Ignore turkey politicians; give thanks for those who care

Thanksgiving is impossible to intellectually digest without conjuring a little turkey imagery.

So it's entirely understandable I'd take time to acknowledge the thoroughly picked political bones of U.S. (Unbelievably Scandalized) Sen. John Ensign, R-No Tell Motel.

And what is Thanksgiving without pointing out the weighty wattle of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's pending health care bill? Nowhere in the behemoth bird's 2,074 pages does it mention who will pay for the hernia you will get just trying to lift the lardy legislation.

Today, let's set aside politics and try these tasty charitable leftovers instead. They won't upset your stomach and will do your heart some good.

MIRACLE LEAGUE: I don't remember who won the World Series, but I'll never forget Saturday's opening of the Miracle League Field at 101 S. Rancho Drive.

The field is specially designed to accommodate children with disabilities. With its rubberized surface, bright yellow foul poles, sound system, snack bar, and army of volunteers, the field is an incredible addition to the community. The fact it was built in the middle of a recession makes it all the more special.

Local attorney Tim McGarry and co-pastors Ginger and David Jarman of adjacent First Christian Church are the driving forces behind the ballpark's creation. Their group is affiliated with the national Miracle League organization, and the field was constructed through the support of the Engelstad Family Foundation.

With former big-league stars Jerry Reuss and Bill Madlock helping out, and Mayor Oscar Goodman throwing a first-pitch strike, the game commenced with a capacity crowd in attendance. Dave Courvoisier of KLAS-TV, Channel 8, emceed the event.

Goodman and Ward 5 City Councilman Ricki Barlow seemed genuinely proud of the ballpark and all it represented.

The league is scheduled to begin in the spring. For more information, check out miracleleaguelasvegas.com.

WHITNEY'S FRIENDS: With students who survive well below the poverty line, Whitney Elementary School is one of the neediest in Clark County. Thankfully, it also has plenty of friends.

Among them are SNAP Towing owners Bobby and Sandy Ellis, who each year give generous cash donations to the school located in East Las Vegas near Boulder Highway and Tropicana Avenue.

And this year executives from Findlay Acura and Collision Authority donated 50 turkeys to the students' families.

Whitney Principal Sherrie Gahn, who in addition to her administrative efforts spends much of her time making sure her students have enough food and proper clothing, says the donation comes at just the right time.

"This is a blessing," Gahn said. "We were really worried about being short on turkeys, and now our families can count on a turkey dinner from us. It takes a village for something like this to happen. I can't do it on my own."

GOOD FIGHT: Friends of Nikki Krieger raised $6,446 for the cancer-fighting social worker with the juvenile division of the Clark County Public Defender's office. And they even got to keep their hair.

Attorney Karen Brasier and her colleagues came up with a plan to "Save It or Shave It" to help their ailing friend. Enough contributions fell into the "save it" category that they were able to avoid buzz cuts.

The money will help offset Krieger's mounting living expenses as she battles brain cancer.

ON THE BOULEVARD: The Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth's annual Angel Tree program helps troubled young people on many levels. You can assist by donating Target gift cards and other items at the Safe Place Drop-In Center at 4800 S. Maryland Parkway Suite E. (www.nphy.org)

BOULEVARD II: My cancer-fighting daughter Amelia signs copies of our book, "Amelia's Long Journey," at noon Saturday at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in The District. (ameliaslongjourney.com) Proceeds benefit four local childhood cancer charities.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith @reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295.