Henderson Libraries Foundation needs $15,000 to reach $100,000 goal

Foundation on track to make $100,000 donation to Henderson Libraries by April 30; while a lot, $100,000 equals just 10-12 percent of district’s materials budget

HENDERSON, Nev. – During the past few years, Henderson Libraries has lost $3 million in annual revenue, which leaves a large gap in the budget used to purchase materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, e-books and more that patrons use every day.

The Henderson Libraries Foundation is working to help raise money to fill some of the budget gaps and, over the past year, has been raising money that will be used to purchase materials for the Henderson Libraries.

Currently the Henderson Libraries Foundation is on track to raise $100,000 and only needs $15,000 more to reach that $100,000 goal. (One hundred thousand dollars is about 10-12 percent of the district’s annual materials budget.) In an effort to reach that $100,000 goal, the Henderson Libraries Foundation is encouraging the community to donate if they can.

“Our budget cuts over the past few years have been severe,” said Tom Fay, executive director of the Henderson Libraries. “We are grateful to the Henderson Libraries Foundation for their hard work to help us continue to serve the community as best we can.”

Donations can be made one of three ways: in person at any of the six Henderson Libraries, online at www.hendersonlibrariesfoundation.org or by mailing a check to the Henderson Libraries Foundation c/o Henderson Libraries, 280 S. Green Valley Pkwy., Henderson, Nev., 89012.

Additionally, individuals or teams interested in participating in the foundation’s Grand Challenge, which encourages individuals or businesses to commit to raising $1,000 in a month’s time to benefit Henderson Libraries, can sign up by filling out the form on the Henderson Libraries Foundation website and dropping it off at any of the six Henderson Library branches.

 “We have the best patrons, and they are consistently asking what they can do,” Fay said. “The Grand Challenge allows them to do what they can, using what they have. It’s truly a community effort.”

Participants are encouraged to be creative and fundraise in whatever way they enjoy. Some groups have held bake sales, while others might prefer to host a car wash or have people sponsor them during a 5K.

To inspire more groups and individuals to take part in the Grand Challenge, Henderson Libraries has assembled a list of ideas to get people thinking of how they could put their own skills to use as part of the Grand Challenge.

IDEAS FOR INDIVIDUALS

• BakeSale
• Letter/phone campaign
• In lieu of gift (birthday, anniversary, wedding)
• Sponsorship Challenges such as a weight loss challenge, running/walking challenge or a reading challenge
• Knitting/crochet/craft sale
• Garage sale
• Wine party
• Recycling

IDEAS FOR KIDS

• Lemonade stand
• Scout troop project
• Car wash
• Chores for donations
• Collect change

IDEAS FOR BUSINESSES

• Corporate Challenge
• Host a Dine to Donate day (restaurants)
• Donate 1 percent of each sales transaction for a month
• Dunk tank
• Discount card
• Roast

The Henderson Libraries Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization funded by donations of gifts, grants and bequests, helps Henderson Libraries in its mission to create a literate community by providing financial support over and above the annual operating fund. Henderson Libraries relies on the support of the Foundation to continue to provide funds for the following areas: library collections; outreach services; innovative technology; capital projects; and scholarships.

Established in 1943 as a single library in Downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries operates six locations throughout Henderson. Henderson Libraries cooperates with other public libraries in Southern Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Clark County School Districtand all other libraries around the state to provide quality service for Nevada’s residents.

For additional information on Henderson Libraries and its many services and resources, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6581.

Pediped donates $10,000 to Henderson Libraries Foundation

Donation will go toward purchasing materials

HENDERSON, Nev. – Henderson, Nev.-based Pediped footwear has donated $10,000 to the Henderson Libraries Foundation to support Henderson Libraries in its mission to cultivate a literate community. Specifically, the donation will go toward the purchase of library materials.

Designed to promote healthy foot development, Pediped uses the latest technology and the highest quality materials and craftsmanship to create shoes for children that are designed to care for their feet from crawling, to their first steps, and into the toddler years. 

“Henderson Libraries creates an environment that encourages a love of reading, knowledge and imagination for children and provides our community with valuable enrichment opportunities,” said Angela Edgeworth, who co-founded Pediped with her husband, Brian Edgeworth.  “Pediped is proud to support an organization that has such a large impact on our local community.”

Pediped footwear’s donation to the Henderson Libraries Foundation is significant, as the foundation is on track to have raised $100,000 in a year’s time, ending April 30. One hundred thousand dollars equals approximately 10-12 percent of the district’s annual materials budget for its six Henderson locations.

