Event’s goal: Improved neighborhoods

Friday, May 14, 2004 | 4:33 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

May 15 - 16, 2004

Las Vegas Valley residents of all ages are learning ways to preserve and improve their neighborhoods this morning at the sixth annual Neighborhood Congress.

The one-day conference, which starts at 8 a.m. at the East Las Vegas Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., provides residents from the valley's various cities a chance to join with businesses and government entities to learn how to enhance local neighborhoods and taking an active role in the community.

Participants will take part in a series of interactive workshops, including working with homeowner's associations, partnering with community police to improve neighborhood safety, neighborhood code enforcement, resident involvement in community planning and zoning and organizing a successful neighborhood group, according to Harry Williams, Clark County Neighborhood Program specialist.

"The goal of this event is not just to educate residents, but to also get them energized, to get them to enhance their neighborhoods and make a difference," Williams said. "Here, they can learn how to be heard and get involved in what's happening in their community."

This year's event will also feature a series of workshops in Spanish, providing information on available programs and services for the Spanish-speaking community, Williams said.

Youth ages 13 to 18 are welcome to participate in a variety of workshops that teach teens the basics of asset building and development in the community.

Lillian McMorris, a longtime community activist and native Southern Nevadan, will give a keynote address at 8:30 a.m.

McMorris will discuss how to build strong communities through communication, with a focus on building and developing community skills and planning community events, Williams said.

The conference will conclude with a free luncheon and barbecue, provided by the Nevada Partners Culinary Training Academy, and will include the announcement of the winners of the 2004 Southern Nevada Neighborhood Impact Awards.

"Winners will be selected for their outstanding grass-roots efforts to improve local neighborhoods," Williams said. "Several people are receiving awards in both adult and youth categories and all municipalities."

The event is free and open to the public. Walk-in registration begins at 8 a.m.

For more information, call 455-3777 or visit the Clark County Web site at www.co.clark.nv.us.