Summerlin-area Neighborhood News, Feb. 18-24

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.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP TO MEET FEB. 19 AT TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM

A bereavement group plans to meet at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 19 at Temple Beth Sholom, 10700 Havenwood Lane.

Meetings are open to the community, and coffee is served. For more information, email vegasrita1@aol.com or call 702-596-4321.

NATHAN ADELSON HOSPICE HOSTING BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS

The Nathan Adelson Hospice plans to host bereavement support groups for people experiencing grief and loss due to the death of a loved one.

The groups provide attendees an opportunity to explore, process and externalize feelings in a confidential environment staffed with skilled facilitators.

Nathan Adelson Hospice at 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 350, in the MountainView Medical Office building, hosts a group for the newly bereaved from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Mondays and an adult bereavement group from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.

For more information, visit nah.org.

NURSE/AUTHOR TO HOST JUICING DEMONSTRATION

Helene Neville, a transcontinental runner, nurse and author, plans to present a juicing demonstration titled Fit or Frustrated at 2 p.m. Feb. 22 in Eccoci in Boca Park, 750 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite 8.

The event is free and will include refreshments. Neville plans to sign books.

For more information, call 702-949-5999.

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.

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.

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.

WARD 2 COUNCILMAN TO MEET WITH RESIDENTS

City Councilman Bob Beers plans to meet with residents 21 or older from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Porchlight Grille, 8416 W. Desert Inn Road, to talk about what is happening in Ward 2 and the city of Las Vegas.

For more information, call 702-229-2144.

VOLUNTEERS TO PREPARE TAX RETURNS

Volunteers from AARP and the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program plan to offer residents free assistance with personal income tax form preparation and electronic filing at five city of Las Vegas community and senior centers.

Income restrictions will apply to qualify for assistance. Advance appointments are required.

Bring a copy of your 2012 income tax return, Social Security card and all of your applicable 2013 paperwork to the appointment. Call a center weekdays to schedule an appointment. For locations, visit eksnv.org.

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.