Southwest and Spring Valley Neighborhood News

MEETING WITH SENATOR PLANNED

Members of the public are invited to a meeting over soup, salad and sandwiches with Sen. Aaron Ford from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Presto Neighborhood Cafe, 4950 S. Rainbow Blvd. To RSVP, call 702-772-5544 or email lauren@fordfornevada.com.

MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE INFORMATIONAL MEETING PLANNED

The city of Las Vegas has partnered with Fannie Mae and Seterus mortgage company to offer free mortgage assistance to local homeowners with a Seterus mortgage from 10 a.m. to
7:30 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the nonprofit Financial Guidance Center, 2650 S. Jones Blvd.

If you have a mortgage serviced by Seterus and would like to discuss your mortgage situation, call 855-349-2293 or e-mail borrower_outreach@fanniemae.com to schedule your free one-on-one appointment with a Fannie Mae-certified housing adviser.

BASS PRO SHOPS PLANNING EVENING
TO HONOR LOCAL HEROES

Bass Pro Shops is set to honor local heroes - policemen, firefighters, paramedics, war veterans, soldiers and military personnel - from 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday at 8200 Dean Martin Drive. Activities available include crafts, shopping discounts and drawings. All local heroes and their immediate families are invited to attend. Badges or other identification must be presented at the door. Drawings are to be held for Bass Pro Shops gift cards beginning at 7:30 p.m., and an ornament is to be distributed to the first 100 heroes 18 or older who arrive at 7 p.m. at the Santa's Wonderland exhibit inside the store. Free Santa photos are to be available until 9 p.m. For more information, visit basspro.com/santa.

NONPROFIT LAUNCHES SPONSORSHIP CAMPAIGN

Nonprofit It's All About Kidz has launched a sponsorship campaign calling for any company, organization or individual to sponsor a mother and child who is enrolled in the sober living program. The southwest-area group focuses on providing a sober living environment to women and their children while providing services for them to become self-sufficient. The nonprofit also serves as a foster care agency to provide temporary living arrangements for children. September marked the organization's one-year anniversary, and people looking to get involved can participate by becoming a foster parent, offering financial support and/or participating in the New Beginnings Coat and Shoe Drive starting Saturday at the Behavioral Treatment and Foster Care Agency at 3450 W. Cheyenne Ave., Suite 500. For more information, call 702-631-0230 or visit aakidz.org.

WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA, HELP A CHARITY

Residents throughout the Las Vegas Valley can write a letter to Santa Claus and drop it off at the Santa letterbox at any valley Macy's store to benefit Make-A-Wish of Southern Nevada. For each stamped letter received, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million. Letters can be delivered through Dec. 24.

DIVORCE INFORMATION GROUP PLANS MONTHLY MEETINGS

Second Saturdays Las Vegas is offering workshops from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Women's Group Empowerment Center, 6445 S. Tenaya Way, Suite 120. The next meeting is set for Saturday. The workshops offer information to women seeking or going through a divorce.

Following the business model of wife.org, the originator of the Second Saturday Divorce Workshops program, Second Saturdays Las Vegas has created a monthly seminar featuring financial advisers, divorce attorneys, family therapists and mediators to guide women through the next steps of divorce. Professionals presenting information include: the divorce process and legal fees; protecting yourself legally and financially; child custody and child and alimony support; information about dealing with a hostile spouse; helping your family cope with the stress of divorce and rebuilding self-esteem; preparing for divorce; dividing property and the tax consequences of divorce; and avoiding divorce court and the benefits of the collaborative law process.

For more information about Second Saturdays Las Vegas and upcoming workshops, visit secondsaturdayslv.com.

BARKING DOGS GROOMING BOUTIQUE OFFERING FREE MONTHLY CONSULTATIONS

Barking Dogs Self-Wash & Grooming, 9325 S. Cimarron Road, No. 145, has announced a monthly Meeting of the Minds event, set for 1 to 3 p.m. every second Sunday, in which attendees can consult with experts in nutrition, behavioral training and holistic treatments for their pets. The next one is set for Sunday. For more information, call 702-247-9274.

SAFEKEY OFFICE CHANGING LOCATIONS

As of Jan. 7, the city of Las Vegas main Safekey office will move from 1651 S. Buffalo Drive to 416 N. Seventh St. In order to facilitate the move, the office will be closed to the public from Dec. 24 through Jan. 6. The city offers online registration and payment for all Safekey before and after school program sites at recreation.lasvegas
nevada.gov. For more information, call 702-229-3399.

WATER AUTHORITY REMINDS RESIDENTS ABOUT WINTER RESTRICTIONS

The Southern Nevada Water Authority reminds residents that winter watering restrictions are in effect, and watering is limited to one assigned day a week through Feb. 28. Watering restrictions also apply to drip irrigation systems. Sunday is not an optional watering day. Watering should be done in mid-morning to avoid afternoon winds that make sprinklers less effective and avoid the risk of icing. For more information, visit snwa.com or call 702-258-7283.

