Community news briefs for January 25, 2001

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001 | 10:23 a.m.

Allergens reach unhealthful situation

Cedar and juniper tree pollen reached very unhealthful levels in Southern Nevada on Wednesday, a month ahead of schedule, according to the Clark County Health District.

Normally tree pollens reach 50 to 90 grains per cubic yard during February in Southern Nevada, health district records show.

But monitors at the Boulder City Library and Boulder City Hall registered 6,385 and 9,628 grains per cubic meter, respectively, on Wednesday.

After mountain cedar and juniper produce pollen, Chinese elm, Arizona ash and cottonwood appear, followed by mulberry, European olive and oak.

Pollen levels within the Las Vegas Valley reached record highs in 1997 when mulberry trees produced 60,000 grains of pollen per cubic yard at Baskin Park on West Oakey Boulevard.

The unhealthful cedar and juniper pollen levels are due to higher than normal rainfall in 1998 and 1999.

Library district plans special events

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is kicking off its celebration of African American History month with a theatrical performance re-creating some of the accomplishments of black writers and artists.

The free performance is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, at the West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.

The library district will present a variety of programs and exhibits during the month of February as part of its cultural diversity initiative. For more information about the events and programs call 382-2523 or 647-2117.

UNLV professor to give lecture

UNLV physics professor John Farley will speak on "The Ozone Hole, the Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming: A Scientific and Political Controversy," 7:30 p.m. today as part of the Barrick Lecture Series. The talk will be held in the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History at UNLV. For more information, call 895-3401.

Volunteers sought for many duties

Odyssey Hospice Care is seeking volunteers to provide emotional support, companionship, brief caregiver relief, transportation, and to run errands for patients with a life-limiting illness.

Volunteers are also needed for our Harbor House and for clerical support in the main office. Free and extensive training is provided. For more information, call Toni Brasted at 693-4904.

The Charleston Neighborhood Preservation Corp.

is offering a program 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd. The Metro Gang Crime Unit will be there to answer questions. For more information, call 877-2438.

The Toy Train Society

will display sets 11 a.m-4 p.m. Saturday at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Hall, 760 N. Lamb Blvd. Donations per guest will be $4 with $1 off for active military. For more information, call 644-5003.