Neighborhood News

Family to Family Connection
to host open house today

Family to Family Connection announces an open house called Stayin' Alive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at its facility, 6114 W. Charleston Blvd.

Attendees are urged to bring baby pictures for a time capsule to be opened in three years. The name of the event is in response to Gov. Brian Sandoval's budget cuts, which stripped the non profit of 60 percent of its funding. Founder Dianne Farkas said its doors will remain open despite the set back.

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is working on a research project and would like your opinion in exchange for a free gift. Family to Family Connection offers free services to families of newborn babies and infants up to age 4 . For more information, call 870-9583.

Travel club to meet at Tap House

The Las Vegas Single Social and Travel Club for Mature Adults invites prospective members to its meetings, which are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month at the Tap House, 5589 W. Charleston Blvd.

The meet-and-greet portion is set to start at 6 p.m. Meeting discussions focus on day trips, local events, in-state and out-of-state traveling, cruises and international traveling. A guest speaker frequently is featured. The meeting closes at about 7:30 p.m., and appetizers are served as the group mingles.

The next meeting is set for today. For more information, call 888-324-2028.

YOUNGSTERS CAN TRY OUT FOR BASEBALL

The Las Vegas Rivals is a year-round, Summerlin-area baseball team looking for players ages 7 and 8 to try out. The Rivals focus on teaching the fundamentals of baseball in a fun and rewarding environment. For more information, call Trevor Neville at 499-1333 or email vegasrivals@hotmail.com.

JW Marriott to host blood drive

The Rampart Casino and JW Marriott are teaming up for a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Grand Ballroom of the JW Marriott, 221 N. Rampart Blvd. Each donor will receive a voucher for a free meal at the Rampart Buffet and will be eligible to win prizes such as a one-night stay at the JW Marriott with breakfast, valued at $200; dinner for two at JC Wooloughhan's Irish Pub, valued at $75; and dinner for two at Ceres Restaurant, valued at $150.

To make an appointment, visit unitedbloodservices.org and enter the sponsor code "Rampart" or call
638-7400.

Bird and water ensemble performance planned at THe Lakes Lutheran Church

The Las Vegas chapter of the Taiwanese Association plans to present a performance of the Bird and Water Ensemble at 7 p.m. Wednesday at The Lakes Lutheran Church, 8200 W. Sahara Ave.

The Bird and Water Ensemble was formed by people with physical, visual and other disabilities. Admission is free.

For more information, call 363-2515.

Australian tennis clinic set
for Canyon Gate Country Club

Learn the secrets of Australian tennis success at Down Under Tennis II, a two-day event scheduled for July 15 and 16 at Canyon Gate Country Club, 2001 Canyon Gate Drive.

The event will benefit the G Alex Foundation and is scheduled to begin with a player cocktail party from 6 to 9 p.m. Andre Agassi's coach, Darren "Killer" Cahill, will headline the next day's play, which is set to begin with check-in at 3:15 p.m. Clinics are set to begin at 4 p.m.

LOCAL moviemaker SEEKS
SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY

The Alexander Entertainment Group announces its documentary project, "They Came to Fly, T he Story of the Tuskegee Airmen" has received 12,900 hits on YouTube .

Formerly titled "Knights of the Air," the first trailer can be seen by visiting www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ziz5OdeowuA. The producer has launched a major campaign to obtain the finishing funds needed to complete "They Came to Fly." It seeks online pledges from the community.

Hear and read about the campaign on kickstarter.com and look for projects in Las Vegas or type "Tusk egee" in the search box to see how to contribute.

Art reception set at Summerlin Library

Photographer Ambrea Chiariello plans to showcase her photographs of everyday objects that have become old, broken or useless in the exhibit "The Used and Forgotten" at the Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive. The exhibit is set to run Thursday through Aug. 28 during regular library hours.

A reception is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Star party planned saturday
at Corn Creek Station

The rangers of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge and the Las Vegas Astronomical Society announce the Desert Under the Stars Star Party, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Corn Creek Station on U.S. Highway 95, north of Las Vegas.

