Community news briefs for December 14, 2000

Thursday, Dec. 14, 2000 | 9:11 a.m.

Bryans, Dema Guinn will be honored

About 760 students are expected to participate in UNLV's Winter Commencement ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., and his wife, Bonnie, are among those who will be honored at commencement. Richard Bryan will be awarded the honorary doctor of laws degree, and Bonnie Bryan will receive the President's Medal.

Nevada first lady Dema Guinn and University of Nevada, Reno, President Joe Crowley, who is preparing to retire, also will be presented with the President's Medal.

Graduates earned their degrees in August or December.

A reception will be held on the concourse of the Thomas & Mack Center following the ceremony. For additional information, call the commencement hotline at 895-3229.

Seniors organization looks for president

AARP Nevada, with more than 237,000 members, is seeking candidates for the volunteer position of state president.

An appointed position, the state president works closely with organization staff and volunteers to ensure that AARP excels as a dynamic presence in Nevada, enriching the experience of aging.

The state president serves as chief spokesman for AARP in Nevada and helps provide strategic direction for the extended staff/volunteer state team, concentrating on six functions: volunteer partnerships, effective partnerships with other organizations, media presence, advocacy success and state expertise, leading to a goal of increased member awareness and involvement.

All expenses related to this position, including some travel, will be paid by AARP. Anyone interested in becoming state president can call State Director Carla Sloan at 898-2426 or AARP volunteer Ed Schwartz in Reno at (775) 856-1608.

The Humanist Association of Las Vegas

and Southern Nevada will sponsor a talk by Dr. Randal G. Sheldon, UNLV professor of criminal justice, at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Unitarian Universalist Building, 3616 E. Lake Mead Blvd. The public is welcome. Call 433-5210.

Electric wheelchairs available to seniors

Miracle on Wheels makes available electric-powered wheelchairs to nonambulatory people 65 years old and up, usually at no out-of-pocket expense if they qualify. No deposit required.

The electric wheelchairs are provided to those who cannot walk and cannot self-propel a wheelchair in their home or independent living quarters and who meet the additional qualifications of the program.

The service may also be available to the permanently disabled of any age.

For more information on the details of this program, call (800) 749-8778 or visit the website (durablemedical.com).