Apprentices use skills to build homes for Habitat for Humanity

Albuquerque sheet metal workers get hands-on training while helping charity

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – At the sheet metal workers training center in Albuquerque, NM, apprentices learning their craft once designed and constructed projects in the lab only to tear them down once their grade was filed. Materials were thrown away and talents were kept in house.

Luckily for Albuquerque’s Habitat for Humanity program, instructor John Pennebaker thought those materials and skills could be repurposed to help a good cause. Today, apprentices still design and build at the training center but, instead of dismantling the project, they install the new air conditioning duct work, dryer vents and exhaust fans into new homes for the Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity. Since November, apprentices have helped complete three houses with a fourth house beginning construction in May.

The partnership brings needed skill and materials to the project while giving apprentices on-the-job training they don’t receive at the training center.

“The job goes so much faster,” said Judy Lucero, executive director for the Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity. “Typically, it takes 12 weeks to build a 1,100-square-foot home from start to finish. When we have groups like this involved, it cuts our build time by a couple weeks, saving money and keeping our program going forward. And this is really a training, on-site classroom for them.”

Approximately 86 apprentices worked on the first three houses combined, and the experience in real-world problem solving has allowed them to gain experience not otherwise found at the training center, said Jerry Arms, coordinator at the New Mexico and West Texas training center. The instructors, who check the work in the lab and on the job site, also can identify apprentices’ individual talents.

“It teaches them the value. It forces them to plan ahead and think through the entire job,” Arms said. “It also gets them into the residential market. None of the guys have been exposed to it unless they worked in it before they came to the union. It introduces them to a market they’ve never been associated with because most of them work in the commercial market.”

The training center, supported by the International Training Institute, the education arm of the unionized sheet metal and air conditioning industry, currently foots the bill for materials – about $700 for the cost of sheet metal – but the cost is worth the reward, Arms said.

“It’s well worth what we’re getting out of it, no doubt,” he added. “It’s been a really good experience. All the apprentices seem like they really enjoy it. A few have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity on their own time as a result.”

For the Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity, the partnership allows them to continue to build affordable homes for working families.

“The bulk of our volunteers are not skilled,” Lucero said. “To have a group like this, it’s definitely a win-win for all of us. We would really be handicapped without it.”

More than 15,000 apprentices are registered at training facilities in theUnited StatesandCanada. The ITI is jointly sponsored by Sheet Metal Worker’s International Association (SMWIA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). ITI supports apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout theUnited StatesandCanada. Located inAlexandria,Va., ITI produces a standardized sheet metal curriculum supported by a wide variety of training materials free of charge to sheet metal apprentices and journeymen.

Those interested in the Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity can visit www.habitatabq.org or call 505-265-0057.

For more information about ITI, visit www.sheetmetal-iti.org or call 703-739-7200.

Planning for family’s future could be more expensive in 2013

Estate planning laws could affect how taxes affect gift value

LAS VEGAS – Planning for a financial future once the heads of the family pass away is a necessary discussion many families put off. With estate tax laws set to drastically change in 2013, some families may have to have the conversation with their estate planning attorneys sooner rather than later to preserve their estates’ value.

An estate tax exemption is the amount anyone can give away tax free during their lifetime or at their time of death. For 2012, the amount a person can transfer tax free is $5 million. The excess amount in the estate, if any, is taxed at 35 percent. In 2013, the estate tax exemption is set to decrease to $1 million with any excess amount taxed at 55 percent.

“To simplify it, if someone has an estate valued at $6 million and gifts $5 million in 2012 and then passes away in 2013, $1 million of their estate will be taxed at 55 percent, which equals $550,000 in estate tax,” said Brooke Borg, founder and attorney for Borg Law Group. “However, if this same person doesn’t choose to gift their $5 million until after they die, and they pass away in 2013, $5 million of their estate will be taxed at 55 percent, equaling $2.75 million due in estate tax. That’s a substantial loss that could have been avoided.”

The current rates took effect in January 2011 and will last through the end of 2012. Therefore, over the past year and a half, many people have decided to take advantage of the higher than usual exemption amount and use their exemption by gifting assets this year before the scheduled change in laws in order to save their estate money in the long run.

For married couples, the current laws allow $10 million, or $5 million each, for the tax exemption. Also, if one spouse dies without using the tax exemption, the unused portion can be claimed by the surviving spouse at his/her death.

