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.

Leadership Camp applications available, registration due May 10

Issues Concerning Adolescents of Nevada hosts camp July 8-14

LAS VEGAS – Applications are currently being accepted for the 2012 Leadership Camp, hosted by Issues Concerning Adolescents of Nevada (ICAN). The camp for children and teens ages 11 to 17 is scheduled for July 8-14 at Camp Lee Canyon, located 45 miles northwest of the Las Vegas Valley in the Toiyabe National Forest. The seven-day camp will consist of speakers, workshops and curriculum to educate and empower young adults to be self-reliant, inspirational peer and community role models. The deadline for registration is Thursday, May 10.

The seven-day camp is affordable, compared to other sleep away camps in the Las Vegas Valley. The cost is $275 per child and includes food, lodging, workshops, speakers, a T-shirt, materials and activities, including a dance, campfires and talent show. Transportation to and from camp will be available from a park-and-ride location to be announced as the time approaches.

Through the leadership training experienced at camp, participants learn how to make smart decisions, maintain their stress levels and educate others on drug prevention. Of last year’s participants, 100 percent claimed to have found at least one friend who will help them stay drug free.

For information on the organization’s payment plan, contact Jamie Ross at Jamie@icanlv.org. Applications and additional information can be found online at www.icanlv.org.       

Youth interested in ICAN, and an idea of what to expect from Leadership Camp, can attend the monthly youth meetings, which provide positive alternative activities, a friend base, adult mentors and consistent message throughout the school year in an informational and fun way.

The next meeting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 7 at 3909 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 200, near Flamingo Road.

Those interested in a camp application, or additional information on ICAN, can visit the website at www.icanlv.org, call 702-451-ICAN (4226) or email Jamie@icanlv.org.

Issues Concerning Adolescents of Nevada is an organization charged with addressing the challenges facing today’s youth. The group’s adult leaders have decades of experience in drug and alcohol abuse prevention along with other obstacles that hinder teens’ abilities to make well-informed decisions. Many of the adults were once teens in similar programs, leaving a long-lasting legacy of leadership in the community. The group’s annual Leadership Camp provides a curriculum that teaches smart life choices through leadership training.

Henderson Libraries’ Arlene Caruso selected to attend regional Library Leadership Institute

HENDERSON, Nev. – Arlene Caruso, assistant branch manager at Paseo Verde Library, was recently selected to attend the Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) 2012 Leadership Institute.  Only 30 were chosen to attend from over 60 applicants in 12 states.

Arlene Caruso has been assistant branch manager and head of the Reference Department at the Paseo Verde Library for two years, but has worked at Henderson Libraries since 2005. Active with Nevada Library Association, she’s been the chair of the Reference and Information Searchers of Nevada Interest Group since 2008; was programming co-chair for 2008, 2011 NLA Annual Conferences; was chair of NLA 2009 Conference; co-chair of 2012 Exhibits Committee for the Conference.

The Institute will be in Estes Park, Colorado, May 6-11.  Institute facilitator is Maureen Sullivan, president-elect of the American Library Association.

Major sponsor of the Institute is The Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation (Innovative Interfaces, Inc and SkyRiver) with additional funding from the Emporia School of Library and Information Management, the University of Arizona School of Information Resources Library Science and MPLA. 

The Mountain Plains Library Association is a twelve state association of librarians, library paraprofessionals and friends of libraries in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Its purpose is to promote the development of librarians and libraries by providing significant educational and networking opportunities.

Local Members of Huntington’s Disease Society of America to meet and lobby Congress to pass Huntington’s Disease Parity Act

April 20 meeting will allow advocates to press Congressional representatives to sign on as sponsors of bill that would add those affected by the devastating disease

LAS VEGAS – On Friday, April 20, 25 local members of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Las Vegas affiliate will convene to discuss and participate in training on how to advocate for the Huntington’s Disease Parity Act of 2011 (H.R. 718, S. 648), a bill in congress that is meant to improve access to Social Security Disability benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals with Huntington’s disease (HD).

Upon completion of the training, the advocates will meet with representatives from the offices of Sen. Dean Heller, Sen. Harry Reid, Congressman Joe Heck and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, with the intent of convincing them to co-sponsor the Huntington’s Disease Parity Act.

