Southwest/Spring Valley Neighborhood News, Feb. 18-24

STATE PARK TO HOST CIVIL WAR EXPERIENCE LAST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, 6375 state Route 159, plans to host a Civil War Living History Experience at 8 a.m. the last Saturday of each month. Participants can learn how to raise and train troops. Uniforms, training and equipment are provided.

For more information, call Jim Edwards at 702-451-5403.

LIBRARY PLANS SEMINAR ON LANDLORD AND TENANT LAWS

The West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., plans a seminar on landlord/tenant laws from 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 19. The lecture is free, and registration is required.

For more information or to register, call 702-386-0404, ext. 140.

MEETING FOR NEW MEMBERS SET AT GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Grace Presbyterian Church, 1515 W. Charleston Blvd., plans to host a meeting for new members at 1 p.m. Feb. 19.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 702-384-4554.

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR FEB. 22

An Affordable Care Act workshop is scheduled from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd.

The workshop will provide information about the new health care law, important dates and resources, and how to enroll in a health plan.

For more information, call 702-507-3821.

TRAVEL CLUB TO MEET AT TAP HOUSE FEB. 25

The Las Vegas Singles Travel and Social Club invites prospective members to its meetings, which are scheduled for 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Tap House, 5589 W. Charleston Blvd. The next meeting is set for Feb. 25 and will feature Pat Stutts speaking about her recent tour of Australia.

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 usually closes at about 8 p.m., when appetizers are served and the group mingles. A small fee for members and guests covers light refreshments and the cost of the meeting room.

For more information, call 888-324-3928.

SPRING MOUNTAIN REPUBLICAN WOMEN TO MEET

Mark Hutchison and Niger Innis plan to speak at a meeting of the Spring Mountain Republican Women set for 11 a.m. Feb. 27 at Spiedini Ristorante in the JW Marriott, 221 N. Rampart Blvd. The cost is $25. Reservations are due by Feb. 25 and can be made by contacting Sharon Whittle at 702-233-9888.

CITY OF LAS VEGAS LAUNCHES BUSINESS PORTAL

The city of Las Vegas has launched an online business portal that can be found on the city’s website, lasvegasnevada.gov. Anyone holding a business license in the city can now conduct licensing and renewals through their online account at their convenience.

Some of the features include: online applications for expanded license categories and real-time tracking of application processing; online permit applications; uploading of documents and attachments; online reporting and payment of gaming licenses and taxes; ability to manage and pay multiple licenses in a single transaction; allowing of payments on a 24-hour basis with a new midnight deadline for payments rather than the traditional 5 p.m. workday for all transactions; managing changes in licenses and payments for multiple licenses and businesses; electronic invoices, notification and correspondence; and echeck and credit card payments.

The new licensing portal will continue to add services and features over the next year and will provide enhanced coordination with state agencies and other local government licensing.

STRONG CITIES, STRONG COMMUNITIES CHALLENGE TO AWARD PRIZES

The city of Las Vegas has announced the launch of its Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) Challenge, an international competition that will award $900,000 in prizes for the most innovative, creative and transformational economic development plans to help revitalize targeted areas within the city. The SC2 Challenge is federally funded by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. It was awarded in 2012 to Las Vegas; Greensboro, N.C.; and Hartford, Conn.

The targeted areas are: Cashman Center, the Las Vegas Medical District, business parks and existing redevelopment projects. The city is soliciting the most qualified multidisciplinary teams in the fields of land planning, urban design and other related fields to participate. The list of potential candidates includes leading professional firms and universities locally, regionally and globally. This approach will ensure the best candidates have the chance at the $500,000 grand prize, giving Las Vegas several top-notch economic redevelopment ideas at its disposal.

The winning finalists are available to receive any of the following cash rewards (pending Las Vegas City Council approval): first place, $500,000; second place, $100,000; third place, $75,000; fourth place, $50,000; fifth place, $50,000; and sixth place, $25,000.

For more information, visit lasvegas.sc2prize.com.

YMCA TO HOST JOB FAIR FEB. 22

The YMCA of Southern Nevada invites applicants interested in making a difference in their community to attend the inaugural Y Job Fair set from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 22 at the Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA , 4141 Meadows Lane.

The event plans to feature YMCA representatives from a variety of departments at its various sites, including youth and family, aquatics and membership. Positions include seasonal summer positions and some permanent positions.

The YMCA is recruiting for the following open positions: YMCA summer camp counselors and unit leaders; lifeguards; group exercise instructors; small group personal trainers; front desk representatives; swim coaches; and youth fitness instructors.

The YMCAs other locations are inside the city of Las Vegas’ Durango Hills Community Center, 3521 N. Durango Drive; the Centennial Hills Community Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, and the city of North Las Vegas’ SkyView Multi-Generational Center, 3050 E. Centennial Parkway.

Learn about the open positions, participate in pre-screening interviews (depending on department) and talk with current staff members. To learn more about the YMCA, interested applicants can visit lasvegasymca.org or call 702-877-9622.

NATHAN ADELSON HOSPICE TO BE DROP-OFF POINT FOR VETERANS CLOTHING AND FOOD DRIVE

Nathan Adelson Hospice, which is part of the national We Honor Veterans program, announces that two of its facilities are serving as drop-off points for Veterans Stand Down, an annual clothing and food drive hosted by the U.S. Veterans Initiative of Las Vegas. The drive is scheduled to take place until Feb. 28.

Donations can include nonperishable food, new socks, new undershirts, new underwear, new toiletry items, backpacks, books, sleeping bags, blankets, athletic and casual shoes, reading and prescription bifocals, gently used clothing and personal items.

Donations can be dropped off at one of two Nathan Adelson Hospice locations: 4131 Swenson St or 1401 S. Highway 160, Suite B, in Pahrump.