“If the amounts set to take effect in 2013 do not change, many people will be affected negatively if they do not have the proper estate planning documents in place. Anyone whose assets even come close to $1 million taking into consideration real estate, investments, life insurance, vehicles, bank accounts, 401ks, etc. should speak to an estate planning attorney soon,” Borg said. “Although we’re still in the first half of the year, it takes time for gifts to funnel through the proper channels. Starting now will ensure all gifting is done in a timely manner.”

Borg Law Group provides legal services to individuals and businesses in the areas of real estate, corporate law, estate planning and probate. The firm’s founder, Brooke Borg, is admitted to the State Bar of Nevada and the State Bar of Michigan.

For more information regarding Borg Law Group call 702-318-8808 or visit www.BorgLawGroup.com.

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.

2011 Library Tree Lane nets $27,000 to benefit Henderson Libraries

Funds will benefit district’s teens (grades 6-12) collection

HENDERSON, Nev.  – The numbers are in, and it’s official. Henderson Libraries’ 2011 Library Tree Lane, hosted by the Friends of Henderson Libraries, raised more money than any previous Library Tree Lane. The fundraiser raised $27,000 to benefit the district’s teens (grades 6-12) collection. (Last year it raised $24,000.)

The Friends will present a check for the $27,000 to Tom at the Friends of Henderson Libraries board of directors meeting next week. The meeting will take place Thursday, February 16 at 7:45 a.m. at the Paseo Verde Library –280 S. Green Valley Parkway in Henderson.

An annual holiday-themed fundraising project by the Friends of Henderson Libraries to benefit Henderson Libraries, Library Tree Lane featured decorated holiday trees and wreaths, which are sponsored by individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the community and then donated and delivered to charities following theLibrary Tree Lane gala.

The program also included a visit from Santa Claus, drop-in story times for children and a conversation with local weatherman Kevin Janison, author of the “Deputy Dorkface” series. The celebration culminated with a ticketed gala reception, which featured a silent auction with nearly 200 beautifully decorated, themed gift baskets and live entertainment.

Library Tree Lane 2011 sponsors included Stephens Press LLC, Cash America Super Pawn, A & B Printing, Capitol North American, Boyd Gaming, American Nevada Company, United Studios of Self Defense, Unilever, BNY Mellon Wealth Management and R & S Investment Properties. Hundreds of additional companies and individuals donated prizes for gift baskets and chance drawings.

Established in 1943 as a single library in downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries now 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 around the state to provide quality service for Nevada’s residents.

For more information on Henderson Libraries and its many services and resources, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6580.

Las Vegas to receive 12 Days of Christmas beginning Dec. 13

In12Days to bring peace, hope, joy and love to all of Las Vegas, a city still struggling to recover from 2008’s economic downturn

LAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas Valley used to be a place of promise, where people from across the nation moved their businesses and homes to find better lives and invest in their futures. Today, residents are searching for signs of hope and a glimpse of the lives they once thought existed just past their fingertips.

The holidays are on their way, and resident Suzanne Lea doesn’t want another Christmas season to go by without hope, love and support for the city she calls home.

Lea’s In12Days aims to inspire the people of Las Vegas and Henderson to dream again, and during 12 days this Christmas Lea and her team of national sponsors will transform the bleak landscape to a holiday vista where drummers drum, lords leap and ladies dance. Lea’s holiday love letter to the city she loves begins Tuesday, Dec. 13, and she will parade her project of hope around the Las Vegas Valley through Christmas Eve.

The details of each day are a secret, but the idea is simple.

On Dec. 13 (Day 1), at least 12 groups, families and organizations will receive a huge basket of fat green pears and pairs of gloves and slippers for everyone in their household. Inside are further instructions about their role in the upcoming 12 Days of Christmas festivities.

But they aren’t the only ones who will be a part of the magic; pears will parachute down all over Las Vegas, sharing the news of the upcoming 12 days to groups of people everywhere. From this day on, everyone will want to discover, “What is In12Days? Who are the 12 groups that have been selected, and why? What will happen next?”

The list of sponsors already enlisted to help pull off this extraordinary event in Las Vegasis extensive. Some of the major sponsors include Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, FedEx, Trader Joe’s, UNLV Rebels, Michael Minden Diamond Jewelers, Loews Hotels, Lake Las Vegas Resort, Ravella Hotel, The Village Lake Las Vegas, The Golf Club at SouthShore, Kristen Hertzenberg and members of Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular and Castle of Cakes.

