Southern Nevadans honored for health care work
Luzviminda Banaria was honored for her more than 40 years of experience in nursing during the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year awards ceremony in November.
Banaria, a nurse at University Medical Center, also was recognized for her patient care and for establishing an annual surgical mission to the Philippines in being named the nonprofit organization's Distinguished Nurse of the Year.
In addition to Banaria, 21 other nurses were honored for their work in several medical fields including critical care, hospice nursing, behavioral health, pediatrics, rehabilitation and ambulatory nursing, among others.
Two individuals also were honored for their work in supporting those in the nursing field. Nita Matthew, a human resources generalist at Valley Hospital, was named Outstanding Support Staff Member and Mark Howard, the chief executive officer at MountainView Hospital, was named top administrator.
In other news:
* Joshua A. Wikler of Liberty High School in Henderson has achieved certified journalism educator status from the Journalism Education Association. Wikler was honored in November at the fall JEA/NSPA national convention in Philadelphia. Journalism certification recognizes teachers who meet national standards of preparation to teach high school journalism classes and advise student media.
* The Junior League of Las Vegas was awarded the Urban Design Award for Historical Preservation by Mayor Oscar Goodman at a ceremony Jan. 8 at the Springs Preserve. The nonprofit women's organization that promotes volunteerism, received the award for its restoration of the Morelli House at 861 Bridger Ave. The restoration of the property was supported by the Nevada Commission of Cultural Affairs and donations from the community.
* Members of the Latin Chamber of Commerce have elected a new board of directors for 2008. The new board members are: Irene Bustamante Adams, chairwoman; Aldo Aguirre, vice-chairman; Eloisa Martinez, secretary-treasurer; Elizabeth Gallagher, assistant secretary-treasurer; and Robert Gomez, immediate past chairman.
In addition, directors were selected for one- or two-year terms. The one-year term directors include: Carlos Sanchez, Alma Garcia Vining, Luis Valera, Alex Garza, Eddie Escobedo and David Chavez. The two-year term directors are: Tony Sanchez, Carlos Campos, Valerie Vega, Diane Landeros, Judith Fleischman, Brian Ayala and Carlos Collado.
* The second annual Walk Now for Autism raised more than $100,000 on Dec. 1. The walk at Sam Boyd Stadium saw more than 2,000 people participate and raised money for the advocacy organization Autism Speaks.
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