Community briefs for July 2, 2002

Tuesday, July 2, 2002 | 8:35 a.m.

Fourth of July 5k set for Thursday

The Las Vegas Running Team will present its Fourth of July Blast, a 5k run and one-mile walk at 7 a.m. Thursday at Bunker Family Park, Alexander Road and Tenaya Way.

Register online (www.active.com); at Saturn of West Sahara, 5324 W. Sahara Ave., from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday; or at 5:30 a.m. at the park on race day.

The event will include awards, prizes, food and music. For more information, call Dan Campbell at 450-4788.

Learn about the birds of Red Rock

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers hikes, walks and programs free of charge, but reservations are required. To make reservations or for more information, call 363-1922. Some upcoming programs:

Birding with Ranger Jim: An excursion Friday into the world of bird watching.

Coyote Kids: An ongoing interactive program offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The program features learning stations and craft opportunities.

Stargazing: Join Ranger Brian for a campfire and stargazing program offered Saturday. Hear about some of the nighttime creatures at Red Rock and view the constellations. There will be telescopes set up.

Over the Mummy's Hump: A six-mile strenuous hike Sunday up the South Loop, down the Canyon Trail with stops for scenery forester tails.

The Big Guys: Ongoing chats with Elizabeth from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday about some of Red Rock Canyon's large mammals.

Easy Strolling: An easy, short walk with Vicki Sunday to explore and learn about some of the Canyon's wonders.

County receives national awards

Clark County received six awards from the National Association of Counties for promoting responsible, responsive and effective government.

The county's awards this year include court on-line minutes and calendars in District Court, the Family Law Self-Help Center and high-profile trial management'guidelines in District Court, electronic statement of qualifications in Public Works, good neighbor update video from the Sanitation District and leadership development in Comprehensive Planning.

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area has received a $16,000 grant from Unilever, maker of such products as Lipton tea, Snuggle fabric softener and Ragu sauce. The funds will help purchase picnic tables and benches made of recycled materials. Last year Lake Mead received an $18,000 grant for purchasing recycled lumber to reconstruct the courtesy dock at Boulder Beach.