Native Nevadan, former Clark County School District teacher and mother of three Jennifer Hall is slated to be signing her recently published book, "The Southern Nevada Mama's Handbook," from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Barnes & Noble, 8915 W. Charleston Blvd.
The book, which contains more than 300 pages and 25 chapters, is a reference guide for mothers and families in Las Vegas and its surrounding areas. Organized by geographical regions, it contains information on social, recreational, cultural and educational opportunities for families, including a community calendar of events and activities.
Jack Sheehan, New York Times best-selling author and Vegas insider, is slated to autograph copies of his book, "Skin City: Uncovering the Las Vegas Sex Industry," from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Borders, 10950 W. Charleston Blvd.
For more information call 382-6101.
EVENTS
City plans Mardi Gras extravaganza
The city of Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services will present the Mardi Gras and Gumbo Festival at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hills Park in Summerlin, on Hillpointe Road west of Rampart Boulevard.
Admission is free and $5 buys 20 tickets to food vendors and game booths. Families are invited to participate in the event, which will feature a variety of food and entertainment.
For more information call 229-5096.
Also on Saturday, Leisure Services has set the second annual Biz Whiz & Domino Tournament for 6 p.m. at Molasky Community School, 7801 W. Gilmore Ave. Admission is $10. For more information, call 229-5345.
Naturalist to make presentation Saturday
Sharon K. Schafer is an artist and naturalist who records her outdoor experiences in multiple ways. She plans to share some nature journaling techniques in a program at the Nevada State Museum & Historical Society at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The Nevada State Museum and Historical Society is located at 700 Twin Lakes Drive, inside Lorenzi Park.
The United Jewish Community and Jewish Federation of Las Vegas recently announced the 2006 Champions of Freedom Dinner Gala presenting the Million Dollar Night of Comedy will be held on March 11 at The Venetian.
This year's event will honor Jayn and Art Marshall with the Hank Greenspun Founders Award as well as recognizing Sonja and Mike Saltman with the David L. Simon Bridge Builder for Peace Award.
Comedian Robert Klein will be the keynote speaker.
The United Jewish Community/Jewish Federation of Las Vegas is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that has served the Las Vegas Jewish community for three decades and continues to feed starving populations, provide rescue and relief, and build Jewish community services in Las Vegas, in Israel and around the world.
The Second Chance Foundation plans Light Up Las Vegas, a Candlelight Tribute for 7:30 p.m. April 29 at Hills Park in Summerlin.
Hundreds of people are invited to attend the event, designed to honor organ and tissue donors and their families as well as memorialize those individuals who passed away because the organ they needed to live was not available.
The event is free and open to the public, and donations are welcome.
The city of Las Vegas and Ward 2 Councilman Steve Wolfson are sponsoring a Medicare prescription benefit workshop at 10 a.m. Friday at the Veterans Memorial Leisure Service Center gymnasium, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive.
"We want to ensure our seniors understand the plan and know what to do if they encounter issues with the program," Wolfson said.
OPENING
Grant aids growth for foundation
The Foundation for Positively Kids recently opened five skilled respite centers across the Las Vegas Valley, thanks in part to a $125,000 grant from the state.
"Your whole life changes in a single day when you become the parent of a medically complex child," said Carole Devon, a parent of a medically dependent son and the director of community relations for Positively Kids. "In that one day you become a parent, a nurse, a doctor, a therapist, an advocate, an educator, and a student all at once, and it takes a big toll on every part of your life. Skilled respite is a necessity for managing it all."
The $125,000 grant will fund the respite program through July of 2006.
Since the program's inception in July 2005, Positively Kids' respite program has served many kids, providing hundreds of hours of respite care.
Sponsorship has also come from The MGM Mirage Voice Foundation, Albertsons Inc., City Stop Stores, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Lowe's Home Improvement and Fox 5.
To inquire about becoming a respite care sponsor, a respite facility nurse, or to learn more about the Foundation for Positively Kids, contact Fred Schultz at 262-0037 or visit www.positivelykids.org.
SYMPHONY
Residents given chance to compose
The National Symphony Orchestra is providing an opportunity to participate in its Summer Music Institute.
One Nevada resident will be selected to compose a chamber work performed in a future season. The application deadline is March 31.
Applications and full details are available at www.nevadaculture.org, or by calling Gary Margolis, 775-687-7119.
The National Symphony Orchestra is offering this opportunity with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Nevada Arts Council.
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