“Pediped feels that all children should have the ability to pursue their fullest potential and believes libraries provide that environment for children,” Edgeworth said. “With our donation, we hope to help raise awareness about the Henderson Libraries’ funding needs and support programs that enrich our community.”

The Henderson Library Foundation established a Grand Challenge to help people do just that. Individuals or teams interested in participating in the foundation’s Grand Challenge, which encourages individuals or businesses to commit to raising $1,000 in a month’s time to benefit Henderson Libraries, can sign up by filling out the form on the Henderson Libraries Foundation website and dropping it off at any of the six Henderson Library branches.

“We are grateful to Pediped for their investment in our community,” said Tom Fay, executive director for Henderson Libraries. “We as a district have a long way to go to offset the budget cuts we have endured, and it’s gifts like Pediped’s that will allow us to continue moving in the right direction.”

The Henderson Libraries Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization funded by donations of gifts, grants and bequests, helps Henderson Libraries in its mission to create a literate community by providing financial support over and above the annual operating fund. Henderson Libraries relies on the support of the Foundation to continue to provide funds for the following areas: library collections; outreach services; innovative technology; capital projects; and scholarships.

Established in 1943 as a single library in Downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries operates six locations throughout Henderson. Henderson Libraries cooperates with other public libraries in Southern Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Clark County School District and all other libraries around the state to provide quality service for Nevada’s residents.

For additional information on Henderson Libraries and its many services and resources, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6581.

Angela and Brian Edgeworth established Pediped footwear in 2005 after their first daughter, Caroline, was born. Angela began thinking about footwear and what kind of shoes would be best for her child.  She wanted a shoe that was comfortable, stylish and could be worn both indoors and out.  Most importantly, she wanted a shoe that was healthy for her daughter’s feet.

Following extensive research, Angela discovered that doctors recommended barefoot walking or soft leather sole shoes, but the choices for infants and toddlers were limited.  Subsequently, the Edgeworths decided to create the perfect shoe that was the next best thing to bare feet. Today, Pediped is sold on www.pediped.com and in more than 3,000 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide.

In 2010, the Edgeworths and their business partner, Rudy Glocker established the Pediped foundation.  Since the company’s founding in 2005, Pediped has given nearly $1.5 million in product and monetary support to children in need.

For more information on Pediped footwear, visit the company’s website, Facebook page or Twitter account.

Author of ‘Conversations for Paco’ to sign books March 10

Inspired by a true story, ‘Conversations for Paco,’ dramatizes effects of profit-driven health care

LAS VEGAS – Physician and author Dr. James Lenhart will sign his book, “Conversations for Paco,” from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 10, at the Barnes & Noble located at 2191 N. Rainbow Blvd.

Inspired by a true account, the book juxtaposes the venerable institutions of medicine against the personal anguish of mysterious disease and dramatizes the consequences of health care driven by profit and physician indifference. Lenhart’s fictional work is inspired by true stories and real life characters gathered from 30 years of patient care, health care experiences and academic medical center rituals.

The United States spends more on health care than any country on earth, yet worldwide ranks 31st in healthy life expectancy and 41st in infant mortality. Fifty million working Americans lack access to care, and 19 percent of Nevadans go without health insurance.

Experts agree that many factors contribute to this reality. Lenhart’s book tackles two of them – the ethos and entrepreneurialism that characterize health care in the 21st century.

Inspired by the do-it-all physicians in his home state of Montana, Lenhart went on to study medicine at the University of New Mexico and Brown University. Modeling his own practice after the doctors who inspired him, Lenhart takes pride in his versatility and personal attention he gives while caring for patients.

Now a first-time author, Lenhart hopes to expand his ability to care for patients by writing about social policies on health care. His passion for helping people stay healthy has led to his hosting the “Healthline Today” segment on KSNV, Las Vegas’ NBC affiliate, and the writing of his first novel, “Conversations for Paco.”

Henderson Libraries highlights digital services with special event

Digital Bookmobile to visit Galleria, Gibson libraries March 27-28

HENDERSON, Nev. – The advent and popularity of e-readers have brought books, and reading in general, into modern technology. Henderson Libraries offers many digital services and will showcase them with a visit from Digital Bookmobile, a community outreach vehicle for public libraries to help promote downloadable e-books, audiobooks, music and video.

The 74-foot, 18-wheel tractor-trailer will make a stop on its national tour from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, at the Galleria Library, located inside the Galleria at Sunset, 1300 W. Sunset Road; and noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at the Gibson Library, 100 W. Lake Mead Drive near downtown Henderson. The event is free and open to the public, but some activities may require a Henderson Libraries card.

