Citizens of Mesquite,
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In addition to being your council member, I am your representative for the Southern Nevada Health District and I will always update you on the latest news in that area.
This is holiday time and there are many activities. Please read through so you don't miss anything.
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The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) presented the 44th Great American Smokeout in Las Vegas on Thursday, November 18. It is estimated seven out of ten smokers would like to quit smoking.
SNHD provides resources and tools as well as information about alternative tobacco products and smoke-free living on its Get Healthy Clark County website. Whether someone is making a first or fifth attempt to quit smoking or vaping, Nevadans can contact the Nevada Tobacco Quitline at 1-800 QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) to access a free, phone-based service for anyone age 13 or older. Callers can speak with a “coach’” who can provide quitting assistance, and some people might be eligible to receive free supplies of nicotine replacement patches, gum or lozenges.
Coaches can also provide information about dealing with stress and nicotine cravings as well as coping with weight gain and other issues that can occur for people who are trying to quit smoking. “Quitting smoking is one of the best and most immediate ways to improve your health,” says Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer. “Just 20 minutes after you put out your last cigarette, you start to experience health benefits as your heart rate drops back to normal. The health benefits keep improving from there.”
Covid Update
As of November 19, more than 10,000 children in Clark County between the ages of 5 and 11 have received their initial COVID-19 vaccine dose. The completed vaccination rate for 18 years and older is 65.86% and for 12 years and older, 60.84%. Mesquite COVID cases are 589, up 14 from last week.
Stay diligent everyone with safety precautions, even if you are vaccinated.
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This past Friday, I went on a tour of the Mesquite Animal Shelter.
Erected in March 1999, it was funded by the City of Mesquite and officially became designated a no-kill shelter in September 2018. Former City Councilman David Ballweg was instrumental in the setup of a trust fund for the shelter so that donations could go directly to the facility.
Manager Joe Macias met me at the entrance and was happy I stopped by. He first tells me they are blessed with over fifty volunteers who donate their time and often money to make improvements such as turning a garage into a meet-and-greet room and adding animal exercise equipment. A new city dog park near the complex was finished recently and it is a huge success.
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Mesquite Animal Shelter partners with Best Friends, We Care for Animals and other non-profits committed to achieving a common goal to find homes for animals and assist with Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) of feral and free-roaming cats. He tells me there is often a misconception about the designation of a no-kill facility. The no-kill standard is reaching a 90% or more “save” benchmark for three years straight. Joe states their rate is at 99% with euthanasia in only terminally ill animals or those deemed too dangerous to the community after many rigorous attempts at correcting behavioral issues.
We entered a welcoming reception area where visitors are greeted and a picture carousel of happy pets and their adoptive parents are displayed on a video screen. A converted little-used break and conference room is now a cheerful, safe, and fun area for the cats who come to the shelter. A kitty “catio” is just beyond the next door where the felines can safely enjoy the outdoor air and have a place to play and run about.
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Next, we moved through the canine section where half the kennels have doors to the outside so the dogs, too, can get fresh air. All of the dogs I visited seemed well-adjusted to waiting out the time until their humans picked them up or they found a new home. What was astonishing to me was how clean the areas looked and smelled. Joe tells me the standard for disinfecting is every 72 hours. They disinfect every day and are staffed seven days a week. He also mentioned the two fenced runs they have are filled with pea gravel. Pea gravel can take bleach to sanitize for transmittable viruses. |
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I asked him if there was anything that pet owners don’t understand. He tells me they should know dogs and cats are healthier and live longer lives if they are neutered.
When it comes to possible violations the officers try hard to work with owners before issuing citations. They educate owners about the laws and being a responsible pet owner. If a dog repeatedly escapes their yard, they suggest solutions and may even help with repair materials to problem-solve. He urges the public to contact them sooner than later to avoid situations that can escalate.
Later I joined Officer Walter Dalton in his vehicle to respond to a dispatch call. On the way he explained, in addition to investigating animal neglect and apprehending loose pets, they assist with nuisance wildlife removals such as skunks or raccoons. The animal control officers serve Mesquite, Bunkerville, and the Arizona Strip communities of Scenic, Littlefield, Beaver Dam and Desert Springs.
