North Las Vegas Neighborhood News, Dec. 17-23

STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS SCHEDULED

North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee plans to deliver the 18th annual State of the City address from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Aliante, 7300 Aliante Parkway. For more information on Lee’s first address to the city, visit cityofnorthlasvegas.com.

WEST LAS VEGAS ART CENTER HOSTS POETS CORNER

The West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., hosts poets corner readings with Keith Brantley at 7 p.m. the first and third Friday of each month. For more information, contact the center at 702-229-4800.

MARATHON RUNNER COMPETES FOR FOOD BANK

Area ultra-endurance athlete Jayson Black plans to run 26 marathons in 26 consecutive days – a total of 681.2 miles – to raise awareness about Three Square food bank’s ongoing holiday food drives.

The public is invited to share in the runs each Saturday at Anytime Fitness Seven Hills, 855 Seven Hills Drive, in Henderson. Black will be running entire marathons, roughly five hours, on a treadmill and invites community members to drop off canned food items to benefit the North Las Vegas-based nonprofit’s food collection efforts.

Three Square will continue to accept food drive donations through Dec. 23 at O’Roarke Elementary School, 8455 O’Hare Road. For more information, visit threesquare.org.

CHRISTMAS TREE CUTTING NOT ALLOWED IN SPRING MOUNTAINS

The U.S. Forest Service reminds the public that Christmas tree cutting is not allowed in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, including Mount Charleston.

Law enforcement actively patrols Mount Charleston to prevent illegal tree cutting. Violators can face misdemeanor charges up to $250 and receive a $500 fine per tree.

The closest locations that Las Vegas residents may purchase permits and cut Christmas trees are in Caliente and St. George and Pine Valley, Utah.

For more information, visit www.nv.blm.gov.

NORTH LAS VEGAS SCHOOL TO RECEIVE PETA AWARD

Animal rights activists with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals plan to reward a handful of North Las Vegas elementary schoolers for a recent letter writing campaign aimed at returning one of Sea World’s orca whales to the wild.

PETA’s Compassionate Action Award applauds Williams Elementary School students’ efforts to free Morgan, a female orca, from “virtual slavery,” according to a release issued by the Washington, D.C.-based organization on Nov. 27.

PETA spokeswoman Allison Lakomski said the award, one of five handed out by the organization this year, was mailed to students.

For more information, visit peta.org.

CITY SEEKS NORTH VALLEY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

The city of North Las Vegas is accepting applications for a new health care training facility planned in the north part of the valley.

Applicants must have earned 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and be able to provide both primary health care services and on-site health provider training.

The city plans to provide land but no financial backing for the project. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to provide development and long-term funding clinic and training facilities’ operation.

Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Dec. 19. For more information, visit cityofnorthlasvegas.com.

AFTER-SCHOOL ALL-STARS KICKS OFF GIVING TUESDAY CAMPAIGN

After-School All-Stars Las Vegas announces the kickoff of a holiday campaign called Giving Tuesday. Thanks to two anonymous donors, those who participate in the campaign will see their dollars matched by each of the anonymous donors, tripling the original donation amount.

Donations may be made at asaslv.org or by calling 702-770-7601. Once the donation is made, it will be matched by each of the anonymous Giving Tuesday donors.

NATHAN ADELSON HOSPICE HOSTING DOG BED AND BLANKET DRIVE

The Pet Therapy Program at Nathan Adelson Hospice is holding its third annual Dog Bed & Blanket Drive to help keep shelter animals warm this season.

Through Jan. 31, the hospice is collecting new or gently used dog beds, blankets and towels, as well as unopened dog food, to deliver to local animal shelters. In the valley, donations can be dropped off at 4141 Swenson St.; 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 350, next to MountainView Hospital; or 1201 Nevada State Drive in Henderson.

More than 3,500 items were donated to local shelters over the last two winter seasons through the drive. For more information, visit nah.org.

NSCB SEEKS HELP TO NAB UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS

The Nevada State Contractors Board is looking for homeowners to help get rid of unlicensed contractors by allowing undercover NSCB investigators to use their homes for daylong undercover sting operations.

For more information, contact NSCB Criminal Investigations supervisor Kenny Peppley at 702-486-1144.

WOMEN VETS SOUGHT FOR PTSD STUDY

Researchers at UNLV are looking for women to participate in a research study on post-traumatic stress disorder. The aim of the study is to examine the role of stress hormones in combat-related PTSD in women.

Women between the ages of 18 and 35 who have served on active military duty within the past five years may be eligible to participate. Participants will fill out questionnaires, complete a brief interview and provide saliva samples for measurement of stress-related hormones.

Study completion requires two one-hour visits to the UNLV main campus. All participants are eligible to receive free counseling. All personal information will be kept confidential, and participants can choose to discontinue the study at any time.

For more information about this study or research about veterans with PTSD, contact Meghan Pierce, M.S., at 702-595-9025 or piercem3@unlv.nevada.edu.

NEW CLINIC TO TARGET UNDERSERVED POPULATION

Hope Christian Health Center is set to open a new health care clinic near the intersection of North Pecos Road and East Craig Road by February, officials with the North Las Vegas-based nonprofit group announced last month.