Operated by OverDrive, Digital Bookmobile visits libraries in support of campaigns to raise public awareness of burgeoning technology in hometown libraries. The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected computers, high-definition monitors, premium sound systems and a variety of portable media players. Interactive computer stations give patrons an opportunity to search the district’s digital media collection, use supported mobile devices and sample e-books, audiobooks, music and video.

“During these two days, we hope to show our patrons that public libraries are current in technology and that we offer more services than they might realize,” said Gayle Hornaday, assistant director of Henderson Libraries. “Just as technology has advanced online and in bookstores, it has in the six locations of the Henderson Libraries as well, and this event will allow patrons to really get to know the digital services we offer.”

OverDrive is a leading full-service digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, music and video. The technology delivers secure management, digital rights management (DRM) protection and download fulfillment services for thousands of publishers, libraries, schools, retailers and aggregators serving millions of end users.

Established in 1943 as a single library in Downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries operates six locations throughout Henderson. Henderson Libraries cooperates with other public libraries in Southern Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Clark County School District and all other libraries around the state to provide quality service for Nevada’s residents.

For additional information on Henderson Libraries and its many services and resources, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6581.

‘Off the Street’ author to sign books in Tuscon Dec. 2

Detective shines light on modern-day prostitution in true crime book

LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Detective and author Chris Baughman will sign his book, “Off the Street,” from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Barnes & Noble — located at 5130 E. Broadway Blvd. in Tuscon, Ariz.

“Off the Street” chronicles the first case of Metro’s Pandering Investigation Team, a specialized vice squad that arrests and helps to convict high-power pimps who manipulate women into prostitution as a modern-day form of human trafficking.

Prostitution in America has gotten more sophisticated, like that of the mob only a few decades ago, causing PIT to use investigation techniques, including that of the IRS, to match. In the end, they rob the pimps of the mansions, luxury cars and posh lifestyles they receive on the backs of the women they keep.

Since PIT’s first case, it has seen a success rate of 99 percent and has rescued women from across the nation and returned them to their families.

Baughman, a first-time author, moved to Las Vegas at age 9, and during the next 10 years experienced life in the rougher sections of town. Never jaded, Baughman followed his instincts for justice – and his father’s encouragement – and joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department at age 24.

While many refused to go back, Baughman has spent most of his 11 years as a cop working the neighborhoods of his youth – in the patrol officer setting for four years, as an investigator with the Gangs Unit, as a Vice detective and now as a member of PIT.

Book signing for ‘Conversations for Paco’ takes place Oct. 7

Author James Lenhart’s first book inspired by a true story; author’s debut novel dramatizes the consequences of health care driven by profit, physician indifference

LAS VEGAS – Marché Bacchus French Bistro will host a book signing for Dr. James Lenhart’s first novel, “Conversations for Paco” from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. Marché Bacchus is located at 2620 Regatta Drive, just off West Cheyenne Avenue and North Buffalo Drive. An open discussion of the book will begin at 6 p.m.

Inspired by a true account, “Conversations for Paco” juxtaposes the venerable institutions of medicine against the personal anguish of mysterious disease and dramatizes the consequences of health care driven by profit and physician indifference. Lenhart’s fictional work is inspired by true stories and real life characters gathered from 30 years of patient care, health care experiences and academic medical center rituals.

Lenhart began writing “Conversations for Paco” in 2007. Two parts social criticism, one part medical suspense, “Conversations for Paco” follows the story of Paco Sánchez and his wife Sarita as they desperately battle Paco’s perplexing disease. It opens in 2002 when an intern stymied byHumanitarianHospital’s uninsured patient policy “treats and streets” Paco for a sore throat. The young doctor asks, “Who for God’s sake wields the power to make taking care of patients some sort of charade or an entrepreneurial hoax? Who? What about the patient?” By the time Paco is admitted to a hospital that can help him, it might be too little, too late.

“While ‘Conversations for Paco’ is fictional, it is based on fact,” Lenhart said. “It is tempting to assume that the richest, most developed countries on the planet would boast the world’s best health results. Alas, such is not the case. The U.S. spends more on health care than any country on earth, yet worldwide ranks 31st in healthy life expectancy and 41st in infant mortality. Fifty million working Americans lack access to care, and 19 percent of Nevadans go without health insurance.”

Experts agree that many factors contribute to this reality. Lenhart’s book tackles two of them – the ethos and entrepreneurialism that characterize health care in the 21st century.

“Conversations for Paco” retails for $18.95 for paperback and $34.95 for hardcover and is available on Amazon.com and is soon to be released in electronic formats. For more information, visit http://jameslenhart.net or www.facebook.com/drjimshealthline.

