Valleywide news and information, April 3-9

The 2014 Friends of Red Rock Canyon Photo Contest is slated to accept entries from 2 to 4 p.m. May 2 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3 and 4 at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Visitor Center, 1000 Scenic Loop Drive. This year’s theme is the Nature and Wildlife of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Award categories are nature, wildlife, creative, monochromatic and professional.

All photos must be framed. The entry fee is $10 per photo, $8 for Friends of Red Rock members. First-place winners can win $100; second place, $75; and third place, $50.

For entry rules, visit friendsofredrockcanyon.org/photo.php or email photo@friendsofredrockcanyon.org.

E BUNNY COLLECTING EASTER BASKETS FOR VALLEY CHILDREN

The 2014 Easter Basket Drive is scheduled through April 11.

Donors are encouraged to pick new prepackaged Easter baskets that can be dropped off at any E Bunny location. The drive is planned to benefit homeless, sick and underprivileged children.

For a list of drop-off locations, visit facebook.com/ebunnylv.

STATION CASINOS DONATE PROJECT PINK PROCEEDS TO SUSAN G. KOMEN

Station Casinos recently presented Susan G. Komen of Southern Nevada with $74,425 from its fourth annual Project Pink, a monthlong fundraising initiative during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The project raised funds at 10 Station Casinos properties through pink-themed dining, entertainment and gaming offerings. Since its inception, Project Pink has raised $200,000 for the local charity.

Project Pink was developed in 2010 by Red Rock’s executive pastry chef, Jaret Blinn, who became active in the fight against breast cancer after his mother died from the disease. The response by the public was so overwhelming that the company expanded those efforts to several areas throughout each property.

ART GALLERY SUBMISSIONS SOUGHT

The city of Las Vegas invites the submission of proposals for individual and group art exhibitions for its 2015-16 gallery season. Exhibits are being considered for the Las Vegas City Hall Grand Gallery, a sculpture space at 495 S. Main St. and the Charleston Heights Arts Center Gallery, 800 S. Brush St.

Applicants must submit a written exhibition outline, 15 to 20 supporting images, including identification information for each (artist name, title of artwork, medium); an artist statement(s) and artist resume(s). In addition, other suitable supporting materials may include exhibition press clippings. All visual art practices suitable for gallery installations lasting for 12 weeks will be considered.

To submit a proposal, send all materials and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to city of Las Vegas Galleries, c/o Jeanne Voltura, 495 S. Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89101.

Submissions must arrive no later than 5 p.m. May 1 to be included in the screening process. All applicants can expect notification regarding their proposal via mail by Sept. 30.

For more information, email jvoltura@lasvegasnevada.gov or call 702-229-1012.

TRAVEL CLUB TO MEET AT TAP HOUSE

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 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.

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; allows payments on a 24-hour basis with a new midnight deadline for payments rather than the traditional 5 p.m. workday for all transactions; manages 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 announced the launch of its Strong Cities, Strong Communities 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 that the best and brightest 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.

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 indicate 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.

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Nevada Delegation of the National Silver Haired Congress, in partnership with the Aging Services Directors Organization, is requesting nominations for the Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year Award.

Nominees are considered based on their contributions at the local, state and national level and by excellence achieved through going above and beyond the call of duty, specifically in volunteer work in support of Nevada seniors.

Additionally, they are evaluated on the scope and impact of their achievements.

For more information, email herandall@cox.net or call 702-860-6349.

AARP OFFERS FREE TAX PREPARATION

The AARP Foundation plans to provide free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through its Tax-Aide program, which gives special attention to those 60 or older. Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

Participants do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use the free service. The program is offered at approximately 40 sites in Nevada, including senior centers and libraries.

For more information or to locate a site, visit aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 888-227-7669.

SALUTE TO SENIOR SERVICE PROGRAM TO HAND OUT AWARDS

The Salute to Senior Service program is seeking nominations of Nevada senior volunteers who have performed outstanding service.

The program recognizes the contributions of adults 65 or older who give at least 15 hours a month of volunteer service. The winner in each state will receive $500, and one national winner will receive $5,000 to donate to each winner’s charity of choice.

To nominate someone online, visit salutetoseniorservice.com. Completed nomination forms can be mailed to: Salute to Senior Service, P.O. Box 285, Bellevue, NE 68005.

