Community briefs for Nov. 13, 2002

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2002 | 9:06 a.m.

Southern Nevadans to strut their mutts

People and their pooches are invited to the 15th annual Strut Your Mutt 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Dog Fanciers Park, 5800 E. Flamingo Road.

Among the more than 15 contests scheduled are silly pet tricks, howl at the moon, newspaper fetch, puppy love, dress your dog, owner look-a-like and best costume.

For more information, call 455-8200 or 455-8174.

Interfaith Forums plans public event

As part of the 13th annual Interfaith Forums, an open forum will be hosted from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday by the LDS Institute of Religion, 1095 University Road.

Guest speakers include: Gondy B. Rao; Rabbi Sanford Akselrad of Congregation Ner Tamid; the Rev. Bob Stoeckig, vicar general of the Diocese of Las Vegas; Imam Mujahid Ramadan; Dr. Garth Rasmussen of the LDS Institute and Maxine Mendelsohn.

Red Rock offers variety for hikers

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

Strolling in the Canyon: A one-mile easy walk Sunday in the canyon to explore, chat and have fun learning some of the canyon's secrets and travel into its ancient past.

Fossil Stroll: A leisure stroll on Sunday with Ranger Ed Rothfuss, finding (not collecting) fossil sponges, snails, and lamp shells, and other sea life that lived in the area more than 200 million years ago. Also, learn about the forces that shaped the scenery, and something about the plants and animals of the area.

The Grass Is Always Greener: A fast- paced six-mile strenuous hike Sunday.

Keystone Thrust: A four-mile moderate hike Monday. See the thrust, and discover a trek-worthy wash while circling back around to where you started.

Genealogical Society to offer research tips

Barbara Greenspun WomensCare Center of Excellence, 100 N. Green Valley Parkway, Suite No. 330, will host the Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.

The class will start with an introduction to genealogy, the study of ancestors, and the discussion will expand to include the reasons why it is important to research a family tree, the sources available to help in research, the questions to ask, and instruction on the proper forms necessary to organize research.

To register for the class, call 616-4900.

Sunset Park will host light festival

The Gifts of Lights 2002 holiday light festival begins Thursday and will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 5 at Sunset Park.

See more than 75 specialty holiday light displays, a drive-through light tunnel and more decorative lighting throughout the park.

Admission is $10; $8 special admission fee with any bag of "gently used clothing" donated to any Goodwill of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas or Henderson; or on-site at the event.

For more information, call 451-0344 or451-1641.

Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada

is in need of turkeys. Individuals or organizations who would like to help feed the needy by donating turkeys should contact Clentine Coleman, Catholic Charities social services director, at 387-2288. Catholic Charities will pick up all turkey donations.

The United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers

Association and Rebel Dance Sport will hold a dance from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Moyer Student Union Ballroom. Admission is $5; $7 for guests. For more information, call 656-8690 or e-mail snovusabda@aol.com