Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Bracing for that taxing time

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, March 7, 2002 | 8:25 a.m.

Could it be that time again?

This isn't meant to make your day unpleasant, but it's time to search through bank statements, receipts, donations and other financial information for the Internal Revenue Service.

In other words, tax time is upon us.

I don't mind having to pay taxes, but I have never understood why it should be such a nuisance -- a burden, really.

For years now, I have thrown myself on the mercy of an accounting firm to do my taxes, and so far they have kept me out of trouble -- costly though it may be.

However, on to a pleasant subject: the Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp Fund project.

It was almost 30 years ago that Charlotte Hill came to the Sun with a proposal to sponsor sending children in financial need to summer camp.

Hill, who can well qualify for the volunteer of the decade, was very convincing and soon had then-Sun publisher Hank Greenspun agreeing to the project.

Since that time, thousands of needy children have experienced the joys of summer camping through donations from community residents and business leaders who believe every child deserves at least one sojourn at summer camp.

The Las Vegas Sun absorbs all administrative costs, including staff, mailing, printing, etc.

This year, with the tremendous population growth in the valley, the need will be bigger than ever.

Watch the Sun and other media outlets for more on this very worthwhile project. Please consider a donation. The happiness and well-being of our children is important in the development of good citizens.

Judge Stephen Huffaker retired last month after 22 years as a district judge.

My memories of Judge Huffaker are of a gentle, but determined young man, who took over as Juvenile Court judge when the Juvenile Probation Department was in an uproar.

Judge Huffaker wasted no time in wading in, taking charge and making necessary changes to stabilize a volatile situation. Today we see the Family and Youth Services Department as a well organized and well-run unit of county government.

Judicial officials such as Judge Huffaker, John McGroarty, Miriam Shearing, Nancy Becker, David Zenoff and others deserve thanks for their contribution to Family and Youth Services and the juvenile court system.

Can anyone account for the remarkable turn-around of the UNLV men's basketball team?

I watched early games and couldn't believe how disorganized and inconsistent they were.

All of a sudden, these young men have found new life. They look like a college basketball team.

They play together. They play with heart.

Something tells me it is to do with coach Charlie Spoonhour, who has done an amazing job so far.

Belated Happy Birthday to an all-time favorite -- comedian and author Bernie Allen. He's 86 years young.