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We arrived at a residence where it was reported dog(s) were left unattended. We met up with animal control officer Alexandra Guardado who had arrived first to investigate the situation. She posted a notice on the resident’s front door asking that they contact animal control and planned to stop by later in the day to follow through until she is satisfied the dogs are properly cared for.
Upon our return to the shelter, I was introduced to Connie, a volunteer for 13-plus years who was giving three young kittens playtime outside of their enclosures, getting them used to being handled by humans. The kittens were watching bird videos, playing in tunnels, chasing toys, and jumping from toy to toy. A bright, clean home for them while they wait for adoption, they seem healthy and happy.
I observed dogs in their indoor/outdoor kennels enjoying the warm temperatures and gentle breeze, watching us move about the complex. Volunteers regularly walk the dogs or exercise them in the play yards. All the dogs seemed content and not anxious in any way.
The Mesquite Animal Shelter is located at 795 Hardy Way. They require your making appointments as it makes it less stressful for the animals. You can phone them at 702-346-5268 for their hours and appointments, and their website is https://www.mesquitenv.gov/departments/animal-control. Please consider a donation to Friends of Mesquite Animal Shelter, 695 Mayan Circle, Mesquite, NV 89027.
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The Sky's The Limit
On Wednesday, November 17, the Mesquite United Methodist Church hosted “The Sky’s the Limit” fund-raiser event to show gratitude to our police and fire departments for the services they provide the city.
Rabbi A. Zuckerman organized the event. He encouraged us to personally thank our public safety employees for their dedication to being there when we need them. The event began with a silent auction of local products and services and concluded with a “light” lunch of salad, large plate of spaghetti with meat sauce, french bread, and cake.
Thank you, Mesquite United Methodist Church, for showing your appreciation to our officers and firefighters!
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Mesquite Police Department, as part of their community engagement initiative and continuation of Cops and Pops kids program, invited Sun City residents to their Pioneer Center for a block party/meet-and-greet on November 19. Chief Chesley and his department, as well as Sun City Lifestyle Director Deborah Demos warmly welcomed the residents to cheeseburger lunches with all the extras including delicious cookies.
He remarked this was a departure from his previous summer Cops and Pops events of frozen treats and water fights. Mayor Al Litman expressed his thanks for the work the police department does to engage the community. It was great fun to meet officers, volunteers, neighbors, friends and new acquaintances.
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Chamber of Commerce Luncheon for Veterans
The Mesquite Chamber of Commerce hosted a special luncheon at the CasaBlanca Resort where chamber members invited veterans as their guests. Veterans were treated to a lively presentation by Retired Brigadier General Robert G. Novotny.
Thirty-one veterans were in attendance and they were gifted swag bags and raffle prizes along with our thanks for their service and sacrifice. But the real treat was ours, spending time with the veterans and hearing their experiences.
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Support Local Business
Small Business Saturday was started by American Express in 2010 to help strengthen local communities. Today, it’s a holiday shopping tradition and part of a nationwide Shop Small® Movement dedicated to uniting communities and supporting all kinds of small businesses. From the corner store to your favorite diner to a trendy online boutique, it is unique small businesses that help local communities stay vibrant.
Retail businesses wishing to participate in Small Business Saturday should contact the Chamber office at 702-346-2902 for more information.
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Adonai Landscaping’s New Location |
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I had the pleasure of attending a ribbon-cutting event at Adonai Landscaping LLC. A family-owned Mesquite business for over seven years, they recently relocated to 822 Cinco Court, Unit A. Their new location offers more space to provide landscaping, maintenance, clean-up and tree trim for their home and business customers.
Blanca and Elias Villarreal are active members of The Exchange Club, The Rotary Club, as well as the Chamber of Commerce. They regularly sponsor local youth soccer teams and help local community causes such as for those who are fighting cancer. They can be reached at 702-344-5351.
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EXP Realty Has Moved
November 18 EXP Realty hosted a party introducing their new location at 355 W. Mesquite Boulevard, Suite C100. Richard Gutierrez is one of several real estate agents who will be working out of the new offices. They had music, games, food, drinks and prizes to those who stopped by. Richard says, “No one else will work harder to negotiate on your behalf. Customer service with a smile is always my motto.” You can reach Richard by calling 970-280-3519 or stop by to meet the other agents.