Nevada Reads brings reading experience to residents statewide

Nevadans encouraged to read ‘Friendly Fallout 1953,’ 2011 book selection

HENDERSON,Nev.– Nevada Reads, the state’s first statewide community group read, recently announced “Friendly Fallout 1953” by Ann Ronald as the 2011 selection. From August to November, groups and organizations throughout the state will meet to participate in discussions, programs and events surrounding the book. Henderson Libraries will participate in Nevada Reads with an event with the author on Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. at Paseo Verde Library – located at 280 S. Green Valley Parkway.

This year, the theme for the four-month-long event is “Nevada Reads: Nevada’s Explosive Atomic Past,” keeping the event truly in house. Ronald, the author, is foundation professor emerita of English at the University of Nevada, Reno and was inducted into the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame in 2006.

The book, “Friendly Fallout 1953,” combines the actual history of atomic tests in theNevadadesert in 1953 with fictional vignettes that explore the test’s impact on the people who participated in them and the civilian residents downwind from the blasts. The stories are told from the perspective of military personnel, scientists and ranchers, among others, to bring to life a turbulent era when Cold War fears, patriotism, scientific ambition and popular excitement often collided with the welfare of ordinary citizens and the environment.

Residents can get involved in Nevada Reads in various ways including starting a new book group, or selecting it for an existing group, to read and discuss the book; hosting a book discussion; joining a participating book group at a library; and attending events such as author meet-and-greets, the Atomic Testing Museum’s traveling exhibit and panel discussions.

Established in 1943 as a single library in Downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries operates six locations throughout Henderson. Henderson Libraries cooperates with other public libraries in Southern Nevada, the Nevada System of Higher Education, the Clark County School Districtand all other libraries around the state to provide quality service forNevada’s residents.

For additional information on Nevada Reads, contact Nancy Cummings at nroot56@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook.com/NevadaReads. For upcoming Nevada Reads book groups and events at Henderson Libraries or for more information on Henderson Libraries, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6581.

Public launch party for ‘Off the Street’ takes place Sept. 2; true crime book written by Las Vegas detective

Book chronicles real investigation, take down of notorious pimp

LAS VEGAS – Det. Chris Baughman has made it his mission to protect Las Vegas, so it’s only fitting that the public launch party of his first book, “Off the Street,” will take place in the middle of downtown Vegas (at the Downtown Cocktail Room, 111 Las Vegas Blvd. S.) from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2.

“Off the Street” will be released Thursday, Sept. 1. Published by Behler Publications, the book retails for $15.95 and will be available in trade paperback. Copies will be available for purchase, and Baughman will be on hand to sign books and speak with attendees.

A detective for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Pandering Investigation Team (PIT), Baughman didn’t set out to be a cop. As a kid growing up in the rougher parts of Las Vegas, he saw crimes no child should experience. Now, as a member of an elite squad of detectives, Baughman tracks down men who traffic women and lure them into lives of prostitution, abuse and hopelessness. In his first book, “Off the Street,” Baughman tells the story of the case that two years ago launched PIT, which already has been the inspiration for a “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” episode as well as a story on “Dateline NBC.” 

“Our nation is under fire. There is a war going on beneath the surface of our city. The prize? The lives and futures of our daughters,” Baughman said. “These men trick, lie and coerce women into lives of prostitution through promises of love and wealth. We as a society have been led to believe that many of the women involved in this lifestyle make a conscious decision to do so. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In this world violence and degradation are commonplace. The women have become no more than commodities.”

Las Vegasis a hub and one of the top destinations in the country for human trafficking, and the Pandering Investigation Team tracks, arrests and fights to prosecute some of Clark County’s most violent, yet wealthy criminals, including pimps and others involved in the trafficking of human lives for monetary gain.

Originally titled “Anomaly,” “Off the Street,” chronicles Baughman and his team’s investigation and the eventual take down of a notorious pimp who is now serving time in prison for his crimes. Just like his move into law enforcement, Baughman’s recent hobby as an author turned professional by chance.

Baughman was urged to write a book about his experiences and attended a writer’s conference in La Jolla, Calif. for guidance. An agent saw his work, decided to represent him – unheard of for an inexperienced author – and found Behler Publications, a nationwide publisher. Since then, Baughman has signed a three-book deal with Behler and has received national attention for a book that won’t be released until Sept. 1.

For more information on “Off the Street,” visit Behler Publications’ website.

Public launch party for ‘Off the Street’ takes place Sept. 2 during First Friday; true crime book written by Las Vegas detective

Book chronicles real investigation, take down of notorious pimp

LAS VEGAS – Det. Chris Baughman has made it his mission to protect Las Vegas, so it’s only fitting that the public launch party of his first book, “Off the Street,” will take place in the middle of downtown Vegas (at the Downtown Cocktail Room, 111 Las Vegas Blvd. S.) from 5-7 p.m. during First Friday Sept. 2.