In12Days was born from great loss. When Lea’s beloved husband, Bryan, died in April 2008, she knew Christmas would be hard for her and her two young sons. Little did she know, her friends at St. Viator’s Catholic Church had other plans.

On a gray morning Dec. 13, 2008, Lea’s doorbell rang. She and her sons opened the door to find a bowl of green pears with a note that read, “Count down the 12 days of Christmas with us! It starts today! For 12 days, a bit of cheer will arrive, so please check by your door.”

On each of the 12 days of Christmas, Lea and her sons received themed gifts – even a group of nine church ladies dancing in the street on Day 9. By the end of those 12 days, the sadness and pain had lifted from the Leas’ hearts.

From that point on, it became Lea’s mission to pay it forward. As a result, In12Days has delivered extravagant 12 Days of Christmas events to individuals and organizations for the past three years – and not just at Christmas. Last year, In12Days brought the 12 Days of Christmas to 80 foster children and leaders at St. Jude’s Ranch with the help of 1,000 volunteers and sponsors nationwide.

For more information on In12Days, call 702-509-0555, visit www.In12Days.net, or follow them on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Leadership Henderson develops business plan for underfunded school-based health center

Dr. Joel & Carol Bower School-Based Health Center has provided health care for underserved children ages 4 to 19 at Basic High School since 2004

HENDERSON, Nev. – While questions about health care grab headlines on a daily basis, one group of Henderson business leaders is providing answers for a local health care facility. In November, the Leadership Henderson class of 2012 began to develop a business and marketing plan to financially sustain the Dr. Joel & Carol Bower School-Based Health Center.

Located at Basic High School, the Health Center has addressed the needs of school-aged children (ages 4 to 19) in Henderson since 2004, but, like so many endeavors, it has been hit hard by the recession, leaving many families wondering where and how to meet the health care needs of their children. Since it opened, the center has served more than 5,000 students primarily from at-risk schools.

“We opened the center as a way to provide high quality, accessible health care to all children in Henderson schools, especially the uninsured, underinsured and vulnerable populations,” Dr. Joel Bower said. “Without a school-based health care facility such as this, students either forgo treatment all together or utilize local emergency rooms for their primary care. Both are systemic problems that we can help solve.” 

Bower, in partnership with Nevada State College and the Clark County School District, founded the health center in honor of his wife Carol.

“We welcome the expertise of our local business leaders to create a long-term plan that will sustain the center for years to come,” said Dr. Sherrilyn Coffman, health center director and nursing professor and assistant dean at Nevada State College. She said she aims to have the health center self-sufficient by 2015.

“We’ve touched so many young lives thus far and I can’t imagine not being a part of the health and wellness of this community,” she added.  

The health center is dedicated to treating the whole child and provides primary care, management of chronic illness, health promotion, wellness counseling, treatment of injuries, routine physical examinations and pre-participation sports physicals.

“Having the Leadership team address this unmet need gives hope to all school-aged children and their families in Henderson,” said Scott Muelrath, executive director/CEO of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, the founding organization of Leadership Henderson. “Like previous Leadership classes, we feel it is our civic duty as business leaders to affect positive change in the community we call home.”

In the past, the health center has received funding and support from Nevada State College, the Nevada State College Foundation, the Nevada State Health Division Trust Fund, the City of Henderson Redevelopment, St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Catholic Healthcare West Foundation, and many other individuals and community agencies, but the state budget crisis and economic downturn has taken its toll.

Due to the lack of resources, the health center had to close its lab in May. The closure caused nurse practitioners at the clinic to give prescriptions based on prognosis, or to refer patients somewhere else for testing. The center needs $200,000 a year to maintain its current level of services and, if funding is available, would add mental and dental services as well.

“Given the economic uncertainty and continued need for the health services provided by the School-Based Health Clinic, the Henderson Leadership Class of 2012 has stepped up to the plate to develop a plan to make the health center self-sustaining by 2015,” said Michael Westra, chairman of Leadership Henderson. “The united leadership exemplified by this diverse group of talented Henderson businessmen and women truly demonstrates what it means to be a part of the community.”

Charities, Henderson schools and government agencies have been the recipients of time, talent, fundraising and resources of the previous 11 Leadership Henderson classes. Leadership Henderson will hold a press tour of the facility in the months to come and will host a grand reopening in May 2012 when the plan is complete and ready for implementation. 