HDSA advocates are determined to encourage Congress to dismantle the two-year waiting period between the acceptance of a disability claim and the ability to receive Medicare coverage for those with Huntington’s disease. Currently, patients are losing valuable medical coverage, and for some, their lives, as they wait for Medicare benefits to be made available.

Approximately 8,200 individuals and family members in Nevada are impacted by Huntington’s disease, having either been diagnosed themselves or having an immediate family member who has been diagnosed or is at risk for the disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a devastating, hereditary, degenerative brain disorder that results in a loss of cognitive, behavioral and physical control, and for which, presently, there is no cure and only one FDA-approved treatment for a symptom of HD.

Training for advocates will take place from 8-11:30 a.m. at the Red Rock Hotel & Casino. From 1-3 p.m. participating advocates will meet with congressional representatives at the Historic 5th Street School – located at 401 S. Fourth St.

The recently chartered Las Vegas Affiliate of HDSA will host other events to help build awareness of Huntington’s disease in the area. On Saturday, May 12, they will host the second annual Team Hope Walk for HD at Town Square – located at 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South, near Sunset Road. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. Although registration is free, those who raise $25 or more will receive a Team Hope Walk T-shirt. Other activities include live music, games, face painting, booths with items for sale and a silent auction, which includes a signed guitar by music group Foster the People.

Additional information can be found at www.firstgiving.com/hdsa-scr/hdsa-las-vegas-team-hope-walk.

Later this summer, the National Huntington’s Disease Society of America will host its 27th Annual National Convention June 8-10 at the Red Rock Resort in Summerlin.

Currently, Huntington’s disease is a main focus of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, illustrating the importance of the disease in the Las Vegas community.

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the largest 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease. Founded in 1968 by Marjorie Guthrie, wife of folk legend Woody Guthrie who lost his battle with HD, the Society works tirelessly to provide the family services, education, advocacy and research to provide help for today, hope for tomorrow to the more than 30,000 people diagnosed with HD and the 250,000 at-risk in the United States.  

Notably, HDSA founded the HDSA Coalition for the Cure, a collaboration of 16 international researchers, as part of the HD Drug Research Pipeline, and supports research which develops potential therapies to treat and eventually cure HD; HDSA also supports 21 Centers of Excellence at major medical facilities throughout the United States, where people with HD and their families receive comprehensive medical, psychological and social services, in addition to physical and occupational therapy and genetic testing and counseling. The Society is comprised of 46 local chapters and affiliates across the country with its headquarters in New York City. Additionally, HDSA hosts more than 160 support groups for people with HD, their families, caregivers and people at-risk, and is the premiere resource on Huntington’s disease for medical professionals and the general public.  

To learn more about Huntington’s disease and to get involved in HDSA, please visit www.hdsa.org or call 1-800-345-HDSA.

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.

Henderson Chamber workshop to discuss breaking the ice with Spanish-speaking potential clients

Ronna Timpa to speak May 17

HENDERSON, Nev. – The next Henderson Chamber Roadmap to Success Series workshop will discuss the importance of the Spanish-speaking market with “Breaking the Ice with Potential Hispanic Customers: Spanish 101.2.”

The workshop, hosted by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and the Henderson Business Resource Center, will feature Ronna Timpa, founder and chief motivator for Workplace ESL Solutions, as the guest speaker.

The workshop will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 17, at the Henderson Business Resource Center – located at 112 Water St. near West Pacific Avenue in downtown Henderson.

Free to Henderson Chamber members, the Roadmap to Success Series began in September and continues through May. The series includes 16 workshops covering topics including finance, legal, marketing, and operations and sales.

Timpa and her staff have been customizing workplace English and Spanish courses since 1993 and have written and published three textbook series. At Workplace ESL, Timpa and her staff conduct Cantonese training, executive language coaching, business writing workshops, translations and interpretations. Timpa also serves as the Society for Human Resource Management’s Nevada state diversity and inclusion director.

During the seminar, Timpa will discuss the importance of tapping into the Spanish-speaking market using customs and business practices utilized by the Hispanic community. Participants will learn how to greet and make small talk with potential Hispanic customers as well as ask and answer some specific questions and give directions related to their jobs.

