U.S. Public Health Service honors local pharmacy student

The U.S. Public Health Service has awarded Jennifer Smith, a student at the University of Southern Nevada College of Pharmacy, its Community Service Award.

Smith, a second-year doctor of pharmacy student, was nominated for the award for her work as part of the school's Drug Abuse Awareness Team whose mission is to educate youth about prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse.

Ten students from across the country were selected for the honor by the U.S. Public Health Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In other news:

* Dr. Paul Oesterman, an assistant professor and early experience coordinator at the USN College of Pharmacy, has been named the Nevada recipient of the Bowl of Hygeia Award. The annual award is given to an outstanding pharmacist in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

The Bowl of Hygeia Award is sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

* St. Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus Council No. 13456 in Henderson recently selected its new officers for 2008-2009. The officers are: John Rios, grand knight; Clarence Savial, chaplain; Antonio Pascua, deputy grand knight; Jesus Avila, chancellor; Thomas Krush, recorder; Bill Beck, financial secretary; Erich Sedler, treasurer; Clint Willis, lecturer; Salvatore Guarino, advocate; Robert Zaliwski, warden; Gerald Norkiewicz, inside guard; and Richard DiGregorio and Michael Picciano, outside guards. The Board of Trustees include: Joseph Pastorino, first year; Joseph Gemelli, second year; and Allan Korejwo, third year.

* The Springs Preserve and the Desert National Wildlife Refuge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were the Southern Nevada organizations honored by the State Historic Preservation Office in May for Archaeology Awareness and Historic Preservation Month.

The Springs Preserve was selected for its work in developing its site with consideration to its prehistoric and historic resources, and the Desert National Wildlife Refuge was honored for its rehabilitation of the Corn Creek Railroad Tie Cabin.

* Opportunity Village will have its 55th annual Awards Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. June 18. At the awards breakfast, members of the community and local organizations will be honored for helping to support the nonprofit organization. The event is open to the public and will be in the Opportunity Village gym at 6300 W. Oakey Blvd. Seats for the breakfast are $45. For more information or to make a reservation, call Seana Pitrone at 839-4757.

If you know of a worthy candidate for this column, mail information to Newsmakers, Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0070, or send faxes to 383-4676.