For more information or to make a monetary donation directly to the organization, visit usvetsinc.org/lasvegas.

LAS VEGAS HELPS STOCK RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Las Vegas Valley residents donated more than 40 tons of food and supplies for the recent Annual Food Drive for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas. More than 250 volunteers helped out.

The food, supplies and cash donations help provide for the families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Las Vegas, which provides a “home away from home” for families who must travel to Las Vegas so their children can receive critical medical treatment.

For more information, visit rmhlv.org.

BEER WITH BEERS PLANNED FOR FEB. 27

Ward 2 Las Vegas City Councilman Bob Beers is set to host a Beer with Beers event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Porchlight Grille, 8416 W. Desert Inn Road., for residents 21 or older.

For more information, call 702-229-2144.

LIBRARY PLANS CLASS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

The Spring Valley Library, 4280 S. Jones Blvd., plans an English conversation class at 4 p.m. Fridays to help English language learners practice speaking. Classes are free, and reservations are not required.

For more information, call 702-507-3820.

AARP VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH TAX RETURNS

Volunteers from AARP are scheduled to help prepare tax returns in February from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Spring Valley Library, 4280 S. Jones Blvd. Registration is required.

For more information or to register, call the Spring Valley Library at 702-507-3821 or the West Charleston Library at 702-507-3941.

INFANT AND CHILD CPR CLASSES AVAILABLE AT UMC

University Medical Center is set to offer an infant and child CPR class at 2 p.m. March 13 and 9 a.m. April 5 at the Family Resource Center, 1120 Shadow Lane. The class requires a $10 deposit that is refunded during class.

For more information or to register, call 702-383-2229.

LAW SEMINAR ON HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES SET FOR MARCH 19

The West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., plans to host a senior seminar on health care directives from noon to 2 p.m. March 19. The lecture is free, and registration is required.

For more information or to register, call 702-386-0404, ext. 140.

HOSPITAL TO OFFER SIBLING CLASS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

University Medical Center is set to offer a sibling class at 4:30 p.m. April 24 at the Family Resource Center, 1120 Shadow Lane. The class will ease children into welcoming a new baby into their family. Children must be between 3 and 10 to attend. The class is free and includes a T-shirt.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/lwu6v8o.

SCRAPBOOK CLASSES SET FOR FIRST SUNDAY AT LIBRARY

The Spring Valley Library, 4280 S. Jones Blvd., plans to host scrapbook classes at 11 a.m. the first Sunday of each month. Participants are encouraged to bring photos and supplies. Children 10 or older can attend with adult supervision. Classes are free.

For more information, call Laurie Prince at 702-449-7629 or email scrappingwlaurie@gmail.com.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION SEEKS FOSTER FAMILIES FOR ABANDONED PETS

Foreclosed Upon Pets Inc., a nonprofit organization that rescues animals that have been abused or abandoned as a result of economic hardship, is searching for foster families for dogs and cats. Volunteers must provide the pet with a safe and secure environment with basic training. Families must also transport the animal to weekly adoptions and events and provide the organization with regular updates.

For more information, call 702-272-0010 or visit forecloseduponpets.org.

HOMEWORK HELP AVAILABLE AT SPRING VALLEY LIBRARY

Homework helpers are scheduled to be available from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays at the Spring Valley Library, 4280 S. Jones Blvd.

For more information, call 702-507-3823.

LIBRARY BOOK CLUBS SCHEDULED TO MEET

The Windmill Library Book Club is set to meet at 4 p.m. every second Sunday at 7060 W. Windmill Lane. For more information, call 702-507-6036.

The Spring Valley Book Discussion Group is set to meet at 1 p.m. every third Sunday at 4280 S. Jones Blvd. For more information, call 702-507-3820.

SOLARI HOSPICE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

Solari Hospice Care, 5550 S. Jones Blvd., is looking for volunteers to aid with day-to-day operations and patient well-being.

Volunteers bring companionship to people in the final months and weeks of life, often when people find themselves cut off from the community, isolated and alone. They bring respite to family caregivers who are caring for dying loved ones. Sometimes volunteers share a special knowledge or hobby, such as speaking a second language or playing music. Solari also uses volunteers to answer phones, assist with receptionist duties or perform light secretarial work.

For more information, call Shari Diebold at 702-870-0000.

SOLARI HOSPICE OFFERS FREE BEREAVEMENT SESSIONS

The Solari Hospice Foundation, 5550 S. Jones Blvd., offers free weekly bereavement support groups from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

For more information, call 702-870-0000 or visit solarihospicefoundation.org.

MEN’S CHORAL GROUP PLANS WEEKLY MEETINGS

The Silver Statesmen Chorus invites men of all ages to join its group. The chorus rehearses at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Christ The King Catholic Community, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive.

For more information, visit silverstatesmen.com.

HOSPITAL SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center, 5400 S. Rainbow Blvd., is looking for volunteers to help at its facility. For more information, contact marketing director Naomi Jones at 702-853-3308 or naomi.jones@uhsinc.com.

NV ENERGY TO SPONSOR RESIDENTIAL LIGHTING REBATE

NV Energy is offering a residential lighting rebate program. Stickers on LED bulbs at participating local retailers — including Walmart, Home Depot, Costco, Sam’s Club and soon Lowe’s — will indicate that the cost of the bulbs has been discounted $3 to $5 per bulb thanks to the program.

NV Energy data indicates that LED bulbs, previously used primarily for commercial purposes, use 75 to 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and can save approximately $7 a year on energy costs for each bulb installed. The bulbs can also last 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

LED bulbs have recently become more accessible for residential use and are offered in a range of colors from soft white to daylight.

For more information or to find a participating retailer, visit nvenergy.com/lighting.