On June 8 the Health District commemorated its 60^th anniversary with a State of the Health District address highlighting the accomplishments and challenges of the past few years and discussing the future of public health and the agency. If you think not many advances have occurred, just take a look at the timeline of their accomplishments HERE.

SNHD and its partners have installed a vending machine that dispenses FREE at-home COVID self-test kits at Mesa View Regional Hospital, 1299 Bertha Howe Avenue, Emergency Department lobby. This effort was funded with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s national initiative to address COVID-19 health disparities among populations.

I stopped by the hospital to see how it works. Neil Kesler demonstrated how easy it was to obtain a test kit. Scanning the QR code with my smartphone, I registered, took note of the PIN, and in about a minute my test kit was dispensed.

You can also obtain the tests by registering online HERE. A PIN will be issued once registration is completed. A telephone number is recommended but not required. The phone number will become the PIN if it is provided. The PIN will allow people to access the vending machine and receive up to five tests per month. Test results for at-home tests are available after 15 minutes. If a positive test result is received, you should self-isolate for at least five days after the test date. If there are no symptoms of illness, a person can leave isolation after five days but must wear a mask around other people for five more days. The Health District recommends following up with a health care provider if there are questions.

You can still be tested at the Curative mobile COVID-19 testing van on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Jimmie Hughes Campus,150 North Yucca Street. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test consists of a shallow, self-administered nasal swab. Results are typically provided within 24-48 hours.

For online appointments go to: https://book.curative.com/sites/31494 or call Curative's support line at 888-702-9042.

Nevada Aging and Disability Resource Center, Cleveland Clinic Nevada, and UNLV are sponsoring an event for the public as part of the World Brain Day celebration on Saturday, July 30 at the Eureka Casino Grand Canyon Ballroom. Lunch is from 12 Noon to 1:00 p.m. and is complimentary with registration and RSVP (see below). You can drop in between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. for brain health activities, education, and screenings.

Here is the link or call 702-778-7006.

Last year, Chief MaQuade Chesley of the Mesquite Police Department had an idea for an outreach program to build positive relationships in our community. This included building a better perception of police officers as positive role models.

Included in the fun time were water sprayers, candy, ice pops, mini beach balls, and best of all, water balloons. Officers and kids, including some parents and grandparents, had a great time trying to see who would get soaked the most and become the “Most Wet Person” at the event.

Kids' reactions were the best: “I didn’t know officers were nice people. This is so much fun.” and “These officers are so awesome. I got them so good”. Are they going to do it again? Well…the MPD will again be scheduling the Cops & Pops program during the summer before school starts again. If your complex is interested in providing approximately two hours for this event, please contact woliver@mesquitenv.gov for more information.

Armed with long-handled grabbers, safety vests, and trash bags we started at 6:30 a.m. and worked our way along Riverside Road just south of the bridge. Not too many cars passed us but a fair number of cyclists rode by and shouted "Thank You!" for our efforts. Besides the usual plastic bottles, bags, aluminum cans, and glass bottles, there were disposable masks, dryer sheets, bungee cords, hunks of styrofoam, ropes, candy wrappers, pens and pencils, and clothing (?). Someone is missing the six of clubs from their card deck.

The weather cooperated. It was not too hot yet, and no wind. Rotary President Linda Gault made sure we were hydrated with cold water. This event was the second of their four annual "Adopt-a-Highway Clean-up Days."

The volunteers were small in number but they made a big difference. Thank you, George, Joe, Linda, Jake, and Jim.

If you missed last week's City Council Meeting, then you may not know about the competition for July - "Let Your Dreams Fly," sponsored by Mesquite Gaming. Virgin Valley Artists' Association President Dottie Golden tells me the awards reception is scheduled for July 21 at 4:00 p.m. at the gallery.

Also, beginning in July the popular Clayart 4 Fun is back, for children ages 8-14. These classes fill up fast, so sign up early.

Coming soon, the Valley Artists’ Association is excited to announce its new podcasts to be hosted by Steve Dudrow and Rachelle Knight. A lineup of engaging topics and local guests is being planned.

At the June 14 city council meeting, Mayor Litman read a proclamation declaring June as Pride Month in Mesquite to support LGBTQIA+ throughout the city. You can read the proclamation HERE.

In celebration, Love Family is sponsoring events this weekend. For more information, visit their Facebook page HERE.

Virgin Valley Theatre Group Summer Youth Workshop performances of Beauty and the Beast Jr. were sold out last week. If you didn’t get tickets, you missed being entertained by exceptionally talented young actors.

On Friday cast members were so energized they broke out in encore singing numbers outside Mesquite Community Theatre after the show.

You don’t want to miss the next show, 101 Dalmations Kids. There are only two performances on Friday, June 24 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 at 2:00 p.m.

Get your tickets now at https://www.mctnv.com/ or the box office at 150 N. Yucca Street one hour before each performance.

The Eureka Casino Resort will once again present "Rockets Over Red Mesa" on Monday, July 4, 2022 at 9:00 p.m. The fireworks will launch from the mesa behind the casino. You can bring your own chairs and tailgate in the Eureka parking lots, but the fireworks can be seen from various areas in Mesquite.

This year there will not be live music, but a patriotic playlist will accompany the fireworks show. The Town Square buffet will feature BBQ classics from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Please visit EurekaMesquite.com for the most up-to-date information. I want to thank Eureka for continuing this annual tradition. It is such a wonderful family event.

Earlier in the day, you can take the kids to Mesquite Recreation Center for a free swim from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will be poolside festivities, games and raffle prizes.

Before the free swim at 8 a.m., there will be a patriotic vehicle parade around the Recreation Center field which is sponsored by R.A.I.S.E. Registration will be taken that morning for a decorated bike, scooter, wagon, or anything on wheels except electric bikes, scooters, or hoverboards.

There will be prizes for the most creative patriotic entries. How fun!

Of course, there's Golf on the 4th! There is a Golf Tournament at the Oasis Golf Club. Check it out.

Fire and Rescue Chief Jayson Andrus tells me we all need to be safety-minded when it comes to the threat of a fire. Here's a picture of a fire along the Virgin River on Sunday.

The intersection of Falcon Ridge and Flat Top Mesa in Sun City has a new signal which will make traffic flow more safely. The lights finally started working just this week. Heads up!

I hope all of you have a fantastic 4th of July with food, family, friends, and fireworks. And remember to keep your furry friends safe and relaxed. Something like this...

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The number of events diminishes during the summer but there are still things to do in our city. I encourage you to enjoy all that Mesquite and the Virgin Valley have to offer.

Be safe, everyone.

Karen