Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Here’s a banquet worthy of support

Paula DelGiudice

Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2000 | 11:02 a.m.

Paula DelGiudice's outdoors notebook appears Wednesday. Reach her at PDelGiudice@compuserve.com.

It's not easy for organizations to raise money here anymore. There are so many groups and so few sportsmen's dollars to go around. Nearly ever group holds a banquet, so it's often hard to pick which ones to support.

There's a group that has been around for a long time that is looking to cash in on part of the generosity of banquet-going sportsmen this month. For the first time the Las Vegas Hunting Retriever Club will hold a banquet and auction, on Friday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Gold Coast hotel-casino.

There's hardly a group of nicer people in the valley, so this is one benefit that certainly is worthy of your support.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for youngsters 12-under. Dinner and hosted cocktails are included. Funds generated from the banquet and auction will be used to purchase educational materials related to retriever training.

Tickets may be purchased by contacting Jim Belmont at 262-9000.

I met Jim and his wife Carol recently and enjoyed their company so much. I envy the time they've spent waterfowl hunting this season, because it seems like I spend more time at soccer games and golf practice on the weekends with my young children than in a duck blind.

With the Belmonts at the helm of this event, it's sure to be a great evening.

* TROUT PLANTS END: Fish stocking has been discontinued until summer at Clark County's Sunset Park fishing pond due to a major renovation of the lake that will get under way in the coming weeks, according to Nevada Division of Wildlife reports.

Joe Hoblock, manager of the lake, said the renovation will halt a persistent water seepage problem while replacing the existing wall that surrounds the lake. The lake will need to be drained in order to make the repairs. Hoblock said a fish salvage operation that will transfer game fish to other area ponds will take place before the lake becomes dry.

Renovation will include dredging the lake and installing a rubber liner covered with sand on the bottom of the lake. Construction of a new wall will complete the project.

Hoblock hopes that fish stocking can resume by June or July. At that time, NDOW will stock channel catfish in the lake.

* CLIMBING FAST: If last week's column has inspired you to take up the sport of rock climbing, you can get a first-hand demonstration of the techniques used at one of the West's best climbing spots: our own Red Rock Canyon. On Jan. 15, the Red Rock Climbing Ranger will discuss equipment, techniques and how to climb correctly in a presentation aimed at young people (over the age of 8) and adults.

This is just one of the many presentations planned for January at Red Rock.

On Monday, explore deep into one of my favorite spots at Red Rock -- the Calico Hills -- to visit an ancient petroglyph site on a four mile moderately strenuous rocky hike.

Learn of Red Rock Canyon's "rockin' " history on Jan. 15 on a three-mile one-way hike along the face of the Calico Hills between Sandstone Quarry and Calico I. There awaiting you are spectacular views of Aztec sandstone, including one petroglyph site and the possible opportunity to watch some rock climbers in action.

My favorite hike to the Calico Tanks is scheduled Jan. 23 for those 12-over. You'll scramble over sandstone formations and learn more about this beautiful area on this two-mile moderately strenuous trip to the "tanks" or natural tenajas.

All hikes or presentations require reservations. For more information or to make reservations, call the Visitor Center at 363-1922 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. All trips begin at the Visitor Center, unless otherwise specified.

* GRABBERS ARE GREAT: I usually grumble when I receive sample products in the mail. How many slippery shampoo packets can a person use, anyway? I was thrilled when I opened my mail recently, however, and discovered sample packets of a new line of Grabber products.

One small package contains "Toe Warmers," meant to be opened and stuck to the bottom of your boot sock between your covered foot and toe of your boot. They are supposed to provide six hours of instant heat to your feet.

The next similar product is a "Body Warmer." This pad is activated when it is exposed to air also and should then be stuck to clothing over the area that needs a little warmth.

While this one might be beneficial while sitting in a duck blind, I can think of other times that the warmth would feel just right -- like after overdoing it at the gym.

Another of the products is the Bliss Thermapeutic Warm Wrap. Like a warm cloth sock for wrists, knees, ankles or elbows, these warm wraps, along with the Body Warmers, have received favorable review from the Arthritis Foundation.

They can be found in sporting goods stores, grocery stores and mass-merchandise outlets.