“There are so many good causes in the Henderson community, and we are glad to offer this unique opportunity every year as part of our program,” said Rebecca Fay, director of Leadership Henderson. 

Leadership Henderson is a nonprofit organization under the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The program is an eight-month course devoted to educating and empowering civic-minded professionals with a goal of building and maintaining a strong network of effective community leaders. Through panel presentations by community leaders and experts, simulations, plus hands-on experiences, participants learn about current issues pertaining to local economy, government, social services, health, gaming, business and education that affect Henderson residents and businesses.  

Since its inception in 2004, the School-Based Health Center (SBHC) has served more than 5,000 students primarily from at-risk schools including Basic High School, Brown Junior High School and Sewell and Robert Taylor elementary schools but is open to all Henderson schools. The SBHC provides primary care, management of chronic illness, wellness counseling, treatment of injuries, routine physical examinations and pre-participation sports physicals. The SBHC is located at Basic High School in Henderson. The center is administered by Nevada State College (NSC) in collaboration with Basic High School and the Clark County School District (CCSD).  The director and administrative staff are employees of NSC, and the NSC School of Nursing has direct oversight over the center. Nurse practitioners staff the center four days per week during the regular school year, and two days per week during the summer. The health center, located at 400 Palo Verde Drive in Henderson, can be reached by calling 702-799-0508.

For more information on the business and marketing plan for the health center, or in Leadership Henderson, call Rebecca Fay at 702-992-7272. Applications for the next Leadership Henderson class can be filled out online at www.hendersonchamber.com/leadership_community.php.

Community Management Group partners with Three Square for food drive

One in six Southern Nevada families experience hunger; CMG serves as food drive drop-off location to give back to community it serves

LAS VEGAS – With the holidays fast approaching, some strugglingNevada families are facing a bleak end to the year. One in six Southern Nevada households struggle with putting food on the table, but Three Square, along with Community Management Group and other partners, aims to ease the burden of hunger with its holiday food drive.

To help in the collection process, CMG has donated space at its main office as a food drive drop-off location. CMG will collect food on behalf of Three Square now through Tuesday, Dec. 20, and is located at 3360 West Sahara Avenue, Suite 200, just off Valley View. Donations can be dropped off between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“Much like the communities we manage, the Southern Nevada community is only healthy when our neighbors thrive,” said Courtney Murphy, president and supervising community manager for CMG. “Three Square’s mission is to provide wholesome food to hungry people, while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community. That mission eases an important concern many families face, allowing them to refocus their efforts on bettering other areas of their lives. This benefits the entire community.”

Three Square is the only food bank in Southern Nevada that serves residents of Clark, Esmeralda, Nye and Lincoln counties. The organization serves as a central collection center of food, and it distributes more than 22 million pounds of it annually to organizations that serve those in need.

Those interested in donating, but who require a receipt, may visit the Three Square North Campus lobby at 4220 N. Pecos Rd. Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For larger donations, an appointment must be made by emailing fooddrive@threesquare.org.

Visit http://www.threesquare.org for more information about Three Square and other drop-off locations.

Established by longtime Las Vegan Courtney Murphy in 2009, Community Management Group is a Nevada-based community association management company serving assorted planned unit developments in the Las Vegas Valley.

Providing top customer service in all facets of its work, CMG works with homeowners, HOA board members and vendors to assist in decisions to maintain communities’ property values and ensure the preservation of associations’ financial health. The company’s services – handled by a team of certified managers – balance fiscal responsibility, cutting edge technology (which is unique in the field), homeowner education and a positive atmosphere for all its clients, from single family and business parks to condominiums and master planned communities.

For more information on Community Management Group, visit www.cmg-hoa.com, call 702-942-2500, or follow the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CMGlv.

Friends of Henderson Libraries hosts 8th annual Library Tree Lane

Proceeds from Dec. 2 gala reception, silent auction benefits teen collection

HENDERSON, Nev. – The Friends of Henderson Libraries will host the 8th annual Library Tree Lane with a showcase of decorated trees and wreaths beginning Saturday, Nov. 15, through Friday, Dec. 2, during normal business hours at the Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway in Henderson, just south of the 215 Beltway.

A holiday-themed fundraising project, this year’s Library Tree Lane will benefit the Henderson Libraries’ teen collection for grades six through 12 and will feature decorated trees and wreaths for sale, a visit from Santa Claus and drop-in story times for children and a conversation with local weatherman Kevin Janison, author of the “Deputy Dorkface” series.