APRIL 25’S BIG GIVE TO FUND RAISE ONLINE

The third statewide online giving initiative, Nevada’s Big Give, is slated for April 25. Nevada’s Big Give is a day of online giving that benefits charities across the state. This initiative, launched by NevadaGIVES, is designed to bring new donors and dollars to Nevada nonprofits.

Every registered nonprofit is eligible to participate and receive donations April 25 through nvbiggive.org.

POST-TRAUMATIC SYNDROME TO BE STUDIED

Alternative health researcher Mark Rider is doing a study on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Those experiencing PTSD are invited to participate in research that studies the effectiveness of energy healing on the disorder.

Rider, an energy healer, plans to direct the study, which will take place in Summerlin. Participants will fill in surveys and self-evaluations during the course of the study. No medications will be prescribed. The program provides energy work and possible suggestions for dietary change. There is no remuneration for participation.

To learn more, visit speedyrecovery.us or call 702-625-7797.

UNITED WAY RECEIVES $50,000 DONATION

United Way of Southern Nevada received a $50,000 check from Diamond Resorts International to aid in recovery after Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Dispersed to American Red Cross, these funds will help the victims rebuild their lives.

With employees that have family and friends in the stricken country, Diamond contributed this gift to help rebuild communities and provide relief for families affected by the devastating storm.

For more information, call United Way at 702-892-2300.

MUSICAL ARTS SOCIETY WELCOMES SINGERS

The Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society invites singers to perform “A Bluegrass Mass” by Carol Barnett and music by Bach and Mendelssohn this spring. Membership in the society’s choral ensembles is by audition. Interested singers should call music director Douglas R. Peterson at 702-451-6672 for an appointment. Audition information may also be found at the society’s website, snmas.com.

SAFEKEY REGISTRATION STILL OPEN

Safekey, an after-school program designed to meet the needs of working parents, offers recreational enrichment programs for children on several school campuses throughout the school year. Daily registration fees start at $5.75.

The program offers students supervised access to sports, arts and crafts, and special events, all staffed by trained Parks and Recreation department leaders.

For more information or to register, call Safekey at 702-633-1608.

FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES SET

Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Ross and the United Way are set to sponsor IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance at the Centennial Hills Community Center YMCA, 3521 N. Durango Drive. Those with an income of $52,000 or less should qualify for this service.

If interested in volunteering as a greeter or tax preparer (training is provided by the IRS), call Tuesday James at 702-229-5463.

HUMANE SOCIETY HOSTS ADOPTION EVENTS

The nonprofit Las Vegas Valley Humane Society hosts weekly pet adoption events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Petco, 7731 W. Tropical Parkway. For more information, visit lvvhumane.org.

CITY OF LAS VEGAS PICNIC SHELTER RESERVATIONS ONLINE

The city of Las Vegas recently added online park picnic shelter reservation applications to its available online services. Shelter rentals start at $15 and vary in price depending on size, expected number of guests and whether music will be played or alcohol allowed.

For more information, visit recreation.lasvegasnevada.gov.

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.

HOME-SCHOOLING GROUP SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

The nonprofit RISE Education Resource Center, 3460 N. Rancho Drive, is seeking volunteers to teach a variety of weekly language arts and craft classes.

Volunteers of all ages are accepted, and no previous teaching experience is required. Classes can be one time only or scheduled in a series.

RISE has previously offered classes in Spanish, German, math, science and language arts, in addition to courses on paper weapon making, Pokemon and hula hoop making.

Classes for parents have included instruction on home schooling, making your own laundry detergent and eating gluten-free.

For more information, call the center at 702-748-7473 or visit riserescourcecenter.org.

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.

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.

HARDEST HIT FUND PROVIDES MORTGAGE HELP

With one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation, Nevada was selected to be a beneficiary of the U.S. Treasury’s Hardest Hit Fund program, which provides assistance to help prevent avoidable foreclosures and keep Nevada homeowners in their homes.

The Nevada Hardest Hit Fund will assist eligible applicants by paying up to a maximum of $1,000 monthly toward their impounded first mortgage payment, including principal, interest, property tax and insurance for up to nine months. The applicant’s contribution will be a minimum of $75 or any amount that exceeds the $1,000 maximum assistance per month.

Applicants must be unemployed and actively looking for work or be able to validate at least a 35 percent reduction in income/wages since 2008 and must be facing imminent default.

To apply, homeowners can call 855-428-4357 or visit nevadahardesthitfund.nv.gov.

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.