News from around the valley, Feb. 18-24, 2016

Veterans claim aid: David F. Bolser, CEO/founder of Senior Veterans Inc., a national nonprofit, is set to be available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 19 and 20 at Atria Sunlake, 3250 S. Fort Apache Road, to talk to residents about how to qualify for a monthly pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Seniors and their family members are encouraged to stop by and get information, forms and coaching tips on how to file their claim with the VA. Email seniorvetllc@gmail.com or call 719-505-2435.

Business, marketing seminars: The city of Las Vegas and Sumnu Marketing are planning to present a series of free seminars focusing on business and marketing strategies. The seminars are all planned from 9 a.m. to noon at the Urban Chamber of Commerce Business Development Center, 1951 Stella Lake St. Seminars are: Feb. 24, Constructing an entrepreneurial mind-set; March 2, Strategic Business Development; March 9, Your Company's DNA; March 16, Marketing Strategies; March 23, Business and Marketing Development; March 30, Project Pitches and Certification; and April 16, Trusts and Estate Planning. RSVP to Darren Harris with the city of Las Vegas at dmharris@lasvegasnevada.gov or 702-229-6862.

Nevada's Big Give: The fifth statewide online giving event is planned for March 10, benefiting charities across the state. Nevada's Big Give promotes personal giving to all of the state's participating nonprofits through its online platform. Every registered 501(c)(3) organization in Nevada is eligible to participate and receive donations from midnight to 11:59 p.m. March 10 by visiting NVBigGive.org. Clark County School District schools are eligible to participate through partnership with The Public Education Foundation. All participating organizations must register on the website on or before March 1.

Henderson named age-friendly: The AARP recently gave the city of Henderson the Age-Friendly Community designation. The city is the first in Nevada to receive this recognition. An age-friendly community is designed to help create an environment that is accessible and encourages active and healthy aging for all people. The city is conducting a survey to determine the community's needs at tinyurl.com/hendersonagefriendly.

Wet'n'Wild hiring: Wet'n'Wild Las Vegas, 7055 S. Fort Apache Road, is heading into its fourth season and has started the hiring process for more than 450 seasonal jobs, including lifeguards, admissions, guest services, emergency medical technicians, maintenance, food and beverage, retail, operations and security. Several seasonal supervisory positions are also available. The water park is set to be open March 19 through September. Applicants can begin the employment process online at wetnwildlasvegas.com under the "Employment" section. Following online submission, the management team will review applications and contact select applicants during the next few months to conduct interviews. The minimum age requirement for employment is 16 (at the time the park opens) or 18, depending upon the position.

Youth Leadership Summit: The event is set from 1 to 3 p.m. March 22 at Las Vegas City Hall, 495 S. Main St. The event is an opportunity for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and interested youth leaders to learn more about the city of Las Vegas. City Manager Betsy Fretwell will join Mayor Pro Tem Ross and special guests to share information about the city of Las Vegas and answer questions from Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and youth leaders. It is free and open to the public. Space is limited. RSVP by emailing clkramar@lasvegasnevada.gov or by calling 702-229-6154.

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 womensclubofsummerin.org.

Homeless help: Through Feb. 19, Las Vegas residents are invited to drop off clothing and nonperishable food at the two Humana Guidance Centers, at 1000 N. Green Valley Parkway, Suite 720, and 8975 W. Charleston Blvd., to benefit local homeless and at-risk military veterans. Items collected will support U.S. VETS — Las Vegas' Veterans Stand Down event planned from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 16 and 17 at Cashman Center, 850 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Donations of clothing, including shirts, pants, shoes, socks, undergarments and hats, are requested, along with backpacks, sleeping bags and nonperishable food items. The centers are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 702-269-5200 or 702-380- 6170.

Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year: The National Silver Haired Congress Nevada Delegation, in partnership with the Aging Services Directors Organization, is seeking nominations for the award through March 31. The competition is open to those who are 60 or older and have lived in Nevada for five years. The nomination guidelines and forms are available at nevshc.org or by calling 702-860-6349. The award presentation is planned in May.

City of Las Vegas Neighborhood Partners Fund Grants: The Neighborhood Partners Fund is designed to assist in improving the livability of city neighborhoods through community-matched funding for neighborhood improvement projects. The fund program grants up to $5,000, which must be matched by the neighborhood with cash, volunteer labor, donated supplies, equipment or professional services. Neighborhood associations, homeowners associations or business associations whose primary purpose is neighborhood improvement must:

— Be located within the city of Las Vegas.

— Be registered with the city of Las Vegas Office of Community Services (projects need to be implemented within the registered neighborhood's boundaries).

— Have a majority of the association's members living or operating businesses in the neighborhood.

— Demonstrate neighborhood support for the proposed project/program.

For more information about the application process, contact NPF Program Coordinator Maria Castillo Couch at mccouch@lasvegasnevada.gov or at 702-229-6681.

Charitable donation: The Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation recently donated $125,000 to After-School All-Stars Las Vegas, the nonprofit that Elaine Wynn helped to create 21 years ago. Wynn continues to serve as an honorary member of the board of directors.

