/1zirwNo.

Visit gethealthyclarkcounty.org.

MONTHLY HERPETOLOGICAL MEETING PLANNED

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is set to host the monthly Herpetological Society meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road. The evening’s presenter is the Who’s Who in Reptiles: Tom Crutchfield. Crutchfield’s topic is “I Searched for Adventure and Found More Than I Bargained For.” The meeting is potluck-style, so bring a covered dish to share. Attendees must be a member to join the presentation. Membership dues are $20 a year, payable at the meeting. Contact M.L. Robinson at 702-257-5529 or robinsonm@unce.unr.edu.

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES TRAINING PLANNED

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and the Nevada Department of Agriculture are set to offer an abbreviated Good Agricultural Practices training, focusing on risk management in fruit and vegetable production from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 4 at the Cooperative Extension Research Center and Demonstration Orchard, 4600 Horse Drive. Participants can learn principles of good agricultural and handling practices related to reducing risk from microbial food hazards and fundamental components of food safety as part of a management plan.

After the training, participants are encouraged to attend one of two free mock audits: from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 4 following the abbreviated GAPs training at the Center (participants should bring a lunch), or from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 5 at Blue Lizard Farms, 2122 Sunrise Drive in Caliente.

For more information or to register for the Good Agricultural Practices training, contact White Pine County extension educator Seth Urbanowitz at urbanowitzs@unce.unr.edu or 775-293-6598.

YOUTH ROLLER HOCKEY SIGN-UPS AVAILABLE

Youth Roller Hockey League sign-ups for ages 6-16 are available at the Las Vegas Roller Hockey Center, 800 Karen Ave. The 10-game season plus playoffs starts Dec. 6, and there are eight teams in three divisions. Games are played on Saturdays. Call 702-349-6526 or visit lasvegasrollerhockey.com.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION TO HOST JINGLE BELL RUN DEC. 13

The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run is planned for 8 a.m. Dec. 13 at Tivoli Village, 302 S. Rampart Blvd.

Runners can wear holiday-themed costumes and tie jingle bells to their shoelaces to get in the holiday spirit while raising funds to find a cure for arthritis. Live entertainment, vendors providing breakfast and a Reindeer Dash to Kidville also are planned.

To register, visit bit.ly/VKXj7g. Visit tivolivillagelv.com.

CONTINENTAL TIRE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULED

The Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic basketball tournament is planned for Dec. 22 and 23 at the Orleans Arena, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. Teams are Texas Tech, Boise State, Houston, Loyola-Chicago, Abilene Christian, South Carolina State, Southern Utah and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Game schedules will be available online closer to the event date.

Tournament package prices range from $50 to $110 plus taxes and fees. Call 702-284-7777 or visit orleansarena.com.

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OFFERS JUNIOR GARDENING CLASSES

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Junior Master Gardener program is available for children ages 7 to 12. Kids can experience hands-on gardening activities while learning about plants, water, soil, veggies and more.

The 4-H program is an eight-session-per-semester class with a fee of $52. Classes are planned from 9 a.m. to noon every other Saturday. For the north part of the valley, classes are planned at the Research Center & Demonstration Orchard, 4600 Horse Drive. In the south part of the valley, classes are planned at the Lifelong Learning Center’s Outdoor Education Center, 8050 Paradise Road.

For more information or to register, contact Karyn Johnson at 702-257-5523 or johnsonk@unce.unr.edu. Students must register to participate. For more information on the nationwide Junior Master Gardener program, visit jmgkids.us.

USTA-NEVADA OFFERS FREE TENNIS LESSONS FOR ALL AGES

The United States Tennis Association-Nevada is offering free tennis lessons to all ages. Participants are asked to visit ustanevada.com to complete the registration form. They will be emailed a certificate to take a free tennis lesson at any of the participating facilities.

Free loaner tennis rackets are available through USTA-Nevada’s Racquet Recycle Program. Everyone who registers will receive a free Nevada Tennis Association membership, which includes a newsletter and special invitations to community tennis events.

Email freetennis@ustanevada.com or call 702-792-8384, ext. 101.

SEGWAY TOURS THROUGH RED ROCK AVAILABLE

A new Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Segway tour is available. The tours start at the Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., at 8:45 a.m. Tuesdays, Fridays, or Saturdays. Visit segwaylasvegas.com/red-rock-canyon.

FENCING CAMPS PLANNED BY RED ROCK FENCING CENTER

Introduction to Fencing Camps for ages 5 to 9 and 9 to 15 are planned from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Red Rock Fencing Center, 8352 W. Warm Springs Road.

Participants will learn sportsmanship, the art and skill of fencing and have fun in the process. Fencing teaches focus, determination, coordination and thinking skills. Participants should bring lunch, but equipment will be supplied.

Camp fees are $200 per week, with an early drop-off fee of $20 per day from 7:30 to 9:15 a.m. The camp offers a 20 percent discount for siblings.

Visit redrockfencingcenter.com, email staff@redrockfencingcenter.com or call 702-222-1901.

SENIOR YOGA, TAI CHI CLASSES AVAILABLE

Atria Seville, 2000 N. Rampart Blvd., is set to host a one-hour Senior Tai Chi & Yoga Class at 2 p.m. Wednesdays. The class is led by master Mitch Menik. The Atria Seville residents participate and invite local seniors to attend. It includes seated and standing tai chi, yoga, laugh yoga and ends with a traditional tea tasting. Sign in at the front desk when entering. The class is complimentary to seniors. The location is just south of Lake Mead Boulevard in Summerlin. Visit atriaseville.com or call 702-804-6800.

TOURACADEMY OFFERING GOLF INSTRUCTION

The TOURAcademy, which provides personalized golf instruction and skill development programs for golf enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels, recently launched new golf training programs and junior golf programs.

The local TOURAcademy location is TPC Las Vegas, 9851 Canyon Run Drive.

For times and fees, visit pgatourexperiences.com or call 800-766-7939.

CENTENNIAL HILLS ACTIVE ADULT CENTER OFFERS WEEKLY SENIOR FITNESS CLASSES

The Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, offers weekly fitness classes for active adults 50 or older from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays.

Classes include card and game activities, crafts, dance and fitness. The yearly membership is $2 and includes access to all activities, though some may have additional fees.

Call 702-229-1702.

NEIGHBORHOOD REC CENTER OFFERS SENIOR ACTIVITIES

The Neighborhood Recreation Center, 1638 N. Bruce St., offers senior activities for adults 55 or older from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

Daily leisure activities, classes and monthly trips are offered to Social Senior members who pay a $3 annual membership fee.

Call 702-633-1492 or 702-633-1600.