“Off the Street” will be released Thursday, Sept. 1. Published by Behler Publications, the book retails for $15.95 and will be available in trade paperback. Copies will be available for purchase, and Baughman will be on hand to sign books and speak with attendees.

“Everything in ‘Off the Street’ is true,” Baughman said. “It’s a true Las Vegas story, and First Friday serves as the perfect avenue for introducing it to the community.”

A detective for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Pandering Investigation Team (PIT), Baughman didn’t set out to be a cop. As a kid growing up in the rougher parts of Las Vegas, he saw crimes no child should experience. Now, as a member of an elite squad of detectives, Baughman tracks down men who traffic women and lure them into lives of prostitution, abuse and hopelessness. In his first book, “Off the Street,” Baughman tells the story of the case that two years ago launched PIT, which already has been the inspiration for a “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” episode as well as a story on “Dateline NBC.” 

“Our nation is under fire. There is a war going on beneath the surface of our city. The prize? The lives and futures of our daughters,” Baughman said. “These men trick, lie and coerce women into lives of prostitution through promises of love and wealth. We as a society have been led to believe that many of the women involved in this lifestyle make a conscious decision to do so. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In this world violence and degradation are commonplace. The women have become no more than commodities.”

Las Vegasis a hub and one of the top destinations in the country for human trafficking, and the Pandering Investigation Team tracks, arrests and fights to prosecute some of ClarkCounty’s most violent, yet wealthy criminals, including pimps and others involved in the trafficking of human lives for monetary gain.

Originally titled “Anomaly,” “Off the Street,” chronicles Baughman and his team’s investigation and the eventual take down of a notorious pimp who is now serving time in prison for his crimes. Just like his move into law enforcement, Baughman’s recent hobby as an author turned professional by chance.

Baughman was urged to write a book about his experiences and attended a writer’s conference in La Jolla,Calif. for guidance. An agent saw his work, decided to represent him – unheard of for an inexperienced author – and found Behler Publications, a nationwide publisher. Since then, Baughman has signed a three-book deal with Behler and has received national attention for a book that won’t be released until Sept. 1.

For more information on “Off the Street,” visit Behler Publications’ website.

Local detective shines light on pandering in new true crime book

Det. Chris Baughman pens ‘Off the Street’ based on first case originating elite squad

LAS VEGAS – Det. Chris Baughman didn’t set out to be a police detective, but as a kid growing up in the rougher parts of Las Vegas, he saw crimes no child should experience. Now, as a member of an elite squad of detectives, Baughman tracks down men who traffic women and lure them into lives of prostitution, abuse and hopelessness. In his first book, “Off the Street,” Baughman tells the story of the case that two years ago launched the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Pandering Investigation Team, which already has been the inspiration for a “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” episode as well as a story on “Dateline NBC.”  

Las Vegasis a hub and one of the top destinations in the country for human trafficking, and the Pandering Investigation Team tracks, arrests and fights to prosecute some ofClarkCounty’s most violent, yet wealthy criminals, including pimps and others involved in the trafficking of human lives for monetary gain.

“Our nation is under fire. There is a war going on beneath the surface of our city. The prize? The lives and futures of our daughters,” Baughman said. “These men trick, lie and coerce women into lives of prostitution through promises of love and wealth. We as a society have been led to believe that many of the women involved in this lifestyle make a conscious decision to do so. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In this world violence and degradation are commonplace. The women have become no more than commodities.”

Originally titled “Anomaly,” “Off the Street,” chronicles Baughman and his team’s investigation and the eventual take down of a notorious pimp who is now serving time in prison for his crimes. Just like his move into law enforcement, Baughman’s recent hobby as an author turned professional by chance.

Baughman was urged to write a book about his experiences and attended a writer’s conference inLa Jolla,Calif.for guidance. An agent saw his work, decided to represent him – unheard of for an inexperienced author – and found Behler Publications, a nationwide publisher. Since then, Baughman has received national attention for a book that won’t be released until Sept. 1.

“It’s overwhelming, the amount of attention the book is generating already,” Baughman said. “But at the same time, I’m excited for everyone to read about what goes on in every major city across the country and raise awareness. AlthoughLas Vegasis theMeccaof human trafficking, it isn’t a problem unique to this city. These women are your neighbors and sisters and daughters. We’re running out of time. Every day, another woman gets sucked into this mess.”

For more information on “Off the Street,” visit Behler Publications’ website.