All chamber members and the public are invited to attend. There is no cost for Henderson Chamber members. Cost for non-members is $25. Breakfast is sponsored by CooCoos Cafe. To RSVP, call the Henderson Business Resource Center at 702-992-7200 or email perickson@hendersonchamber.com.

The Roadmap to Success Workshop Series covers all aspects of business critical for business owners to understand and properly execute to stay afloat, especially when times are tough. 

The workshop series is sponsored by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, the City of Henderson, Imagine Communications and Mikels Fine Art Photography.

The Henderson Business Resource Center is a nonprofit organization under the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Foundation designed as a business incubator to strengthen and diversify the local economy.

For more information about the Henderson Business Resource Center or the Roadmap to Success Series, visit www.hendersonbizcenter.com.

Henderson Chamber workshop to cover small business finances

April 19 event to be co-hosted by Scott Rodde, Jina Yoon

HENDERSON, Nev. –The next Roadmap to Success Series workshop, “Shaking the Money Tree: A Small Business Guide to Financing in Hard Times,” will cover small business financing and lending strategies. The workshop, hosted by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Henderson and the Henderson Business Resource Center, will be co-hosted by National Development Council directors Scott Rodde and Jina Yoon

The workshop will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 19, at the Henderson Business Resource Center – located at 112 Water St. near West Pacific Avenue in downtown Henderson.

Free to Henderson Chamber members, the Roadmap to Success Series continues through May. The series includes 16 workshops covering topics including finance, legal, marketing, and operations and sales.

Rodde, who is also the founder, president and counsel of Bay Area Development Group, has helped hundreds of cities, counties and states in the Western United States develop finance investment services. His broad expertise covers myriad topics, including working with SBA 502, 503, 504 and 7(a) loan programs; HUD-108 loans; CDBG float loans and CDBG loan programs; low income, historic, new markets and renewable energy tax credit programs; and sales tax and tax increment financing.

Yoon has a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia and a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from UCLA and has held positions with Moody’s and in the Congressional Budget Office in Washington, DC as well. 

The seminar will go over financing strategies. Topics will include what information is needed before meeting with a lender, how to self-assess one’s ability to obtain debt financing in the short- and long-term, and a detailed discussion regarding debt versus equity.

All chamber members and the public are invited to attend. There is no cost for Henderson Chamber members. Cost for non-members is $25. The Breakfast is sponsored by Coo Coo’s Restaurant in downtown Henderson. The deadline for reservations is 4/18/12. To RSVP, call the Henderson Business Resource Center at 702-992-7200 or email perickson@hendersonchamber.com.

The Roadmap to Success Workshop Series covers all aspects of business critical for business owners to understand and properly execute to stay afloat, especially when times are tough.

The workshop series is sponsored by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, the City of Henderson, Imagine Communications and Mikels Fine Art Photography.

The Henderson Business Resource Center is a nonprofit organization under the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Foundation designed as a business incubator to strengthen and diversify the local economy.

For more information about the Henderson Business Resource Center or the Roadmap to Success Series, visit www.hendersonbizcenter.com.

New media marketing focus of April 5 Roadmap to Success seminar

Maria Bailey will discuss business blogging, Internet radio, social media

HENDERSON, Nev. –The next Roadmap to Success Series workshop will cover business promotion strategies that make use of “new media.” The workshop, hosted by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Henderson and the Henderson Business Resource Center, will feature Maria Bailey, CEO and publisher of Success City Online, as the speaker.

The workshop will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Henderson Business Resource Center – located at 112 Water St. near West Pacific Avenue in downtown Henderson.

Free to Henderson Chamber members, the Roadmap to Success Series began in September and continues through May. The series includes 16 workshops covering topics including finance, legal, marketing, and operations and sales.

A small business owner and entrepreneur, Bailey is co-founder of Express Oh Gourmet Coffee Company, the founder, publisher and CEO of Success City Online and co-host of the “Success City Radio Show.” As a professional development consultant, she has facilitated hundreds of training programs and helped motivate people working at all levels obtain greater success in sales, leadership and personal development. She also has managed teams of more than 320 sales and management personnel and been responsible for more than $30 million in annual sales.

