Community briefs for October 29, 2004

Friday, Oct. 29, 2004 | 8:56 a.m.

Change those smoke detector batteries

Batteries in smoke detectors should be changed this weekend along with clocks. Some things to remember about smoke detectors:

Check the smoke alarm at least once a week by pressing the "test button" on it to ensure it is properly operating and clean the smoke alarm at least once a month to ensure the openings on the detector are not clogged with dust or dirt. If the smoke detectors begins to "chirp" or very short beep sounds, this indicates the battery is weak and should be changed immediately.

Smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years. Free smoke alarms are available to families and individuals who cannot afford one.

Call Las Vegas Fire and Rescue at 383-2888.

Blanket drives planned for homeless

Two local nonprofit agencies are holding blanket drives to help the homeless.

The Salvation Army needs blankets for the homeless staying at their agency's transitional housing or at its emergency shelter.

Blankets can be left at 31 W. Owens Ave. or 2900 Palomino Lane. Twin size is preferred, but all are appreciated. For more information, call Charles Desiderio, 870-4430, ext. 23.

Likewise, the Interfaith Hospitality Network is holding a blanket drive for the Stand Down being held Nov. 10, an annual event that helps thousands of homeless people from throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

An estimated 4,000 blankets are needed for this event and pick-up can be arranged on or before Nov. 5. For more information, call Terry Lindemann at 638-8806.

Celebration scheduled at Death Valley

The National Park Service staff at Death Valley National Park will be celebrating its 10th anniversary and the passage of the California Desert Protection Act 8 a.m. Sunday and 10:30 a.m. Nov. 9 at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

The Sunday event will include a car caravan tour of flood-damaged Highway 190, a ranger-led tour of Historic Furnace Creek Inn (meet at the Inn), a Living History talk at Furnace Creek Visitor Center (meet at Death Valley), a meeting with park superintendent J.T. Reynolds and an evening slide program at Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

The Nov. 9 event includes a dedication of Badwater Boardwalk, Cow Creek Historic open house, and a self-guided tour of the historic district. Park staff will be on hand to answer questions and tell you about the historic district. Both historic structures from the 1930s as well as newer facilities built to blend in with the historic scene will be available for attendees to see.

For more information, call (760) 786-3200.

NLV is scheduling Safe Halloween event

North Las Vegas invites its youngest residents and their parents to the annual Safe Halloween event 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Home Depot, 1275 W. Craig Road.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children in costume for an evening of free candy, prizes, entertainment and fun.

Donations of $2 per child will be accepted, but not required. All proceeds go to fund child safety programs within North Las Vegas.

Call 633-1817 or 633-2199.

Program will help smoke-free restaurants

The Clark County Health District's Tobacco Control Program's annual "Take a Bite Out of Smoking" campaign, which promotes, recognizes and supports local restaurants that offer smoke-free dining environments, has begun.

To achieve smoke-free status, a restaurant must meet several criteria. First, it must have an interior seating area. Second, the interior of the restaurant must be completely smoke free year round. Finally, the dining area of any restaurant must be separated and completely isolated from any area where smoking is permitted, such as an adjoining bar or lounge.

For additional information and a list of participating smoke-free restaurants, visit www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org or call 759-1266.

Possible solutions to homelessness

will be the topic at a Community Focus Group presented by the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday at the East Las Vegas Community Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave. For more information, call 455-3531.

The North Las Vegas Library

is offering a PC troubleshooting class 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the library, 2300 Civic Center Drive. The class will be taught by Ceazar Dennis, a member of the Las Vegas PC User's Group. Preregistration is required. Call 633-1070.

The sixth annual Birdies for Safe Nest

charity golf tournament will begin with registration 7 a.m. Thursday at the Boulder Creek Golf Club, 1501 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Boulder City. For more information about the tournament, call 877-0133, Ext. 228.