SUMMERLIN BRIEFS

ARTS

Musical Arts Society is seeking singers

The Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society, founded in 1963, invites interested singers from around the valley to sing Mozart's masterworks with the Musical Arts Chorus and Orchestra in its upcoming season. There are openings in all voices.

Rehearsals of the Society's Musical Arts Chorus get under way the latter part of August and are held Sunday evenings 6:30-9 p.m. in the UNLV Alta Ham Fine Arts Building Room 147.

Interested singers can contact music director, Dr. Douglas R. Peterson, UNLV Emeritus Associate Professor of Music, at 451-6672.

See a musical, help the Red Cross

The American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter encourages the community to attend the 3rd annual Red Cross Night at Spring Mountain Ranch on Sunday. It features the outdoor performance of "Guys & Dolls." Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is located 15 miles west of Las Vegas, via West Charleston Boulevard.

Net proceeds from the event will support the chapter's disaster relief fund and relief resources. Additionally, proceeds will be used to provide emergency housing for Southern Nevadans.

Prior to the show, attendees can participate in raffle prize giveaways and a contest for the best picnic displays.

The gates will open at 6 p.m. The performance begins at 8 p.m.

Ticket price is $10 for adults and children under six can attend for free.

Tickets can be purchased by: calling 791-3311; paying on-line at the chapter's Web site, redcrosslasvegas.org; visiting the Chapter at 1771 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 206B; or going to the UNLV Ticket Office or www.unlvtickets.com.

Alfonzo exhibit to be postponed until 2006

The exhibition of paintings by Cuban artist Carlos Alfonzo previously announced for the Las Vegas Art Museum July 30-Sept. 4 has been postponed until 2006, due to transportation difficulties.

BOOKS

Local author to write Howard Hughes book

Stephens Press, the book publishing division of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, has contracted with local author Geoff Schumacher to write an in-depth book on Howard Hughes' extensive dealings in Las Vegas.

The book, to be published in 2007, will offer a fresh look at Hughes' multifaceted role in the growth of Las Vegas.

Schumacher will document the eccentric billionaire's involvement with the city from the 1940s through the 1970s, as well as his legacies in modern Las Vegas.

"Schumacher is one of our favorite authors," said Carolyn Hayes Uber, president of Stephens Press. "His books are meticulously researched, he knows how to dig for new information, and he is an extraordinary wordsmith." The Los Angeles Times Book Review called Schumacher's last book, "Sun, Sin & Suburbia: An Essential History of Modern Las Vegas" "impressively researched and highly readable."

EVENTS

Seniors invited to get Chillin' with Santa

Seniors age 50 and older are invited to the Derfelt Senior Citizens Center at 11:30 a.m. on Friday to enjoy lunch and Chillin' with Santa.

The cost is $3 per person.

Participants also are asked to bring a contribution of new school supplies (unwrapped) and nonperishable food for donation to at-risk children at Twin Lakes Elementary School. Santa and the Derfelt staff elves will collect donations and present them to the school's teachers.

The center is located at 3343 West Washington Avenue, in Lorenzi Park.

For reservations and more information, call the Derfelt Senior Center at 229-6601.

Beginners telescope clinic planned

The Las Vegas Astronomical Society is having a beginners telescope clinic on Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Red Rock Visitor Center.

Clinic volunteers will help beginners set up and operate astronomical telescopes.

Assistance also will be provided for beginning astronomers who are in the process of selecting a suitable instrument.

The event is free of charge and open to the public.

Gates to the Visitor Center close at 8:30 p.m. So participants must enter by then.

The Las Vegas Astronomical Society is a nonprofit, educational organization. Visit www.ccsn.edu/LVAS for more information or call 561-7469.

DONATIONS

Street Teens in need of food, hygiene items

Street Teens, a nonprofit local organization that assists homeless young people is seeking donations. Needed items include nutritional bars, baby food, formula, diapers, tents and personal hygiene items for teens and children.

For more information, call Lisa Preston at 215- 4171.