Datebook for November 12, 2004

Friday, Nov. 12, 2004 | 9:01 a.m.

Appreciation ball

The 2nd annual Military Appreciation Ball will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave. Tickets are $22. 229-1515.

'Kids Fest'

A "Kids Fest" will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Children's Memorial Park, at the intersection of Gowan Road and Torrey Pines. Admission is free, and activities include theatre, gymnastics, dance and games. 229-1087.

Watoto Book Club

The Watoto Book Club will meet at 11 a.m. Saturday at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Admission is free, and the club's emphasis will be on books written by notable African-Americans. 229-4800.

Family storytime

The City of Las Vegas offers a free "Family Storytime" at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the North Las Vegas Library, 2300 Civic Center Drive. 633-1070.

'Light the Night'

Ethel M Chocolates invites the public to share in the 11th annual "Light the Night" Cactus Garden experience beginning Wednesday at the Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden, 2 Cactus Garden Way. The garden will be illuminated from sundown to 10 p.m. seven days a week until Jan. 3. Admission is free. 737-3100.

'Breaking Free'

The educational film "Breaking Free: Drawing the Line With the Addict in Your Life" will premiere at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Summerlin Library Performing Arts Theatre, 1771 Inner Circle Drive. Admission is free. 221-4352.

Holiday events

The District at Green Valley Ranch will offer the following Christmas-related activities this week. Call 458-8855 for more information:

Saturday -- Opening festivities, including the Warren Walker Middle School Choir from 5 to 6 p.m., official lighting of The District at 6 p.m. and the Lamplight Carolers and Holiday Street Vendors from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday -- A gingerbread house demonstration by the chefs at the Culinary Institute of Las Vegas from 6 to 8 p.m.

The District offers the Lamplight Carolers and Holiday Street Vendors from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and from 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 23.

'Show Time Out West'

The City of Las Vegas presents "Show Time Out West," a talent show for all ages, at 6:30 p.m. today at the West Community Center, 2050 Sapphire Stone Ave. Admission is $3. 229-5080.

Family Olympics

The City of Las Vegas presents family olympics from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Stupak Community Center, 300 W. Boston Ave. Admission is free. 229-2488.

Daddy/daughter dance

The City of Las Vegas presents a "Butterfly Kisses" daddy/daughter dance from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Mirabelli Community Center, 6200 Elton Ave. Admission is $25 per couple. 229-6359.

'Gift of Lights'

U.S. Bank presents the 4th annual "The Gift of Lights" at Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road, until Jan. 2. General admission is $12 per vehicle to enjoy the drive-through holiday light festival. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. 451-0344.

Tai chi classes

Free tai chi classes will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays at the District at Green Valley Ranch. 458-8855.

Book groups

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District offers the following book discussion groups at area libraries this week:

Book Chat Cafe -- 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive. 507-3860.

Book Lovers' Bistro -- 7 p.m. Wednesday, Whitney Library, 5175 E. Tropicana Ave. 507-4011.

Contemporary Fiction Book Club -- 7 p.m. Tuesday, Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. 507-3427.

Murder of the Month Book Discussion Club -- 7 p.m. Tuesday, Enterprise Library, 25 E. Shelbourne Ave. 507-3761.

Lectures

Japanese anime producer Chiba Tetsuya will discuss highlights of his career, including "Fukushu no Semushi" and "1, 2, 3 to 4, 5, Roku" from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday at UNLV's Frank and Estella Beam Hall. Admission is free. 895-3104.