The clinic, 4385 N. Pecos Road, Suite 155, will serve patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, according to a release issued Nov. 4.

Nonprofit officials said the clinic was strategically sited in a part of town designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a “medically underserved” area in need of health care professionals.

They expect the clinic to create several new jobs in the area.

Work on the clinic, which has been in the planning stages for more than a year, is scheduled to begin this month.

For more information on Hope Christian Health Center, visit www.hopehealthvegas.org or call 702-763-2242.

ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY HOLDS OUTREACH EVENTS

The Las Vegas Astronomical Society holds events every month for those interested in learning about astronomy. The society meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the College of Southern Nevada Planetarium, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., usually with a speaker or program on an astronomical topic.

For more information on the group, visit lvastronomy.com.

SENIOR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION GAMES PLANNED

The North Las Vegas-based Las Vegas Senior Softball Association plans to play games Tuesdays and Thursdays morning in Lorenzi Park, 3333 W. Washington Ave. League teams open to men 50 to 64, 65 or older and women 50 or older.

For more information, visit lvssa.com.

PARKS AND REC PLANS SENIORCIZE

The North Las Vegas Neighborhood Recreation Center plans to host Seniorcize for adults 55 or older from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 1638 N. Bruce St. For more information on the free sessions, call 702-633-1600.

SAFEKEY REGISTRATION STILL OPEN

NORTH LAS VEGAS COAST GUARD GROUP TO MEET

The North Las Vegas Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla is set to meet at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at the North Las Vegas Airport, 2730 Airport Drive.

For more information on the group, call flotilla commander Barry Keller at 702-219-2236 or visit goaux.us.

MASTER GARDENERS OFFER WEEKLY TOURS

Master Gardeners offer weekly garden tours from 10 a.m. to noon Fridays at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Demonstration Gardens, 8050 Paradise Road.

Master Gardeners plan to offer free weekly walking tours aimed at teaching visitors about many of the more than 500 plants that grow in harsh southwestern desert landscapes around Las Vegas.

In addition to scheduled tours, the grounds are open for self-guided tours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

For more information, call the Master Gardener Help Desk at 702-257-5555 or visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/mastergardenersofsouthernnevada.

CIVIL AIR PATROL TO MEET

The Nellis Senior Squadron of the Nevada Wing Civil Air Patrol meets from 7 to 8 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month in the Grand Canyon Room at the North Las Vegas Air Terminal, 2730 Airport Drive. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization with 56,000 members nationwide. It performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions. Attendees must be 18 or older. For more information, contact Maj. Mark Goodman at 702-326-7363 or mgoodman56@me.com.

ALIANTE LIBRARY WRITERS CLUB TO MEET MONTHLY

The Aliante Library Writers Club is set to meet monthly from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Aliante Library, 2400 Deer Springs Road. The group gathers for networking, readings and learning about writing. For more information, call 702-839-2980, visit nlvld.org or email Glory Wade at glorywadewriter@gmail.com.

LEGO CLUB TO MEET MONTHLY

The North Las Vegas Library plans to meet monthly from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the North Las Vegas Library, 2300 Civic Center Drive. All ages welcome. Jigsaw puzzles are provided. For more information, contact the library at 702-633-1070 or visit www.nlvld.org.

NORTH VALLEY LEADERSHIP TEAM TO MEET

The North Valley Leadership Team meets at 10 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at the Pearson Community Center, 1625 W. Carey Ave. For more information on the group and its efforts, contact president Lydia Garrett at 702-413-3034.

PEARSON CENTER HOSTS WALKING CLUB

The Pearson Community Center plans its Positive Movement walking club at 6 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday at 1625 W. Carey Ave.

Participants aim to encourage each other physically, emotionally and spiritually by walking on the track.

For more information, call the center at 702-455-1220.

DONATIONS ACCEPTED TO AID NONPROFIT

Help homeless, pregnant and parenting teens by donating time, money or new or gently used items to assist clients of Southern Nevada Children First, 720 W. Cheyenne Ave., Suite 30.

Volunteers and donations are always needed to support the nonprofit.

For more information, visit childrenfirst-nv.org or call 702-487-5665.

KIWANIS CLUB WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

The Kiwanis Club of North Las Vegas, a chapter of the international service organization, is scheduled to meet at 6:15 p.m. each Tuesday at T.G.I. Friday’s at the Aliante, 7300 Aliante Parkway.

Club community projects have included canned food drives, car shows, kites in the park events and charity fundraisers.

The fourth meeting of the month is limited to members only.

For more information, visit nlvkiwanis.com or call 702-399-0332.

NORTH LAS VEGAS ROTARY CLUB TO MEET

The North Las Vegas Rotary Club of Las Vegas meets at 7:15 a.m. Fridays at the Painted Desert Golf Club, 5555 Painted Mirage Road.

The weekly breakfast meetings include guest speakers, networking, education workshops and service projects.

For more information, visit nlvrc.org/newsite or call Bob Lillis at 702-340-9735.