Rescue in need of volunteers: The Las Vegas Valley Humane Society is seeking to add several volunteers in a variety of positions to help with its efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and reduce animal population in Southern Nevada. Interested and new volunteers can get more information and training during a volunteer orientation planned from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 20 at the rescue office, 2965 S. Jones Blvd., E-2. The organization has volunteer openings for:

— Adoption Counselors: Assist with adoption days at local PetSmart and Petco locations. Must be comfortable with cats and dogs and be able to handle the animals.

— Foster Care: Provide a home for animals during the week and deliver to adoption site on Saturdays/Sundays. All necessary food and medical care will be provided by LVVHS.

— Spay & Neuter Initiatives: Assist with the organization's various spay and neuter initiatives to help control animal overpopulation in Southern Nevada, including transporters and feral cat trappers.

— Demonstrations: Support LVVHS' community awareness initiatives by speaking at local organizations or assisting with volunteer trainings/recruitment events.

— RSVP for the orientation by calling 702-434-2009 or visit lvvhumane.org.

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 February 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. Dates are: Feb. 23, April 19, and 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.

Pet bed and blanket drive: Nathan Adelson Hospice's Pet Therapy Program is hosting its fifth annual Dog Bed & Blanket Drive through Feb. 28. All Nathan Adelson locations will serve as a drop-off point for new or gently used items, including: dog beds, blankets, towels, wash cloths, linens and unopened pet food. Locations are at: 4141 Swenson St.; in the MountainView Medical Office Building, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 350; 2270 E. Commercial Road, Suite A/B in Pahrump; and 1201 Nevada State Drive. Visit nah.org.

Neighborhood College: Clark County's Neighborhood College is seeking residents interested in learning how county government works to better serve their neighborhoods and the community. The college is a free, 10-week program of interactive workshops and hands-on learning experiences conducted for Clark County residents by subject matter experts from various county departments. Session topics will include, but are not limited to, Government 101; transportation; health; human and community services; public and neighborhood safety; public works; civic engagement; and code enforcement. The class is set to meet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Mondays starting March 21 for 10 weeks. Each night will begin with an informal Power Hour from 5 to 6 p.m. for networking. The classes will be held in the Pueblo Room on the first floor of the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. Program applications are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 24. Class size is limited to 28 students.

To apply:

— Obtain an application from the Organizational Development Center on the first floor of the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, 702-455-3179.

— Complete an application online via the web link goo.gl/forms/l3UeLZJqze.

— Download the pdf application from the county website, then fax, mail or email the completed application to 702-455-3211, odc1@ClarkCountyNV.gov or Clark County Organizational Development Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89155.

USA Sevens return: The USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament and Las Vegas Invitational is planned March 3-6 at Sam Boyd Stadium, 7000 E. Russell Road. Tickets start at $15 for youths 14 or younger and $30 for adults. For a full schedule of events, visit usasevens.com/las-vegas.

Dodgeball tournament: After-School All-Stars Las Vegas announced its Dodgeball Tournament, planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 5 at Mendenhall Center at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Proceeds benefit the organization. Competing teams include local companies and individuals ranging from Las Vegas Strip nightclubs and restaurants to Zappos and the Metropolitan Police Department. Corporate participants may enter for $500 per team, while the cost for community participants (individuals, nonprofits) is $250 per team. All teams may have up to 10 players with eight players minimum. Teams must be co-ed. Awards are planned for the championship team as well as the best-dressed team. Spectator tickets range from $15 to $30. Email info@asaslv.org or visit razoo.com/us/story/2nd-Annual-All-Star-Dodgeball-Tournament.

Women in Technology awards: The Las Vegas Community Tech Fund, HiTech Vegas LLC and WomenAdvancing present the third annual Las Vegas Women in Technology Awards 2016 to recognize the achievements of leading women in technology fields working in the greater Las Vegas metro area. The Las Vegas Women in Technology Awards will be awarded to five women representing technology industries including: Robotics; Information Technology; Computer Engineering; 3D Printing; Robotics; New Technology Products; Tech Startups; and Tech Entrepreneurs. Nominations are being accepted through April 15 at vegaswomentechawards.net.

Milkweed packets: Over the past two years, Master Gardener Anne Marie Lardeau with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension has been harvesting Rush Milkweed seeds from the Demonstration and Test Gardens at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. The plants are native to Nevada in Clark and Lincoln counties, and their seed collection and distribution encourages the Monarch butterflies to lay their eggs. The public can pick up a seed packet for participation in a study of the Monarch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays at the Master Gardener Help Desk at the Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road. Planting instructions are included. Call the help desk at 702-257-5555 or email lvmastergardeners@unce.unr.edu.

Email ballots: Clark County voters have the option of receiving sample ballots by email instead of regular mail, possibly saving $1.5 million and more than 1,000 trees this election year, according to Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak. To receive a sample ballot by email, go to the County Election Department website at clarkcountynv.gov/vote, enter your personal information in the Registered Voter Services box and log-in to the site. Then, click on the drop down arrow next to Voter Services and select "Request my sample ballot electronically (Go Green)." In order to receive a primary election sample ballot by email instead of regular mail, a voter will have to change their preference by May 14. Voters are always able to view their sample ballot through the County Election Department website. The 2016 primary election is on June 14, with early voting from May 28 to June 10. The general election is Nov. 8, with early voting from Oct. 22 to Nov. 4. The deadline to register to vote in the primary election is May 24.

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.