Community briefs for Dec. 19, 2003

Friday, Dec. 19, 2003 | 9:26 a.m.

Christmas Toy Run set

Hot Rod Grille and the Las Vegas Crusin Assocation, in conjunction with Las Vegas Super Run, Nevada Car Club Council and Concerned Car Clubs, are hosting a Christmas Toy Run at 11 a.m. Saturday at 1231 American Pacific Drive, Henderson, to benefit the Henderson Boys and Girls Club.

Participants will meet and bring an unwrapped toy for children ages 4-17. The Boys and Girls Club will give the toys to children for Christmas and other special occasions throughout the year.

The event will also include snacks and door prizes.

Call 643-0000 or 567-5655.

Also at the Hot Rod Grille, the second annual Battle of the Best car show competition will begin with the roll-in at 8 a.m. Sunday.

The competition includes 25 categories to enter and a Best of Show grand prize of $5,000. Participants must be 18 years old or have permission from a parent or guardian.

Pre-registration entry fee is $15; $25 the day of the show. Ten percent of all proceeds from the event will benefit St. Jude's Ranch for Children.

Call 612-8930 or 567-5655.

Hanukkah carnival planned

Chabad of Green Valley will hold a Hanukkah carnival for all members of the family from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Chabad Center, 10870 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 104.

The event will offer games, pony rides and prizes. Food will be available.

Chabad's purpose is to reach out, and to extend a welcoming and helping hand to all in a comfortable and informal atmosphere.

Admission is $5; $3 for children under 5.

Call Rabbi Harlig at 617-0770 for reservations.

Local student wins Marshall Scholarship

A local student was named one of 40 leading young American's awarded Marshall Scholarships to study at a university in Britain next year.

Las Vegan James Valpiani, an astronautical engineering student at the United States Air Force Academy, is among four winners from the Los Angeles region, which was chosen from 93 candidates.

As an Operations Officer, second in command for 110 cadets, James will study for a master of sciences degree in Engineering at Oxford University. Through this, Valpiani will focus on control research, with hopes of becoming a USAF pilot and ultimately an astronaut, contributing to the development of space policy.

More than 1,000 young Americans have been awarded Marshall Scholarships, including prominent past recipients including, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, authors Tom Friedman of the New York Times and Dan Yergin, former Caltech President Thomas Everhart, former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt and inventor Ray Dolby.

In choosing Marshall Scholars, selectors look for individuals who are likely to become leaders in their field and make a contribution to society, in addition to intellectual distinction.

For more information on the Marshall Scholarships, visit the website at marshallscholarship.org or contact Angus Mackay at the British consulate-general's office in Los Angeles at (310) 996-3028.