The celebration will culminate with a ticketed gala reception and silent auction from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling 702-492-6584. All events for Library Tree Lane take place at the Paseo Verde Library.

“We are looking forward to expanding our teen offerings this year using the proceeds from Library Tree Lane,” said Laura Jane Spina, co-chairperson of the Library Tree Lane Steering Committee. “Building that collection is important, as we want to support this age group and give them positive alternative activities and a safe place to study and do homework. The generosity of the Las Vegas Valley consistently impresses us, and we’re excited for this year’s event.”

The 2010 Library Tree Lane raised $24,000 and benefited the district’s juvenile (grades 3-6) collection.

The gala reception features a silent auction with nearly 200 beautifully decorated, themed gift baskets, live entertainment, holiday fare and wine. Guest author Andrew Kiraly, who wrote “Crit” and edits Desert Companion, is expected to attend along with the evening’s host Père Noel (aka Santa Claus).

In addition to the showcase and gala reception, the conversation with Janison, “Children’s Books: To Entertain, Education and Enlighten,” is set for 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, in the conference room. Santa will pay the library a visit from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, and a holiday drop-in story time is scheduled for 10 and 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Although the program is free, registration is required for the children’s programs by calling 702-492-6581.

Following the gala reception, the decorated trees will be delivered to local charities designated by the tree sponsors. Complete details are available at www.hdplfriends.org.

Library Tree Lane sponsors include Stephens Press LLC, Cash America Super Pawn, A & B Printing, Capitol North American, Boyd Gaming, American Nevada Company, United Studios of Self Defense, Unilever, BNY Mellon Wealth Management and R & S Investment Properties. Hundreds of additional companies and individuals also have donated prizes for gift baskets and chance drawings for the event.

Business or cocktail attire is recommended for the gala reception. For additional information on sponsorships, call 702-492-6584.

Established in 1943 as a single library in downtown Henderson, Henderson Libraries now 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 around the state to provide quality service for Nevada’s residents.

For more information on Henderson Libraries and its many services and resources, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6580.

Henderson Libraries Foundation’s challenge to the community: ‘Can you raise $1,000 in 30 days? We think you can!’

Library district offers list of ideas to encourage creativity, get people involved

HENDERSON, Nev. – The Henderson Libraries Foundation’s $1 for a Million campaign is a few months old and has already raised more than $40,000, but there is a long road to go before the $1 million goal is reached. In response to this, the Foundation launched a Grand Challenge, which began Oct. 1.

In response to the popular patron question, “How can I help?” the Grand Challenge allows residents who support the libraries to do so using their own talents. Teams of friends, co-workers or family members can create phone trees, creating items to sell and community projects are only a few ideas. Creativity is welcomed and the only limit is the teams’ imaginations. The challenge is an open one with one goal – each team raises at least $1,000 in 30 days.

With local philanthropist Beverly Rogers kicking things off with her $1,000 donation, four groups/individuals have already committed to raising $1,000 within 30 days to benefit Henderson Libraries Foundation. LandWell, a land development company based in Henderson, has also donated $1,000 to show its support for the Foundation’s Grand Challenge program.

“The Grand Challenge helps the Henderson Libraries Foundation reach the goal of the $1 for a Million campaign and improve the quality of service we provide our patrons at all of our locations,” said Tom Fay, executive director of the Henderson Libraries. “We have the best patrons, and they are consistently asking what they can do. The Grand Challenge allows them to do what they can, using what they have. It’s truly a community effort.”

Individuals or teams interested in participating in the Grand Challenge 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.

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

“We are open to all ideas,” Fay said. “These ideas are simply meant to inspire people and show them that there are many ways in which they, too, can help.”

Staff members from Henderson Libraries even committed to taking part in the challenge. Several staff members from Green Valley Library hosted a bake sale on Friday, Oct. 7, and Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Green Valley Library. They sold homemade pumpkin pasties, chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin breads, banana breads and more and raised $870. The group will work to raise the remainder of the money to reach their goal before the end of October.

The Henderson Library District has lost $2.5 million in revenue, which leaves a large gap in the budget used to purchase books and materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, e-books and more used every day by patrons. The $1 for a Million campaign is meant to supplement that loss by raising $1 million from April 2011 to April 2012.

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, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com or call 702-492-6581.