May '10 Nevada Government—City of Henderson Column

City of Henderson Hosting Annual Trails Photo Contest

Contest Showcases City’s Trail System

May 19, 2010 – Henderson, NV – The City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its annual City of Henderson Trails Photo Contest through Aug. 31. The contest promotes the finest aspects of the City’s trail system through the use of photographs. All entries must feature a visible City of Henderson trail. The contest is open to participants of all ages, but those under the age of 17 must have a parent or guardian’s signature on the entry form. Printable entry forms and a complete list of rules and entry requirements are available at cityofhenderson.com (type NTD 10 Contest in the search box). Participation is free.

The City of Henderson Trails Photo Contest features a variety of category themes: views from the trail with people (color), views from the trail without people (color), positive trail use (color), plant life along the trail (color), wildlife along the trail (color), general trail photos (black and white), and River Mountains Loop Trail (color, black and white).

“We had a tremendous volume of entries last year,” said Jennifer Magby, Outdoor Recreation coordinator, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “What makes the contest so unique is the diversity of the entrants and the way they see their subject matter. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our outstanding trails system and promote positive use of our trails to everyone in our community.”

Entries will be judged on creativity, composition and content, and the inclusion of an identifiable Henderson trail. Winners in each category will have their photographs on display during the National Trails Day Celebration, sponsored by the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. The event takes place on Oct. 9 at the Promenade at the Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Pkwy.

Winners in each category will receive ribbons and enlargements of their work, and one entry will be awarded Best of Show. A People’s Choice Award will also be selected on National Trails Day out of the top three finalists in each category.

For additional information, visit cityofhenderson.com and type “NTD 10 Contest” in the search field, or call the Outdoor Recreation office at 702-267-4050.

City of Henderson Sponsoring Summer Food Service Program for Youth

May 19, 2010 – Henderson, NV – The City of Henderson has received a sponsorship from the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service to host the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. The program provides breakfast and lunch to youth (ages 2-18) free of charge during the summer at Robert Taylor Elementary School, 144 Westminster Way; Gordon McCaw Elementary School, 57 Lynn Lane; and Edna Hinman Elementary School, 450 Merlayne Dr. Breakfast will be served from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. and lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m., June 7 through Aug. 6.

Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

“During the school year, many children in our community depend on free or reduced-price meals. When school is out for the summer, the need is still there but availability is not,” said Kurt Williams, Recreation Services manager, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “The Summer Food Service Program fills a critical niche by ensuring children and teens receive access to meals during the summer. It’s an important service to those in our community who need it most.”

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the nutrition assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The mission of FNS is to provide needy children and families better access to food and a more healthful diet through its food assistance programs and comprehensive nutrition education efforts.

For additional information, contact the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Enrichment office at 702-267-4100.

City Of Henderson Ranked On Money Magazine “100 Best Smartest Things To Do With Your Money” List

May 18, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Moving to the City of Henderson, Nevada, has been named as one of the “100 Smartest Things to do with Your Money” in the May, 2010 issue of MONEY Magazine.

The magazine selected five cities across the country to highlight as part of their analysis of the best money moves for people to consider in today’s economy. Henderson was highlighted on the list of smart money moves, and was named as one of the five best communities in the country to retire “if you really hate paying taxes.”

Henderson has been recognized previously by MONEY Magazine as one of America’s best places to live in the country as well as one of the best places to retire. Mayor Andy Hafen says the recognition is welcome and comes as a bright spot during the long economic downturn in Southern Nevada.

“We’re always pleased to be recognized for the great city we’ve built,” said Mayor Hafen. “I know they look at hundreds of cities across America for these rankings, so to be listed as one of the ‘best money moves’ in America during times like these really says a lot about how we do business in Henderson.”

Factors such as home prices, local and state tax structure, cultural offerings, parks and recreational amenities, healthcare, public safety, opportunities for volunteerism and community service were all considered in determining the rankings.

Henderson was incorporated in 1953 and encompasses much of the southeast portion of the Las Vegas valley. Recognized nationally for their outstanding parks and recreation and master planned communities, Henderson is the second largest city in Nevada with a population of approximately 275,000.

Free Water Safety Workshops Provide Kids With Knowledge and Skills

May Is National Water Safety Month

May 18, 2010 – Henderson, NV – In recognition of May as National Water Safety month, the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department invites children ages 6-10 to learn about water safety in a fun, yet serious atmosphere at its free Rad Tad Water Safety workshops. The free workshops will be offered from noon to 3:00 p.m. on May 29 at Silver Springs Outdoor Swimming Pool, 1951 Silver Springs Pkwy.; and at Wells Outdoor Swimming Pool, 1608 Moser Dr. in Henderson. Register at any City of Henderson recreation center or online at cityofhenderson.com (activity 336803-00 for Silver Springs, 336904-00 for Wells). Proper swim attire is a must.

The workshop features demonstrations targeting personal water safety and emergency water safety techniques that can be easily implemented by children. The presenter is an American Red Cross water safety instructor.

The purpose of the program is to generate attention about the importance of children’s safety in and around the water. According to the Southern Nevada Health District Drowning Registry, which tracks the number of children (infants through age 14) who experience submersion incidents, there were 59 incidents in 2009, with 10 fatalities. The majority of these incidents took place in residential pools (77 percent).

“When it comes to children’s safety in and around the water both at home and at any public pool, there is nothing more important than adult supervision, but water safety education is also essential,” said Angela, Hester, Aquatics supervisor, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “Our Rad Tad Water Safety workshops give kids a hands-on opportunity to explore water safety and arms them with the basic knowledge they need to respond in an emergency. It gives kids a sense of responsibility and a respect for the water.”

For additional information, visit cityofhenderson.com or call 267-4000.

Summer Cheer/Stunt/Dance/Tumbling Camps Promote Healthy Lifestyles

May 17, 2010 – Henderson, NV – The Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway Rd., is hosting summer Cheer/Stunt/Dance/Tumbling Camps from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 28-July 2 (activity 183008-00) and Aug. 9-13 (183008-01). Camps are open to youth and teens ages 7-15 for $60 per week, with an additional $10 for materials due at class. Register online at cityofhenderson.com or at any City of Henderson recreation center. Campers should bring water, a healthy lunch and tennis shoes. The camp is sponsored by the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department.

Campers will experience the energy of cheerleading, dance and tumbling in the week-long program, which places an emphasis on cheers, tumbling, and basic stunts. The instructor introduces skills needed to try out for cheer squads and provides campers with positive reinforcement and personal attention.

“This camp builds a strong foundation in cheerleading, but its real purpose is to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles in young people,” said Nick McLemore, Recreation Services supervisor, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “Cheerleading, dancing, and tumbling all enhance flexibility, balance, strength, and increase body awareness. It’s an excellent way for kids and teens to stay fit.”

For additional information, visit cityofhenderson.com or call 267-4070.