Community news briefs for August 22, 2003

Friday, Aug. 22, 2003 | 9:51 a.m.

Nuclear official nominated for honor

Deborah Monette, assistant manager for national security for the National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office, has been nominated as a federal employee of the year.

Two other employees in the Homeland Security category have also been nominated.

Monette received a nomination for her role in establishing and operating the National Center for Combatting Terrorism. The training center prepares the nation's first responders to fight against terrorism by providing training and exercises.

Monette is a senior responder with more than 20 years' experience in accident response, search and consequence management

Twenty-eight finalists were chosen from hundreds of federal employees with various backgrounds including business, science, national security, social services and justice. The awards are given by the Service to America Medals program, which is sponsored by the Partnership for Public Services.

The awards will be announced at a tribute dinner in Washington Oct. 15.

PacificCare gives $40,000 in grants

The PacifiCare Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by PacifiCare Health Systems Inc., contributed $40,000 to six community-based organizations throughout Nevada.

The Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow in Las Vegas and St. Jude's Ranch for Children in Boulder City received $10,000 each. The Adoption Exchange in Las Vegas, the Angel Flight West, Blind Center of Nevada and the Huntridge Teen Clinic, all in Las Vegas, received $5,000 each.