Community news briefs for March 30, 2000

Thursday, March 30, 2000 | 10:22 a.m.

Seminar focuses on understanding family

Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services is offering a free lecture, "Toward Understanding the Family," from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday at 6161 W. Charleston Blvd., Building 1, Multipurpose Room.

The lecture will be presented by Dr. George Briggs, a career psychologist.

For more information, call 486-6223.

Students 'Go For It' with aid of famous athletes

Bo Jackson, Herschel Walker and Ms. Olympia, Cory Everson, will be in Las Vegas for an interactive children's athletic program in April.

The two-day program is geared toward third through eighth grade students.

Also on hand will be Doug Heir, a college athlete who suffered a broken neck while saving someone's life. He now travels as an inspirational speaker.

Laser lights, music, relay races through obstacle courses, videos, inflatable sports equipment and professional Olympic athletes will be part of the free "Go For It!" Roadshow at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The athletes will talk to children about the importance of nutrition and injury prevention as well as staying in school and away from drugs.

The show has been traveling the country for four years as a free field trip program. The Las Vegas show will be held in conjunction with the Inner City Games. Showtimes are 10 a.m. April 5, 6 and 7.

Local schools may register their third through eighth grade classes by calling (800) 831-1571. Classes are registered on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Students get hands on government class

A group of students and teachers from Western High School spent last week in Washington, D.C., attending seminars on Capitol Hill and meeting government officials, political figures and lobbyists.

As participants in the Close Up Foundation government studies, the 11-member group included the following students, Starr Anderson; Gonzalo Borria; Faith Driskill; Antonio Gutierrez; Regina Luongo; Steven Neiger; Amber Schlick; and John Singleton. Teacher Peter Rahas, and social studies specialist Ellen Kottler accompanied the students.

Western students were combined with students from other cities for debates, discussions and activities. Workshop groups focused on current events and the governing process.

The Close Up Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities to learn about the democratic process and the role of the individual.

Hotline probes higher education, finance

An author on college funding has set up a hotline for parents concerned about how to pay for their child's college education.

Jim Burt, author of "How to Give Your Child a 4-Year College Education Without Going Broke -- The Insider's Guide to Sending Your Child To the College of Their Choice Without Spending Your Life's Savings!" will talk to parents dealing with college funding problems.

Parents can call the hotline between the hours of 5 and 7 a.m. PST, on the first and third Thursday of each month. The service is free. Call (904) 679-3481.