Community briefs

Thursday, April 8, 1999 | 11:34 a.m.

The Armenian/American Cultural Society of Las Vegas, with support from various local Armenian organizations, will conduct a commemoration recognizing the 84th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915 at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., in which 1.5 million Armenians were massacred BY the Ottoman Turkish Empire. Call Hriyr John Dadaian at 256-8925 for more information.

Program on desert environment scheduled

Guided hikes and informative talks are offered by the Lake Mead National Recreation Area free at the park's Alan Bible Visitor Center northeast of Boulder City. Reservations are required for the guided hikes. Call 293-8990. Coming programs:

Healing the Desert, Friday 7 p.m. -- Many activities and actions have affected the desert including grazing, mining, illegal off-highway vehicle use, and feral animals. Lake Mead NRA Vegetation Manager Jennifer Haley will explain desert ecology and describe the cooperative efforts under way by the National Park Service and other agencies to restore these areas.

I Have A Dream group to hold dinner

The "I Have A Dream" Foundation will host its annual fund-raising event Friday at Harrah's hotel-casino. The foundation provides children from low- income areas a long-term program of mentoring, tutoring and enrichment, with an assured scholarship higher education.

Cocktails and a silent auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Harrah's Grand Ballroom, with dinner following at 7:30 and the awards presentation beginning at 8:30. Tickets, at $150 apiece, are still available. Call for reservations 269-5049.

Alcohol screening

Montevista Hospital is offering free, anonymous screenings for alcohol problems Friday as part of the first-ever National Alcohol Screening Day. Two screening will be available, at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 6000 W. Rochelle Ave. Call 251-1225.

Kids activities

The Las Vegas Mirabelli Community Center will host its annual "A Day for Children" 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at 6200 Elton Ave. The event includes crafts and games for children, career displays from fire services, the Nellis Thunderbirds, UNLV Cheer Squad and more. The event is free. Call 229-6359.

Calico Hills hike

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers hikes and walks free of charge, but reservations are required for all programs, which begin at the Visitor's Center. To make reservations or for information call 363-1921. Some coming programs:

Calico Hills Hike -- Explore Red Rock's natural and cultural history on this four-mile moderately strenuous hike through a sandstone canyon Monday.

Introduction to Red Rock Canyon -- All are welcome to join Cactus Jack as he introduces the various plants, animals, rocks and people Tuesday.

Programs may be changed or canceled due to adverse weather conditions.

Two centers offering variety of classes

Las Vegas Senior Center, 450 E. Bonanza Road, offers classes for seniors:

"Welcome Hour" is offered free the first Wednesday of each month to seniors new to the area. There is a social with entertainment and refreshments.

Hawaiian Dance -- The Las Vegas Senior Center offers two styles of Hawaiian Dance, Hula and Tahitian. Classes are ongoing and meet from 5-7 p.m. every Wednesday. There is a one-time $1 registration fee and a $3 per-class charge.

Beginning Tap Dance -- Instructor Jasmine will teach the fundamentals of this form of exercise. Registration is ongoing and classes are held 10 a.m. Fridays.

Golden Age Card Club -- Pinochle and family-style bridge are played 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Fridays. Registration is $1 plus a $2 per month club fee. Call 229-6454.

Ongoing activities for people 55 and older take place from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Derfelt Senior Center, 3333 W. Washington Ave. in Lorenzi Park. A one-time registration fee of $1 must be paid upon enrollment to each class, in addition to a class fee of $3, unless otherwise noted.

Beginning Tap Dance -- Beginning Tap Dance classes begin at 11:30 a.m. Friday and are ongoing. Cost $3 plus $1 registration. Call to reserve space.

Free Income Tax Preparation -- AARP-trained volunteers offer free income tax preparation to adults, ages 55 and older from 9-11 a.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Registration for appointments are ongoing. Call to schedule an appointment.

Living Trust Seminar -- Attorney Brian A. Lowe will explain the differences between a Living Will and Living Trust, and how a Living Trust can benefit you and your heirs. A light luncheon will be served. The seminar will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday. The fee is $1 registration.

Diabetes Seminar -- A fact packed seminar will address signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes. Staff from SecureHorizons will present this informational seminar at 11:30 a.m. April 22 that includes a light lunch.

For more information or to make reservations, call 229-6601.

For the Record

The annual Yom HaShoah community-wide Holocaust memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday at Congregation Ner Tamid, 2761 Emerson Ave. Call 732-0556.

Four local authors will discuss their works at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on Local Author Night at the West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Call 647-8169.

Kathleen Grace Santor will teach a 3 1/2-hour workshop entitled "Body, Mind and Spirit Fitness" 6-9:30 p.m. Friday at the Stress Management Center for Nevada, 601 Whitney Ranch Road. Cost is $60. Call 458-8088.