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.

Galleria at Sunset ready to officially welcome holiday shopping season with Black Friday Nov. 25

The Galleria at Sunset is ready to officially welcome the holiday season with Black Friday on Nov. 25 – the busiest and most exciting shopping day of the year.

Located at 1300 W. Sunset Road, the Galleria at Sunset is the “holiday headquarters” in Southern Nevada. And, this year many of the stores will be open even earlier than in the past. Black Friday early bird shoppers at the Galleria from midnight to 5 a.m. who spend $150 that day (excluding department stores) will receive a $15 Galleria at Sunset gift card. Shoppers who spend $150 between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. (excluding department stores) will receive a $10 Galleria at Sunset gift card.  

Black Friday mall hours are from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Black Friday hours are: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Kohl’s Black Friday hours are: midnight – midnight
JCPenney Black Friday hours are: 3 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Dillard’s Black Friday hours are: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Macy’s Black Friday hours are: midnight – 11 p.m.

The below stores will open at midnight. Any stores not listed will open at 5 a.m.

• ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
• AEROPOSTALE
• AUNTIE ANNE’S PRETZELS
• BATH & BODY WORKS
• bebe
• BEST BUYMOBILE
• BODY JEWELRY
• BUCKLE 
• CHARLOTTE RUSSE
• CHILDREN’S PLACE
• CINNABON
• CLAIRE’S BOUTIQUE
• DAIRY QUEEN
• EXPRESS WOMEN’S
• EXPRESS MEN
• FOREVER 21
• G BY GUESS
• GREAT AMERICAN COOKIE CO.
• HOT DOG ON A STICK
• HOT TOPIC
• ICING
• INDUSTRIAL RIDESHOP
• JOURNEY’S
• JOURNEY’S KIDZ  
• JUSTICE 
• JUSTICE FOR GIRLS
• KAI FIGHT SHOP
• KYKLOS GREEK CAFÉ
• NEW YORK & COMPANY
• NO FEAR
• PAC SUN
• POP STOP
• SBARRO
• SHIEKH SHOES
• SKECHERS
• SPENCER’S GIFTS
• STARBUCKS
• THE BODY SHOP
• THINGS REMEMBERED
• TILLY’S
• VICTORIA’S SECRET
• WET SEAL
• WETZEL’S PRETZELS
• WINDSORFASHIONS
• WIRELESS CHAMPS
• XTC BOUTIQUE 
• ZUMIEZ

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.

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 overLas 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 Vegas is 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 South Shore, 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.

Galleria at Sunset hosts Mall-o-ween Oct. 31

Stores open doors to trick-or-treaters during mall’s annual Halloween event

HENDERSON, Nev. – Ghastly ghosts and wicked witches are invited to roam the halls of the Galleria at Sunset for the mall’s annual Halloween celebration, Mall-o-ween, Monday, Oct. 31.

Mall-o-ween will allow children to trick-or-treat and enjoy the holiday in a safe environment. Children of all ages are encouraged to dress in scary costumes and enjoy a multitude of activities throughout the mall, including a pumpkin patch Scaryoke at the Food Court and a costume contest.

“As Henderson’s mall, we try to do something a little different to make Halloween fun, exciting and safe for Henderson’s families each year,” said Heather Valera, marketing director for the Galleria at Sunset.

Trick-or-treaters are also encouraged to visit guest services for a free Halloween gift bag. Activities will run from 6-8 p.m. on Halloween. The event is free and open to the public.

The Galleria at Sunset opened in 1996 and is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Dillard’s, Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods. It features premiere retailers such as Coach, bebe, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Gymboree, Buckle, Abercrombie&Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, Brookstone and more and is also home to the Galleria Library. Owned and operated by Forest City Enterprises, the 1,051,000-square-foot complex is the only enclosed mall in Henderson. In addition to retail, the Galleria at Sunset boasts two full-service and 12 fast food restaurants.

For more information on the Galleria at Sunset visit www.galleriaatsunset.com or contact the mall’s information center at 702-434-0202.

Santa Claus is coming to town, kicks off festivities with milk, cookies

Claus to bestow holiday cheer starting Nov. 5 at Galleria at Sunset  

NORTH POLE – Henderson’s kids better watch out; they’d better not cry; they’d better not pout – Santa’s due to arrive.

Santa Claus is coming to the Galleria at Sunset Saturday, Nov. 5. He will arrive at the Food Court at 11 a.m. with milk and cookies to share with all his favorite boys and girls. The event will include face painting, balloon artists and story time with Santa. Kids will also receive a free gift bag.

“Santa just loves milk and cookies,” said Mrs. Claus. “He can’t wait to get out to Henderson to join the kids for some milk and cookies, story time and more. The Galleria at Sunset is the first stop on his agenda, and he’s eager to start making his list and checking it twice.”

Santa knows children have lots of wishes, so he’s encouraging them to register with guest services now through Nov. 3. There will be wish lists available for children to fill out prior to meeting Santa.

Santa will also find out who’s naughty and who’s nice by visiting and taking photos with children in the Galleria’s lower level at Center Court from Nov. 5 until Dec. 24. Visit www.galleriaatsunset.com for photo hours.

“You wouldn’t think so since he is always so careful to avoid being seen on Christmas Eve, but Santa just loves attention and seeing his name in print so he can share his holiday spirit,” Mrs. Claus added. “He wants to meet as many boys and girls, reporters and photographers as possible.”

Santa’s visit to the Galleria at Sunset – located on the corner of Sunset Road and Stephanie Streetin Hendersonat 1300 W. Sunset Road – is just one of many activities the mall has planned for the holiday season.

The Galleria at Sunset opened in 1996 and is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Dillard’s, Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods. It features premiere retailers such as Coach, bebe, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Gymboree, Buckle, Abercrombie & Fitch,Victoria’s Secret, Brookstone and more and is also home to the Galleria Library. Owned and operated by Forest City Enterprises, the 1,051,000-square-foot complex is the only enclosed mall in Henderson. In addition to retail, the Galleria at Sunset boasts two full-service and 12 fast food restaurants.

For more information on the Galleria at Sunset visit www.galleriaatsunset.com or contact the mall’s information center at 702-434-0202. For up-to-date information from the Galleria at Sunset, follow the Galleria on Facebook and Twitter.