FREE TRAPPERS SET TO MEET IN SPRING MOUNTAINS

Spring Mountain Free Trappers meet for a black powder shoot the first weekend of each month at CC Spring and Lovell Canyon roads in the Spring Mountains southwest of Las Vegas. Locations vary depending on weather, so call Daniel Trousdale at 702-645-2658 before attending. For more information, visit smft.org.

LIBRARY CLOSURES NOTED

With the holidays come abbreviated hours for the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. All libraries are scheduled to be closed Dec. 24 and 25, at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 and all day Jan. 1.

Jan. 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and all libraries are set to be closed.

For more information, visit lvccld.org.

LIBRARY DISTRICT SEEKS ATHLETIC SHOES

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District will accept donated athletic shoes suitable for school-age kids and teens through Dec. 23 at all district branches. For more information, visit lvccld.org.

VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL SEEKS COMPUTER DONATIONS

Clark County School District’s Virtual High School and Academy for Individualized Study, 3050 E. Flamingo Road, will accept in computers in good working condition through Dec. 31. The Laptops for Learning Holiday Drive is designed to give economically challenged future virtual high school students a chance to take online classes, school district officials said in a release issued Nov. 5.

Donations will be refurbished and wiped clean by data professionals at U.S. Micro Corp. Donations can be dropped off at the Virtual High School campus.

For more information, contact the school at 702-855-8435 or visit www.ccsdde.net.

MOJAVE MAX EMERGENCE CONTEST KICKS OFF

The annual Mojave Max Emergence Contest has kicked off, offering participants the chance to guess when Mojave Max, a live tortoise who lives at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, will leave his burrow in the spring. Participants are encouraged to try to guess as closely as possible the correct day, hour and minute when Max will emerge.

Anyone can enter the contest, but only one kindergarten- through 12th-grade student enrolled in a Clark County public, private or registered home school is eligible to win prizes. The grand prize winner’s class will receive T-shirts, a pizza party and a field trip to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The winner also receives a laptop computer, a digital camera and a yearlong pass to federally managed fee areas. The winner’s teacher will receive a laptop computer.

To enter, visit mojavemax.com and click on “Contest.” Since the contest launched in 2000, the earliest Max has emerged was 11:55 a.m. Feb. 14, 2005. The latest was 12:41 p.m. April 17, 2012.

SHAKESPEARE INSTITUTE TO OFFER ACTOR CLASSES

The nonprofit Shakespeare Institute of Nevada recently launched a series of acting workshops for Southern Nevada residents focusing on teaching students to try new material and prepare audition pieces while receiving feedback from professional actors and directors. The workshops are suitable for all ages and all acting levels and are planned from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the Hollywood Bound Acting Academy, 7220 S. Cimarron Road.

The fee is $80 for 10 classes. The first class is free to audit.

For more information or to register, email shakesinstnv@gmail.com or call 702-896-9517.

RESCUE GROUP TO OFFER GIFT WRAPPING

Golden Retriever Rescue Southern Nevada plans its holiday gift-wrapping fundraiser through December.

Shop at participating stores and meet some Golden Retrievers. The gift-wrapping effort is free, but donations will be accepted. Donations help fund the rescue group’s various programs and covers costs such as veterinary care.

Volunteers are needed to fill various shifts at the following three locations on in the Summerlin area: Barnes & Noble, 8915 W. Charleston Blvd.; GAP, Rampart Commons Shopping Mall, 1055 S. Rampart Blvd.; and Pottery Barn, Rampart Commons Shopping Mall, 1085 S. Rampart Blvd.

To volunteer or to get more details, contact grrsnvolunteers@aol.com or call 702-598-4653.

MANDATORY WINTER WATERING SCHEDULE IN EFFECT

The Southern Nevada Water Authority reminds residents and businesses that the community’s winter watering schedule runs through Feb. 28. The seasonal schedule limits both turf and drip irrigation to one day per week according to each customer’s assigned watering group, as listed below. Watering is prohibited on Sundays.

Watering days are: Group A — Monday; Group B — Tuesday; Group C — Wednesday; Group D — Thursday; Group E — Friday; and Group F — Saturday.

Hand watering is permitted to revive dry spots.

Customers can visit snwa.com to find their assigned watering days, get information on seasonal watering restrictions and learn recommended run times for irrigation systems.

BLOOD COURIERS NEEDED

The American Red Cross is seeking volunteer couriers to deliver blood in Las Vegas. Couriers are needed from 7 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

The Red Cross distribution center, 4025 Dean Martin Drive, supplies blood to five hospitals: Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, Valley Hospital Medical Center, Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center, Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center and Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center.

For more information or to volunteer, call 800-434-3251.

GREEN CHIPS LAUNCHES WEBSITE TO INCREASE SUSTAINABILITY AWARENESS

Green Chips, a nonprofit designed to advance Nevada’s sustainability identity, recently launched a community website at greenchips.org.

The site is intended to provide individuals, groups, businesses and municipalities with a venue to share green events, activities, incentive programs and more. To submit information for the site, email info@greenchips.org.

The second phase of the site, expected in March, is slated to include health, transportation and educational resources, including an interactive section for students with science projects, lesson plans and outdoor activity ideas.