Summerlin/Summerlin South Neighborhood News, Dec. 24-30

RAILROAD SOCIETY ANNOUNCES PROPERTY AGREEMENT WITH CITY

The Las Vegas Railroad Society’s board said it has reached a final property agreement with the city of Las Vegas. This follows on the heels of a train donation from Tropicana Express Hotel & Casino in Laughlin and brings it one step closer to the planned Railroad Heritage Park.

Under its development and management agreement, 200 acres are made available for the society’s steam-powered trains, with specific areas for museum buildings, a botanical garden and program activities for the community.

The property involves areas along Summerlin Parkway, Rampart Boulevard, Vegas Drive, Durango Drive, Washington Avenue and Buffalo Drive.

Phase One of its eight-phase plan includes an educational building development, roundhouse and initial section of railroad tracks with a Victorian botanical garden at the southwest corner of Durango and Vegas drives.

All building phases are going through routine approval with all government departments.

The nonprofit’s Phase One is expected to cost $5.4 million. The society is in the midst of its Phase One capital campaign. For more information, visit lasvegasrailroadsociety.org.

LA MADRE SPRING HIKE SET FOR DEC. 28 AT RED ROCK CANYON

The La Madre Spring Hike: Celebrating Wilderness is planned for Dec. 28 at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

This hike involves a great area to observe the geology of Red Rock’s Keystone Thrust. It is also a great place to spot bighorn sheep and the many birds of Red Rock. Hikers will learn how Native Americans found uses for their resources in order to survive in the harsh desert environment.

The hike is rated moderate and covers 3.3 miles round trip. It is for hikers 15 or older. There is limited space, so reservations are required. For more information or to register, call 702-515-5367.

FLOYD LAMB PARK TO HOST HEART ASSOCIATION EVENT DEC. 31

Commitment Day, a supporter of the American Heart Association’s My Heart. My Life healthy living initiative, which aims to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent by 2020, is slated for 3 p.m. Dec. 31 at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 9200 Tule Springs Road. A 5K course is planned.

The entry fee is $30 or $25 for Life Time Fitness members and those 17 or younger who are registering with an adult.

For more information, call 702-228-2611.

FOOD BEING COLLECTED FOR RESCUE MISSION

Urology Specialists of Nevada is taking part in the Las Vegas Rescue Mission’s 2013 annual food drive by collecting donations at its three office locations through Dec. 31.

All nonperishable food items will be accepted at its MountainView campus office, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 165.

For more information, visit vegasrescue.org.

CLUB WELCOMES NEWCOMERS

The Westside Newcomers Club plans to host a coffee event for prospective members at 9:15 a.m. Jan. 2 at Grace in the Desert Episcopal Church, 2004 Spring Gate Lane.

The coffee events are planned for the first Wednesday of each month; however, the upcoming meeting in January will be on Thursday, due to Wednesday being a holiday.

The club is for women who have lived in the area for 10 years or less or for those who have a life-changing event, such as retirement. It offers a variety of activities. A luncheon with a program is planned for the second Wednesday of each month.

For more information, visit westsidenewcomersclub.org or call Laura Gordon at 702-649-3922.

CHEFS FOR KIDS 5K RUN/1 MILE WALK PLANNED FOR JAN. 18

The Chefs for Kids 5K Run/1 Mile Fun Walk is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 18 at W. Wayne Bunker Family Park, 7351 W. Alexander Road.

Each runner/walker will receive a Chefs for Kids T-shirt, a goodie bag and a free pancake breakfast. A raffle is also planned.

The Las Vegas Track Club has agreed to provide race bibs and computerized timing. Trophies will be awarded in some categories. Age categories begin at 12 or younger.

Participant fees are $25 for adults for the 5K and $20 for the Fun Walk, $20 for children 12 or younger and per runner for groups of 10 or more. The race-day fee is $35.

Online registration is available at active.com, or mail checks payable to LVTC to P.O. Box 30134, Las Vegas, NV 89173. Packet pickup will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Red Rock Running Company, 7350 W. Cheyenne Ave., or from 8 to 8:45 a.m. on race day.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Sandy Boyer at 702-460-1852.

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.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP HOSTS WEEKLY MEETINGS

GriefShare, a national program for those dealing with loss, is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Canyon Ridge Christian Church, 6200 W. Lone Mountain Road. Weekly meetings include video showings and discussion. For more information, contact the group at 702-481-5833.

CITY OFFICES TO BE CLOSED Dec. 25, Jan. 1

City of Las Vegas centers will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 for holiday observance.

Most activities require advance registration.

Most programs at senior centers and active adult centers require a $2 annual membership in the city of Las Vegas Senior Citizen Programs, available at all city senior and active adult centers.

For links to facilities, programs, classes and activities in the current Beyond the Neon guide. Visit lasvegasnevada.gov/find/recreation.htm.

LIBRARY CLOSURES PLANNED

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 and 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.