NATHAN ADELSON HOSPICE SEEKS DONATIONS THROUGH DEC. 31

Through Dec. 31, nonprofit Nathan Adelson Hospice is accepting donations for families that have gone through the hospice process and seek assistance in their time of need.

The Families in Need program assists those patients and families at Nathan Adelson Hospice that might not always be able to afford everyday necessities. The hospice provides care and support to more than 450 patients and families each day as their loved ones make their end-of-life journey.

Among the items are gift cards from Walmart, grocery stores, Babies R Us and Target, as well as gasoline cards. Nonperishables needed include peanut butter, jelly, tuna, spaghetti sauce, dry pasta, soups and non-refrigerator microwaveable items.

Items can be dropped off at any Nathan Adelson location: 4141 Swenson St.; in the MountainView Medical Office Building, 3150 N. Tenaya Way (near Cheyenne Avenue), third floor; and 1401 S. Highway 160, Suite B, in Pahrump.

For more information, call Stephanie Forbes at 702-938-3910.

BLM and SIERRA CLUB MISSION OUTDOORS HOST ESSAY CONTEST

The Bureau of Land Management and Sierra Club Mission Outdoors kicked off its first Veterans Day essay and photo contest centered on the theme "what my public lands mean to me." They encourage veterans, active-duty military and their families to submit photos, essays and video about their memories in America's public lands by Thursday. From Friday through Dec. 14, the public will be able to vote on favorite entries, and the three most popular entries will be featured on the BLM and Sierra Club websites and social media platforms. For more information and to submit an entry, visit mypubliclands.challenge.gov.

WALKER FURNITURE SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS PROGRAM

Walker Furniture is accepting nomination letters on behalf of Clark County individuals and families for its 19th annual Home for the Holidays program, which supplies free furniture to families who have faced financial difficulty.

CEO Larry Alterwitz is expanding the program to assist 28 families. HELP of Southern Nevada will identify which nominated families display the most genuine need for new furnishings.

Past recipients have included single-parent households facing financial difficulty; families with children suffering from physical or mental disorders; families that have lost their homes and belongings to fires; and families that have been affected by illness, domestic violence or sexual abuse.

Letters can be mailed or hand-delivered to Larry Alterwitz, CEO Walker Furniture, 301 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89106; faxed to 702-384-7772; or emailed to cnelson@walkerfurniture.com. Letters can also be submitted at walkerfurniture.com by clicking on the "Home for the Holidays" icon. The letters must be received by Friday. Recipients are expected to be announced Dec. 19.

GOVERNMENT ADVISERS SOUGHT

Clark County is seeking interested residents of unincorporated towns to serve on town advisory boards and citizens advisory councils. The boards and councils hold public meetings at least once a month to discuss and make recommendations on long-term planning, zoning changes, public works projects, county programs and ordinances that may affect their town.

In the Las Vegas Valley, applicants for the two-year volunteer position are sought for Enterprise, Mount Charleston, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Whitney, Winchester and Lone Mountain.

Applicants must be eligible to vote and live within the area encompassed by the TAB or CAC they are applying for and attend annual training. Applications are available at clarkcountynv.gov and are due by Friday.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET ANNOUNCES
GRAB & GIVE PROGRAM

Whole Foods Market has announced its Grab & Give program. Through Dec. 31, shoppers can purchase and donate meals and other essentials for families in need.

Whole Foods Market will allow shoppers to choose to make a donation of $5, $10, $25 or more to provide a full meal for a family of four, including healthy options from Whole Foods Market's 365 Everyday Value line of products.

Additionally, shoppers can make a $5 donation for personal hygiene items.

As donations come in, Whole Foods Market stores will give them to partner nonprofit charities, which will distribute the items to local families in need.

IMPACT LAS VEGAS SEEKS 100 WOMEN
TO JOIN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

Impact Las Vegas, a new Southern Nevada nonprofit group, is seeking 100 women who are motivated to make a difference in the community to join the organization by the end of the year.

Impact Las Vegas is a nonprofit women's giving circle. Membership consists of women who donate $1,000 each year by Dec. 31. Membership donations are pooled from a minimum of 100 members to fund an annual $100,000 grant to a Southern Nevada nonprofit organization in one of five focus areas: culture, education, environment, family or health and wellness.

Once the minimum 100-member threshold is reached, 100 percent of member donations are returned to the community in the form of a grant. In June 2013, Impact Las Vegas members will each cast one vote to determine the nonprofit grant recipient(s) for that year.

For more information or to become a member, visit impact-lv.org or email info@impact-lv.org.

INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE TO DONATE PROCEEDS TO CANCER FOUNDATION

The Range 702, 4699 S. Dean Martin Drive, has announced that it will donate 10 percent of its retail proceeds generated during November and December to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada. This will be based on sales from the facility's clothing and gift items. The Range 702 celebrated its grand opening by pledging 20 percent of proceeds during October to the nonprofit group.