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Thanksgiving
Our community Thanksgiving dinner will be held Wednesday, November 24 with dine-in from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Face coverings will be required. You must sign up in advance for a meal to be delivered.
I will be there to help out. You can volunteer too! Contact Krissy Thornton at 702-346-5290 x 4102 or email at kthornton@mesquitenv.gov.
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Ugly Sweater Run
Do you want to join the Ugly Sweater Run? It sure sounds like fun!
This second annual event will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021 and is hosted by the Mesquite Department of Athletics and Leisure Services along with the Friends of Mesquite Desert Stars.
Registration includes a t-shirt and medals for top finishers. Join the UGLY SWEATER RUN to build a stronger community. This family-friendly event is open to the public and welcomes all members of the community and surrounding areas. It will include two races: the Fun Run (One-Mile) and 5K. Decorate your sweater and wear it during the race for a chance to win a prize!
Please register online at https://www.mesquitenv.gov/search?query=Ugly+Sweater+Run or come on down to the Mesquite Recreation Center by December 1, 2021 to guarantee a shirt. A large portion of proceeds will go to the Friends of Mesquite Desert Stars, an organization that supports our local Special Olympians.
Check-in and shirt pick-up will be available the day of the race at 8:00 a.m. The Fun Run will start at 9:00 a.m. and the 5K will start at 9:30 a.m. For information about this event, volunteering, and sponsorship please contact Jairo Vallejo, 702- 346-8732 ext. 4000 or Mike Dorn 702-346-6092.
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Parade of Lights Food Drive and Parade |
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Gather the entire family and come join the fun and entertainment on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. Be a part of the excitement of the Seventh Annual Salvation Army and Virgin Valley Community Food Bank Parade of Lights canned food drive.
Get your spot early along the parade route as traffic will be diverted off of Mesquite Boulevard from Arrowhead to Willow at 5:20 p.m. The parade will head east on the boulevard on the south side lanes (City Hall side) of the street. Bring your lawn chairs to watch and enjoy the parade. Refreshments will be provided at City Hall courtesy of Eureka Casino.
There are four drop-off locations for food donations: City Hall, the Rec Center, the Library, and Sun City clubhouse. For more information, call Organizer Debbie Benham at 702-324-2038 or email deborah_benham@yahoo.com. She is accepting donations at her home or volunteers will pick up donations from your home or business. Donated food will be split between Salvation Army Food Bank and the Virgin Valley Community Food Bank.
To have a parade entry, you must donate 25 pounds of canned food to the food drive committee and your entry needs to be lighted. For more information contact Tracy Beck, City Clerk: tbeck@mesquitenv.gov 702-346-5295; or Julie Goodsell, Deputy City Clerk: jagoodsell@mesquitenv.gov 702-346-5295.
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Mesquite Community Theatre |
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You’ll want to start off the holiday season by attending a performance of A Neverland Christmas Carol at the Mesquite Community Theatre. Directed by Wende Wolfe-Killinger and Mitzi Bender, actors of all experience and ages will be performing December 3, 4, 10, and 11th. I stopped by and snapped a few pictures of the rehearsal. Nothing gets you into the holiday spirit better than music and a play.
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December 4 is the Mesquite Senior Games Holiday Bowling Tournament at Virgin River Lanes. Registration deadline is November 29, 2021.
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Do You Have Go Mesquite App? |
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The Recreation and Leisure Services Department of the City of Mesquite has an application for Android and iOS devices. The free app allows visitors and residents alike greater access to the most up-to-date information about Mesquite. With the Go Mesquite Nevada App, you can:
- viewpoints of interest in the community; map listing hotels, restaurants, casinos, golf courses, parks, recreation facilities, public facilities, schools and churches
- take a historical walking tour, a walk down memory lane! Follow the markers on the map to learn about mesquite’s history, get to know the people who settled our town and experience homes, businesses, churches and schools that were the cornerstones of the community in years past
- quickly check the latest Mesquite weather
- stay up-to-date with the latest events in Mesquite
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Be safe, everyone.
Karen
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