The evening is set to begin with telescope viewing of the moon and Saturn just after sunset, followed by deep-sky viewing of galaxies, nebulae and star clusters as the sky darkens. A laser-guided tour of the night sky is planned at 9:30 p.m. The public is invited to park at the information kiosk and take a short, easy walk to the observing site. Parking and access to video-assisted viewing of the night sky are available for those in wheelchairs at the observing site.

This event is free . For more information, call Ida Castillo at 879-6110 or Rob Lambert at 461-1390 or visit lvastronomy.com.

Foreclosed Upon Pets seeks
foster homes for animals

Foreclosed Upon Pets Inc. is in urgent need of foster families to house animals until forever homes are found. The all-volunteer group takes in pets left behind because of home foreclosures. It is running at capacity and can accept no more animals without more foster parents.

For more information, call 272-0 010 or visit forecloseduponpets.org.

Nominations being taken
for Caregiver of the Year

Homewatch CareGivers, a provider of full-service home care, will be accepting nominations for its National Family Caregiver of the Year award through July 29.

Semifinalists will win a yearlong scholarship to Homewatch CareGivers University, where they can take various courses -- gaining an educational foundation, skill set and confidence to continue improving their care giving. The semifinalists also will be given eight hours of respite care. One winner will be awarded the $10,000 grand prize and the title of National Family Caregiver of the Year.

For more information on the program, visit homewatchcaregivers.com.

Photo contest to capture
downtown Las Vegas

Professional and amateur photographers 21 or older can enter Capture Downtown! ---- a photography competition sponsored by the city of Las Vegas, the Downtown Las Vegas Alliance, Symphony Park and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Photos should depict life in downtown Las Vegas. Categories include Lifestyle: everyday life/work/play in downtown Las Vegas; Stars: interesting people who live/work downtown; and Icons: downtown landmarks, neon signs and historic buildings.

Winners will be announced in October. A People's Choice A ward also will be given ---- the entry photos will be hosted at lvrj.com Sept. 1- 22 for voting.

Entry deadline is Aug. 15. All entries must be submitted digitally to downtownlasvegasalliance/capturedowntown.

Pavilion Center Pool to host event

Yankee Doodle at the Pool is planned for noon to 5 p.m. Friday at Pavilion Center Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive.

Participate in water games and activities as the city celebrates Independence Day.

The daily fee is $1 for ages 4 to 17; $2 for ages 18 to 49; $1.50 for age 50 or older ; free for ages infant to 3.

For more information, call 229-1488.

Patriotic Parade set for Monday

The Summerlin Council's Patriotic Parade is scheduled to begin with a dignitary step-off at 8:30 a.m. Monday, followed by the parade at 9 a.m. at Hills Center Drive.

New 2011 parade entries include a "Toy Story"-themed entry featuring a 25-foot Mr. Potato Head inflatable balloon; an American Superhero Squad float with Captain America, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman and Superman; and a "Tangled"-inspired entry featuring Rapunzel towering above the crowds.

The parade route will travel along flag-lined streets from Hillpointe Road and Hills Center, then south on Hills Center, concluding on Trailwood Drive. Arrive early to get a prime viewing area along the route.

For more information, call 341-5500.

Residents can weigh in
on bus system by July 9

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada is considering changes to its bus system which will be implemented in September.

It is taking input from residents until July 9. Visit rtcsnv.com for a list of meeting dates, places and times.

The evaluation may result in various types of changes such as frequency reduction, selected trip eliminations, changes to hours of operation, shortening of entire routes, elimination of routes with low ridership and route redesigns.

The paratransit service will also be adjusted and will maintain the mandated three-quarters of a mile border on each side of the fixed route boundary.

To comment, use the website or call 676-1557 or fax at 676-1589. Letters can be sent to RTC - attention Transit Service Outreach, 600 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89106.

In-person comments can be made at the Bonneville Transit Center, 101 E. Bonneville Ave., and the RTC Administrative Office, 600 S. Grand Central Parkway.