During the seminar, Bailey will discuss the importance of blogging for businesses and how to effectively make use of it as a promotional tool. She’ll also discuss how businesses can host their own Internet radio shows for free and why they should do so, as well as other social media marketing strategies that help to effectively build a brand.

All chamber members and the public are invited to attend. There is no cost for Henderson Chamber members. Cost for non-members is $25. Breakfast is sponsored by Coo-Coos Cafe. To RSVP, call the Henderson Business Resource Center at 702-992-7200 or email perickson@hendersonchamber.com.

The Roadmap to Success Workshop Series covers all aspects of business critical for business owners to understand and properly execute to stay afloat, especially when times are tough.

The workshop series is sponsored by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, the City of Henderson, Imagine Communications and Mikels Fine Art Photography.

The Henderson Business Resource Center is a nonprofit organization under the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Foundation designed as a business incubator to strengthen and diversify the local economy.

For more information about the Henderson Business Resource Center or the Roadmap to Success Series, visit www.hendersonbizcenter.com.

Henderson Chamber chairman honored for efforts to improve local education

Rick Smith and wife, Geri Smith, honored by St. Viator’s March 24

HENDERSON, Nev. – St. Viator’s Catholic School honored Rick Smith, chairman of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, and his wife, Geri, for their endless efforts to maintain quality in education for all at their 24th Annual Dinner Auction Saturday, March 24, at the South Point Hotel & Casino.

“Rick and Geri are heavily involved in the community in a number of ways,” said Scott Muelrath, executive director for the Henderson Chamber. “Business and education go hand in hand, and the Smiths have dedicated themselves to improving both in Southern Nevada. It’s wonderful to see them honored by St. Viator’s for their work.”

Rick Smith serves as president and CEO of RDS Associates, a Southern Nevada commercial real estate firm specializing in investment, development, marketing and brokerage services in the Southwest. Geri Smith is a marriage and family therapist. Their daughters have attended St. Viator’s since they were both in pre-kindergarten.

The event also honored Kate and Harold Puterman and Kitty and Dale Parantala.

 The Henderson Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, voluntary organization committed to promoting and supporting member businesses.

 For more information on the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, call 702-565-8951 or visit www.hendersonchamber.com.

Imagine Communications’ Biernacinski named communications administrator for UFAF, Chun Kuk Do Magazine editor-in-chief

Professional has background in communications, journalism, media studies

HENDERSON, Nev. – The United Fighting Arts Federation, an international martial arts membership organization, has named Melissa Biernacinski communications administrator for UFAF and editor-in-chief of Chun Kuk Do Magazine – both volunteer positions.

Biernacinski is a 2nd degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do and has been practicing the martial art of Chun Kuk Do for almost 16 years.

Professionally, Biernacinski serves as director of media relations for Imagine Communications, where she has worked for almost seven years. She also has a background in journalism, which includes a bachelor’s degree from UNLV in journalism and media studies.

ABOUT IMAGINE COMMUNICATIONS
Established in 2000, Imagine Communications is a full-service marketing and communications firm that provides strategic business planning, public relations, advertising, video production, consulting and government affairs services to clients nationwide. The company’s 12-person team works with a diverse array of clients of all sizes and in industries across the board.

For more information, call 702-837-8996, visit www.weareimagine.com, follow the company on Facebook or Twitter, or check out the company blog or the company online newsroom.

ABOUT THE UNITED FIGHTING ARTS FEDERATION AND 
CHUN KUK DO
The United Fighting Arts Federation is a worldwide martial arts membership organization founded by Chuck Norris. Members of the organization study the style of Chun Kuk Do. UFAF is the governing and sanctioning body for the Chun Kuk Do style, providing technical standards for instruction and advancement in the system.

Chun Kuk Do is a Korean-based American hard style of karate. The style was founded by Norris and was originally based on his Tang Soo Do training in Korea while he was in the military. Having gone by several names since the early 1970s, the style has been known as Chun Kuk Do since 1990. The name is loosely translated to mean “The Universal Way.” (Literally translated, “The way of 1,000 lands” or “The way of many lands.”) Chun Kuk Do has come to emphasize self defense, competition, weapons, grappling, fitness and more.

For more information, visit www.ufaf.org.