News from around the valley, May 26-June 1, 2016
Homelessness decline: The number of homeless people in Southern Nevada declined by more than 17 percent during the past year, according to the annual homeless count done earlier this year. During two days in January, volunteers counted 6,208 homeless people, which is 1,301 fewer than were counted in January 2015. The 2016 Southern Nevada Homeless Census was conducted on Jan. 26 and 27. The count found 3,731 people living on the streets and 2,477 people living in shelters or other temporary indoor locations. Visit helphopehome.org.
Bank donation: City National Bank announced it has donated $11,500 to the Las Vegas Veterans Memorial A National Tribute Project, which is slated to open on May 27 with a dedication ceremony hosted by Gov. Brian Sandoval and the Las Vegas Veterans Memorial Foundation. The 2-acre memorial and park is at the Grant Sawyer State Building, 555 E. Washington Ave. Visit lasvegasveteransmemorial.org.
Retail expansion: Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd., has announced it will open Phase Two of its expansion in October, which is to include the ability to host signature events, a mix of retailers, entertainment, cafes, restaurants and Class A office space. Visit tivolivillagelv.com.
WestCare renovation: The dedication of the newly renovated WestCare Nevada’s Women and Children’s Campus, 5659 Duncan Drive, was May 19. Capital improvements were made possible through a $350,000 competitive grant from the Nevada Women’s Philanthropy and $214,000 in donated labor, construction and trade support through HomeAid Southern Nevada. Major improvements to the facility include new energy efficient windows and doors, a new roof on the 33,000-square-foot campus, repairs to the HVAC system and upgraded security system and closed circuit security cameras throughout the facility.
House added to historic list: Harrison’s Guest House at F Street and West Adams Avenue has become Nevada’s latest addition to the National Register of Historic Places, listed by the National Park Service on May 13. The National Register is the nation’s official list of properties worthy of preservation.
North Las Vegas added to Purple Heart list: Dick Moyer, Senior Vice Commander of Las Vegas Purple Heart Chapter 711, requested North Las Vegas officials proclaim the municipality a Purple Heart City. Officials did so at the City Council meeting May 18. North Las Vegas will join Henderson and Las Vegas as the third Purple Heart City in the Silver State.
Discover parks: Nevada residents and visitors are invited to Discover Nevada State Parks on June 11. Park visitors will receive free day use admission and free fishing (no license required) at all of Nevada’s 23 state parks. Visit parks.nv.gov.
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.
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. Visit stores.mattressfirm.com/nv/lasvegas or mattressfirm.com/foster-kid-heroes.html.
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 through May 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