For more information about the group, visit candlelightersnv.org.

The business' hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, call 702-485-3232.

RADIOTHONS TO BENEFIT THREE SQUARE FOOD BANK

Three Square's Fight Holiday Hunger program is happening through Dec. 31. The food bank has partnered with Barrick North America, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, IGT and Towbin Automotive so all cash contributions are matched dollar for dollar.

As part of Fight Holiday Hunger, radiothons are planned from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. For two days, KJUL 104.7 FM is asking listeners to phone in monetary donations. Similar to telethons, various prizes will be offered, such as show tickets and dinners. The call-in number is 702-258-6060, or visit kjul1047.com.

Also, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 13 and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 14, X107.5 FM and Ultimate Fighting Championship plan to host a radiothon in the parking lot at Walmart, 7200 Arroyo Crossing Parkway. Morning radio personalities Dave Farra and Jason Mahoney will welcome special on-air guests, including UFC fighters, who will sign autographs and meet with fans. X107.5 will be asking for nonperishable food items and/or cash and check donations.

To make a donation or for more information, visit fightholidayhunger.com or x1075lasvegas.radio.com.

WINDER FARMS' TURKEY DRIVE TO BENEFIT THREE SQUARE

Winder Farms plans to conduct a turkey drive to benefit Three Square food bank through Dec. 31.

Winder Farms asks customers to donate by clicking on Donate a Turkey to the Food Bank, then Add to Next Delivery during their regular online shopping at winderfarms.com. The cost of the turkey will be added to the customer's next bill, and Winder Farms will deliver the turkey to Three Square.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD SERVICES SEEKS SITES FOR BLOOD DRIVES

The American Red Cross Blood Services is the predominant supplier of blood products for Southern Nevada and has increased staffing to increase the number of blood drives in Las Vegas.

The Red Cross invites community-minded businesses, churches, schools and other organizations to host blood drives in locations across the city.

To meet the demand for blood products in the Las Vegas hospitals it serves, the Red Cross needs to schedule two or more blood drives every business day. It is estimated that in the coming year, about 48,000 Las Vegas patients will need a red blood cell transfusion in a hospital the Red Cross serves.

Las Vegas residents interested in sponsoring a blood drive or donating blood should call 702-522-4000.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO TRANSPORT PATIENTS TO CANCER TREATMENTS

Every day, thousands of Las Vegas cancer patients need a ride to their cancer treatment but don't have a means to get there. The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program provides transportation to and from treatment for people unable to drive themselves. The program has 50 drivers enrolled, and the current need demands at least 100 to meet all the requests.

Volunteer drivers must have a valid Nevada driver's license, a safe, reliable vehicle, proof of automobile insurance, a safe driving history and be in good health. The commitment is about four hours a week however it works with volunteers' schedules.

For more information, call Debra Armstrong at 702-891-9023.

HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The Southern Nevada Health District offers environmental health services at its new main facility, 330 S. Valley View Blvd., near the Meadows Mall and Springs Preserve. Services already offered at the new facility include flu shots, adult and childhood vaccines, travel vaccines and newborn screenings.

Client-accessed environmental programs offered out of the Valley View facility include plan review services for pools, food establishments, body art establishments, child care facilities, schools and special events. Previously these services were offered out of the health district's Henderson and Spring Valley public health centers.

For more information, visit snhd.info or call 702-759-4636.

HELP OF SOUTHERN NEVADA SEEKS
HOLIDAY VOLUNTEERS

HELP of Southern Nevada is calling for volunteers to assist with a number of programs this holiday season. Assistance is accepted from individuals who can donate any amount of time.

Areas where volunteers are needed include: assisting clients with their applications for holiday programs at HELP's main campus, 1640 E. Flamingo Road; assisting in receiving donated Thanksgiving turkeys at various locations (turkeys will be given to more than 1,200 families); and assisting in receiving holiday gifts for selected clients in the Adopt-A-Family program.

To volunteer, contact Joan Lima at jlima@helpsonv.org or 702-369-4357.

AARP TAX-AIDE SEEKING VOLUNTEER HELP

AARP Tax-Aide NV, which prepares free personal income tax returns for residents in the lower- to middle-income brackets, is seeking unpaid volunteers to prepare taxes, greet clients and program computers in early 2013. Training is scheduled for Jan. 7-11 on the west side of the Las Vegas Valley and Jan. 21-25 on the east side. For more information or to volunteer, email taxesbarb@cox.net or jerrytaxes@cox.net.

TRAVEL CLUB TO MEET AT TAP HOUSE

The Las Vegas Single Social Travel Club for Mature Adults invites prospective members to its meetings, which are scheduled for 7 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month at The Tap House, 5589 W. Charleston Blvd. The next one is scheduled for today.

The meet-and-greet portion is set to start at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room. 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 8 p.m., when appetizers are served and the group mingles. For more information, call 888-324-2028.