Community briefs for December 27, 2001

Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001 | 9:21 a.m.

Learn all about animals and plants

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers hikes and walks free of charge, with reservations. All programs begin at the Visitor's Center. To make reservations or for information call 363-1922. Some upcoming programs:

"Canyon Critters:" A family learning program about different animals from wild horses to hibernating creatures. Ongoing from 1-3 p.m. Friday.

"Moenkopi Mornings:" A 1 1/2 mile (family) hike along the Moenkopi trail Wednesday.

"Winter Break:" An easy four-fifths mile children's hike on Wednesday.

Laughlin citizens academy set

Metro Police's Laughlin substation is accepting applications for its first citizens police academy.

The academy will be held Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. during February and March at the Laughlin substation. Enrollment is limited to 25 people.

The academy will teach about police procedures and programs such as ethics, resident officers, K-9 and mounted patrols, police unions and homicide investigations, and will include tours of the substation and jail.

Anyone interested should complete an application available at the Laughlin substation, 101 Civic Way, Suite 3, or call (702) 298-2223 and ask for Sgt. Gary Hood.

Area organizations benefit from funds

Nine Las Vegas-area nonprofit groups have benefited from the annual distribution of funds by a Reno-based foundation.

The DP Foundation has donated funds to the Boulder Dam Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Community Chest, Girls & Boys Town of Nevada, Helping Hands, Lied Discovery Children's Museum, MASH Village Children's Services Program, Media Services, Nevada Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar and Special Olympics Nevada.

The foundation was established in 1988 by employees of Dermody Property Partners.

The foundation also awarded scholarship money to five groups: the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; University of Nevada, Reno's Redfield Campus; UNR Foundation; Truckee Meadows Community College; and Nevada Women's Fund, Amy Heihl Scholarship.

Salvation Army sends out call

The Salvation Army is in critical need of blankets to give to the homeless as the cold weather sets in.

Blankets will be given to homeless people who do not sleep in the limited shelters in the Las Vegas Valley and for those who sleep in temporary shelters.

For more information, call Charles Desiderio, 870-4430, ext. 23.

Lionel Sawyer pro bono winners

Three attorneys at Lionel Sawyer & Collins received awards at the Clark County Legal Services' Pro Bono Awards Dec. 13.

Paul Larsen received an award for having the most pro bono hours for an individual attorney and was presented with a certificate for the 100 Hours Club by Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Doreen Spears was presented with the Myrna Williams Children's Pro Bono Award for her work in helping disadvantaged children. Spears and Sean Waters also received certificates for the 50 Hours Club.

The entire firm took home the Pro Bono Award for the largest firm contributing the most hours.

Young leaders are nominated

The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas has nominated 24 people for its Young Leadership class.

The one-year program, for those ages 21 to 40, helps develop future community leaders.

The nominees are Eric Blank, Carlos Blumberg, Anthony Bock, Gina Bronsoiler, David Caroll, Alison Cherry, Mark Cherry, David Glovinsky, Heather Glovinsky, Brian Goldman, Jocelyn Goldman, Amy Goldstein, Stacy Goldworn, Kate Harris, Rachel Kanter, Brandy Kashyap, Michael Levine, Jonathon Lowenhar, David Naness, Dana Pretner, Mike Rosenblum, Judy Rosensweig, Doug Ross and Michele Rothstein.